Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker pro tempore: All time for debate has expired.
• DURING THIS CONSIDERATION IS FOR PURPOSES OF DEBATE ONLY.
• Speaker, it's been a long debate.
• I am looking toward the next 25 minutes of debate.
• I AM LOOKING TOWARDS THE NEXT 25 MINUTES OF DEBATE.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Rodriguez, you're recognized to close on the bill.
• Is there any debate on the amendment?
• You don't have any appearance forms, any debate on the bill as amended.
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended?
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills and reported each favorably. SB 1318, by Senator Rodriguez, made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was passed without debate or amendments. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690, by Senator Claudio, which updates child care and early learning laws, including transparency, accountability, terminology, and regulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify rulemaking authority by specifying the State Board of Education rather than the Department of Education. Senator Berman raised a concern about the bill’s removal of a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182, by Senator Jones, on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment was adopted that refocused the program on schools with D or F grades, allowed districts and charter schools to place mentors, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and directed the Department of Education to set standards and create a contract template. Supportive appearance forms were filed by Nancy Lothar and Orange County Public Schools. The bill was reported favorably, and the meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and recognizing Kathy Missouri for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Rodriguez, you're recognized to close on the bill.
• Is there any debate on the amendment?
• Any debate on the bill as amended?
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended?
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended?

Bills: S0182, S1318, S1690

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in debate on the amendment. Representative, you are recognized to close on the amendment.
• Members, we are in debate.
• for advocating for families and making sure this happens again. >> Chair: Members, any additional debate
• Members, we are in debate. Ranking Member Gantt, you are recognized.
• Chair: Members, any additional debate? Representatives, you are recognized to close on your bill.

Summary: The Pre-K-12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 157, School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program, would create a Department of Education program allowing school districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers in D- or F-rated schools as mentors, with a proposed $3,000 stipend per mentor per mentee. Members questioned the funding source and contract-time implications; the sponsor said the program would use previously decategorized education funds and that mentoring could be done within existing planning, before-school, after-school, or weekend time. An amendment clarifying that the bill would use a contract template rather than a DOE contract was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS/HB 859, Exceptional Students and Video Cameras in Public Schools, which would require school boards to adopt policies for video cameras in self-contained ESE classrooms upon a parent request, with redaction of other students from footage. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including emotional accounts from a parent of a nonverbal adult with autism who described past abuse in a classroom and from the Autism Society of Florida, which argued cameras are a necessary safety measure for vulnerable students and noted other states already allow or require them. Members emphasized student safety and the need to fund the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered HB 561, Educator Certification, which aims to reduce barriers for experienced educators returning to the classroom by expanding temporary certificate eligibility to those with expired Florida certificates, allowing prior subject-area exam results to count for reinstatement, and updating references related to educator professional learning support. The sponsor said the bill preserves standards while making reinstatement more efficient and less costly. There was broad support from members, who noted the value of retaining experienced teachers, and HB 561 was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in debate Salzman. You're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I kind of wanted to go last.
• We're in debate. >> Seeing no debate. Representative Dunkley recognized close.
• We're in debate any members wishing to debate seeing none.
• We're in debate on the bill as amended. Representative Edmonds, you're recognized. >> Thank you.
• Additional debate members seeing none. You're as close. Waive close.

Transcript Highlights:

• schools could have of a booster club will call the direct support organization such as speech and debate
• So Florida virtual school students wanted to get together and participate in a speech and debate or they
• wanted to come and witness debate some place.
• That brings us to debate any debate seeing no debate represent up. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, you're
• So thank you for your good work. >> Members, any additional debate seeing no additional debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to be in a situation where we're debating bills at 4 in the morning, but a legislative day
• :53.840> have<00:04:54.400> reasonable<00:04:55.040> length<00:04:55.520> debates
• <00:04:56.000> on could have reasonable length debates on could have reasonable length debates
• /c><00:05:06.160> we're to be in a situation where we're to be in a situation where we're debating
• bills at 4 in the morning, but debating bills at 4 in the morning, but a<00:05:08.400> legislative

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting focused on delays in finalizing major budget bills, especially the health and human services bills, which speakers said are highly complex and require extensive review by the revisor, legislative chairs, and agency staff. Transportation was described as nearly complete, with technical language issues slowing its posting. Leaders said the special session agreement would not be negotiated until the bills are posted in final form, and that the agreement will likely specify the items of business for the session. Speakers emphasized that the extra time is being used to carefully review the legislation and avoid mistakes, noting the bills cover large portions of the state budget and affect vulnerable populations. They also said they want to preserve some previously agreed-to technical, non-money provisions from the tax bill. There was discussion of unresolved policy items, including a question about a non-compete rollback, which was said not to be under discussion. On timing, one speaker said the special session was unlikely to happen the next day, gave only a small chance of Thursday, and said Saturday was the most realistic target. The urgency was tied to avoiding additional layoff notices for state employees before June 10. Leaders said the special session would ideally last one day, with enough votes to pass bills and suspend rules in both chambers, and noted that the tied legislature has made cooperation more necessary than in the prior session, when a majority-minority conflict led to a long filibuster.

