Transcript Highlights:

• For years, we have worked to bridge gaps in domestic violence prevention, bringing awareness to spaces
• Troy University, and I'm an author of the state occupational licensing index produced by the Arch Bridge

Transcript Highlights:

• To help that, we have 360- and 270-degree full mission bridge simulators, full mission engine room simulators
• To help that, we have 360 and 270 degree full mission bridge simulators, full mission engine room simulators

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs. The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled. Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that gap and keep families in bridge that gap and keep families in public<02:20:30.240> schools.
• <02:21:58.000> And at this as a way to bridge that gap.
• And at this as a way to bridge that gap.
• <02:22:09.800> And looking for ways to bridge that gap.
• And looking for ways to bridge that gap.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Manufactured housing is one of the many innovative solutions that can help bridge the gap and provide
• But this would simply be a bridge too far. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• would<03:34:53.200> simply<03:34:53.520> be<03:34:53.920> a<03:34:54.160> bridge
• <03:34:56.399> Thank would simply be a bridge too far.
• Thank would simply be a bridge too far. Thank you,<03:34:56.720> Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators Amabile, Baisley, Bridges, Bright, Carson, Catlin, Cutter, Danielson, Duran, Exum, Frizell,
• Senator Bridges. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Schoffler, before he leaves—he's coming back—please add Senator Bridges to the roll.
• Please add Senator Bridges<00:28:12.159> to<00:28:12.320> the<00:28:12.399> role.
• Bridges to the role. Bridges to the role.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and received several routine messages, including House-passed bills transmitted to the governor and the revisor. During moments of personal privilege, senators welcomed guests including members of the Persian Cultural Circle for the annual Naruse breakfast, a niece shadowing Senator Judah, and leadership from the Netherland Public Library. A tribute recognizing March 20, 2026 as Naruse Day was read into the record, celebrating the Persian New Year and the Iranian-American community. On the consent calendar, House Bill 1191 passed 33-0. The bill concerns audits of school districts receiving state education fund money for capital construction projects for qualified charter schools, making the state auditor’s examination discretionary rather than mandatory. The Senate then laid over third reading of bills until March 24, 2026, pulled House Bill 1098 off consent for later consideration, and authorized the Joint Budget Committee to conduct business while the Senate was in session. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and adopted House Bills 1180 and 1189 on second reading. HB 1180 continues the Business Intelligence Center Advisory Board sunset process by repealing the board, while HB 1189 addresses property held by a community property spouse under the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act. The committee report was adopted 33-0 and the bills were ordered revised and placed on the third-reading calendar. The committee also took up Senate Bill 112, concerning defendants who fail to appear in court and allowing certain pretrial release conditions for repeat failures to appear. Sponsor testimony emphasized that the bill was amended to use language from prior legislation and now focuses on repeated, willful failures to appear in the same case, with safeguards for municipal courts and situations where counsel is present. Supporters, including Senator Carson, argued the measure gives local courts a narrow tool to address repeated nonappearance and reduce burdens on judges, law enforcement, victims, and taxpayers; the discussion continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Larry Tugle Memorial Bridge receives a favorable report. Mr.
• /c><00:49:40.559> 43<00:49:41.599> naming<00:49:42.000> the<00:49:42.160> bridge
• resolution number 43 naming the bridge resolution number 43 naming the bridge on<00:49:42.559>
• Larry Tugle<00:49:48.319> Memorial<00:49:48.800> Bridge<00:49:49.280> receives<00
• :49:49.599> a Tugle Memorial Bridge receives a Tugle Memorial Bridge receives a favorable<00:49

