Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. algiance to the flag of the United algiance to the flag of the United States<00:06:53.840>
• The amendment is adopted with a vote of 8 to 5.
• bargaining agreement. We don't know. bargaining agreement. We don't know.
• /c> I've been doing of DCYF and DHS for 5 I've been doing of DCYF and DHS for 5 years.<05:17:29.680><
• In my DCYF and DHS for over 5 years.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are many cases throughout the courts of California and throughout the United States, actually,
• This includes blatant refusal from some landlords to rent units to tenants with a voucher.
• Alexa Chavez on behalf of United Domestic Workers in support. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning.
• Meanwhile, here in the United States, there are no regulations on swipe fees.
• Don Castellan, APG, UG, UGBA, United States Poultry Judge. Good evening. My name's Dave Duran.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• And imagine if we could expand that across the United States.
• And imagine if we could expand that across the United States.
• So I bargained with myself.
• Notably, Sanderson Sheriff's Office still has no internal affairs unit.
• Citizens United v.

Bills: SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, and heard extensive public testimony both for and against the measure. Supporters, including representatives of Texas Values and Texas Values Action, argued the bill was needed to protect women’s privacy and safety in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, prisons, domestic violence shelters, and other government-controlled spaces, and said it would provide clear, sex-based rules. Opponents, including many transgender Texans, civil rights advocates, clergy, business and public safety voices, and others, argued the bill would invite harassment, gender policing, lawsuits, and invasive inspections, while harming trans, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people as well as cisgender women who do not fit stereotypes. Several witnesses said the bill would conflict with federal law or prison standards, worsen safety in shelters and prisons, and hurt Texas’s reputation and economy. The chair repeatedly noted the compressed special-session schedule and said flood relief remained the session’s top priority. Public testimony on SB 8 was eventually closed, and the bill was left pending. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 6, dealing with consumable hemp product restrictions. Testimony on SB 6 focused on whether the bill went too far in restricting hemp-derived THC products. Opponents argued hemp and THC have medical and economic value, that the bill would criminalize conduct and burden courts, and that regulation—not prohibition—was the better approach. Some witnesses supported tighter rules such as testing, child-resistant packaging, and limits on marketing to children, but still opposed the bill’s broad THC ban, higher fees, and age restrictions. Several speakers emphasized benefits for veterans, chronic pain patients, and small businesses, and warned that prohibition would push consumers toward the illicit market. The committee heard the testimony and then continued with additional witnesses, with no final vote or disposition reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We wrote a letter to the museum director signed by a majority of our bargaining unit.
• Hess, my pleasure. >> Chair Pinto, I am Bernie Hess from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union
• . >> Chair Pinto, I am Bernie Hess from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
• c> Food<00:13:38.320> and<00:13:38.480> Commercial<00:13:38.880> Workers United
• Food and Commercial Workers United Food and Commercial Workers Union.<00:13:40.480> Uh<00:13:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3796, as amended by a DE2 amendment, and the amendment was adopted on a voice vote. Representative Jones described the bill as creating a reasonable expectation that employees can sit when the nature of the work allows it, and said the DE2 clarified language with help from the Department of Labor and Industry and added a penalty for violations. She said the bill was inspired by constituents who work in a museum and by concerns about the health effects of prolonged standing, including back and leg pain, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and pregnancy-related harms. Supporters testified that the bill would improve worker health and safety and reflect common-sense accommodations. A former Walker Arts Center union president described a dispute over stools for gallery assistants, saying workers were told they needed a doctor’s note to use them and that the union gathered signatures and other support after the employer restricted seating. A UFCW representative said seating makes ergonomic sense, can reduce injuries and workers’ compensation costs, and may reduce ADA-related issues, especially for cashiers. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business, both of which argued the bill was too vague and could create compliance and litigation problems for employers. They raised questions about what counts as reasonable seating, adequate numbers of seats, and reasonable proximity, and worried about impacts on small businesses, tight workspaces, and industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, nursing, and meatpacking. Department of Labor and Industry staff explained that enforcement would likely begin with technical assistance and an inform-and-educate process, with investigations and possible penalties if compliance could not be achieved. Members also questioned statewide impact and fiscal effects. The chair laid over House File 3796 as amended for further discussion, with no final vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inspector General employs 37 Commissioned Peace Officers. ...officers, most of whom are assigned to a unit
• years of police officer experience to even apply for the job, which puts us really at a significant bargaining