Transcript Highlights:

• What that does is end debate immediately.
• So debate would continue.
• Guys, I want to say great debate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Guys, I want to say great debate.
• Not debatable. All in favor say aye. Not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed, say nay.
• Either way, you probably need a little bit more debate.

Summary: The Arkansas Boys State House convened with a quorum, heard opening remarks from legislative leaders and guests, and then considered a series of bills focused on rural services, education, taxes, and zoning. House Bill 1001 would have increased rural health care funding through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would drive away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed by a vote of 24 yeas, 51 nays, and 1 present. House Bill 1002 would have limited the number of subjects rural teachers could be assigned and offered sign-on bonuses to recruit more teachers; supporters said it would reduce burnout and improve specialization, while opponents questioned funding and whether it would worsen inequities. After immediate consideration, it passed narrowly, 38 yeas, 36 nays, and 2 present. The House then debated House Bill 1003, which would regulate AI data centers through county zoning authority and a 10% tax on corporations to fund conservation efforts. Supporters said counties should be able to decide whether data centers fit local needs, while opponents warned about lost jobs, higher costs, and federal-state jurisdiction issues. The bill passed 62 yeas, 7 nays, and 3 present. House Bill 1004 would have reduced motor vehicle registration fees to offset high fuel costs, but critics argued it would reduce highway and road funding and strain the state budget; it failed 20 yeas, 46 nays, and 4 present. The chamber then took up Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits to encourage healthier food purchases and address food insecurity and obesity; supporters framed it as a way to improve access to healthy food, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas and 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in middle school and state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and implementation. It passed 67 yeas, 6 nays, and 1 present. Senate Bill 3 would cut individual and corporate income taxes to promote economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures; supporters cited prior tax cuts and business attraction, while opponents said the benefits would mostly go to wealthy corporations and CEOs. It passed 53 yeas, 15 nays, and 16 present. Senate Bill 4 created a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to encourage affordable housing and downtown redevelopment; it passed 51 yeas, 7 nays, and 13 present. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• MEMBERS, IS THERE ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL?
• MEMBERS ARE MOVING INTO DEBATE. REPRESENTATIVE FRANKLIN YOUR RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH MR.
• MEMBERS, IS THERE DEBATE ON THE BILL? REPRESENTATIVE FRANKLIN YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Rep.
• REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH YOU ARE RECOGNIZED IN DEBATE. >> Rep.
• MEMBERS, IS THERE DEBATE ON THIS BILL?

Transcript Highlights:

• However technical the debate is, it's about people. Remember that it's about people.
• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Laird, would you like to close?
• Seeing all discussion and debate has ceased, Senator Pro Temmone, you are able to close.
• Seeing no mics raised for discussion or debate, Secretary, please call roll. Allen. Aye.
• Seeing no mics raised for debate or discussion, Secretary, please call the roll. Mr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sign up for the debate. Generally, close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Further debate on the amendment, the gentlelady from Santa Fe.
• All right, further debate on the amendment, the gentlelady from Santa Fe. Mr.
• All right, is there debate on the amendment. Gentlelady from Santa Fe. Mr.
• There is further debate. Gentleman from Otero? Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: HB111, HJR1, HB61, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB70, SB3, HJM3

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• a healthy debate about how that baseline is established.
• a healthy debate about how that baseline is established.
• a healthy debate about how that baseline is established.
• a healthy debate about how that baseline is established.
• this one has come up during the debate this one has come up during the debate here<01:05:13.440>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.

Transcript Highlights:

• To have any debates, Representative Wills, would you like to debate? Just to hear it yourself.
• Seeing no option for debate, would you please open the cue?
• Seeing a do pass in a second, will there be debate? None. Please open the queue for a vote.
• Seeing a do pass and a second, will there be debate? Seeing none, please open the cue for a vote.
• Seeing a do pass in a second, will there be debate? Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote.

