Transcript Highlights:

• At this place, their love and their labor rose like the sun and gave strength and meaning to the day.
• And may we remember and honor our ancestors and the legacy they left for us as long as the sun shines
• AT THIS PLACE, THEIR LOVE AND THEIR LABOR ROSE LIKE THE SUN, AND GAVE STRENGTH AND MEANING TO THE DAY
• Commissioner of Education or guidelines of the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, a take-back program

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• That program is transportation program.
• </c> uh exclude them from that NMT program. uh exclude them from that NMT program.
• </c><00:07:16.240><c> uh</c> members that are in PACE programs uh members that are in PACE programs uh
• </c> that modernization of the cases program. that modernization of the cases program.
• </c> the program. the program. &gt;&gt; Go<00:51:13.920><c> ahead.</c> &gt;&gt; Go ahead.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> prepayment screening program, prepayment screening program, accuracy<00:13:20.720><c> and</c><00
• In that program, we have found the most success of any program of his life.
• We believe we may have found that program with this individualized home support with training program
• We believe we may have found that program with this individualized home support with training program
• </c> where does the buck stop? where does the buck stop?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a part here around wildfire and making sure that we're getting the bang for the buck.
• It was just making sure we're getting the bang for the buck on our wildfire spending.
• How would these new provisions affect the climate credit within the cap-and-trade program? Yeah.
• This proposal says 100% of that money that electric utilities get from the cap-and-trade program will
• So, again, the whole piece is really around the bang for the buck.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources heard Senator Becker present a broad energy and affordability bill focused on shifting certain utility-related costs out of rates and into a new public power fund structure. The bill’s major elements included using cap-and-trade climate credit revenues to provide larger and better-timed customer credits, especially for low-income customers; creating a fund to help cover wildfire mitigation, care and fairness, and other public-purpose costs; adjusting rate-setting and wildfire spending oversight; and streamlining permitting and CEQA review through programmatic environmental documents for similar projects. Becker said the goal was to reduce regressive costs in rates while still supporting climate and infrastructure goals. Support came from municipal utilities, community choice advocates, environmental justice and clean energy groups, and the Climate Center, many of whom said they supported the bill and wanted to continue working on amendments. Opposition came from the California Chamber of Commerce, utility companies, business groups, and labor representatives, who argued the bill would shift rather than solve cost pressures, create rate instability, and introduce reliability and investor risks. Several opponents also criticized the proposed funding structure and the inflation-capped rate-setting approach. Committee members asked Becker about the rationale for the power fund, the change from 85% to 100% of cap-and-trade revenues going to customer credits, the reduced frequency of wildfire mitigation reporting, and the adequacy of streamlined environmental review. Becker said the bill was intended to move wildfire and other public-purpose costs out of rates over time and to speed up review without eliminating project-specific environmental analysis. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill on a due-pass recommendation, with members noting ongoing discussions on permitting and other amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kay Buck said that exploitation only thrives when systems fail.
• We are not against programs, but we are against programs that lack complete transparency, accountability
• These programs are one of the most effective public safety tools we have.
• mental health diversion programs do work.
• are still in place because mental health diversion programs do work.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on several bills and one resolution, with testimony largely focused on public safety, criminal justice, and victim/survivor protections. SB 936 by Senator Blakespear would restrict retail sale of larger nitrous oxide canisters to curb youth misuse and impaired driving; supporters included prosecutors, local officials, cities, counties, and environmental groups, while the ACLU opposed the bill unless amended to rely on regulation rather than criminal penalties. Members raised concerns about overbreadth and possible amendments, but the author said the bill would be narrowed and emphasized it would not create jail time, only escalating fines. SB 941 by Senator Padilla would cap commissary markups in private federal immigration detention facilities, mirroring a prior prison commissary law; it drew strong support from immigrant justice advocates and civil rights groups, with no opposition heard, and members expressed support for the measure. SCR 118 by Senator Gonzalez urged release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and greater transparency for survivors. The author and CAST testified in support, emphasizing survivor trauma and accountability; one committee member voiced concern that the resolution could imply facts not yet established and said he would likely abstain, while others supported the resolution as part of broader anti-trafficking efforts. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require clear and convincing evidence before detaining youth in juvenile hall and would favor less restrictive alternatives; supporters included youth defenders, former system-involved youth, and many advocacy organizations, while probation and district attorneys opposed it, arguing it would limit judicial discretion, strain resources, and could jeopardize public safety. Members were split, with some emphasizing the harms of detention and others warning about home-environment risks and implementation challenges. AB 46 by Assembly Member Nguyen would revise mental health diversion law to give judges clearer authority to deny diversion when public safety is at risk. Support came from prosecutors, probation, and crime survivors who described cases where diverted defendants later committed serious violence; opposition from public defenders and civil rights groups argued that judges already have discretion, diversion is rarely granted, and the bill would reduce access to treatment and worsen outcomes. The author said the bill was a balanced compromise developed with stakeholders. Finally, SB 948 by Senator Aegean would require more comprehensive firearm safety training for firearm safety certificates and require new California residents to register firearms and obtain a certificate within 60 days; supporters from Brady and youth gun-violence prevention groups cited accidental shootings and child deaths, and the author noted possible future amendments on timing for new residents. Throughout the hearing, the chair repeatedly noted the committee lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the option to apply for the ESA program the option to apply for the ESA program specified<00:02:
• They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
• They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
• They worked harder in school, and now that's become a program.
• And and the whole idea become a program.

