Transcript Highlights:

• I vote 24 in the affirmative, 16 in the negative.
• There are many instances where we are finding it very difficult to find public accountants.
• I vote 41 in the affirmative.
• My vote is 40 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative.
• I vote 39 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative.

Transcript Highlights:

• defense, the court can still find one, you know, can find that there is a likelihood of violence because
• If someone asserts an affirmative defense, does the judge... because an affirmative defense is different
• Well, the judge would have to find, I mean, if they proved it, then the judge would find that there was
• , I'm going to find waiver, I'm going to find everything because I...
• This is what the affirmative action in my opinion will do.

Bills: HCR 16, HB 782, HB 2159, HB 2288, HB 3281, HB 3819, HB 4656, HB 4696, HB 5494

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• defense, the court can still find one, you know, can find that there is a likelihood of violence because
• If someone asserts an affirmative defense, bust the judge, because an affirmative defense is different
• going to find waiver, I'm going to find everything because I I just don't think that's what was intended
• I apologize, I was hearing affirmative action. I'm not an attorney.
• Finding of the past abuse and traumatized survivors.

Bills: HCR16, HB782, HB2159, HB2288, HB3281, HB3819, HB4656, HB4696, HB5494, HCR16

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you. >> Senator Weik to be recorded in the affirmative.
• And I vote aye. >> Senator Myrie to be recorded in the affirmative.
• Thank you. >> Senator Myrie to be recorded in the affirmative.
• And with that, I vote in the affirmative. >> Senator Fahy in the affirmative.
• Thank you. >> Senator Ashby to be recorded In the affirmative.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 128 in the affirmative, 23 in the negative. The amendment is adopted.
• In this matter, 23 in the affirmative, 128 in the negative.
• In this matter, 23 in the affirmative, 128 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.
• In this matter, 23 in the affirmative, 128 in the negative.
• On this matter, 23 members in the affirmative and 128 in the negative.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The chamber adopted a further amendment offered by Rep. Michael Witts of Boston, then concurred with the Senate as amended after a roll call vote of 128-23. The House then moved to the orders of the day and considered the proposed permanent joint rules for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2026 / Senate No. 18), with Rep. Moran of Brighton presenting the package as a set of transparency and process reforms, including joint committee procedures, a 60-day reporting deadline, public posting of summaries and testimony, and revised formal session timing. A series of minority amendments offered largely by Rep. Jones of North Reading and others were debated and repeatedly rejected, including proposals to require roll call votes for post-July 31 formal business, require two weeks’ notice for such sessions, publish State Auditor audits on the legislative website, require SJC advisory opinions on constitutional disputes, extend poll windows to two hours, require advance notice of electronic polls, and lengthen amendment filing deadlines. Supporters argued these changes would improve transparency, accountability, and member access; opponents said they would slow the legislative process and reduce flexibility. Most of these amendments failed on roll call votes by margins of 128-23 or similar, while a technical amendment from Rep. Galvin was adopted. The House then adopted the joint rules package by roll call, 128-23. The chamber also adopted the House rules package for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2024) after debate led by Rep. Galvin of Canton, who emphasized modernization, online transparency, in-person participation, and an outside audit and EEO officer. Additional minority amendments on committee reporting, timing of formal business, and poll procedures were debated and defeated, while one technical amendment was adopted. The House later returned to the issue of legislative audits, rejecting an amendment to require House audits by the State Auditor after a lengthy debate over Question 1, separation of powers, and the scope of the auditor’s authority. The session ended with a memorial tribute to former Rep. Carol Doherty and an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And part of that, I feel, is getting to know them, finding out who they are, what their association is
• I feel is getting to know them, finding out who they are, what their association is with their state
• And do you solemnly swear or affirm that the evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole
• And if you would be kind enough to raise your right hand and do you swear or affirm that the evidence
• Do you swear or affirm that the evidence you’re about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the audits have findings, what the findings are, and then send one giant piece of paper instead of
• to fix those findings?
• President, if they have a finding and DFA sees that finding, Mr.
• There are no findings. I'm just saying, pick an agency; there are no findings.
• By a vote of 33 in the affirmative, Senate Memorial 6 has duly passed. 33 in the affirmative, zero in

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for an affirmative vote. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• The majority required by the Constitution has been voted in the affirmative.
• Subsection A, findings.
• And so I would also encourage an affirmative vote. Thank you.
• The majority required by the Constitution have been voted in the affirmative.