Bills: HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123

Keywords: elections, national elections, state elections, voter intent, election reform, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, campaign finance, ethics, political contributions, candidate committee, Oklahoma legislation, voter registration, political party affiliation, Independent designation, Oklahoma, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any debate on the amendment? Chair Botana: Speaker Pro Tem, you are recognized to close.
• Debate on the amendment? Rep. Nix, you are recognized to close. Rep. Nix: Waive close.
• Members, we are in debate. Any debate? Rep. Nix, you are recognized to close. Rep.
• Debate on the amendment?
• Debate members, do we have any debate? Vice Chair Mooney, you are recognized to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any members wishing to debate on the amendment? Seeing no members wishing to debate, Rep.
• Are there any members wishing to debate on the bill? Madam Hart.
• Are there any members wishing to debate on the bill? Madam Hart, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• All right, seeing as there's none, are there any members wishing to debate on the bill?
• Any further debate? Representative Hart. Mr.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended. The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> President: ANY DEBATE?
• IS THERE DEBATE? IS THERE DEBATE?
• SENATE BILL 104 A REVISORS BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA STATUTE. >> President: DEBATE
• WILL LET YOU INTRODUCE THEM IN EVERY COMMITTEE AND GIVE THEM TO THE RULES. >> President: ADDITIONAL DEBATE
• SENATE BILL 320 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. >> President: DEBATE

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any debate on the bill? Yes, Vice Chair Mayfield, you are recognized in debate. Thank you.
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended? Okay.
• Okay, is there a debate on the bill as amended? Senator Smith, you're recognized in debate.
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended? Yes.
• Senator Harrell, you're recognized in debate.

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there debate? ...to Pensacola State College. Is there debate?
• Further debate. Seeing no further debate, please call the roll on Dr. Joel Rudman.
• Is there debate? Is there debate? Senator Calatayud. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Further debate.
• So with that, any further debate? Seeing no further debate, please call the roll on Dr.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• SEEING NO MORE PUBLIC TESTIMONY WE ARE NOW IN DEBATE, DO WE HAVE ANY DEBATES, REPRESENTATIVE BARNABY
• : REPRESENTATIVE FRANKLIN YOU ARE >>Chair Anderson: REPRESENTATIVE FRANKLIN YOU ARE RECOGNIZED IN DEBATE
• >>Chair Anderson: ANY FURTHER DEBATE. RANKING MEMBER YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSEOUT DEBATE. >>Rep.
• >>Chair Anderson: THAT CONCLUDES DEBATE, REP. KINCART JONSSON WOULD YOU LIKE TO CLOSE ON YOUR BILL?
• MANY THINGS WERE SAID DURING PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND DEBATE AND I HAVE TO RESIST AND WANT TO ADDRESS THEM

Transcript Highlights:

• know, it would be nice if we weren't working through the night if we could have reasonable length debates
• I don't want to be in a situation where we're debating bills at 4 in the morning, but a legislative day
• <00:04:48.720> on could have reasonable length debates on could have reasonable length debates
• bills at 4 in the morning, but debating bills at 4 in the morning, but a<00:05:01.120> legislative
• So there's no—you have noticed a lot shorter debates in the Minnesota House of Representatives because

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Leaders said final drafting was still pending on several major bills, especially the health and human services measures and, to a lesser extent, transportation. They explained that the revisor and nonpartisan staff must circulate lengthy drafts among House and Senate chairs and agencies for technical review, which is causing delays. Because the special session agreement is traditionally negotiated only after the bills are posted in final form, they said the timing of the special session is still being worked out, along with the order of bills and whether some previously agreed-to technical, non-money provisions can be restored. The discussion emphasized that the bills represent a large share of the state budget and affect vulnerable populations, so leaders said they want more time to review the language carefully and avoid mistakes. They also said they are trying to preserve some bipartisan technical agreements, while noting that a standalone or rolled-back approach to undocumented health care and a rollback of the non-compete ban were not being actively pursued at the leadership level. One leader said the work on health and human services has been fiercely negotiated and should ultimately earn public support. On timing, the best estimate was that the special session would likely begin Saturday, with tomorrow unlikely and Thursday only a very small possibility. Leaders said they are trying to finish before June 10 to avoid additional layoff notices for state employees; they noted that 750 to 950 nurses already received notices and that 10,000 to 20,000 employees could be affected by another round. They said the special session agreement will likely limit the session to one day, and they discussed the vote thresholds needed: 68 in the House and 34 in the Senate to pass bills, plus 90 in the House and 45 in the Senate to suspend the rules and speed proceedings. No formal votes were taken in this exchange. The speakers also reflected on procedure, saying they want reasonable debate without late-night floor sessions, and contrasted this year’s tied chambers and bipartisan cooperation with last year’s prolonged filibuster and partisan conflict.