Transcript Highlights:

• Patty Clark.
• Patty Clark. I'm the director >> I'm Dr. Patty Clark.
• Clark or Dr. Clark? >> Dr. Clark. >> Okay. Dr. Clark, I want to make sure I recognize you properly.
• Clark.
• <01:02:55.840> to<01:02:55.960> county county to county county to county um<01:02:57.720

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• , because it's the Secretary Chardon-Clark day here.
• Sharon Clark covered this as well.
• We pay back cities and counties to offset lost revenue from this deduction.
• Sharon Clark mentioned for nursing care, nursing homes, and kind of the aging.
• Most healthcare spending and revenue originates in Bernalillo County and Dona Ana County as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clark and Ms.
• Clark and Ms. Khalif, if Project. Ms. Clark and Ms.
• Representative Clark. Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Clark.
• Uh Senator Clark.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clark, please read the title.
• Clark, please read the title.
• Clark, please read the title.
• <00:36:18.440> Clark, at the top of the roll. Mr. Clark, at the top of the roll. Mr.
• Clark, please read the title.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of introductions and announcements. Members welcomed guests in the gallery, recognized the doctor of the day, and later made several announcements about memorials, committee meeting times, and calendar deadlines. The chamber also agreed to dispense with the reading of the journal and the titles of bills and resolutions. The body then took up multiple measures, mostly on the appropriations, rules, and general bills calendars. Among the bills discussed and passed were House Bill 941 on the Mississippi Healthcare Industry Zone Act, with an amendment changing the repealer date to 2028; House Bill 1633 on the Site Development Grant Program, with a strike-all clarifying eligible utility and site-improvement expenditures; House Bill 1404 on fraudulent utility conversion, with a substitute strike-all adding protections and criminal penalties related to landlords failing to pay tenant-funded utilities; House Bill 907 revising the timing for sample ballots from the Secretary of State; House Bill 867 allowing Ross Barnett Reservoir funds to be used for shoreline maintenance and erosion prevention; House Bill 1558 revising compensation and reimbursement for the Tishomingo County Water District; and House Bill 514 revising the Veterinary Practice Act to protect certified veterinary technicians and update board membership and fees. Several other measures were also addressed, including Senate Bill 2648, which would let the MSU Extension Service assist poultry farmers with comprehensive nutrient management plans and was amended by the House to add Alcorn State University; Senate Bill 2637, on flexibility for the Northeast District livestock show location, on which the Senate voted not to concur and invite conference; House Bill 1069, the Mississippi Agriculture and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026, which was amended to shift review of a waterfowl impact assessment to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and impose a one-year moratorium with a study committee; House Bill 1073, a consumer choice bill restricting bans on gas-powered farm equipment and lawn tools; House Bill 942 extending the chiropractic licensure repealer and allowing certain animal chiropractic work under veterinarian supervision; and House Bill 479, which extended temporary licensing timeframes for psychology and marriage and family therapy and added safeguards tied to background checks and qualifications. Most of these measures were adopted and passed by voice vote or by afternoon or morning roll call, with a few items retained on the calendar and several motions to reconsider or hold bills for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, Almond, Baker, Bedo, Blacksher, Bolton, Boyd, Bracie, Brar, Brown, Butler, Bars, Chestnut, Clark
• You are recognized as the lady from Mobile, Representative Clark, for a time-sensitive...
• Here, recognize the Gent from Clark, Representative...
• While they're making their way down here, I'd like to recognize Chrissy Williams from Winston County.
• Chrissy is the guest... ...from Winston County.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clarke, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Paschal, Mr. Hassell, Mr. Butler, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Rigsby, Mr.
• <00:10:58.320> Clark. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark.
• >> I have a name for representative Clark.
• >> I have a name for representative Clark.
• Did you mention a county commission race?

Bills: HB67, HB89, HB67, HB89

Keywords: parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, HB89, Medicaid, pregnant women, pregnancy, prenatal care, ambulatory prenatal care, presumptive eligibility, temporary Medicaid coverage, Alabama Medicaid Agency, maternal health, low-income women, health coverage, eligibility determination

Transcript Highlights:

• I will go to Senator Clark and then Senator Westrom.
• I will go to Senator Clark and then Senator Westrom.
• I will go to Senator Clark and then Senator Westrom.
• Senator Clark, yes. Senator Seeberger, yes. Senator Westlin, yes. Senator Westrom, no.
• pass Senator Carlson yes Senator Clark pass Senator Carlson yes Senator Clark yes<00:49:15.440><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clark, co-coordinator of DebtFree Clark, co-coordinator of DebtFree Justice,<01:16:51.040> the
• um Judith Clark on Zoom. Go ahead, Judy. um Judith Clark on Zoom. Go ahead, Judy.
• > director<01:32:04.080> of I'm Judith Clark, executive director of I'm Judith Clark, executive
• So, two per county instead of a county.
• And um and then also at the end county.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waivers for housing are usually closed in Dakota County.
• Clark.
• Clark. Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, am in support of this.
• Clark, and my concern with adding it here is I don't want...
• Clark knows, than my... ...district covering seven counties instead of seven blocks or whatever you have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was not significant debate or deliberation at our county before that vote happened.
• And that will not be taxable because our county government is not a taxable entity.
• Don't they have to file for a business license with you and the county?
• But I would be interested to see also if they haven't been filed with Dona Ana County.
• Same way with the county, if you're going to do business in our county, so it could be looked at.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County, period.
• <01:14:23.600> Well, situation in Clark County, period.
• Well, situation in Clark County, period.
• My county is a dry county, but the municipalities in those counties are wet.
• > county county is a dry county county is a dry county but<01:31:20.880> the<01:31:21.280

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Clark, here. Representative Crawford, here. Representative Jones, here.
• Kind of like the counties are the siblings, and the cities are siblings.
• Having a hard time recruiting, my sheriff in Montgomery County is slammed.
• One problem we have in C County is we're on Florida.
• I agree with Representative Clark and Jones that when you have state troopers, you've got county commissioners

Bills: SB82, SB78, SB4, SB6, SB62, SB66, SB77, SB63, SB79, SB53, SB55, HB14

Keywords: inhalants, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, possession, sale, misdemeanor, felony, criminal penalties, public health, school safety, resource officers, law enforcement, public schools, private schools, liability insurance, contracting, library governance, board appointment, library diversity

Transcript Highlights:

• of Carrier County.
• Pinellas County gave up 0% of their match for their county. So.
• County gave up 0% of their match for their county.
• You go to call the county, the county doesn't know where it's at because we have some counties using
• There are seven counties... ...where they have gone to counties and the cities.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• people of Carrier County.
• Pinellas County gave up 0% of their match for their county. So.
• You go to call the county, the county doesn't know where it's at because we have some counties using
• So opt-in, it is 60 counties.
• There are seven counties...

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:13:00.160> Senator<00:13:00.639> Clark.
• All those Clark moves the A12 amendment.
• <00:21:09.679> that uh in particular for the counties that uh in particular for the counties
• <00:21:31.520> uh have the same impacts to counties uh have the same impacts to counties uh
• So, the county that issues these records. Senator Latz: Thanks.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My family's from Clark County. >> Well, there you go. >> Yeah. >> Um Thomas Jackson is my representative
• Cuz I know our county poorer counties?
• My family's from Clark >> I'm from Clark. My family's from Clark County. County. County.
• County. County.
• where a county probate judge or a county where a county probate judge or a county official official

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, Alman, Baker, Bedo, Black, Shear, Bolton, Boyd, Bracie, Brar, Brown, Butler, K.S., Chestnut, Clark
• Chestnut, Clark, Klouse, Collins, Calvin, Crawford, Daniels, Daer, Drummond, Dubose, Ellis, England,
• Remember, tomorrow from 1:00 to 4:30 is the County Commission Association Cakes and Conversations.
• As I said, it's from 1:00 to 4:30 at the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama's office at Two
• You recognize a gentleman from Clark. Representative Hall, you are recognized.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner Clark, you're on Zoom? I am, Mr. Chair. I'm Terell Clark.
• But the priority review panel, and certainly counties and our county coalition, fought hard.
• certainly counties and our County County County Coalition<01:30:34.199> uh<01:30:34.600> fought
• But I'd be curious to know what Commissioner Clark has to say. Commissioner Clark, thank you. Mr.
• The counties are drowning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't include the county, so...
• authorization that the county...
• Everything is in the counties.
• Last year, I asked the cities and the counties...
• Public to everybody in Lone County. So, what?

Bills: HB333, HB329, HB362

Keywords: law enforcement, training facility, regional authority, municipal cooperation, public safety, military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, transparency, public meetings, accountability, education, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clark, good afternoon. You're recognized. Afternoon, Mr.
• I am Roy Clark, and I am the Director for Cabinet and Legislative Affairs with the department.
• I am Roy Clark, and I am the Director for Cabinet and Legislative Affairs with the department.
• Since I have some rural counties, I'm very excited and interested in this one.
• And I know this is for rural areas, but we have some counties.

Keywords: 999, senate, all