Transcript Highlights:

• We took a vote.
• They can vote.
• They can vote.
• That item is out with seven votes? No, it's eight. With eight votes.
• Wilson, not voting. Wilson, not voting. Then the measure is out 9-0. Thank you. Wilson, not voting.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, if I may take the vote, if I can take the vote. Thanks. Yep. Okay.
• Senate, may I take the vote? Sure. Senate, may I take the vote? Sure.
• We have a vote. We Deort is excused. We have a vote.
• We are ready to vote.
• The chair votes I. Co-chair Hasham. CD1. The chair votes I. Co-chair Hasham.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met several times on April 25, 2025, to resolve a number of bills, often delaying items until later in the day because of missing FIN/WAM releases or lack of quorum. Early in the day, SB 382 was discussed briefly but not advanced because finance would not release it. HB 1064, relating to the state fire marshal, was taken up and approved after conferees confirmed a $2,212,000 appropriation for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund eight positions in the Department of Law Enforcement. Members thanked the many agencies, staff, and advocates involved, and the bill passed by unanimous votes of those present. Several other measures were rolled over to later conference-room meetings, including HB 423 on workers’ compensation, HB 214 on government, HB 1036, HB 1037, and HB 1039 on public employment cost items, SB 828 on workers’ compensation medical benefits, SB 717 on collective bargaining, and HB 286 on the individual housing account program, all pending FIN/WAM release or further agreement. A larger housing agenda was also postponed to 4:30 p.m. in Room 225, including bills on housing, transportation, transient accommodations development, rental housing revolving funds, dwelling unit revolving funds, and low-income housing credit. At the later transportation and housing sessions, HB 1231 was adopted as a conference draft establishing a $5 county motor vehicle registration surcharge for the Safe Routes to School special fund and clarifying rules for automated enforcement citations and liability. HB 4209 on transit-oriented development also passed; it defined transit-oriented development, created a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund, and authorized HCDA to use the definition in planning. HB 1298 on housing passed with amendments to support a government employee housing program tied to a transit-oriented development site, including funding for planning and an HHFC position. HB 830 on historic preservation reviews also passed with amendments limiting third-party review to residential or mixed-use development and setting staggered effective dates. Later, SB 662 on transportation passed with amendments authorizing county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on public streets, roadways, and highways. Several other bills remained pending and were recessed for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote<01:36:02.560> yes. vote yes. vote yes.
• more people to vote, well then one vote more people to vote, well then one vote should<03:30:27.840
• second vote. second vote.
• vote, the second vote make it only one vote, the second vote protects<03:53:49.040> that.
• vote, the first vote rid of the second vote, the first vote says<03:54:10.319> yes,<03:54:10.560

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with the pledge, roll call, and approval of the journal. Members then spent much of the morning on announcements recognizing visiting groups, including the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Catholic Lobby Day participants, Vertical Skills Academy students, the Colorado Optometric Association, the Junior League of Denver, Jack and Jill of America, and advocates for HIV/AIDS harm reduction. Representative Gilchrist also highlighted HIV/AIDS and overdose statistics and urged members to meet with advocates. Representative Velasco announced an absence for Monday and Tuesday. The chamber adopted House Resolution 1002, honoring District Wildlife Manager Bob Holder for 50 years of service to Colorado wildlife. Supporters described his long career, conservation work, bear education efforts, landowner relationships, and awards, and members gave him a standing recognition. The resolution passed 62-0 with 3 excused. The House then received committee reports and moved to third reading on several bills. House Bill 1081, concerning electric transmission system optimization, passed 42-20 with 3 excused. House Bill 1228, increasing access to marriage and family therapist licensure, passed 62-0 with 3 excused. House Bill 1120, implementing mobile home taxation task force recommendations and extending redemption protections for mobile home owners, passed 40-2 with 3 excused after debate over its tax policy effects and fairness to seniors and disabled veterans. House Bill 1084, expanding voter transparency requirements for initiated statewide ballot measures, was debated at length with opponents arguing it would burden citizen initiatives and implicate First Amendment rights; the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• . voting. voting.
• voting system is run at the local level. voting system is run at the local level.
• voting process. voting process.
• to vote aren't being allowed to vote." to vote aren't being allowed to vote."
• /c><01:12:11.280> and force you to vote or not to vote, and force you to vote or not to vote,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I declare the vote.
• I declare the vote.
• I declare the vote.
• I declare the vote 9 having received a majority of the vote present.
• Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote. Declare the vote.