Summary: The House began with ceremonial recognitions, including guests of Representatives Benham and Warren and a farewell acknowledgment for longtime floor staffer Michelle Martin, who is leaving House service for a role in the Senate. The chamber then took up caucus and committee announcements, recessed several times, and later returned to consider a series of committee reports and bills. House and Senate bills were reported from Rules, Appropriations, and Judiciary, including referrals of several measures to committees. The House adopted House Resolution 515 unanimously, urging Congress to review Major Richard D. Winner’s actions for possible Medal of Honor recognition. It also adopted House Resolution 208, directing a performance audit of services, wait times, and processes in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services; supporters said it would help improve services for Pennsylvanians with vision impairment, while the vote was 201-1. The chamber then passed several bills with amendments, including measures on foster care youth benefits, AI companion safeguards, prison industry enhancement program administration, memorial bridge designations, firefighter and EMS donation options through PennDOT renewals, horse-racing background checks, and fertility preservation coverage. Several bills reached final passage. House Bill 1239, limiting homeowners associations from restricting rooftop solar installations, passed 109-93. House Bill 2146, amending the Sunshine Act to tighten the 24-hour agenda notice rule while preserving limited exceptions, passed 193-9 after debate over transparency and local-government flexibility. House Bill 2558, banning non-compete agreements for broadcast workers, passed narrowly 103-99 amid objections from Republicans and concerns about impacts on local broadcasters and contract rights. Senate Bills 971 and 972 also passed finally, dealing with township audit deadlines and municipal memorials for first responders. The House also approved House Bill 2412, funding state-related universities for fiscal year 2026-27, by 155-47 after debate over Penn State’s campus closures, accountability, and per-student funding differences; House Bill 2413, appropriating funds to the University of Pennsylvania, passed 195-7. The chamber then moved several bills back to Appropriations, signed Senate Bills 971 and 972, and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Lewis In schools, with findings reported to state leaders.
• Chair, in the affirmative on tab 22. Senator Leak: Thank you, Mr.
• Chair, in the affirmative on tabs 2, 5, 13, and 7.
• I'd like to be recorded in the affirmative on tab 2 and tab 5.
• Affirmative on tab 10, 15, 16, 18, and 1. Senator Osgood. Affirmative on tab 15. Okay.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a wide range of bills, including early learning and special needs funding (SB 1102), Israel bond investment authority (SB 1674), Parkinson’s disease research at USF (SB 1800), mental health and substance use disorder reforms (SB 1620), veterans nursing home beds (SB 788), securities regulation updates (SB 988), labor pool regulation (SB 1672), Alzheimer’s awareness (SB 398), educator preparation (SB 1590), student mental health reporting (SB 1310), specialty license plates (SB 824), financial institutions and IOTA-related issues (SB 1612), transportation facility designations (SB 1408), utility worker protections (SB 1386), DNA testing grants (SB 1072), the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (SB 364), housing support for former foster youth and homeless students (SB 584), sex offender registration changes (SB 1654), migrant vessel disposal (SB 830), commuter rail indemnification (SB 916), juvenile justice revisions (SB 1344), aggravating factors in capital cases (SB 984), and a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program (SB 1140). Most bills were explained by sponsors, often with supportive testimony from affected agencies, advocacy groups, or industry representatives, and several were amended before final action. The committee adopted amendments on many measures, including clarifications and effective-date changes for SB 1102; technical changes to SB 1620 implementing mental health commission recommendations; a delete-all amendment for SB 1620; an amendment to SB 988; a consumer-disclosure amendment on SB 1612; and multiple amendments to SB 1408, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, and SB 1344. SB 1672 on the Labor Pool Act drew extensive public testimony in opposition from worker advocates, who argued repeal would weaken protections for temp workers and formerly incarcerated workers, and the bill was temporarily postponed to a later meeting without a vote. Several bills received notable testimony in support, including SB 584, where former foster youth described housing instability and the importance of campus housing and federal voucher coordination; SB 1386, which was backed by utility and industry groups seeking stronger penalties for assaults on utility workers; and SB 984, which drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops over expansion of death penalty aggravators. The committee also heard support and opposition on SB 1612 regarding IOTA interest rates and legal aid funding, with bankers and civil legal aid representatives disputing the proper rate structure and whether the bill conflicted with Florida Bar rules. At the end of the meeting, the committee reported all voted-on bills favorably, including SB 1102, SB 1674, SB 1800, SB 1620, SB 788, SB 988, SB 398, SB 1590, SB 1310, SB 824, SB 1612, SB 1408, SB 1386, SB 1072, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, SB 830, SB 916, SB 1344, SB 984, and SB 1140. Members also requested to be recorded on various bills, and the committee adjourned after noting one remaining meeting would be lengthy.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:02:37.520> the press the green button to affirm the press the green button to affirm the
• <02:36:16.439> and<02:36:16.840> life affirming and life affirming and life saving<02:36
• He began to engage and find friends.
• <04:53:45.798> that professionals the minority finds that professionals the minority finds
• gender affirming gender affirming care<05:31:06.920> data<05:31:07.280> has<05:31:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Criminal procedure—expungement, no finding, and case terminated without finding.
• With 42 votes in the affirmative, the Senate advises and consents affirmatively to the nominations of
• ,<01:17:51.840> to With 42 votes in the affirmative, to With 42 votes in the affirmative,
• With 41 votes in the affirmative, Senate With 41 votes in the affirmative, Senate Bill<01:28:38.159><
• ,<01:31:37.600> Senate With 31 votes in affirmative, Senate With 31 votes in affirmative,

