Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:38.320> means well visits are the most effective means well visits are the most effective
• So, we just want to make things that are easy to follow and effective.
• And so, we don't want to and effective.
• effect on July 1st 3000. Thank you. effect on July 1st 3000. Thank you.
• effective date of July 1st, 2000. effective date of July 1st, 2000.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• an educational class, what kind of class would you like to teach?
• I also coach track and cross country, so I think I could teach a running class as well.
• <00:01:07.080> a country so I think I could teach a country so I think I could teach a running
• Title 2A focuses on supporting effective instruction across our state.
• <01:26:59.840> of be um you know trickle down effects of be um you know trickle down effects

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a Minnesota Department of Education presentation on federal education funding and the potential effects of federal actions on those dollars. Chair Kunesh framed the discussion around concerns about threats to the U.S. Department of Education and noted that federal funds make up about 10% of Minnesota’s education budget, or roughly $1.4 billion. Senator Lang pushed back, emphasizing that 90% of school funding comes from state and local sources and urging the committee to focus on state mandates and how to pay for them. New member Senator Clark introduced himself and said he would teach ethics or running if he were a teacher. Department staff explained that federal education dollars are divided between entitlement/formula funds and competitive/discretionary grants. They said Minnesota receives federal money through established systems and that the department is seeking clarity about how federal changes might affect the flow of funds, oversight, and program administration. They also outlined Minnesota’s legislative review process for federal funds, which includes several pathways such as the governor’s biennial budget, supplemental budget submissions, legislative advisory committee review, and expedited review processes when needed. The presentation then focused on ESEA Title funding, especially Title I. Staff said Title I is one of the largest federal education programs in Minnesota, with about $200 million in current funding, and supports 476 local education agencies. They described how funds are allocated through Minnesota’s North Star accountability system and Compass support structure, based on measures such as poverty, graduation rates, and state assessment performance. Examples of allowable supports included professional development, attendance initiatives, reading curriculum, training, and peer coaching. Senators asked whether executive action could affect these funds and whether the money flows directly to districts or through the state; staff responded that they would avoid speculation and would continue explaining the different funding streams and oversight structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm trying to understand the people. >> Yeah, they have to have the appropriate certifications to teach
• This would take effect October 1, 2026.
• This would take<00:15:40.480> effect<00:15:40.800> October<00:15:41.279> 1,<00:15
• <00:15:42.720> The<00:15:42.880> point take effect October 1, 2026.
• The point take effect October 1, 2026.

Bills: HB3, HB116, HB165, HB178, HB3, HB116, HB165, HB178

Keywords: illegal alien, enhanced sentencing, criminal offenses, minor victims, felonies, Alabama legislature, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, sunset review, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding, bail bonds, bail bond industry, professional bail bondsman, licensing board, state agency continuation, agency reauthorization, regulatory board, criminal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also a huge green effect. That. The economies are there.
• It's also a huge green effect because we are going to be able to take millions of empty truck miles from
• They're going to be teaching that to help our farmers. That's great for us.
• And then, Prepare to meet or satisfy that demand, and then how can we effectively as the state partner
• leverage that resource and then in addition to that actually obtain that line of business more effectively

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster. PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners. Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's page 8, line 26, on the effective date.
• It should read: this section is effective—strike retroactively and insert on 9/1/25.
• It should read: this section is effective—strike retroactively and insert on 9/1/25.
• uh read um this section is effective uh strike strike strike retroactively<00:08:01.440> and<
• <00:40:31.720> a could actually relate to and teaching a could actually relate to and teaching

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicine in Phoenix and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA, where he treats patients and teaches
• at the Phoenix VA. and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA, where he treats patients and teaches
• reaffirm our commitment to policies that support dignity, access to care, and continued progress toward effective

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and recognition of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler, an Arizona emergency physician and Navy Reserve captain. Members also introduced visiting carpenters, local officials from Show Low, World Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with remarks from Representative Selina Bliss and testimony from ALS patients and advocates about the disease’s impact and the need for research, care, and support. The House then adopted House Resolution 2007 honoring Sheila “Ginger” Mattox, with family and friends present and members speaking about her community service and problem-solving work in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also announced committee assignments and received Senate messages listing several bills on first and second reading. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2680, which received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment before being recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House recessed, made several announcements, and then adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• strengthen and maintain our Office of Inspector General (OIG) and their necessary authorities to effectively
• And what we can do is apply education standards to teach them recognition, the actions they can take,
• testimony, to hear from three students who said the number one bill at Youth in Government was to teach

Bills: HF1306

Keywords: education, school policy, teacher training, student health, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• So you weigh the benefits to the teachers that are teaching our kids against the slightly increased risk
• our kids against the that are teaching our kids against the slightly<00:15:49.120> increased<
• If there are thoughts on which article it should go into and whether the immediate effective date is
• If there are thoughts on which article it should go into and whether the immediate effective date is
• Um, yeah, Chair Marty, the effective date is pretty much irrelevant to this issue.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One may think it's simple, but there will be a domino effect with the Florida Building Code.
• There will be a domino effect with the fire marshals inspecting ALF.
• This bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
• And the last thing is there would be... takes effect July 1, 2025.
• Not just anyone can teach the unique skills required by nursing, with ethical attributes.

