Transcript Highlights:

• This is authorizing the Board of Supervisors to now assess the court cost on convictions in the amount
• not to exceed $25 for any conviction obtained in the Justice Court, County Court, Circuit Court of Prentiss
• It is also not to exceed $50 on any conviction of a DUI. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• This is simply conviction of a DUI. conviction of a DUI.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a long list of local and special-purpose bills, mostly involving county or municipal utility districts, repealers on local taxes, and small local appropriations. Early actions included House Bill 2210 for Bolivar County, creating a utility district in Choctaw for sewer operations and maintenance, and Senate Bill 3408, which by committee substitute renamed the Yazoo economic partnership to the Yazoo Economic Alliance and clarified its economic and industrial development powers. Members asked whether the Yazoo entity already existed and whether it could own property; the sponsor said it was already in statute and the change was primarily a name update with added flexibility to share and contribute funds to projects. Both bills passed without opposition. The committee also approved Senate Bill 3409 for Lowndes County, authorizing the Mississippi Industrial Fire and Rescue District to serve as the site of a megasite around the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority. Other local measures passed included House Bill 1599 extending Brandon’s prepared-food sales tax repealer for tourism and parks, House Bill 1811 for Noxubee County extending justice court assessment repealers for county capital improvements, and several Humphreys County bills authorizing one-time contributions to the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation and the Belzoni Humphreys Development Foundation. Additional bills extended or renewed local tourism, parks, and recreation taxes in Belzoni, Oakland, Ripley, Southaven, and Fulton, and authorized or extended local court-cost assessments in Prentiss County. Later, the committee approved House Bill 1870 for Bolivar County, creating a sewer district and allowing the county to operate it, noting it duplicated the earlier Senate bill at the senator’s request. It also passed House Bill 1887 authorizing a $5,000 contribution to the Benevolent Protection of the Elks World Hill Lodge, House Bill 4000 for Grenada allowing construction, acquisition, and maintenance of wastewater collection and treatment systems, and House Bill 4112 for Tupelo restoring funds for the Northeast Mississippi Regional Wastewater District after an unintended consequence of a prior grocery tax change. Finally, Senate Bill 3410 was added off-agenda to authorize Brandon and the West Rankin utility system to enter into an agreement with a local operator for use of treated water for industrial purposes; a member asked who would approve the contract, and the sponsor said the board and city would approve it. All measures discussed were reported out or passed, generally by unanimous or voice vote, with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, why would you pay a $50,000 fine if you've done nothing wrong?
• for the charges related. were convicted for the charges related.
• > there<00:14:15.199> must<00:14:15.440> be<00:14:15.519> some nothing wrong
• So, there must be some nothing wrong? So, there must be some substance<00:14:16.079> there.
• , but since we're statutoily wrong, but since we're statutoily established<02:04:46.320> to<02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a follow-on question to that, could you end up being convicted of absconding without being convicted
• convicted of theft as in that example, but is convicted under absconding.
• of absconding without being convicted of absconding without being convicted<01:13:43.160> of<
• Is is convicted of the original charge?
• convicted under absconding. convicted under absconding.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And tell me why I'm wrong. Well, Mr.
• The amendment is wrong on the system.
• Correct me if I'm wrong, again, the bill says that a regulatory authority, that would be a city ...
• did something wrong or you built it wrong, can't they?
• The reality is it's wrong, and what we're...

Bills: HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HCR77, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HJR5, HJR2, HB1399, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1672, HB1722, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB1445, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2558, HB2742, HB1695, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB2217, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB421, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB2775, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3376, HB3826, HB3770, HB1831, HB2614, HB3113, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2341, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, SB1415, SB1058, SB487, SB1499, SB513, SB1697, SB1197, SB1437, SB1809, SB836, SB1879, SB1145, SB963, SB1038, SB1147, SB914, SB711, SB1409, HB3707, HB589, HB1360, HB2337, HB2391, HB718, HB23, HB2436, HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HCR77

Keywords: Information Resources, Department governance, cybersecurity, state assistance, procurement training, technology resources, advisory committees, water fund, Texas water supply, constitutional amendment, state revenue, infrastructure, parental rights, child upbringing, government interference, Texas legislation, science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• for those we serve unwavering conviction for those we serve unwavering conviction for those we serve
• rickwood removed don't get me wrong rickwood removed don't get me wrong rickwood Caverns is a beautiful
• is wrong and I don't care who it wrong is wrong and I don't care who it wrong is wrong and I don't care
• let's sit down legislator that's wrong let's sit down legislator that's wrong let's sit down and look
• or to say to them put the phone wrong or to say to them put the phone wrong or to say to them put the

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it going to come up on the— Well, you're asking the wrong guy.
• And are those decisions right, wrong? And again, that's just an opinion.
• Catherine, correct me if I'm wrong, please. That is correct.
• Did I call on the wrong person? When you say Karen, we both look. Was that your hand?
• Did I call on the wrong person? When you say Karen, we both look. Oh, oh. I did.