Bills: HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131

Keywords: workplace violence prevention, health and safety code, Chapter 331, facility definition, home and community support services agency, home health agency, home health care, nursing staff, registered nurses, health care workplace safety, hospital, nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, freestanding emergency medical care facility, mental hospital, Texas health care regulation, provider compliance, occupational safety, senior living, referral agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• implementing corrective actions, and authorizes the unit to provide direct assistance to units with
• <01:10:31.880> implementing guidance for units implementing guidance for units implementing
• to provide direct assistance to unit to provide direct assistance to units<01:10:36.720> with
• until Thursday, March 19th at 5:30 p.m. until Thursday, March 19th at 5:30 p.m.
• <02:42:15.040> 5:30.<02:42:16.240> See Legislative date March 7th. 5:30.

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 122 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up two congratulatory resolutions: one honoring Layla Wishard of Hagerstown for winning gold with Team USA at the Junior Roller Derby Association World Cup in Australia, and another recognizing Delores Millhouse as the 2026 Maryland Mother of the Year. Both resolutions were read and adopted with applause. The House then considered a series of committee reports, primarily from the Committee on Economic Matters, and advanced multiple bills to third reading after adopting committee amendments and favorable reports. Measures included consumer contract protections in House Bill 103, workers’ compensation presumptions for hypertension in House Bill 347, broadband access and affordability in House Bill 382, housing and land-use changes in House Bills 548 and 894, data privacy in House Bill 711, franchise law changes in House Bill 730, a blockchain-based real property title pilot program in House Bill 810, bankruptcy exemptions in House Bill 1098, and telecommunications infrastructure protections in House Bill 1100. Several bills drew questions and were special ordered for further review. House Bill 711, the Data Privacy Act, prompted extended discussion about whether its geolocation provisions could affect stadium and venue security tracking; the sponsor said the bill was intended to close loopholes around cell phone and vehicle location data and would not change existing permission-based rules, but the bill was still special ordered until the next day. House Bill 894, the transit-oriented development bill, also drew questions about local government concerns and was special ordered, with the floor leader saying county and municipal groups were generally satisfied with the amendments. House Bill 1100 was also taken up after the amendments were adopted, and the title amendment process began as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• a very difficult task to take on given tenure protections and shared governance and collective bargaining
• and uh shared governance and protections and uh shared governance and collective<00:19:28.080> bargaining
• <00:19:28.559> and<00:19:28.720> and<00:19:29.120> other collective bargaining
• and and other collective bargaining and and other features<00:19:29.919> of<00:19:30.240>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They said it would cost $6 million to build a new unit for forensic patients there.
• That would be something that would have to go through the collective bargaining process, and, you know
• than a medically complex unit?
• Now, I can only get $3 to $5 million every cycle, but I've been there 12 cycles.
• I can only get $3 to $5 million every cycle, but I've been there 12 cycles. You know what I mean?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special legislative commission on the future of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children held a hybrid public hearing focused on the hospital’s future, admissions, staffing, infrastructure, and whether the facility should be preserved, expanded, or reimagined. Opening remarks from legislators, commissioners, parents, and union representatives emphasized that Pappas provides a unique combination of medical, rehabilitative, educational, and residential services for children with complex needs, and several speakers argued that the hospital is effectively being depopulated through reduced admissions and ongoing discharges despite public assurances that it remains open. Multiple speakers urged the commission to extend its authorization and continue its work before any closure or major change can occur. Testimony from labor leaders, including AFSCME, SEIU Local 509, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, described a “silent closure” in practice, with staff reporting confusion about the hospital’s status, declining census numbers, blocked admissions, and uncertainty about the workforce’s future. They called for immediate action to stop admission denials and unnecessary discharges, and some proposed short-term solutions such as temporary modular structures to address infrastructure barriers and allow admissions to resume. Parents and former patients testified that Pappas provided life-changing independence, specialized therapy, and campus-based supports that they said could not be replicated elsewhere, and they criticized alternative placements as inadequate. Commissioner Robert Goldstein of the Department of Public Health said the administration supports keeping Pappas open and funded while the commission works, but he argued that admissions must comply with hospital-level-of-care rules and that the campus’s deteriorating infrastructure limits the kinds of children who can safely be served there. He said the department is continuing admissions for appropriate patients, working to expand outreach and services, and exploring long-term options, including broader statewide models of care. Commissioners pressed him on whether discharge status or lack of a clear discharge plan had been used as a barrier to admission, and requested de-identified data on patients recommended for admission but denied. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the last day of our final mandatory 5-day recess. Um, my name is Della Au Belatti.
• So much of what we did was take a FEMA or HUD plan for multi-family units and revise it specifically
• I've had community members step forward and call for hurricane 5 shelters.
• I've had community members step forward and call for hurricane 5 shelters.
• I've had community members step forward and call for hurricane 5 shelters.