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• To my understanding, the city, which was the actual recipient from the state, has finalized effectively
• Research shows that shocks to the construction labor supply have drastic effects on housing output.
• trying to tie down a priced out effect trying to tie down a priced out effect uh<00:43:16.160>
• a traditional teaching certificate. a traditional teaching certificate.
• in high schools or experts to teach in high schools or community<00:47:47.680> programs,<00:47

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:25 Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26 Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12 Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33 Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18 Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad they have him because he can teach them the things that my dad didn't teach me, specifically
• I'm glad they have him because he can teach them the things that my dad didn't teach me, specifically
• > things<02:25:20.560> like They're teaching our kids things like They're teaching our
• But the ban was already in effect. This same ban was already in effect.
• leading by example of cause and effect. leading by example of cause and effect.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up a motion to suspend the rules so House File 5140 could be recalled from committee, given second and third readings, and placed on passage. Representative Long and Representative Greenman argued the bill was an urgent, comprehensive gun violence prevention package that had already passed the Senate and should be acted on immediately in response to recent shootings, including Annunciation School, Burnsville, and Accent Signage. They said families, students, survivors, doctors, and community members had been pressing legislators to act, and Greenman described the bill as including mental health, intervention, anonymous threat reporting, bans on weapons of war, ghost guns, and binary triggers. Representative Heintzeman opposed the urgency motion and focused on specific bill language, arguing that parts of the proposal were unclear or overly broad. He questioned whether the language on protruding grips would effectively ban all handguns, whether the penalties section could turn lawful gun owners into felons for possessing multiple noncompliant items, and whether the firearms assembly language could criminalize routine cleaning and reassembly of guns. He said these issues should have been addressed in committee and argued members needed clearer answers before voting on urgency. Greenman responded that the language was intended to target additional protruding grips, not ordinary handgun grips, and said she was willing to adopt an amendment to clarify that point. On the penalties and assembly questions, she said the bill was aimed at certifying existing weapons, banning ghost guns, and preventing harm, and repeatedly urged members to vote for the urgency motion so the full bill could be considered. The exchange remained focused on the motion to suspend the rules and on the substance of the gun violence prevention package; no final vote or other action is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• that have on them, the negative effects, not only then, but later on in life.
• Community Connect helps us to meet those expectations effectively and efficiently.
• It's essentially redundant; it's already in effect. It's unnecessary.
• And that was my father’s way of teaching us gun safety.
• And that was my father's way of teaching us gun safety.

Bills: SB1092, SB1094, SB1139, SB1239, SB1240, SB1248, SB1326, SB1502, SB1512, SB1540, SB1616, SB1635, SB1669, SB1673

Keywords: probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, rehabilitation, gender reassignment, civil liability, minors, medical consent, detransition, family court, therapeutic intervention, expert testimony, parenting time, child development, sex offenders, statute of limitations, prosecution

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with criminal justice, victims’ rights, education funding, and public safety. SB 1094, which would create a civil cause of action for minors who received irreversible gender reassignment surgery in violation of Arizona law, drew extensive testimony. Supporters argued it would provide compensation for harmed minors and extend accountability similar to sexual abuse cases; opponents said it was discriminatory, targeted transgender people and providers, and interfered with informed consent and parental decision-making. The committee voted 6-3 to give SB 1094 a do pass recommendation. SB 1635, which creates the offense of unlawfully alerting someone to an imminent arrest, also passed 6-3 after strong debate. The sponsor said it was intended to stop people from warning specific targets of arrest, including in immigration enforcement and other criminal cases, while preserving First Amendment protections for general alerts. Opponents, including the ACLU and community members, argued the bill criminalized speech, was overbroad, and duplicated existing obstruction laws. SB 1673, appropriating money for the crime victim notification fund, passed unanimously after an amendment increasing the appropriation from $5 million to $8.2 million was adopted. The committee also approved SB 1092, which bars early termination of probation for dangerous crimes against children, after testimony from victims’ advocates and defense-side witnesses about probation, online evidence, and the risk of re-victimizing survivors. SB 1239, extending the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, passed 6-4 despite arguments that registration is already continuously monitored and that the bill could create redundant liability. SB 1139, a strike-everything bill requiring GPS monitoring for registered sex offenders without a permanent residence, failed after members noted existing monitoring systems already cover many offenders. Later, SB 1502, increasing penalties for unlawful flight when accompanied by aggravating danger, passed 5-1 amid concerns about over-criminalization and possible impacts on drivers trying to pull over safely. Additional measures included SB 1248, clarifying county use of accommodation schools for juvenile detention and jail education programs, which passed unanimously, and SB 1240, excluding dangerous-crime-against-children probationers from county probation incentive calculations, which passed 5-4 over objections that it would undermine rehabilitation incentives. SB 1669, changing rape-shield evidence rules to focus on physical injury, passed 6-3 after a dispute over whether the bill would narrow or clarify admissible evidence. The committee then began hearing SB 1540, a new offense targeting fuel dispenser theft and manipulation devices, with the petroleum industry describing organized gas theft schemes and the sponsor’s amendment removing mere possession of a device from the criminal statute.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I ask for each one of us to remember and to hold high the teachings of all of our teachings of all
• And to hold high the teachings of always loving the Almighty and always loving our neighbor and to be
• emission reduction credits by county; it is voluntary; and it prohibits a control officer, after the effective