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted the previous day’s journal and excused absent senators. The chamber recognized visiting members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and adopted a Senate resolution designating February 10, 2026, as Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the Alabama State Capitol. Senators offered remarks praising the fraternity’s service, civic outreach, and historical significance, and the House later sent over a matching resolution, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also heard a Black History Month presentation highlighting Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Charles Drew, Ralph Bunche, and Carter G. Woodson. The Senate then processed a large number of House messages and confirmations. House bills and resolutions were referred to committees, including measures on juvenile offenders, administrative rules, state income tax, local legislation, ad valorem tax, multi-member boards, license plates, criminal procedure, and food banks. The Senate confirmed several appointments, including multiple Alabama Army National Guard promotions, Mike Suo to the Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees, and Christy Andrews to the Alabama Securities Commission, each by roll call with no opposition. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted numerous commemorative and honorary resolutions, including observances for National Blood Donor Month, Diabetes Month, Booker T. Washington Day, the Alabama Community College Football Study Commission, and recognitions for individuals and organizations such as the Baldwin County Fair, Sheriff Derek Cunningham, William Riley Hawkins Jr., and Clifford Ray Miller. Senator Barfoot’s resolution urging federal funding for the state logging efficiency grant fund was adopted after adding all senators as co-sponsors, and a resolution honoring Sheriff Derek Cunningham was read at length and adopted. The Senate also adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar for the next legislative day, which prioritized several bills on libraries, taxation, retired state employees, municipalities, transportation, coal-impacted communities, income tax, the Alabama Space Authority, cosmetology and barbering, security, entertainment incentives, and health. In local legislation, the Senate passed several local bills, including measures for Mobile County, class 2 municipalities, public transportation, Jefferson County, and the town of Morris.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like with the Ala Wai bridge, right?
• <00:08:08.720> the<00:08:08.879> Alawawaii<00:08:10.080> uh<00:08:10.319> bridge
• , like with the Alawawaii uh bridge, like with the Alawawaii uh bridge, right?
• 52:40.160> function<00:52:40.480> as<00:52:40.720> temporary<00:52:41.280> bridges
• <00:52:41.680> to permits function as temporary bridges to permits function as temporary bridges

Bills: HB2185, HB2621, HB2179, HB2534, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB2565, HB2172, HB2298, HB2304

Keywords: sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:33.119> I'm bridge the gap left by this deficit.
• I'm bridge the gap left by this deficit.
• Roads and bridges still need maintenance. Our schools still need to run.
• Roads and bridges still need maintenance. Our schools still need to run.
• Just like bridges and roads, child care is a public good and it helps families get to work.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's on the Māʻili side of the Ala Wai Bridge, so I think moving forward what we try to focus on is how
• It's on the Māʻili side of the Ala Wai Bridge, so I think moving forward what we try to focus on is how
• It's on the Māʻili side of the Ala Wai Bridge, so I think moving forward what we try to focus on is how
• It's on the Māʻili side of the Ala Wai Bridge, so I think moving forward what we try to focus on is how
• It's on the Māʻili side of the Ala Wai Bridge, so I think moving forward what we try to focus on is how

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• instance, a public employee might share with the public information about the condition of roads and bridges
• in New Hampshire, and a member of the public learning about the condition of roads and bridges might
• in New Hampshire and a and bridges in New Hampshire and a member<00:50:11.760> of<00:50:11.920
• <00:50:14.720> might<00:50:14.920> use condition of roads and bridges might use condition
• of roads and bridges might use that<00:50:15.799> information<00:50:16.799> to<00:50:17.079

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure if they're thinking on the same time frame as utilities, so trying to bridge that gap a
• I'm not sure if they're thinking on the same time frame as utilities, so trying to bridge that gap a
• I'm not sure if they're thinking on the same time frame as utilities, so trying to bridge that gap a
• I'm not sure if they're thinking on the same time frame as utilities, so trying to bridge that gap a
• I'm not sure if they're thinking on the same time frame as utilities, so trying to bridge that gap a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "Okay, so the $95 million is to assist bridge, if we're at zero at the end of June 30, how do we get
• "Okay, and $95 million would bridge that time period?"
• "Okay, and $95 million would bridge that time period?" "Yes, sir."
• "Bridge that plus, or bridge it enough?" "Bridge it enough."

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The students who depend on the state grant, which has been a bridge to affordable higher education for
• The students who depend on the state grant, which has been a bridge to affordable higher education for
• which<00:42:01.920> has<00:42:02.080> been<00:42:02.280> a<00:42:02.400> bridge
• <00:42:03.200> to grant, which has been a bridge to grant, which has been a bridge to affordable
• This program bridges that gap by providing technical expertise, planning support, and grant readiness

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy bill, which the author described as a bipartisan agreement. Representative Wolgamott highlighted a $1.5 million appropriation to Minnesota State to create an identification verification system to combat “ghost students,” a one-time $5,000 appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University, and other noncontroversial recommendations from the Office of Higher Education. He urged support for the bill and noted that amendments would be considered. The main debate centered on an amendment by Representative Rarick to change how University of Minnesota regents are selected if the legislature fails to elect them. Rarick argued the amendment would keep the governor from appointing regents outside the legislative vetting process and prevent “pay-to-play” or donor influence, citing recent gubernatorial appointments and campaign contributions. Representative Kotter offered a secondary amendment to require that any fallback appointees meet RCAC eligibility criteria and to bar candidates who had recently contributed to legislative caucuses or leadership; supporters said it would reduce the appearance of pay-to-play while preserving the RCAC process. Opponents of the secondary amendment, including Representatives Robbins and others, argued it did not address the real concern because it did not restrict contributions to the governor and would weaken the legislature’s role in regent selection. Supporters of the secondary amendment said it was a more objective, statute-based approach and raised separation-of-powers concerns with the underlying amendment. After debate, the secondary amendment failed on a 67-67 tie and was not adopted. The House then continued discussion on the underlying Rarick amendment, with members divided over legislative authority, gubernatorial appointment power, and the influence of campaign donations.