Bills: SF0018, SF0036, SF0047

Keywords: K-12 education, part-time attendance, public schools, student enrollment, education funding, scholarship, Hathaway, academic eligibility, financial aid, Hathaway scholarship, education, state funding, college access, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But here they are guided not by a star, but by a pillar of light, brighter than the sun, radiant beyond
• Joint House Resolution 6 is a joint resolution authorizing the Green Mountain Boy State Educational Program
• the Green Mountain Boy State authorizing the Green Mountain Boy State Educational<00:11:10.959><c> Program
• > to</c><00:11:11.920><c> use</c><00:11:12.160><c> the</c><00:11:12.320><c> state</c> Educational Program
• to use the state Educational Program to use the state house<00:11:12.800><c> facilities</c><00:11:13.360

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pierce's disease impacting wine grapes, this bill renews and strengthens the Pierce's disease control program
• I am proud to present AB 1636 establishing the Cerritos College Seamless Enrollment Pilot Program back
• The sun will not even rise until 8:24 under daylight saving time versus 7:24 a.m. on Pacific Standard
• The sun will not even rise until 824 under daylight savings time versus 7.24 a.m. on Pacific Standard
• UCLA called his work in the Watts Rising program a bright legacy, saying he is an influential change

Summary: The Assembly met in Sacramento with a quorum eventually established after the roll call. The day began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several procedural actions, including rereferrals, consent motions, and requests to remove or return bills. The chamber then moved through a long series of concurrence votes, with many Senate amendments adopted on largely unanimous roll calls. Among the measures approved were bills on Pierce’s disease control in wine grapes (AB 230), mortgage-related matters (AB 1278), a Cerritos College seamless enrollment pilot (AB 1636), alcohol and local government cleanup measures, school district employee issues, and a bill creating a “Penny’s Act” framework for local agencies to round cash transactions if penny shortages continue (SB 105). The Assembly also adopted several Senate bills dealing with CalPERS audit notices, community college reporting, tax-sharing consultant fees, AI-related public comment abuse, juvenile dismissals, industrial cities, library access for teens, and clean energy accounting for water agencies, with most passing by wide margins and a few drawing limited opposition. The chamber also took up several resolutions and special items. HR 112, designating Black Music Month, drew extended remarks celebrating Black artists and their influence on American music; it was adopted by voice vote after 62 coauthors were added. HR 132, declaring September as Young Women’s Reproductive Health Awareness Month, was also adopted after testimony about menstrual health, reproductive education, and disparities in care. SJR 8, calling on Congress to modernize the federal immigration registry and create a clearer path to lawful permanent residency, passed 45-2. SCR 7, supporting permanent standard time, generated notable debate over health effects, daylight hours, and voter intent; after a roll call the resolution was adopted 41-3. The Assembly also adopted a consent calendar of additional resolutions and bills, including items related to awareness days and several Senate bills. Several bills were discussed with substantive policy explanations. SB 928 would add guardrails on AI use in CSU classrooms and preserve human faculty roles; SB 1159 would clarify that autonomous AI systems are not “persons” for purposes of public comment and transparency laws; SB 1375 created a narrow CEQA exemption for certain transit and rail projects with prior environmental review; and SB 952 allowed water agencies to carry forward clean-energy procurement credits. SB 917 expanded farmers market sales opportunities for more wineries by removing an estate-grown grape requirement. Most of these measures passed with strong support, though SB 952 and SB 965 on teen library cards drew some opposition or concern, and SB 1055 on flood-management procurement passed with a small number of no votes. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes honoring community leaders and residents, including Eric Washington Jr., Ivan Garza, Darryl Preston Jackson, Richard “Dick” Oliphant, and Santos Garcia, with members and family offering remarks about their service, advocacy, and local impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• > speed</c> voucher program.
• The program helps speed voucher program.
• They cut money for child nutrition programs. They cut money for school nutrition programs.
• :53.840><c> help</c> Nutrition Assistance Program to help Nutrition Assistance Program to help senior
• They cut money for school programs. They cut money for school nutrition<02:56:10.080><c> programs.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have another program, the Arkansas Better Chance program, that is state funded through our
• If you're on the other early education program, the SRA program, you either get $33 or $36 a day based
• The program that has higher requirements is paid less than the other program that doesn't meet the same
• Are we getting a bang for our buck here?
• Are we getting a bang for our buck here?