Bills: HB3790, HB2941, HB2959, HB3087, HB3974, HB3500, HB3697, HB3262, HB3582, HB4226, HB3037, HB4139, HB4143, HB4144, HB2936, HB3322, HB4296, HB3278, HB4202, HB4176, HB3303, HB3648, HB4119

Keywords: home repairs, consumer protection, contracts, homeowner rights, rescission, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent

Transcript Highlights:

• explain my vote? Go ahead. explain my vote? Go ahead.
• So, I'm going to be a vote a no vote. So, I'm going to be a vote a no vote.
• my vote, please. Go ahead. my vote, please. Go ahead.
• Chairman, I vote yes. Representative Grossberg asked to explain his vote.
• Chair Lewis voted yes.

Keywords: This meeting failed to stream and a back up recording was uploaded in it's place., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those wishing to vote or change, vote. Chair's pairing and close. Clear the vote.
• Any wishing to vote or change their vote? Declare the vote. Nine yeas, two nays.
• Any wishing to vote or change their vote? Declare the vote.
• Open the queue for a vote. Marty aye. Those wishing to vote or change their vote.
• Anybody wish to vote or change their vote? Declare the vote. Ten yeas, zero nays.

Bills: HB2947, HB2964, HB3143, HB3144, HB3342, HB3344, HB3519, HB3522, HB3530, HB3645, HB3647, HB3834, HB4300, HB4422, HB4423

Keywords: behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, medical records, patient rights, privacy, fees, healthcare access, legal claims, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members wish to vote or change their vote? Declare the vote. Five yea, one nay.
• Are there any members wishing to vote or change their vote? Close the queue, declare the vote.
• Any members wishing to vote or change your vote? Close the queue, declare the vote.
• Are there any members wishing to vote or change your vote? Close the queue, declare the vote.
• Any members wishing to vote or change your vote? Declare the vote. Five yea, zero nay.

Bills: HB4336, HB1818, HB3194, HB3538, HB3682, HB3762, HB3793, HB3930, HB3931, HB3934, HB4124, HB4200, HB4410, HB4457, HB4473, HB3884, HB1912

Keywords: interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation, spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal infusion pump, endoscopic diskectomy, fluoroscopy, physician supervision, allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse anesthetist, freestanding pain management facility, medical licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge people to vote yes. Thank you.
• I think it's fair to say we don't vote party line. We vote trying to work through.
• I note a distinct trend in the voting so I will not ask my colleagues to vote. again on this, but I would
• Chairman, the vote is 13 to pose 11 in favor.
• I urge my colleagues to vote no. The clerk will call the vote. Mr. Chair, Mr.

Bills: SB875

Keywords: banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual

Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.

Transcript Highlights:

• me to vote no.
• me to vote no.
• I'm going to vote. I'm going to vote.
• I vote aye.
• I vote I. And >> Thank you, Mr. President. I vote I.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. The House communicated that it had passed House Bill 4 and requested concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 18, 33, 85, and 132, and committee reports indicating Senate Bills 136, 183, 2, 4, and 71 should pass, with some substitutes and title amendments. The Senate also introduced Senate Resolutions 79 and 80 honoring Joseph Harden McFarland and Jeremiah Parsons. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 5, relating to Kentucky-grown agricultural product procurement. The sponsor described it as a way to improve school nutrition, support Kentucky producers, and keep food dollars in local communities. Several senators spoke in support, including references to the Make America Healthy Task Force and the idea of using food procurement as a tool for rural prosperity and better nutrition in schools. Senate Bill 5 passed by roll call, 38-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 73, which would allow home-based processors to use beef tallow in cosmetic products. The sponsor said the bill would expand existing home-processing authority beyond food products to cosmetics. It passed unanimously, 38-0. Senate Bill 12, relating to medical provider coverage and level four trauma centers, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued it would help rural hospitals join the trauma network by allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to work under physician supervision, including remote supervision, and said it would improve access and save lives in underserved areas. Opponents, including a physician senator, argued the bill would lower trauma-care standards and could put patients at risk by allowing non-physician staffing in facilities that need immediate hands-on medical expertise. After lengthy discussion, the bill was advanced and then passed by roll call, with supporters emphasizing rural access and opponents warning about patient safety and the adequacy of physician coverage.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current vote is 3 to 0, with the Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.
• The current vote is 3 to 0, with the Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.
• The current vote is 3 to 0, with the Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.
• The current vote is 2 to 1, with the Chair voting aye and the Vice Chair voting no.
• Current vote is 3 to 0, with the Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee heard and advanced several bills covering workers’ compensation, public pensions, workplace training, public works wages, and disability/paid family leave benefits. AB 1048 would require greater transparency when medical provider payments in workers’ compensation are reduced through network or administrator arrangements; supporters said providers need the underlying contract to verify reductions, while opponents argued the problem is overstated and existing dispute remedies are available. AB 1601 would give Sonoma County flexibility to provide targeted cost-of-living adjustments to retirees; supporters emphasized retirees have gone without a COLA since 2008 and that the retirement system is well funded, with no opposition testimony heard. AB 1439 would request a UC Berkeley study on labor standards in real estate and infrastructure projects funded through CalPERS and CalSTRS portfolios; labor groups supported it, while local governments, housing, and industry groups opposed it as unnecessary and potentially burdensome. AB 1697 would delay implementation of last year’s AB 692 on stay-or-pay and related employment contract provisions to 2027, with some support from the NFL and a support-if-amended request from the financial services industry for a 2028 date. AB 1803 would add anti-hate speech content to existing workplace harassment training; supporters framed it as a response to rising antisemitism and workplace hate, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and argued current law already addresses harassment. AB 2120 would extend Los Angeles Unified’s selective certification hiring authority and allow retention of such employees in layoffs, and AB 2292 would bar providers from charging administrative fees for completing disability insurance and paid family leave certification forms; both drew support and no opposition testimony in the hearing. AB 1198, the Fair Pay for Construction Workers Act, would tie prevailing wage to the time work is performed rather than bid advertisement, with supporters calling it a fairness fix and opponents warning of uncertainty and higher costs on public projects. The committee later reconvened and voted all of the heard bills out, with most passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; AB 1439 was the only measure with recorded dissent, passing 4-1 on the final committee vote. Several items were also placed on call before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Vice Chair vote aye. Representative Garrett votes aye. Representative Capella votes aye.
• Representative Rhoads is excused for the rest of the vote. Any votes with reservation? Any nays?
• <00:43:20.880> on<00:43:21.000> House vote thank you chair voting on House vote thank
• with reservation or nay there any votes with reservation or nay votes votes votes chair<00:45:27.400
• <00:55:50.799> on for the vote thank you chair voting on for the vote thank you chair voting

