Video & Transcript Research : 'permissions'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/11/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 3956, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs permission to direct agency resources to veterans
- The language is permissive also. So, it's a may, not a must.
- The language is permissive also. So, it's a may, not a must.
- The language is permissive also. So, it's a may, not a must.
- The language is permissive also. So, it's a may, not a must.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And asking for permission, my guest on the floor is my grandmother.
- Speaker, with your permission, the Government Special Meeting will convene in Hearing Room 5 at 12 straight
- Speaker, with your permission, the Government Special Meeting will convene in Hearing Room 5 at 12 straight
- With your permission, the House Judiciary Special Meeting will be in Hearing Room 4 at 11:30 a.m.
- Speaker, with your permission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We changed that from a 'shall' to a 'may' to make it permissive if a county wants to do that, but we're
- If the county chose to enter into an arrangement, we would make that permissive.
- And you know, so this has given us permission. What are we changing here?
- This only applies to those third-party companies or a person who, without your permission, accesses your
- Genome and then duplicates it without your permission or sells it. You offering that amendment?
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, aggravated theft, employee benefits, retirement funds, criminal penalty, state law, overdose, failure to render aid, public health, Alabama Athletic Commission
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Permission to explain my vote. Please proceed. You know, I am not a fan of animals.
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission to explain my vote. Please proceed.
- Speaker Pro Tem, permission to explain my vote? Please proceed.
- Permission to explain my vote. Please proceed.
- Speaker, permission to explain my vote? Please proceed.
Summary:
The House convened, approved the prior journal, received gubernatorial communications, and then moved into an additional Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills on two calendars. In that committee, members adopted floor and committee amendments and reported SB 1100, SB 1160, and SB 1178 out as amended. On the second calendar, the committee considered SB 1200, SB 1560, SB 1627, and SB 1723, adopting amendments on SB 1200, SB 1627, and SB 1723 and reporting all four measures out, while SB 1725 was retained on the calendar. The House then adopted the committee reports and sent the amended bills to engrossing or third reading as appropriate.
The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading votes. Several bills passed with recorded votes and some member explanations focused on public safety, parental rights, school safety, health care, local control, property rights, and wildlife management. Among the measures that passed were SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1046, SB 1094, SB 1095, SB 1124, SB 1186, SB 1214, SB 1275, SB 1280, SB 1315, SB 1318, SB 1205 on reconsideration, SB 1327, SB 1416, SB 1418, SB 1582, SB 1613, SB 1662, SB 1664, SB 1670, SB 1711, SB 1741, SB 1821, and several concurrent memorials. A number of bills failed, including SB 1052, SB 1170, SB 1457, SB 1074, SB 1540, SB 1649, and SB 1663.
Debate on several bills drew pointed partisan and policy disagreements. Members opposing health-related bills argued they targeted LGBTQ people or medical decision-making, while supporters framed them as protecting children or bodily autonomy. On SB 1170, members said the bill contained a drafting error that would create extreme penalties and strain prison capacity. On SB 1280, supporters and opponents split over Mexican gray wolf management and federal conservation efforts. On SB 1199, the Salt River horse herd bill, members discussed herd management, heritage, property impacts, and a required emergency clause; it passed with the needed two-thirds majority. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous House bills and passed several House bills on final reading, including HB 2013, HB 2016, HB 2028, HB 2086, HB 2118, HB 2140, HB 2170, HB 2226, HB 2244, HB 2248, HB 2249, HB 2327, HB 2379, HB 2380, and others, forwarding them to the Governor.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Honorable the Speaker, House of Representatives, sir: Pursuant to the permission granted in clause
- Pursuant to the permission<00:08:46.360>
granted <00:08:46.800>in <00:08:46.920>clause - <00:08:47.320>
2H <00:08:47.880>of <00:08:48.040>rule permission granted in - clause 2H of rule permission granted in clause 2H of rule 2<00:08:48.560>
of <00:08:48.680>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- With your permission, we'll look to introduce some guests. Please proceed.
- With your permission, we'll look to introduce some guests. Please proceed.
- With your permission, the Republican caucus will be meeting tomorrow at HHR 1 at 9:30 a.m.
- With your permission, the Democratic Caucus will meet tomorrow at 10:00 o'clock in Hearing Room 2.
- With your permission, the Democratic caucus will meet tomorrow at 10 o'clock in hearing room two.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- With your permission, the Military Affairs and Elections Committee will meet in Hearing Room 4 at 2:15
- With your permission, the Science and Technology Committee will be meeting in 10 minutes in Hearing Room
- The Transportation Committee will be meeting in Hearing Room 3 at 2 p.m., with your permission.
- With your permission, your House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee will meet tomorrow
- With your permission, your Committee on Rural Economic Development will be meeting in Hearing Room 4
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- bill for um if you own the property, you're working if the owner or concert promoter gives you permission
- >> Yes, you could do it if you have permission. These are people that don't have permission.