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• The health, dental, life, and disability benefit provisions are initially bargained through a coalition
• Final bargaining is completed between the state and the exclusive representatives from ASME and MATE.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed. Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed. The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved. After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we think about these types of contracts, when we have contractors that do not have collective bargaining
• to present Senate Bill 632, which will allow part-time community college students enrolled in nine units
• qualify for this fee waiver, students must meet specified criteria, including enrollment in 12 or more units
• and now teaches at Pierce College, but it really illustrates the need for flexibility in how many units
• Despite taking fewer units, however, she still managed to pass Calculus II and complete a prestigious

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we think about these types of contracts, when we have contractors that do not have collective bargaining
• to present Senate Bill 632, which will allow part-time community college students enrolled in nine units
• qualify for this fee waiver, students must meet specified criteria, including enrollment in 12 or more units
• support his family, and he needed a scholarship then, as he would, to ensure that he could take more units
• and now teaches at Pierce College, but it really illustrates the need for flexibility in how many units

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on community college procurement, higher education access, and student support. SB 1154 by Senator Reyes would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. Supporters, including San Bernardino Valley College, the San Bernardino Community College District, labor groups, and several districts, said it would improve delivery of complex facilities and align community colleges with other education systems. Opponents, including the Associated General Contractors, argued the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce requirements and labor-compliance scoring would narrow the bidder pool and raise costs. The committee passed the bill to the Assembly Floor on a due-pass vote, with some members voting no or not recorded. SB 1255, also by Senator Reyes, would create a California Hispanic-serving institution designation. Supporters from HACU, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, UC, community colleges, and other education organizations said the designation would recognize campuses that serve large numbers of Latino and low-income students and strengthen accountability and student success. The committee approved the bill as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, with one no vote. SB 1328, presented on behalf of Senator Cervantes, would require LGBTQ+ points of contact at satellite or branch campuses of CSU and community colleges, either through designated staff or regular office hours. Testimony emphasized gaps in access at remote centers and the need for confidential support; one member raised concerns about staffing, costs, and whether existing systems could meet the need remotely. The bill was passed as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 960 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand the circumstances under which community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in response to unmet workforce needs, especially where CSU programs are impacted or not realistically accessible locally. Supporters said the bill would help meet workforce demand and expand access for place-bound and adult learners. CSU and faculty representatives opposed unless amended, urging stronger partnership requirements, clearer workforce-need standards, and safeguards around duplication and Prop 98 funding. Members discussed impaction, regional access, and the role of partnerships; the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 632 by Senator Otagan would extend the California College Promise fee waiver to part-time community college students enrolled in nine units. Supporters said many students cannot attend full time because of work, caregiving, and living costs, and the bill would better reflect student realities; the transcript ends during testimony on this measure, before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It goes up 5 or 10%.
• It goes up 5 or 10%.
• It goes up 5 or 10%.
• /c> reimbursed by insurance companies and 5 reimbursed by insurance companies and 5 to<02:41:26.800><
• /c><03:47:24.640> o'clock to plan on being here until 5 o'clock to plan on being here until 5

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• My daughter knew who she was when she was 5 years old, and her dad, who spoke earlier, and I educated
• My daughter knew who she was when she was 5 years old, and her dad, who spoke earlier, and I educated
• And the Civil Rights Unit, it's not necessarily Civil Rights Act violations that have been alleged.
• And the Civil Rights Unit, it's not necessarily Civil Rights Act violations that have been alleged.
• We have an investigator that's split between our unit and the election law unit, so we have some support

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to disclosure by landlord of residential multi-unit complex to a tenant of the percentage of
• Higher Education HB 1926 by Darby Earla to the organization of meetings of and voting of the of the Unit
• HB 2210 by Bumgarner relating to the inclusion of the United States Space Force and the United States
• HB 2361 by Spiller relating to agreements between local law enforcement agencies in the United States
• HB 2390 by Kerwin relating to. between municipalities and counties in the United States Immigrant and

Transcript Highlights:

• Wiener: Aye. 5 to 0, one call. to design their products from a place of safety.
• Aye. 5 to zero one call. Weiner? Aye. Weiner, aye. 5 to 0. We'll place that measure on call.
• The current vote is 5 to 0. Senators Jones, now voting. Ochoa Bogh, aye. Reyes, aye. Umberg, aye.
• Votes 5 to 0. We'll place that measure back on call. AB 883.
• The current vote is 5 to 0, with the chair voting aye. Senators Jones, Ochoa Bogh, Reyes, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, AI, consumer protection, and public safety. AB 1979 would require a licensed health care professional to retain final clinical judgment when using AI tools in health care and would limit chatbot access to medical records; supporters, including nurses and TechEquity, said it preserves human decision-making, while hospitals and industry groups opposed it unless amended, citing burdens and training concerns. The bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers and workers facing harassment and doxing; supporters described threats against advocates and their families, while one senator raised concerns about a private right of action and penalties. The bill passed 4-1 and was placed on call for further committees. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program; supporters said it broadens civic participation and transparency, while concerns were raised about partisan balance in topic selection. It passed 6-0 and was placed on call to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2, which would set statutory damages and other financial accountability measures for large social media platforms when negligence causing harm to children is proven in court. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost her daughter and child-safety advocates, argued that stronger remedies are needed because social media design features are harming children and existing enforcement has been insufficient. Opponents, including TechNet, CCIA, CalChamber, and others, argued the bill blurs content and conduct, could increase litigation, and is unnecessary given existing lawsuits and verdicts. Several senators said the bill was a consumer-protection measure and supported it; it passed 5-0 and was placed on call. AB 883, as amended, would use California’s Delete Act/DROP system to help elected officials and judges remove personal information from data brokers, while also shortening the deletion timeline for all Californians from 45 to 30 days. Supporters said the bill responds to rising threats against public servants and improves privacy tools broadly; some opponents removed or softened opposition after amendments, though CalChamber and CCIA remained opposed unless amended, largely over the private right of action. The bill passed 4-0 and was placed on call. The committee then recessed briefly before taking up AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, parental controls, crisis-response measures, and limits on targeted ads and data sharing. Supporters said it builds on prior AI and child-safety legislation and is needed to prevent harms like self-harm and manipulation; opponents raised concerns about vague harm standards, audit requirements, and liability. The hearing continued with testimony and committee discussion, but no final vote on AB 2023 was shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then he vetoed it down to $5 million, right?
• Then he vetoed it down to $5 million, right?
• /c><03:44:35.720> million watch yeah this started at $5 million watch yeah this started at $5
• “Yeah, but I’m just wondering, is the $5 million only for the one pilot?
• Please, thank you.” it and then you're asking for 5 million it and then you're asking for 5 million recurring

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our eternal Father, as we unite on this day to do good work, we join in expressing sincere gratitude
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• then $19.2 million to support our veterans' nursing homes, including the expansion of the dementia unit
• fully funds the cultural and museum grants list as provided by the Department of State and provides $5
• This bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects. Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Park in the tune of about 11,000 dwelling units that do not include any commercial retail.
• I lived in Jamaica for five years and worked throughout the United States.
• So if we look at that, basically the United States has been flat for, call it, 30 years.
• But I think as the regulator, it's up to you to really drive that bargain.
• Yes, um, so in the United States, primarily in Texas, in San Antonio.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation aims to further increase program funding transparency, address bargaining hurdles between

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee heard and passed two bills. HB 875 on educator preparation would create a uniform core curriculum for teacher preparation programs, establish a new competency-based CERT program, standardize mentor and clinical educator requirements, allow certain certification waivers, and create a Florida Institute of Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College subject to appropriation. Sponsor Rep. Rizzo said the bill would not add costs to local districts and would phase in beginning July 1, 2029; Rep. Snyder said the goal was to unify and raise standards across multiple certification pathways. An amendment by Rep. Aristide to reduce clinical hours for experienced teachers seeking counseling certification was withdrawn after discussion. Public testimony included support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and opposition from the ACLU of Florida and another opponent. The bill passed on a recorded vote, with Reps. Franklin, Bracey Davis, and Campbell voting no. Members then took up HB 681, as amended by PCS, on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program funding. Rep. Mello said the bill focuses on funding transparency, accountability, resolving bargaining issues between local education agencies and apprenticeship providers, and requiring annual reporting to the Legislature to assess return on investment. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from business, trade, and workforce groups, including Americans for Prosperity, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, and others. Rep. Franklin praised the sponsor’s work and said he would support the bill. HB 681 passed unanimously, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.