Transcript Highlights:

• Chair lays out Senate Bill 663. Chair sends up committee substitute for Senate Bill 663.
• the bill pending.
• Chair lays out Senate Bill 1164 by Senator Zaffirini. Substitute for Senate Bill 1164.
• Senate Bill 1150.
• Senate Bill 1896 is a common sense bill. It's really just a way to codify.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the bill, Mr. Chair. Are there any questions on the bill?
• , your bill is, my bill is different from your bill because of, you mean, because of the facilities where
• They support this bill.
• They support this bill.
• We're back on the bill as amended. Any questions on the bill as amended?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• for House Bill 646. for House Bill 646.
• carry this bill over. carry this bill over.
• Bill 380.
• President, what this bill does, this is the opioid bill. We've already passed our bill.
• bill in the calendar. bill in the calendar.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please move the bill. All right. Okay. Please move the bill. All right. Oh, Mr.
• Why do we need this bill?
• If I understand the bill, there’s a Ms. Epstein. Thank you. I understand the bill.
• Gallin on the bill. Well, this bill was out last year, too.
• Gowan's bill.

Bills: SB1108, SB1205, SB1241, SB1286, SB1366, SB1431, SB1473, SB1477, SB1478, SB1479, SB1492, SB1517, SB1563, SB1586, SB1665, SB1671

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Summary: The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it handles roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill making technical and policy updates to liquor statutes, including changing “manufacture” to “produce,” allowing rather than requiring cities and towns to levy certain liquor-related taxes or fees, repealing a federal food-safety preemption reference, and clarifying cider’s definition to include products up to 8.5% alcohol by volume. Supporters described it as an annual stakeholder-driven cleanup bill, and the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control testified neutral. The committee adopted the Bolick amendment and then passed the bill as amended. It also passed SB 1108, which creates a Swedish-rounding framework for cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; the Leach amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax treatment. The Greater Phoenix Chamber supported the bill, and the committee passed it as amended. The committee next approved SB 1205, regulating private-property vehicle booting by prohibiting local bans, setting signage, written permission, rate limits, release rules, and misdemeanor penalties. Supporters said it would provide a more transparent, less costly alternative to towing, while members raised concerns about signage, appeals, and consumer protections. The Bolick amendment made a technical change, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1241, allowing private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects, drew the most debate: supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities with backlogs, while cities and counties warned about public-safety risks, loss of local control, and liability concerns. After adopting the Payne amendment on immunity, the committee passed the bill 5-2. Finally, the committee passed SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS and public-property towing practices. Some members objected that the study committee lacked minority-leader appointments, but supporters said the review was needed before making permanent changes. The committee then began hearing SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript ends before any action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear six bills: Senate Bill 63, Senate Bill 165, 173, 217, 317, and 389.
• Next, Senate Bill 344.
• Roblox is not out of this bill. They’re not out of this bill.
• We have one bill left. We have one bill left.
• Next is Senate Bill 217. Next is Senate Bill 217.

Bills: AB52, AB76, AB163, AB388, AB483

Keywords: health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• and pick up your bills they to LSA desk and pick up your bills they to LSA desk and pick up your bills
• picked a bill up last week you need to get your bills from the week you need to get your bills from the
• the next bill representative bill the next bill representative bill the next bill representative Hendrick
• and my bill work if if I have a bill and my bill work if if I have a bill and my bill just let's say
• over carry the bill over carry this bill over carry the bill over carry this bill over carry the bill

Keywords: sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 314 by Hughes is the companion to House Bill 1290 by Harris-Davila, which was previously
• Can you repeat the bill name? SB-314. Senate Bill 314. Okay, I'm sorry. And it was substituted for.
• The chair moves that House Bill 2911, House Bill 2911, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full
• This is House Bill 3672 by Ashby.
• This is House Bill 3672 by Ashby.

Bills: HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381, HB178

Keywords: Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise, religious literature, Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, New Testament, ninth grade

Transcript Highlights:

• Show the bill passes. Read the next bill.
• This bill, much like myself, is a good and noble bill. It's not a wild bill. It's a mild bill.
• So does Representative Rizzo's bill trump your bill?
• Does Representative Rizzo's bill trump your bill? Does your bill trump your bill?
• Does your bill trump Representative Busatta's bill?

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22. The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, House Bill 121, is a cleanup to follow up on This bill, House Bill 121, is a cleanup to follow
• out the bill.
• So this is just the House companion bill to Senate Bill 1884. Thank you.
• the bill.
• the bill, my own bill, and I was neutral coming into committee with my own bill.

