Transcript Highlights:

• And so we ask, O God, grant these senators the wisdom to pursue justice, justice not for the powerful
• Executive Office of the Governor, Tallahassee, to the Honorable Members of the Florida Senate and House
• Whereas Article III, Section 3(c)(1) of the Florida Constitution permits the Governor to convene the
• Now, therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
• Ron DeSantis, Governor. Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the Governor’s proclamation calling the session. The special session was called to consider property tax-related legislation, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and limits on county and municipal ad valorem taxes, along with related implementing measures such as ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority requirements for tax increases above the rolled-back rate, and a public website showing estimated savings for homestead properties. The bills filed within the call were read for the first time: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, both referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules and place both measures on the special order calendar for Tuesday, June 2, with an amendment deadline one hour before convening. The Senate also adopted a motion sending any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who reflected on their service and thanked colleagues, staff, and constituents. Senator Hooper emphasized respect and kindness in public service, while Senator Polsky thanked local officials, staff, caucus members, and family, and noted the importance of bipartisan work. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, or upon the President’s call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant these senators the wisdom to pursue justice, justice not for the powerful alone, but especially
• Executive Office of the Governor, Tallahassee, to the Honorable Members of the Florida Senate and House
• Whereas Article III, Section 3(c)(1) of the Florida Constitution permits the Governor to convene the
• Now, therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
• Ron DeSantis, Governor Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings. The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• May our actions be a testament to the power of unity. Compassion and understanding.
• Messages from the Governor: there are none. Messages from the Senate: there are none.
• Messages from the governor, there are none. Messages from the Senate, there are none.
• Our curls, coils, and textures are powerful and beautiful reflections of who we are.
• fee registration, a burden that does not apply to gas-powered vehicles.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• They’ve allowed the governor, their governor, to have some discretion with Title I, which I understand
• But Governor Healey has been the first governor in over a decade to propose operating subsidy increases
• Did you talk to the governor about this?
• So the governor, the governor has, have you at 20.1. You're saying a maintenance is 23.3.
• Did you talk to the governor about this? Is that right? Did you talk to the governor about this?

Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the press, on those rare occasions we are discovered, we are often referred to as either the powerful
• AN AGENCY, SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO EXTEND NO FURTHER THAN IMPLEMENTING OR INTERPRETING THE SPECIFIC POWERS
• ALL THE MATERIAL THAT WE PRESENTED TO YOU AS PRESENTED, WE DO HAVE SUBPOENA POWERS.
• AND I THINK SENATOR LEEK IS FAMILIAR WITH SUBPOENA POWERS FROM HIS TIME IN THE HOUSE.
• AND SERVING AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR ARE REQUESTED TO DO THE SAME.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lion can do a lot of things, and the power of the presidency gives you every piece of that power.
• Lion can do a lot of things in the power of the presidency gives you every piece of that power.
• It's powerful. It's the right thing to do.
• And he offers a powerful insight about eternity.
• “On signing by the governor?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the next are all pages for the lieutenant governor.
• We have Pierce Randall of governor.
• Senate, please help lieutenant governor.
• of redemption, advocacy, and the power of redemption, advocacy, and meaningful<00:15:41.519><c> change
• </c><00:25:02.159><c> of</c> life is a testimony to power of life is a testimony to power of redemption

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 24 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can get to harnessing the collective power of these communities.
• We can get to harnessing the collective power of these communities.
• the previous governor had an executive order about diverse spend.
• But again, the previous governor had an executive... ...and I'll let others ask questions.
• But again, the previous governor had an executive order on diverse spend.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 934, and in person we have the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke in support.
• We are in strong support of the Connect Kākou initiative under the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
• We are in strong support of the Connect Kākou initiative under the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
• We are in strong support of the Connect Kākou initiative under the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
• So two years ago, the Legislature and the governor passed a law to increase the amount that people can

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:24:39.360><c> Kelly</c> And best of all, our own Governor, Kelly And best of all, our own Governor
• </c><03:37:03.680><c> Aayod</c> House Bill 324 that Governor Aayod House Bill 324 that Governor Aayod
• Governor Sununu vetoed a similar bill. Last session, the current governor did the same.
• </c> Governor Cenounu vetoed a similar bill. Governor Cenounu vetoed a similar bill.
• And if you know that Governor Cenuno And if you know that Governor Cenuno vetoed<05:43:31.040><c> a</