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker votes aye. Members wishing to vote or change your vote? Declare the vote. Mr.
• Members wishing to vote or change your vote? ...vote or change your vote.
• Members wishing to vote or change your vote. Members wishing to vote or change your vote.
• Representative Woolley, votes aye. Close the vote. Declare the vote. Close the vote.
• Declare the vote. Close the vote. Declare the vote.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
• Have all senators voted? All the senators voted.
• Senators, please proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
• If all senators voted, have all senators voted.
• The board and senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? All senators voted.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, Catholic lay leaders, seniors advocates, Broward County school officials, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then moved through its special order calendar, beginning with several Florida Statutes revision bills. SB 36 adopted the 2025 Florida Statutes and prior session law; SB 38 conformed statutory terminology for the Division of Criminal Investigations; SB 40 removed repealed provisions; and SB 42 cleaned up obsolete language, cross-references, and typographical errors. Each passed unanimously or nearly unanimously after brief explanations and no substantive debate. The Senate also passed CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, as amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role under USF and clarify research and modeling responsibilities; CS/SB 116 on veterans, which expanded veteran awareness and coordination efforts, added mental health training, and authorized adult day health care; SB 118 on presidential libraries, which preempted local regulation to give a future Florida presidential library maximum flexibility; CS/SB 126 on prescription hearing aids, allowing mail distribution for adults after appropriate professional evaluation; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions; and SM 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Most of these measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 118 drew questions about local zoning, parking, and safety and passed 36-3, with one senator later changing to a no vote over local control concerns. Later, the Senate approved CS/CS/SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property, and CS/SB 348 on ethics, which would penalize false claims of military rank or honors for material gain and require paycheck withholding for delinquent ethics fines owed by public employees. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 7012 on child welfare, which included a CPI/case manager recruitment program, a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improved data collection and capacity analysis for commercially sexually exploited children. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures was adopted after a detailed explanation of rule review, transparency, and rulemaking deadlines, and CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of CPA licensure pathways. The longest and most celebratory debate centered on CS/SB 110 for rural communities. The bill created an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school and health care investments, and related rural support measures. Amendments refined transportation priorities in the Everglades agricultural area and clarified the FARM road program. Senators from across the chamber praised the bill as a long-awaited investment in rural Florida, agriculture, broadband, health care, and quality of life. After extensive debate and emotional closing remarks from the sponsor and leadership, the bill passed overwhelmingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, she was, she voted. I'm sorry.
• for now instead of voting on it.
• Bowers, are you OK with, uh, you voted, well, you vote who voted against Mr.
• So after reexamining the vote, the vote, uh, on the motion was 6 ayes and 2 nays, so the bill will be
• Verdell, will you move to recon you move to reconsider the vote by which, uh, uh, The, the vote by which

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your vote as well. your votes trust me I'll come back next your votes trust me I'll come
• <00:06:48.039> measure nine I votes two nay votes the measure nine I votes two nay votes the
• Chair McDaniel, I mean 10 aye votes, one pass vote.
• ><00:13:30.720> measure<00:13:31.320> passes votes one pass vote the measure passes votes
• > votes<00:24:13.720> the<00:24:13.799> measure two nay votes two pass votes the

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:02 HJR 53 Discussion 00:00:35 HJR 53 Vote 00:03:52 HB 622 Discussion 00:06:52 HB 622 Vote 00:12:55 HB 775 Discussion 00:13:50 HB 775 Vote 00:22:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reconsidered House Joint Resolution 53, which concerns releasing previously appropriated funds for Kentucky State University. Kentucky State University President Kofi Aapo testified in support, describing significant enrollment growth, a balanced budget, and a $5 million fund balance since his arrival, and asking for continued support. Members praised his leadership while noting the institution still has work to do. The motion to reconsider passed, and the resolution then received favorable expression by a 9-2 vote. The committee next took up House Bill 622, a compromise bill involving the Kentucky Nonprofit Network and the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to improve prompt payment practices for grants and contracts, including partial payments on undisputed invoice items within 30 days and a process for disputed items. The bill also included several appropriation-related corrections and adjustments, including a fix to an allocation for Elizabethtown water and sewer projects, a change in an economic development recipient, revisions to school resource officer language, and additional contingency authority for the Capitol renovation. The committee adopted a title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression by a 10-1 vote. House Bill 775 was then discussed as a broad tax and economic development measure. The bill covers TIF districts, electronic filing for craft brewers, pipeline property tax treatment, bourbon barrel tax cleanup, staged income tax reductions, extension of the Metropolitan College incentive, tourism and lodging incentives, reauthorization of an expired TIF, taxation and licensing of cannabis-infused beverages, alternative fuels and jet fuel tax credit review, entertainment event incentives, the selling farmer tax credit, IRC conformity, data center incentives, the first audit of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and limits on additional electronic charity gaming locations until regulations are adopted. Members raised questions about the beverage tax structure, TIF impacts, and the income tax reduction provisions; some expressed concern about making future tax cuts easier, while others supported the bill’s TIF and agriculture provisions. The bill passed with favorable expression by a 7-2 vote with two pass votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think people ought to just vote it up or down, vote it yes or no instead of having to some type of
• <00:09:54.640> can legislature by a three-fifth vote can legislature by a three-fifth vote
• a two-thirds vote. And then finally, Mr. a two-thirds vote. And then finally, Mr.
• voting to sign. voting to sign.
• the polls uh when they can vote there. the polls uh when they can vote there.