Transcript Highlights:

• services, fund our rec center, fund our park, fund whatever we feel like is a priority, fund that bridge
• services, fund our rec center, fund our park, fund whatever we feel like is a priority, fund that bridge
• services, fund our rec center, fund our park, fund whatever we feel like is a priority, fund that bridge
• services, fund our rec center, fund our park, fund whatever we feel like is a priority, fund that bridge
• services, fund our rec center, fund our park, fund whatever we feel like is a priority, fund that bridge

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funding or not funding, and we certainly know that, you know, the progress we made on red-listed bridges
• , on improving the mileage that is paved, and what municipalities can do for their federal-listed bridges
• funding or not funding, and we certainly know that, you know, the progress we made on red-listed bridges
• , on improving the mileage that is paved, and what municipalities can do for their federal-listed bridges
• what we're funding or not funding, and we certainly know that the progress we made on red-listed bridges

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• history, we've witnessed acts of civil disobedience, including the Boston Tea Party, the Edmund Pettus Bridge
• history, we've witnessed acts of civil disobedience, including the Boston Tea Party, the Edmund Pettus Bridge
• You can stand in a bridge, you can stand in a building, you can stand on the side of the road.
• can<01:02:12.119> stand<01:02:12.359> in<01:02:12.480> a<01:02:12.640> bridge
• <01:02:12.920> you message you can stand in a bridge you message you can stand in a bridge

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, Senators Bridges and Kirkmeyer, concerning the repeal of the Office of the Judicial Discipline
• Also, Senators Bridges and Kirkmeyer, concerning the distribution of money collected from the retail
• House Bill 1410 by Representative Serota, also Senator Bridges, concerning the provision for payment
• House Bill 1409 by Representatives Brown and Serota, also Senators Bridges and Kirkmeyer, concerning
• Also, Senators Bridges and Kirkmeyer, concerning authorizing the Department of Health Care Policy and

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 16, 2026, and then moved to announcements and introductions. Representative Woodro welcomed fifth grade students from Denver Academy and recognized his son Ari on his 12th birthday, leading the chamber in singing happy birthday. The House then agreed to take up a memorial out of order. Senate Joint Memorial 1, honoring the late Senator Faith Winter, was read at length and supported with remarks describing her legislative work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, women’s leadership, and bipartisan efforts. Representative Wilford and others spoke emotionally about her public service and personal impact. The memorial was adopted on a 50-10 vote, with 15 excused, and Representatives Rutinel and Lindsay were listed as co-sponsors. The chamber then considered committee reports and special orders. The Appropriations Committee reported several bills favorably, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order. House Bill 1317, creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and a transition plan for workforce development programs, was amended in committee to remove travel reimbursements, clarify adult learners’ inclusion, adjust advisory committee membership, and preserve type one status for affected departments; it passed the House. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, also passed after Judiciary Committee amendments clarifying law enforcement database checks. Senate Bill 95, supporting victim survivors of certain crimes, passed Judiciary but drew floor opposition from several members who argued the bill’s jury-related provisions conflicted with confrontation rights and due process; despite those concerns, the bill advanced after further debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're helping shift and cross that bridge. So, we're helping shift and cross that bridge.
• We have healthier communities, more people can bridge into the workforce than the current state that
• them to a place healthy, and bridge them to a place where<01:14:09.600> they<01:14:10.000>
• Um, this bill ensure ensures bridge.
• It is workforce infrastructure, as essential to our economy as roads, bridges, and broadband.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think about the Memorial Bridge project.
• I think about the Memorial Bridge project.
• I think about the Memorial Bridge project.
• I think about the Memorial Bridge project.
• I think about the Memorial Bridge project.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the items that I did want to call everyone's attention to is the Friends of Cooch's Bridge historic
• Again, you'll see the additional money for the Friends of Cooch's Bridge Historic Site.

Keywords: 1064, all