Transcript Highlights:

• And the and money to thousands of dollars and months of time.
• For the first time, I felt included instead of different.
• Thank you for the time and for listening to me. Thank you.
• So close to the same time, he learned to walk.
• There's barter all the time.

Bills: S0326, S0598, S0632, S0786, S1110, S1256, S1380, S1588, S7042, S7044

Keywords: curators, estates, court appointment, fiduciary duty, bond requirements, removal, surrogate, funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 7042 on legal tender and SB 1380 before taking up the remaining agenda. The committee first reported favorably C.S. for SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and what oversight applies. It then reported favorably SB 1256, which standardizes PBM pharmacy audits by requiring uniform audit standards, scope, frequency, penalties, and due process protections for pharmacies; testimony from pharmacists emphasized concerns about conflicts of interest, excessive audits, and disproportionate penalties, while preserving fraud investigations. The committee also reported favorably C.S. for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services after adopting an amendment that removed provisions on civil damages caps and phasing out direct disposers; the bill updates licensure and contract rules and addresses unclaimed remains. SB 632, which sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies during the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup, was reported favorably despite opposition from an attorney who argued the existing coverage framework should not be reduced. C.S. for SB 786, creating a nonjudicial process to close out undisputed trusts and discharge trustees, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 1110, a major bill expanding Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity limbs, and requiring annual reporting. After adopting an amendment clarifying eligible recipients, the committee heard extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the medical, developmental, and financial importance of prosthetic coverage, and members spoke in strong support before the bill was reported favorably. Later, the committee considered SB 1588, which implements last session’s legal tender law by refining definitions, narrowing custodian provisions, eliminating unnecessary examination requirements, and repealing the sunset clause; members raised questions about verification and anti-money-laundering concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7044 as a committee bill to expand public records exemptions to records relating to newly regulated custodians of gold and silver. The meeting concluded with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• May it be so, and let the people say amen. this time filled with curiosity and this time filled with
• Can you remind the body one more time under what rule we're operating and the limits of our debate?
• /c><00:24:05.440> limits<00:24:05.720> of<00:24:05.840> our and the limits of our
• orders members this is also a good time orders members this is also a good time for<01:00:35.720
• M an hour um uh speed limit across the M an hour um uh speed limit across the state<01:08:43.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they'll bet on their favorite team all the time. Representative Dahlio?
• Are there limits? Are there gambling limits on sports games?
• Are there gambling limits on sports games?
• We set internal limits for games that are a little more obscure.
• And that kind of happened about the same time as that newspaper article.

Summary: The House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a field hearing on the Puyallup Reservation, where members first received an overview of sports betting in Washington. Tribal casino representatives and the Washington State Gambling Commission explained that sports betting became legal in 2020 under HB 2638 and is currently limited to tribal casinos through sportsbook, kiosk, and on-premise mobile wagering. Testimony covered how odds are set, compliance with federal anti-money-laundering rules, and the role of third-party vendors. Tribal representatives said sports betting supports tribal economic development and asked to expand betting to include Washington college teams, while warning that prediction markets and other unregulated products pose a threat. Committee members asked about geo-fencing, betting limits, in-state college betting restrictions, and regulatory oversight. No votes were taken. The committee then heard from Vicki Lowe of the American Indian Health Commission on tribal data sovereignty and health data. She described tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility, and said tribes should have equitable access to their own health data and control over how it is used. She explained that during COVID, tribes often lacked direct access to state health data, which complicated case tracing and other public health work. Lowe said the Department of Health stopped collecting tribal affiliation in some contexts because of Public Records Act concerns, and she argued that this is inconsistent with tribal data-sharing principles adopted through the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council. Members asked for clarification about what counts as tribal data and how public records concerns affected data collection. No formal action was taken. Finally, Lucy Smartlut gave an update on the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force. She reported on the task force’s structure, its extension through 2027, and progress on recommendations including a fully funded cold case investigation unit in the Attorney General’s office, an updated missing persons resource, and forensic genetic genealogy work on unidentified remains. She said the cold case unit has active investigations, has helped locate missing Indigenous people, and made its first homicide arrest. She also presented data showing Native people are disproportionately represented among homicide and missing persons cases, and noted survey findings that many law enforcement agencies rely on officer observation for race data and have limited consultation with tribes. Committee members asked about funding, interagency coordination, and whether the task force is shifting toward prevention. The presenter said sustainability, continued awareness, and stronger collaboration remain priorities, and no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those providing testimony will be given time limits, which must be strictly observed.
• Uh, but they are aware of the bill at this time.
• That would mean limited common elements.
• exterior patio area would be a limited exterior patio area would be a limited common<00:51:08.559
• <00:54:43.599> to and we just haven't had time to and we just haven't had time to accomplish