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• But my conviction to serve my community was so strong I did it anyway.
• And like you said, we do it because we love our constituents, because we have deep convictions for the
• Because when I was looking at teachers, now I may be wrong. I'm not a teacher.
• But I don't think there's anything wrong with having people that are not young either.
• If you voted the wrong way, they took away capital outlay back in the day.

Bills: HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, you might be on the wrong bill. This bill is 206. This is the wrong bill.
• It's called the Open Fields Doctrine. wrong bill is wrong bill is 206<00:45:47.839> um<00:45:48.319
• consequences, you know, including potentially penalizing an overprotective parent with a criminal conviction
• divorced parent drops their child off two hours after they were supposed to, and I can see in the wrong
• divorced parent drops their child off two hours after they were supposed to, and I can see, in the wrong

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I know mandating this takes away every citizen's right to vote, which is wrong, the legislature
• offender is required to report to the police department and to register once the person has been convicted
• . even if for some reason convicted. even if for some reason sentencing<02:03:23.679> isn't<02
• 02:27:54.800> go reason for the phrase, "What could go reason for the phrase, "What could go wrong
• wrong?" wrong?"

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I read the bill, and please disabuse me if I've read it wrong, as I read the bill, there's no
• I take your point, Senator, but as I read the bill, and please disabuse me if I've read it wrong, as
• I could be wrong, but I don't think we necessarily send information to DHSMV.
• So if there's something wrong with it, you can redo it.
• And it's wrong on so many levels.

Bills: S0460, S0748, S1180, S1334

Keywords: special elections, vacancy, Governor authority, election timeframe, judicial determination, voting rights, felony, sentencing, civil rights, criminal justice, rehabilitation, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum and took up several election-related bills. CS/SB 1180 by Senator Arrington, which creates a recall framework for elected community development district board members and also addresses synthetic turf regulation and CDD eligibility, was presented briefly and then approved unanimously. SB 460 by Senator Polsky, requiring the governor to call special elections within set deadlines after vacancies and allowing judicial relief if deadlines are not met, also passed unanimously after members discussed flexibility for emergencies and the cost of delayed elections. The committee then heard SB 748 by Senator Bracy Davis, which would add constitutional voting-rights restoration language to the sentencing score sheet given to felony defendants. Supporters said it would improve clarity and notice without changing eligibility, and the bill was favorably reported unanimously. The committee also confirmed several appointees, including Jim Milliken and Alicia McShea to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Robert P. Estalas as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and additional gubernatorial appointees listed on the agenda, all by favorable votes. The longest discussion centered on Senator Grall’s strike-all amendment for SB 1334, an elections bill dealing with citizenship verification, Real ID and SAVE database use, paper-ballot voting, candidate qualification rules, and related election administration changes. Supporters argued it would streamline verification and ensure only citizens vote, while opponents warned it would create burdens, disenfranchise eligible voters, and impose costs and administrative confusion. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the committee adopted an amendment to allow supervisors of elections to observe holidays when not otherwise required to be open, then approved the strike-all as amended by a 6-2 vote, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. The meeting then adjourned after members recorded their votes on earlier items.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the Judeo-Christian law that there is a right and that there is a wrong. on which all of Western
• Do you agree with me that it would be wrong for a Jewish settler to push a Palestinian family off land
• My question to you is, do you agree that it would be wrong for a Jewish settler to push?
• But I think human trafficking wrong and I think anything to help the Cuban regime is not good for the
• Human trafficking is wrong. I further understand your frustration.

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Convictions, people can get it wrong.
• wrong words. wrong words. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
• Like, I just did something wrong.
• Like, I just did something wrong.
• . wrong. wrong.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted. Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor. Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I say this with conviction: insurance instability for contingent faculty robs our students of fully
• But I say this with conviction.<00:56:59.520> Insurance<00:57:00.000> instability<00:57
• :00.640> for conviction.
• Insurance instability for conviction.
• and you can't go wrong with any of<01:12:46.480> them<01:12:46.800> or<01:12:47.040>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that that some numbers will go up some will go down yeah I can't speak to who's gonna be right or wrong
• of those two numbers and I'm sorry I didn't mean to put you in a position of saying who's right and wrong
• I mean, it provides a location, don't get me wrong.
• All our clients are sexually violent predators, all have been convicted of at least two sexually violent
• McLean mentioned, the individuals to whom we are required to provide services have all been convicted