Bills: HB126, HB121

Keywords: election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, voting integrity, education, property values, school districts, comptroller, funding formula

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to hear testimony on a full agenda of education-related bills. Several measures were laid out and left pending, including HB 322 to allow JET Grant funds to be used for subscription-based and ongoing technology costs for career and technical education; HB 3062 to require fentanyl and drug-poisoning prevention instruction for entering college students; HB 121 to update school safety laws, including TEA peace officer commissions, annual renewal of certain safety exceptions, new reporting requirements, and special education behavior threat assessment changes; HB 3627 to let the State Board of Education chair employ staff; HB 5515 to curb inflated shipping and handling charges on instructional materials; HB 2674 to prohibit new state regulation of homeschool programs; HB 2310 to require a statewide strategic plan for early learning and inclusion for young children with disabilities; HB 367 to standardize documentation for excused absences due to serious illness; HB 1178 to speed certification for out-of-state educators and military spouses; and HB 1481 to expand cell phone restrictions to the full school day. Testimony was generally supportive on most bills, with some concerns raised on HB 121 about school district police departments investigating misconduct and on HB 2674 about how it would interact with the new ESA program in SB 2. HB 5515 drew support from instructional materials coordinators who described extreme shipping invoices and argued the bill would restore transparency and fiscal responsibility. HB 2310 was supported by disability advocates and early learning groups, who said a coordinated state plan would improve access and inclusion for children with disabilities. HB 367 was presented as a simple clarification to reduce confusion for medically vulnerable students and families, and HB 1178 was described by TEA as a modest pathway that would help bring experienced out-of-state teachers into Texas schools more quickly. HB 126, updating Texas’ NIL law to align with the pending House settlement and allow direct payments and pre-enrollment NIL agreements, received extensive testimony from university counsel and committee questioning about the settlement, recruiting, and future college athletics rules. HB 1481, expanding school cell phone restrictions from instructional time to the entire school day, drew strong support from parents, students, educators, and advocates who linked phones to distraction, cyberbullying, and mental health harms; one teacher asked for flexibility so phones could still be used for limited academic tasks. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee then recessed to attend the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 837.
• Ghan to explain the bill. skin. Never mind, Mr. Gehan is not here. It's one of his 700 bills.
• House Bill 2349.
• The bill doesn't work.
• Wiener to explain the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead on your bill. Go ahead on your bill.
• in the bill.
• But yeah, we're on your bill. We heard Senate Bill 250 a few weeks ago.
• Yes, this is a bill.
• And so this bill, Mr.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with eight members present and deferred HB 127. It then considered a series of bills, most of which were reported favorably without opposition. HB 22 revised COLA rules for the clerks of court retirement system, allowing more frequent COLAs when the system is better funded; HB 324 made judicial stipends permanent and added future COLAs subject to available funding; HB 233 increased jury mileage reimbursement; HB 47 reorganized assessor retirement COLA statutes; HB 533 allowed St. Tammany Parish to transfer unused witness-fee account balances to the 22nd Judicial District Court; HB 980 adjusted eligibility for the Firemen’s Supplemental Pay Board; HCR 45 urged Congress to clarify ARPA deadlines for water projects; HB 559 increased court costs in the 4th Judicial District; HB 290 recreated the Department of Treasury and related entities in statute; and HB 382 addressed Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget review authority over Group Benefits plans. The committee also reported HB 1157 favorably, creating a financing bank mechanism for infrastructure projects, and HB 575 favorably, giving youth aging out of foster care preferred access to surplus state vehicles through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency. Several measures drew more discussion. HB 1236, dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and professional dispensing fees, prompted extensive testimony from the sponsor, the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Department of Insurance, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens enforcement of existing PBM law and protects independent pharmacies; opponents argued the bill’s requirement that PBMs bear dispensing-fee costs would be difficult to implement and could raise premiums. The sponsor said he would work on amendments, including clarifying language and a delayed effective date, and the bill was nevertheless moved favorably. SB 25, on registrar of voters compensation, was amended to a revised pay structure and then reported favorably. HB 47 and HB 533 were also presented as funding and administrative cleanups for retirement and court-related accounts, with local support noted. The committee also heard HB 233 on jury duty mileage reimbursement, which the sponsor said updates a 1961 rate and would be funded locally at an estimated average increase of about $4,000 per judicial district. HB 324 on judicial salaries was described as self-funded by the judiciary and subject to available funding, with no budget impact. HB 575 on foster youth transportation was presented as a non-appropriation measure aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care by giving them preferred access to surplus vehicles. HB 382, which concerns the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget’s role in approving Group Benefits plans, was reported favorably with little discussion. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1810.
• I personally support this bill. I think it's a great bill.
• I missed some of your bill layout. I have read the bill.
• under the bill?
• I am here today to testify against Senate Bill 819, a bill that positions itself as a preference bill

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Senator Talman on your bill, Senator Dalman on your bill, Senate Bill 155. Thank you, Mr.
• On your bill.
• The bill will be reported favorable. Senate Bill 261.
• I have a motion to report bill Senate Bill 295. Report bill Senate Bill 295 favorable as amended.
• Members, Senate Bill 83 is a human trafficking bill.