Keywords: Elections - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 1:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several election- and ethics-related measures. First, it considered SB 2589, which would require campaign finance reports to be filed online through the Secretary of State’s filing system, with the system voluntary until February 1, 2028. The bill was explained as a continuation of prior campaign finance reform efforts, and after brief discussion it received a title-sufficient do-pass motion and was reported out. The committee then discussed a constitutional amendment vehicle for ballot initiatives, described as allowing citizens to place measures on the ballot through petitions equal to 10% of active registered voters, with limits on signatures from any one congressional district, a prohibition on initiatives depriving any human being of the right to life, and a 60% vote requirement for initiatives dealing substantially with state revenue or expenses. Members raised concerns about severability, the legislature’s ability to later amend initiative statutes, and whether an alternative measure on the ballot was too confusing. The committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the measure out, then also advanced SB 2919, a shell bill bringing forward the code sections needed to implement ballot initiative changes if the main measure passes. Finally, the committee considered a bill to revise in-person absentee voting procedures by eliminating absentee ballot envelopes and having voters cast ballots directly into an OMR machine after showing ID, with the machine rejecting errors and preserving ballot secrecy. The sponsor said the proposal was intended to make the process smoother and more secure for circuit clerks, and noted possible additional excuses for in-person absentee voting, including work obligations and parenting responsibilities. Members asked about affidavits, penalties for false excuses, timing, and whether mail voting would still be available for those unable to vote in the 22-day in-person absentee window; the sponsor said mail voting would remain unchanged. The committee adopted the committee substitute, passed the bill out, and then rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not voting. Senator Richardson, how did I vote? Senator Richardson, voting no.
• Senator Walsh, how was I recorded as voted? Senator Walsh, not voting. I’m not voting to yes.
• Senator Walsh, from not voting to voting yes. Senator Wilson. Voting yes.
• Senator Wilson, from voting no to voting yes.
• From no to voting yes. Senator Buckson, from voting no to voting yes.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call is open for your vote. Have all members voted?
• Ninety-four members voting aye, one member voting nay.
• House voting I, one member voting nay.
• Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• <00:29:02.960> House voting I. No members voting nay. House voting I.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:06 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 09:21 HB 253 09:35 HB 508 16:18 HCR 44 29:09 HB 436 31:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 35:50 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 41:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:02 ConC/Rules Report 46:27 Floor Amendments 47:56 Adjournment 48:34, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval of the prior day’s journal. Committee reports were read for a range of bills and resolutions, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, an adult workforce diploma pilot program, parole board changes, alternative high school diplomas, campaign finance, child care, mental health treatment, gubernatorial transitions, unclaimed property, and state contracts. Those items received first reading and were placed on the calendar. The chamber then considered House Bill 253, relating to reading and language arts instruction. Supporters said the bill follows the earlier Read to Succeed law by requiring instruction grounded in the science of reading and phasing out the three-cueing system, which they argued encourages memorization rather than phonics. A member from House District 93 opposed the prohibition, saying teachers need flexibility and that some district-approved methods remain useful in classrooms. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 94-1, then laid a motion to reconsider on the table. House Bill 508, relating to the protection of veterans benefits, was also debated and passed unanimously 93-0. The sponsor said the bill regulates paid veterans-claims services, requires clear disclosures about free services, limits fees, bars certain practices, and adds annual reporting, while exempting attorneys and law firms. Several members spoke in support, citing personal experiences and the need to protect veterans from bad actors, though some also expressed concern about access to help and urged future federal accreditation language. House Concurrent Resolution 44, urging Congress to create a VA accreditation pathway for private claims companies, was adopted 95-0, and House Bill 436, creating a PGA HOPE-related state parks benefit for veterans and active-duty military participants, passed 94-0. At the end of the session, the House received Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustments and declaring an emergency, for first reading and return to committee. Members also made announcements about upcoming breakfasts, meetings, guest groups, and other events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted.
• If all members have voted, have all members voted.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations. Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins. The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.