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the prohibition against a person owning a pet animal for a minimum of five years from the date of conviction
• for cruelty to animals in the second degree only applies to convictions involving pet animals.
• the prohibition against a person owning a pet animal for a minimum of five years from the date of conviction
• for cruelty to animals in the second degree only applies to convictions involving pet animals.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee considered House Bill 698, which increases criminal penalties for certain animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that the committee would adopt the proposed SD1 and further amend the bill to narrow its scope to pet animals, clarify that the five-year prohibition on owning a pet animal applies only when the conviction involves a pet animal, and separate the increased penalties into distinct subsections at the Attorney General’s recommendation. The committee also planned to reinstate provisions increasing penalties for second or subsequent offenses involving injury or death to service animals or law enforcement animals, and to place the definitions of pet animal and service animal in the preamble. It was noted that the pet-animal definition would not apply to chickens, roosters, or pigs raised for food, and that the service-animal definition covers only dogs. Senator Chang said he appreciated the effort to tighten the bill and clarify its scope, but he remained concerned about possible impacts on the agricultural sector and said he would vote with reservations. No other concerns were raised. The committee then voted to pass HB 698 HD1 with amendments. The vote was Chair Rose aye, Vice Chair Osai aye, Senator Chang reservations, Senator Sanur excused, and Senator A aye. The measure was adopted and the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly is a person of conviction and character.
• Larby said, if it's wrong, then we don't want to be right.
• And he's not wrong.
• Again, I could be wrong. I'm not an attorney. Representative Woodcock, thank you.
• Am I wrong?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials. Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we as a society know that it's wrong, but it continues to happen in our schools, in our prisons,
• As a society, we know that it's wrong, but it continues to happen in our schools, in our prisons, and
• However, the perpetrators—the individuals who sexually assaulted their partners and were convicted in
• I had the wrong room number. We would all be going to the same room, so we will be in Room 2200.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several recognitions during privileges of the floor, including students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The body also approved the Senate journals and proceeded to confirmations, including Heather Lynn Gonzalez to the Court Reporters Board and reappointments of Anacubas and David Hübner to the California Law Revision Commission, each confirmed by roll call votes of 26 ayes and 10 noes. The chamber then took up SCR 136, commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, resilience, and the economic value of the coast, while Senator Grove raised concerns about regulatory overreach, delays, and impacts on local control and development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with extensive remarks focused on survivor support, accountability, and the need for trauma-informed systems; it passed unanimously, 37-0. SCR 130, recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, also passed unanimously after remarks about child abuse, trafficking, and prevention efforts. Several bills then passed on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement flexibility, SB 930 requiring end-to-end encryption for certain school exam proctoring services, SB 917 expanding farmers’ market sales opportunities for wineries, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care for eligible patients, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissal, SB 969 on remote developmental services, and SB 1418 and SB 1429 on the consent calendar. The Senate also adopted SCR 131 on unsheltered homelessness after debate over interim shelter, permanent housing, self-sufficiency, and housing-first approaches; it passed 34-0. Finally, SCR 157 recognizing School Bus Driver’s Day passed unanimously, committee announcements were made, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, with the next floor session scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, George is a man of deep faith, with the drive and the conviction to tackle the toughest challenges
• That it's wrong under our Constitution. It's wrong under the law.
• It's wrong under the example we set around the world.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• At least that's, uh, my purview and how I have had effective convictions.
• At least that's, uh, my purview and how I have had effective convictions.
• or a sexual assault conviction reversed because of the inconsistencies in language.
• So, we weren't convicted of the crime.
• Not be convicted.

Bills: HB0008, HB0009, HB0028

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, sexual exploitation, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If convicted of a crime and placed on probation, a judge may order the offender to abstain from drugs
• Now we have CS for HB 1455, sexual offenses by persons previously convicted of sexual offenses by...
• Specifically, a person who is previously convicted or had an adjudication withheld for a qualifying offense
• In Florida, the practice of the death penalty has involved the state in erroneous convictions, in botched

Summary: The committee heard three member bills. CS/HB 1095 would create a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program in Hillsborough County for probationers ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, with frequent testing, immediate arrest for violations, and a cap of 150 participants. An amendment removed the fiscal impact by eliminating an appropriation and directing any appropriated funds to the administering entity; the amendment and bill both passed, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/HB 1455 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders or predators who commit specified sexual offenses, including 10-year and 20-year minimums depending on the offense, with no gain time or discretionary early release. The only public testimony was in support from the Smart Justice Alliance. The committee approved the bill 11-1 and reported it favorably. CS/HB 1283 would make the sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital felony punishable by death or life imprisonment. Members questioned the fiscal impact, housing on death row, and how the death penalty process would work; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at the worst offenders and that current law already provides mandatory life for trafficking a child under 12. Public testimony included opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and support from the Smart Justice Alliance. After debate focused on constitutionality and the death penalty, the committee passed the bill 10-3 and reported it favorably.