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and quickly moved through committee reports and second-reader bills, adopting committee amendments and sending several measures to third reading without objection. Bills advanced included SB 10 on State Highway Administration approval timelines for speed monitoring systems; SB 487 on speed monitoring systems in safety corridors; SB 689 creating a task force on post-release services and re-entry; SB 811 requiring reporting of new home sale prices in multiple listing services; SB 877 authorizing a Baltimore City stop sign monitoring pilot in the 41st district; SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, limiting use of criminal history in tenant screening; SB 984 barring private immigration detention facilities; SB 465 on out-of-court statements and second-degree assault; SB 187 on pre-release services for incarcerated women; SB 388, the Decade Act, revising multiple economic development and tax credit programs; and SB 844, the annual corrective bill. Most of the floor discussion focused on explaining amendments and the policy effects of the bills. Supporters described the housing bill as expanding second-chance opportunities while adding safeguards, and a senator asked detailed questions about how landlords could screen for serious offenses and sex offender registry status. SB 984 was described as an emergency measure preventing state and local approval of private detention facilities and authorizing enforcement by the Attorney General. SB 465 was presented as closing a gap in Maryland law on witness intimidation and aligning the state with broader practice. SB 187 would rename and expand the women’s pre-release facility into a re-entry facility and require progress reports. The most extended debate came on SB 165, the on-site wastewater systems bill. One amendment to exempt redevelopment properties from inspection was offered and failed by roll call with 27 votes in the negative. A second amendment to require consultation with Maryland Realtors in developing regulations was then offered; supporters argued it would help avoid delays in property settlements and bring real estate professionals into the regulatory process, while opponents said the bill concerned broader wastewater regulations, not just property transfers. The transcript cuts off during that amendment’s discussion, before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move to hold on, let me find my script.
• Dies, and you're looking for this paperwork, you can't find it.
• I vote 22 in the affirmative, 13 in the negative.
• I vote 36 in the affirmative, zero in the negative.
• My vote is 35 in the affirmative, zero in the negative.

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab 29 in the affirmative, tab 50 in the affirmative, tab 32 in the affirmative, tab 33 in the affirmative
• , tab 14 in the affirmative, and tab 28 in the affirmative.
• Please show me voting in the affirmative for tabs...
• Voting in the affirmative on tab 16, 25, and 26.
• Affirmative on tab 17 and 26. Thank you, Madam Chair. Affirmative on tab 11 and tab 18.

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Families are not denied care; they are unable to find available providers or navigate cancellation and
• I know firsthand the positive impact of accessible, affirming care.
• I access gender-affirming care under Medi-Cal, and it completely improved my overall well-being.
• Getting access to medical gender-affirming care not only alleviated the weight of dysphoria, but vastly
• ...law in place that requires medically necessary gender-affirming care.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health met in Room 2100 and first established a quorum, then approved a six-bill consent calendar on a 6-0 vote, placing it on call. The committee then heard AB 2233, which would ensure that once applied behavior analysis services for autistic patients are authorized, families can use those approved hours across the authorization period rather than losing them to weekly utilization caps or scheduling barriers. The author and supporters, including behavior analysts and family advocates, said the bill would not expand benefits but would improve access to already authorized care; health plan and insurance representatives initially raised fraud and utilization-management concerns but said they would remove opposition after amendments preserving those safeguards. AB 2233 passed 7-0 and was placed on call. The committee next heard AB 96, which would remove the high school diploma or equivalent requirement for certification as a Medi-Cal peer support specialist. Supporters from county behavioral health, peer services, and local governments argued that lived experience, training, and certification standards—not a diploma—should determine eligibility, and that the change would help address workforce shortages and expand culturally competent peer support. One opposition witness from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals testified against the bill, but the measure advanced on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations and was placed on call. The final major item was AB 1876, the Fair Care for All Act, which would codify federal non-discrimination protections in state law for health care coverage and services. Supporters said it would protect transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex patients from discriminatory coverage practices and preserve access to medically necessary care; opponents argued it would force coverage of gender-affirming interventions and reduce insurer safeguards. After debate over whether the bill expanded coverage, the author said it simply mirrored existing federal non-discrimination law. AB 1876 passed 7-1 and was re-referred to Judiciary, then placed on call. The committee later opened the roll to record absent members and concluded the meeting after all items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:44:28.800> Affirming, in New Hampshire anyway. Affirming, in New Hampshire anyway.
• Affirming, gender<02:44:30.000> affirming<02:44:30.479> care<02:44:30.800> is<02
• gender affirming care is a firm is it? gender affirming care is a firm is it?
• <03:12:58.560> spaces<03:12:59.120> and affirmed in school safe spaces and affirmed
• <03:58:39.920> care arguing against gender affirming care arguing against gender affirming care