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Buck. Can you do it in 1 minute or less? Buck. Can you do it in 1 minute or less?
• </c> will turn over to Buck. That's good. will turn over to Buck. That's good.
• Buck, how about you? we need to be. Buck, how about you? Yeah,<00:15:26.079><c> Mr.
• and first Episode psychosis programs and first episode bipolar disorder programs.
• It's like the PACE program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program was later extended statewide.
• ,</c><00:19:19.760><c> removing</c> family court pilot program, removing family court pilot program,
• This program<00:19:30.000><c> was</c><00:19:30.240><c> later</c><00:19:30.559><c> extended</c><00:19:
• </c> program was later extended statewide. program was later extended statewide.
• It shouldn't happen in New Hampshire, but it does, you know, it's got to stop, you know, and the buck

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 518 and House Bill 652FN, both related to the family court system and child/family matters. HB 518 drew extended discussion about DCYF/DCYF’s role and whether the bill should be retained, amended, or studied further. Representative Love argued the agency is deeply troubled, citing abuse cases, lack of training, and fear among constituents, and said he would vote against ITL while preferring interim study so the bill could still be used as a future amendment vehicle. Other members emphasized that the family division has ongoing reform work underway and that abolishing or moving cases to superior court would not solve the underlying problems. On HB 652FN, the subcommittee chair and Representative Pearson gave a detailed defense of the family division, explaining its history, statewide structure, caseload, and the rationale for specialized family courts. Pearson said the bill would reverse progress by shifting jurisdiction back to superior court, overload dockets, and deprive families of judges with specialized expertise. He pointed to reforms already underway, including simplified forms, more mediation, and review of possible judicial bias patterns. Several members and public comments supported keeping the bill as a tool for reform rather than killing it, while critics argued the family court system suffers from due process, oversight, and rule-of-law problems. The committee also heard broader testimony on family court concerns, including allegations of systemic bias, discovery limits, unsworn witnesses, and lack of oversight, as well as support for mediation as a less adversarial and more effective option. Some members said the judiciary needs more judges and mediators, but that budget constraints limit those improvements. The discussion ended with no final vote recorded in the excerpt; instead, members continued debating whether the bills should be ITL’d or retained for interim study and further reform work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, due to SNAP and the accompanying incentive programs, market bucks, which are funded by Minnesota
• are</c><02:20:43.120><c> funded</c> programs, market bucks, which are funded programs, market bucks,
• The cuts in federal programs like SNAP, Produce Market Bucks, FMNP, and LFPA all have direct negative
• in other programs like the market<02:31:29.200><c> bucks.
• </c> important program. important program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida had a modest approach to civics education and limited availability for speech and debate programs
• Now, we have programs like the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
• These programs embrace the values that comprise the foundation, not just of the American Republic, but
• As Ecclesiastes instructs us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Summary: The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After opening formalities, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the appointment of a committee to notify the Governor that the Legislature was ready, the chamber recognized special guests and then received Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. In his address, the Governor reviewed what he described as seven years of major accomplishments in Florida, emphasizing fiscal restraint, tax relief, economic growth, education reforms, environmental restoration, disaster response, public safety, and immigration enforcement. He highlighted a larger rainy day fund, reduced debt, record job and business growth, universal school choice, higher teacher pay, Hope Florida, Everglades restoration, stronger hurricane response, and tougher laws on crime and illegal immigration. He also warned about property tax burdens, called for a constitutional path to property tax relief, urged informed consent in medical policy, and raised concerns about artificial intelligence. The Governor pointed to several bills already filed and urged lawmakers to send him legislation eliminating DEI in local government, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking the spread of Sharia law. He closed by asking the Legislature to continue advancing his agenda. After the address, the joint session voted to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida had a modest approach to civics education and limited availability for speech and debate programs
• Now, we have programs like the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
• These programs embrace the values that comprise the foundation, not just of the American Republic, but
• As Ecclesiastes instructs us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Summary: The transcript is of a Florida Legislature joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate were received, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor that the joint session was ready, and the Governor and First Lady were introduced. The Senate President presided, a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were offered, and the joint session then recessed to await the Governor’s arrival. Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record over the past seven years. He highlighted fiscal restraint, larger reserves and rainy-day funds, debt reduction, tax cuts, business and job growth, school choice expansion, education reforms, higher teacher pay, civics initiatives, environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades, hurricane response improvements, public safety and immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and other ideological policies. He also urged lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and addressing what he described as the creep of Sharia law. The Governor additionally called for property tax relief through the constitutional amendment process and for legislation emphasizing informed consent in medical decision-making. He warned about risks posed by artificial intelligence and said new technologies should align with American values. No substantive votes were taken on policy matters during the session; after the Governor’s remarks, the joint session adopted a motion to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida had a modest approach to civics education and limited availability for speech and debate programs
• Now, we have programs like the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
• These programs embrace the values that comprise the foundation, not just of the American Republic, but
• As Ecclesiastes instructs us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Summary: The transcript captures a Florida legislative joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate formally received the Lieutenant Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor, and the Governor was introduced and delivered a lengthy address. The Governor framed Florida as a model of conservative governance and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, including budget reserves and rainy day fund growth, debt reduction, tax cuts, economic growth and job creation, universal school choice, teacher pay increases, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response, public safety measures, immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and COVID-era mandates. The Governor also outlined priorities for the coming session, urging lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law. He additionally called for action on property tax relief, saying homeowners should not pay “perpetual rent” to government, and asked the legislature to place a tax-relief measure before voters. He emphasized emerging concerns about artificial intelligence and medical freedom, arguing for informed consent and ethical limits on new technologies. After the Governor concluded, the joint session took up a motion to dissolve. The motion was approved, and the joint session adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida had a modest approach to civics education and limited availability for speech and debate programs
• Now, we have programs like the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
• These programs embrace the values that comprise the foundation, not just of the American Republic, but
• As Ecclesiastes instructs us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida had a modest approach to civics education and limited availability for speech and debate programs
• Now, we have programs like the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
• These programs embrace the values that comprise the foundation, not just of the American Republic, but
• As Ecclesiastes instructs us, there is nothing new under the sun.