- So the venue itself would have to be able to identify who's flying the drone without permission and then
- So the venue itself would have to be able to identify who's flying the drone without permission and then
- So the venue itself would have to be able to identify who's flying the drone without permission and then
Bills:
HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261, HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261
Keywords:
firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't have their full list of names, but may I have permission to insert their names into the record
- list of names but when uh but may I full list of names but when uh but may I have<00:01:44.280>
permission - > to<00:01:44.680>
insert <00:01:44.960>their <00:01:45.079>names have permission - to insert their names have permission to insert their names into<00:01:45.520>
the <00:01:46.000
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They would sign a permission form.
- They would sign a permission form.
- They would sign a permission form.
- They would sign a permission form.
- Used to go to the city every year for permission. They would sign a permission form.
Summary:
The committee took up several bills in executive session, beginning with HB 568 on subdivision regulations concerning water supply. Representative Donnelly moved ITL, arguing the bill would create costly studies, that towns already have jurisdiction over needed studies, and that the issue was not widespread. The committee voted ITL 9-7. HB 582, dealing with safety requirements for personal watercraft, was also moved ITL on the grounds that existing law already covers the issue and the bill was unnecessary after recent action on personal flotation devices. Representative Derby opposed the ITL, saying the bill was a common-sense safety measure and would restore a misdemeanor penalty, but the committee voted ITL 9-7.
The committee then retained HB 595, relative to coastal resilience zones, after members said the bill was important but needed more work and time because of its complexity. Members noted it should be revisited later, and the motion to retain passed 16-0. HB 607, funding the Hampton Beach Area Commission and making appropriations, received an ought-to-pass recommendation 15-1, with support from members who described Hampton Beach as an important economic driver and one dissenting member saying the state should not bear the full cost. The committee also adopted Amendment 2025-3 on HB 624, establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program, by a 16-0 vote; the amendment shifted funding decisions to the Department of Environmental Services based on demonstrated need and a first-come, first-served process. The bill as amended then received an ought-to-pass recommendation 16-0 and was placed on consent.
Later, the committee retained HB 629, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams, after members said the dams need attention but the bill required more work because suggested amendments had just been received. That motion passed 16-0. HB 644, concerning drones in state parks, was ITL’d because the Department of Parks and Recreation is already working through rulemaking on UAS use in remote areas, and the committee voted 16-0 for ITL. HB 657, the short notice booking act access for New Hampshire residents to state parks, was also ITL’d at the request of the prime sponsor, passing 16-0. The committee then adjourned and announced a later hearing on HB 663, which would allow the Division of Historical Resources to use a portion of Moose plate funds for administering its grant program; testimony from the sponsor and the division supported the bill as clarifying existing authority, and no final vote on HB 663 was included in the transcript excerpt.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, with your permission, sir, I would like to ask permission for Coach David Dugen to address the Mississippi
- Um with your permission,<00:26:19.919>
sir, <00:26:20.240>I <00:26:20.480>would < - to ask permission, sir, I would like to ask permission<00:26:22.720>
for <00:26:23.120>Coach - <00:26:23.440>
David <00:26:23.840>Dugen <00:26:24.320>to permission for Coach - David Dugen to permission for Coach David Dugen to address<00:26:25.039>
the <00:26:25.279>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Reverend Jerry Young of New Hope Baptist Church, and then took the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Mumford. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles, and there were no messages or petitions. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, a William Carey University student, a county sheriff, the senator’s wife, students and church members from New Hope Christian School and New Hope Baptist Church, physical therapists and assistants from the Mississippi chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, and former Senator Chris Massie.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution No. 2, which commended and congratulated the 2025 Jackson Academy Raider football team and head coach David Dugen for winning the MHSAA 4A Division I state championship. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after the title was read, and floor privileges were granted to the team. Coach Dugen addressed the Senate, thanking Senator Chassaniol, the school, families, coaches, and supporters, and describing the championship as the result of discipline, teamwork, and player leadership. The team presented a gift to Senator Chassaniol, and senators offered congratulations.
During announcements, senators noted several upcoming committee meetings and events, including White Coat Day at the Capitol, the Mississippi Ambulance Alliance reception, an Empower Mississippi summit, and multiple appropriations and committee hearings. Several senators also requested that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including John Guthrie, Colonel Jean Smith, Regina Roberts, and Brenda Le. Later, Senator Michelle and Senator Blackwell were added as co-authors to SR 2 without objection. The President announced that more than 500 bills had been assigned, that the Senate would not meet on Friday, and that the body would still meet Monday afternoon despite possible winter weather. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement.(6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- use the immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible
- use the immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible
- use the immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible
- use the immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible
- use the immediately preceding fiscal year for determining the number of exempt positions that are permissible
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54
Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date.
A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs.
Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 20, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's the really the first mechanical thing that this bill does is open up a permissive ability for
- The bill looks very simple because it's permissive. It opens up this possibility.
- ability for my open up a permissive ability for my department<00:14:18.720>
to <00:14:19.040>< - . opens up the this permissive. opens up the this possibility.<00:15:11.600>
But <00:15:11.680> - bill allows us this uh this permissive bill allows us to<00:32:27.360>
partner <00:32:27.679><
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Permission to use delegates' names? Permission granted.
- >> Permission<01:45:51.280>
granted. >> Permission granted. - Permission to use delegates' with her. Permission to use delegates' names?
- Permission granted. On behalf of names? Permission granted.
- Permission to use the delegates' names? >> Permission granted. >> Thank you.
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports.
Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment.
The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 429 (05/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- loophole that as long as there was a soccer game going on, you could record students without parental permission
- could record students<00:07:03.280>
without <00:07:03.520>parental <00:07:03.840>permission - students without parental permission students without parental permission anywhere<00:07:04.600>
Summary:
The Committee of Conference met on Senate Bill 429, which concerns a non-germane amendment related to the Parents’ Bill of Rights recording statute. Senate staff explained that the bill already exempted public events from the recording restriction, but a drafting issue in the underlying statute could be read to allow recording anywhere in a school whenever a public event was occurring. The proposed fix was a one-word change, replacing “during” with “of,” to make clear the exemption applies at a public event rather than merely during one.
A House member asked whether the clarification affected the House amendment, and the Senate responded that it did not; the change was in the underlying statute and was being corrected now to avoid returning next year. The committee then recessed briefly for caucus. After returning, the Senate receded to the House position with the suggested word change in amendment 2026-1997S.
The committee took a voice vote, with all members present voting in favor and none opposed. The members then agreed to place the report on the consent calendar, and both the Senate and House indicated they were willing to do so.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, permission to explain my vote. Please proceed.
- Speaker, permission to point of personal privilege. Announcement. Please proceed.
- Speaker, with your permission, Transportation and Infrastructure are not meeting today. Thank you.
- Chairman, with your permission, Rural Economic Development...
- Chairman, with your permission rule economic development. Mr. Chairman Lopez. Thank you, Mr.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/05/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So if they already have permission under the law to do their inspections for OSHA or do a bank audit
- The government agency should have landowner permission or a warrant before they enter that property,
- If you deny permission, you can't go any further than the curtilage of the property.
- ...would need to seek a warrant or get permission from the landowner to enter posted property.
- They would pull up to say my vessel, request permission to do an inspection.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 099 Apr 23rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:28:10.080>
to <01:28:10.320>offer passage and request permission to offer passage - <01:40:01.920>
to Bill 1084 given be given permission to Bill 1084 given be given permission - <01:40:05.440>
to <01:40:05.600>go >> The motion is for permission to go > - > The motion is for permission to go beyond<01:40:06.239>
the <01:40:06.560>scope <01 - >> The eyes have it, and permission is granted to go beyond the scope for House Bill 1084.
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and House messages. Committee reports advanced a number of bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 163, House Bill 1320, Senate Bill 160, House Bill 1210, and several board and commission appointments recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also received House action on multiple bills, including concurrence in Senate amendments to House Bills 1239, 1262, and 1110, a request for a conference committee on House Bill 1084, and transmission of several other measures to the Revisor of Statutes.
The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 12-18, 2026, as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Senator Cutter spoke in support, arguing that plastic pollution harms environmental and human health, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and cannot be solved by recycling alone. The resolution was adopted on a 25-9 vote, with several senators recorded in opposition, and co-sponsors were noted. The chamber also recognized guests from the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals, as well as visitors from the Colorado School of Mines and former Senator John Evans.
Later, the Senate considered special orders on the consent calendar, including House Bills 103, 1026, and 1051, and adopted the committee reports and the bills. House Bill 1026 was amended and House Bill 1051 was advanced to third reading and final passage. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 117, concerning permissible methods for the sale of lottery tickets. Senator Bridges explained that the bill was intended to respond to lottery rules allowing online sales and credit card purchases, but said the measure had been narrowed in committee and then raised constitutional concerns under Colorado’s prohibition on slot machines outside limited gaming areas. The transcript ends during that debate, before final action on Senate Bill 117 is shown.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, with your permission, I'd like to turn to Michael... Mr.
- Restores title and enacting clause with permission of the chair and the committee.
- This restores the title with the permission of the committee chair and signatures from the committee.
- It's restoring title with signatures from the committee and permission of the chair. Thank you, Mr.
- It's restoring title with signatures from the committee and permission of the chair.
Bills:
HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency.
Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Permission for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Permission for a follow-up. You're recognized. Thank you.
- Permission to go back and forthwood. Lake Nona, you said, sir.
- Permission to go back and forth with Senator for just a second.
- And now, finally, with your permission, Mr.
Summary:
The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability.
Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.