Bills: SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB261, SB276, SB295, SB450, SB465, SB506, HB1070

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking prevention, school safety, public schools, elementary and secondary education, charter schools, mandatory reporting, victim identification, victim services, child trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, commercial sexual activity, DCFS, Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana State Police, governor's office of human trafficking prevention, counselor training, mental health professional, administrator training

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Fine: THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BILL?
• THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Fine: ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? SEEING NONE.
• BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. OF THE QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?
• THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Fine: ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? >> Sen.
• THIS BILL WILL PROTECT THE RIGHTS PEOPLE AND WE SUPPORT THE BILL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1036, House Bill 1016, House Bill 1043, House Bill 1086, House Bill 1078, House Bill 188, begs
• Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1060. House Bill 1060.
• You passed the bill and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 39.
• Senate Bill 39. Representative Johnson, you're recognized to explain Senate Bill 39.
• You pass the bill and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 56.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber approved dispensing with the previous day’s journal and received committee reports from Joint Budget on several appropriations bills, along with an executive communication from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders noting approval of House Bill 1001 as Act 2. The Speaker also recognized several guests, including law enforcement personnel, physicians, a nurse, STEM students, line workers, and Council of State Governments visitors. The main business was the budget calendar. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes for East Arkansas College, DHS resource reallocations, Nursing Board positions, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office staffing reductions. The chamber then sent the amendments to engrossing. Members passed House Bill 1060, the State Library appropriation, by 77 yeas, 15 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 5, the Tobacco Settlement Commission appropriation, by 90 yeas, 5 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 13, the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission appropriation, by 98 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; Senate Bill 39, the Arkansas State University appropriation, by 97 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; and Senate Bill 56, the Auditor of State continuing education appropriation for local offices, by 81 yeas, 14 nays, and 3 present. The Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and moved next week’s floor schedule from Tuesday-Thursday to Monday-Wednesday, with a likely Monday start time around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. The House then adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill.
• bill.
• with this bill.
• Members, this bill is a very simple cleanup bill.
• Members, this bill is... House Bill 823. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• 476 477 The chair now lays out Senate Bill 318. Senate Bill 318.
• The other bills that this committee passed, Senate Bill 1715, Senate Bill 1933, also passed the House
• Thank you for this bill.
• Senate Bill 875 by Senator Birdwell. Senate Bill 875.
• Senate Bill. 1362.

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the bill.
• That is the bill.
• That is the bill.
• That is the bill.
• That is the bill.

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a suspense file candidate without objection.
• Seeing none, this bill is a suspense file candidate.
• This bill is a suspense file candidate.
• This bill is a suspense file candidate without objection.
• This bill is a suspense file candidate without objection.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum and heard a large suspense-file agenda, noting that several bills were not heard and would be rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the measures. The chair reminded witnesses to keep testimony focused on fiscal impacts. Most bills were taken up with waived presentation and no public testimony or member questions, and were moved to the suspense file without objection. A few measures drew substantive testimony. SB 951 and SB 947 received opposition from the Society for Human Resource Management, the California Restaurant Association, and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, with concerns about policy impacts and ongoing costs to departments and the General Fund. SB 1067 received support from EdVoice, which argued early math intervention would reduce later remediation costs. SB 1291 drew strong opposition from mutual water company representatives, who said it would impose significant ongoing costs, duplicate existing state efforts, and create compliance burdens for small systems and communities with limited broadband access. SB 1368 was supported by hearing health care providers, who requested technical amendments related to FDA hearing-aid definitions and education-provider recognition. The committee also heard author presentation on SB 1089 from Senator Richardson, who said the bill would reduce CalPERS health costs by expanding access to weight-loss drugs for eligible state employees and by directing CalRx to partner on GLP-1 production or acquisition. After brief testimony and no committee questions, SB 1089 was moved to the suspense file without objection. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were processed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 2153 is a mirror to the Senate bill, which is currently on the floor.
• Third reading of bills.
• House Bill 2153.
• Members, we cannot pass a bill that is known as the big gut health care bill.
• First reading of bills.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and student guests, including JAG students and Hila Ben High School visitors. Attendance was recorded at 49 present, 3 absent, and 8 excused. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a 25% increase in the child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and expanded senior retirement-income deductions. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, leave out some seniors without retirement accounts, and reduce revenue needed for public services. HB 2153 drew extensive debate and multiple questions about its effects on seniors, small businesses, wages, child care, and the timing of tax filing forms already issued by the Department of Revenue. Supporters emphasized taxpayer certainty, conformity with federal forms, and economic growth; critics said the bill was fiscally irresponsible and unfair. The Committee of the Whole approved the bill 31-26, and the House later adopted the report and referred the bill to engrossing. The House then took up the Senate mirror measure, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and held floor explanations of vote. After further debate along similar lines, the House passed SB 1106 by a vote of 31-27 with 2 not voting and transmitted it to the Senate. The remainder of the session included personal privilege remarks, committee schedule announcements, a long list of first-read bills and referrals, and finally a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.