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session. The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law. No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• hotel, but there must have been 300 people there, and they proposed sending the nuclear waste to the sun
• If there’s a program available for access and waterfowl, that they can use these dollars, I'm available
• Is there a federal program for a potential match right now?
• I do think that, putting that $400,000 back into the plots program for waterfowl-specific access, Back
• into the PLOTS program for waterfowl-specific access is going to help.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee reconsidered Senate Bill 2159, which concerns a study related to nuclear energy and waste. Members discussed a proposed amendment to clarify that the study would address above-ground storage of nuclear waste, not underground storage, reflecting concerns raised by constituents about earlier nuclear-related proposals. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 2159 a unanimous 13-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2245, described as a hunting-related bill, and recommended it do pass on a 13-0 vote after brief discussion with Game and Fish support noted. Senate Bill 2216, the duck stamp bill, was also advanced 13-0. Testimony on SB 2216 explained that it would help Game and Fish better track resident duck hunting participation and generate revenue for waterfowl habitat, PLOTS access, and possible federal matching funds. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2137, which addresses baiting rules and chronic wasting disease surveillance. An amendment was proposed to set a 50-gallon limit at a hunting location, require a 50-foot setback from property used for animal agriculture, and direct continued disease surveillance with a report due before December 31, 2028. After discussion about fence setbacks, livestock concerns, and the department’s authority to manage disease, the committee adopted the amendment by a 7-6 vote and then passed the bill as amended on an 8-4 vote. The committee also noted several remaining bills would be taken up the following week and adjourned, with no meeting the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an amazing program today, all related to PFAS.
• Joel was a social worker at the time, and I worked in a day program for people with disabilities.
• Joel was a social worker at the time, and I worked in a day program for people with disabilities.
• Joel was a social worker at the time, and I worked in a day program for people with disabilities.
• Joel was a social worker at the time, and I worked in a day program for people with disabilities.

Keywords: 1183, house