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :09:30.560> fragile<00:09:30.880> in affirming care is especially fragile in affirming
• providers for gender affirming care. providers for gender affirming care.
• Gender-affirming care is medical care. Gender-affirming care in its many forms saves lives.
• Gender-affirming care is medical care. Gender-affirming care in its many forms saves lives.
• affirming care looks like. Mahalo. affirming care looks like. Mahalo.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments. Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure. A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 120 votes in the affirmative There being 120 votes in the affirmative and<01:29:43.600
• There being 134 votes in the affirmative There being 134 votes in the affirmative and<01:45:24.840
• There being 134 votes in the affirmative There being 134 votes in the affirmative and<02:04:49.680>
• There being 135 votes in the affirmative There being 135 votes in the affirmative and<02:21:57.360>
• There being 98 votes in the affirmative There being 98 votes in the affirmative and<02:32:48.600

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House of Delegates met on February 27, 2026, with a prayer, roll call showing 130 members present, and the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up several House resolutions recognizing guests and honorees, including Harold Futch Sr. II and his daughter R.V. for their collaboration on the album “Harmony” and R.V.’s status as the youngest Grammy winner; Michelle Eberle for her leadership of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange; and the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County on its 85th anniversary. Each resolution was read and adopted with applause and congratulations. The House also received Senate Bill 108 from the Senate consent calendar and, by unanimous consent, had it read the first time and referred to committee. In the Economic Matters Committee report, the House adopted favorable reports and sent multiple bills to third reading, including HB 306 on dealer website price transparency, HB 461 on rural readiness and capacity building, HB 573 on fair housing discrimination standards, HB 798 on small minority- and women-owned business capital access, HB 850 on open house disclosure requirements, HB 951 on land records revisions, HB 996 on corporations and associations revisions, HB 1026 on rounding cash transactions, and HB 1312 on legal tender species establishment. HB 306 drew the most debate over its title, which included the “Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act.” One delegate argued the title improperly referenced a private business and should be removed; the floor leader responded that the bill honored consumer advocate Jack Fitzgerald and that the dealership was employee-owned. A motion to special order the bill failed on a roll call vote of 95 no to 38 yes, and the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. HB 691 on permitting efficiency for housing development projects was also special ordered until the next day after members sought more time to review possible amendments. The House adopted amendments and favorable reports on several bills, including HB 243 on comprehensive and general plans, HB 343 on housing counseling services, HB 483 on charitable organization audit thresholds, HB 523 on residential foreclosure restrictions, and HB 243’s amendments clarifying prospective application. Members asked questions about HB 243’s planning requirements and about HB 523’s “zombie mortgage” protections; the floor leader explained that HB 523 would protect homeowners from surprise foreclosures on old debts without forgiving the underlying debt, while HB 243 would modernize comprehensive planning standards without changing local subdivision review processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• By a vote of 36 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative, House Bill 240. Excuse me.
• By a vote of 40 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative.
• With a vote of 37 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative.
• And that's where I, I find some of this a little bit, um.
• President, We are trying to find ways to help people that need help.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also prohibits geo-fencing around facilities that offer in-person reproductive-affirming health care
• In 2023, this legislature affirmed its support for the reproductive and gender-affirming health care
• In 2023, this legislature affirmed its support for the reproductive and gender-affirming health care
• In 2023, this legislature affirmed its support for the reproductive and gender-affirming health care
• And I find it interesting. I mean, we never talk about profit.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• universities, and, encapsulated under other education on the left-hand side, that is where you would find
• Do you swear and affirm that the evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and
• I do not know that off the top of my head, but I can call and find that out. Would you please?
• I'll find out. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you very much.
• I find it to be a wonderful institution in our community. I am born and raised in Sarasota County.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities. Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines. The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.