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lieutenant Governor. I want to introduce you to your honorary Lieutenant Governor.
• Thank you, Chelsea, for being here today, and I wish you the best time here with our Lieutenant Governor
• And whereas Bernalillo County's legislative power is vested in an elected five-member Board of County
• applied his work in domains including cosmology, space weather, material science, Martian geology, power
• Hope to see you there, Lieutenant Governor. Anyone planning on playing in the game, it hurts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe Jacqueline Taylor, who is the CEO of Power County Hospital, is in the gallery if she'd stand
• I believe Jacqueline Taylor, who is the CEO of Power County Hospital, is in the gallery if she'd stand
• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
• We will file the correspondence in the office of the secretary and notify the governor.
• She worked in the office of Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch. She was chief of staff.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal from the previous day. Members also used the early part of the meeting to introduce several visitors and guests, including hospital and education leaders, former legislators, and representatives from state organizations. The chaplain’s prayer referenced the Liberty Bell and a planned restoration ceremony, and Senator Adams later reminded members of a farewell event for the bell the next day. In committee and appointment business, the Senate received several reports and referrals. Senate Joint Memorial 108 and Senate Concurrent Resolutions 116 through 119, all related to water districts and associated projects, were read and referred for printing. The Senate also received committee reports on bills including Senate Bills 1226, 1227, 1235, 1236, 1237, and 1225 as amended, with the first two sent to second reading and the others referred appropriately. Governor’s appointment notices for Michael Linden, Carl Ray, Kenneth Long, and Alan Kavanaugh were referred to committees or held for one legislative day. The Senate then considered and adopted committee reports confirming several gubernatorial appointments. Hyatt-Erstead and Janice Folkerson were confirmed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board after brief floor remarks praising their experience and service. Jennifer White was confirmed as executive director of the Office of the State Board of Education, and Peter Kohler was confirmed to the State Board of Education, with senators citing their education, public service, and leadership backgrounds. The Senate also returned Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 to the Resources and Environment Committee at Senator Harris’s request for further hearing. Finally, the Senate advanced first-reading bills, including Senate Bills 1238 through 1243, covering fish and game public participation, sex offender definitions, guardianship and conservatorship, working animals, the Idaho Potato Commission, and the Idaho One Plan. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business and adjourned until 9:45 a.m. the following Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the early 1990s, the Texas State Legislature passed a bill that was signed into law by the governor
• That was signed into law by the governor to address widespread and documented disparities in state contracting
• served previously as a member of the Legislature for years, the state comptroller simply lacks any power
• DEI executive governors mandate and then also you have Kelly Hancock so they're in a state of confusion
• You can take our power away—legislative power—that's wrong. I want to thank you all for joining us.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you'd have to ask the governor about that and the commissioner of MMB, but it's my understanding
• And I think in the end fighting for that equal shared power made this a better session.
• </c> think you'd have to ask the governor think you'd have to ask the governor about<00:04:03.840><c>
• in the end fighting for that equal think in the end fighting for that equal shared<00:04:40.639><c> power
• </c> shared power made this a better session. shared power made this a better session.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Garrett, who is Life Powered? I'm familiar with TPPF, but who is Life Powered?
• Do you work for TPPF or do you work for Life Powered? For TPPF, yes. Okay, thank you.
• Jud Messer for Advanced Power Alliance and I am here in support of House Bill 3228.
• And the governor would absolutely sign this until...
• Clearly, Governor Abbott agrees with that.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:46:42.880><c> demand</c> they could stand up to power, demand they could stand up to power,
• Those are powerful images.
• Those are powerful images. Those are powerful images.
• For our last Governor Polus's term.
• Our governor claimed immunity.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An elected administrator that sat before Senate Ed and said he did not want that power.
• Statutorily we gave substantial authority to the governor to go in and do that.
• In those circumstances we give the governor some authority to go in.
• </c> the governor to go in and do that. the governor to go in and do that.
• </c> governor some authority to go in. governor some authority to go in.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:43:12.399><c> to</c> other taxing authority has the power to other taxing authority has the power
• In order to exercise its powers under A.
• </c><03:48:47.520><c> body</c> At meetings, the local governor body At meetings, the local governor body
• The local governoring body discussed.
• In order to exercise its powers under A.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1280, 1318, 1327, 1416, 1494, 1613, 1631, 1662, 1664, 1711, 1741, and 1821 are transmitted to the Governor
• Number two, adds one licensed midwife who is appointed by the governor as a member of the board.
• Nothing in the Constitution gives us as lawmakers the power to restrict access to non-obscene materials
• It strips local communities of their right to decide where major power plants are built in their own
• And to arrest and scare and harass and convict people just for disagreeing with somebody in power.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended. The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended. In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know our governor tried to do an executive order. Representative Provenzano, you're recognized.
• I know our governor tried to do an executive order. It's a federal item, not a state item.
• I know our governor tried to do an executive order on immigration and was struck down because it's a
• all agree is not the most effective sometimes at doing things, and maybe hindering our power?
• We're not giving them any more power.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3725, as amended by a PCS, which would require employers statewide to use E-Verify or a federal equivalent when hiring new employees. The author argued the bill would help reduce illegal immigration, protect wages and jobs for lawful workers, and impose only minimal costs because E-Verify is free and quick to use. Members raised concerns about burdens on small businesses, farms, and ranches; state versus federal authority; enforcement by the Department of Labor; identity theft and false positives; possible litigation; and what would happen if the federal system went offline or changed. The author said the bill includes good-faith protections, a trigger repeal if the federal program expands, and that he would file additional language to address shutdown-related disruptions. No motion was made, and the bill remained in committee. The committee then heard and passed several other measures without opposition. House Bill 3260 would add the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association as an approved provider for continuing education credits for funeral director license renewals, and it passed 9-0. House Bill 3660 would authorize natural organic reduction, described as transforming human remains into soil, and it also passed 9-0. House Bill 3369 would revise food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable fire extinguishers instead of an automatic suppression system and by allowing licensed plumbers, not just Oklahoma LP Gas, to inspect or install certain gas plumbing; members discussed possible conflicts with another LP gas fix and agreed to work together, and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3370 would extend the effective date of the food truck fire code to November 1, 2028, creating a sunset to allow more time for a broader solution. The author said he preferred another option but wanted this bill available if needed. After brief clarification, the committee passed HB 3370 9-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting there would be three meetings left in the session.