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• before this committee, unless y'all can think of another time.
• space, and we've just grown drastically over that time.
• And before I say that, I will add the new crime lab is on time and under budget.
• So every time I give a time frame, we hit a brick wall, but we're still hoping by July, hopefully by
• we can get, which limits capacity.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these limits are 25 times or more higher than the limits of PFAS that are set federally.
• And these limits are 25 times or more higher than the limits of PFAS that are set federally.
• And these limits are 25 times or more higher than the limits of PFAS that are set federally.
• And these limits are 25 times or more higher than the limits of PFAS that are set federally.
• And these limits are 25 times or more higher than the limits of PFAS that are set federally.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings. Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously. Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.

Transcript Highlights:

• much time.
• And extended time to the degree.
• of working full-time, going to school full-time in these pathways.
• of working full-time, going to school full-time in these pathways.
• We have had a checks and balances system across time, and we have had a struggle at times where there

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• facility's capacity by half and limiting facility's capacity by half and limiting veteran<00:14:
• to supplement full-time positions. to supplement full-time positions.
• Is limiting access to care.
• It was also often impossible to separate care capability limitations from state space limitations.
• primary rate-limiting factor for primary rate-limiting factor for admission?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• period of time.
• You know, some of us work full-time and past full-time. We work with time and a half.
• That takes time, and they typically take lots of time.
• limit.
• limit.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a limit to that?
• treated it as one-time.
• Responding timely, it's excellent.
• Responding timely, it's excellent.
• But our investigation is ongoing at this time. Good.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to time.
• We appreciate the bill sponsor's time.
• HR1 changed the federal law that governs something called able-bodied adults without dependent time limits
• to expand those time limit work requirements to people up to age 65.
• At the same time, studies show that these photo IDs are really very little... ...time, studies show that

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it was limited to.
• So, uh, the average is about 28 to 30 days at this point in time, which is under the 45 day limit, but
• you do have individuals that do exceed that 45 day limit from time to time.
• What you, what the county can do and what the time response times and things are.
• It's limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• Read the bill a third time.
• Read the bill a third time.
• Read the bill a third time.
• Read the bill a third time.
• Read the bill third time.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to introduce and then sponsors more time to introduce and then limiting<01:01:52.720> to<01:01
• What that limitation does is it says, okay, for the police officer who only worked this extra time in
• component of my limited hours. component of my limited hours.
• What those limits are? Um it and limits? What those limits are?
• It's my first time in Edna. It's my first time in Edna.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No additional information at that time.
• But there's an additive this time.
• It takes me three times as long to see a personal injury patient due to the complexity of what ...times
• A lot of times in emergency work, that's not contracted.
• A lot of times in emergency work, that's not contracted.

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• SOLAR PERMITTING TIMES ARE UP FOUR TIMES LONGER AND LOCAL JURISDICTIONS THAT RESISTED ALTERNATIVE PLAN
• IT ESTABLISHES STRICTER TIME TERMS, LIMITS THE TIMES INFORMATION MAKE REQUESTED, PREVENTS UNNECESSARY
• BEEN THERE A COUPLE OF TIMES.
• WE ARE GOING TO LIMIT YOUR TIME TO SPEAK TO 30 SECONDS. I HAVE A 6:00 DEADLINE.
• I KNOW YOU ARE VERY VERY BUSY PEOPLE WITH A LIMITED AMOUNT OF SESSION TIME TO PROVIDE BENEFIT AND RELIEF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman's time has expired. Mr. Speaker, I move that the time be extended.
• We did at one time, yes.
• The gentleman's time has expired. Purpose. Can I request an extension of time?
• For questions, time has expired. Mr. Speaker, for an extension of time.
• It's time the Republicans get to do it. Absolutely. You do it all the time.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so voters have returned Mike to that school board six times since the first time he was elected.
• And so voters have returned Mike to that school board six times since the first time he was elected.
• All the time for public comment has closed.
• Tolleson Union has been mentioned a number of times today.
• Tolleson Union has been mentioned a number of times today.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So no limit per site. Okay.
• So no limit per site. Okay. Thank you. are there Place. Okay, so no limit per site.
• To the point of what we were going after is identifying the response time and travel times.
• What was the wait time for that?
• Travel time and monitoring that.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• People at home need to be aware that there is zero age limit.
• From time to time, he was even able to interact with his family.
• He expressed his love for them one more time before he passed.
• During that time, we saw the suicide rate climb and climb.
• Whether that's an outright ban, or whether that's age limits and limitations on how they pay into this