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized guests including participants in the Southern Arizona Water Leadership Institute and the Doctor of the Day, and then proceeded through committee and floor action on a large slate of House and Senate bills. Early Committee of the Whole work focused on air quality and local regulation measures, including HB 2428 and HB 2875, both amended and recommended do pass. HB 2875’s amendment added small hub airports to a 2.5-mile buffer provision. HB 2877, dealing with timeshare sales and licenses, was also amended and advanced. Later, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and moved to additional calendar items. On water and related policy, the chamber debated HB 2026 on assured water supply and HB 2029 on the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority program. HB 2026 drew opposition over concerns that the issue of commingling had already been addressed through the alternative designation of assured water supply process, but it ultimately passed 16-13. HB 2029 saw a failed floor amendment by Senator Sundareshan to broaden water-conservation analysis statewide; the amendment failed 13-14, and the bill later passed 29-0 after supporters said WIFA already performs the analysis. The Senate also advanced HB 2132, HB 2261, and HB 2428 from the Committee of the Whole, and later passed HB 2010 on advertising with an amendment concerning prorated refunds for digital goods. The Senate then took up third readings and final votes on numerous bills, including election administration, radiologic technologies, probation, monuments, retirement, county water augmentation authority, technical registration, venue changes, firefighters, health-care institutions, AHCCCS, property tax, state agencies, tourism, employment relationships, motor vehicle warranties, the state fire marshal, and education. Several members explained votes on HB 2177, which concerned a Medicaid waiver issue affecting American Indian services, and on HB 2395, which emphasized physical education and school facilities. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to SB 1092, SB 1430, and SB 1479, then passed those bills on final reading. The meeting concluded with adjournment until April 8, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I support ACR 116 and the hope that has come out of all those writings and those teachings that's in
• front of us today, and we need to move forward Of all those writings and those teachings that's in front
• We will teach our children about his courage and his conscience, and reflect on his achievements and
• reminding him that the plight for your people and ours is so grave that in this moment we require effective

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures Arizona's government serves the people effectively by hiring the most qualified individuals
• You just said at the beginning that medical schools are teaching race matching.
• You just said at the beginning that medical schools are teaching race matching.
• So I would reword it to say something to the effect of this section does not apply to limit or diminish

Bills: SB1013, SB1023

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to the standard of care in the community at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing eyeglass prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise between a longer prescription period and existing practice, and the Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practice and clarifying the standard. The committee moved the bill and gave SB 1023 a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using policies or practices that base hiring on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies, and the committee adopted that amendment. Supporters argued the bill would ensure public jobs are awarded based on qualifications and protect taxpayers; opponents argued it could undermine diversity efforts and that the veterans language was unnecessary or awkwardly drafted. After testimony from supporters and debate over the amendment and the bill’s effect on diversity, veterans’ preferences, and prior criminal history in hiring, the committee voted on SB 1013 as amended. The bill received a due pass as amended recommendation on a 4-3 vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what's the effect on the athlete of the steroids?
• school districts excuse students from release time courses, the courses offered by a private entity to teach
• Uh, religion and religious teachings for their Their child.
• Affairs at Alliance Defending Freedom, where my colleagues, uh, routinely review legislation for its effect

Transcript Highlights:

• significantly. ...that are still doing business here to raise prices, and consumers will have to feel the effects
• So, one teacher to a hundred of these students, or they're trying to teach them English.
• they're doing is taking these older students... doing is taking these older students down and trying to teach
• coming back to cash and doing that transfer is what's going to be the easiest, quickest, and most effective

Bills: HB297

Keywords: cash transactions, money transmission, regulatory compliance, criminal penalties, Alabama Securities Commission, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• right of parents to make the best decision for their own children, our concern about this bill is the effect
• There is no more effective way to undermine a religious tradition and a movement than by offering it
• Senators, these Commandments teach basic principles such as honoring parents, respecting others' property
• As the parent of two public school children, it is my responsibility to teach my children about the Ten

Bills: HB266, SB85, SB166, HB266, SB85, SB166

Keywords: education, diploma, adult education, dropout prevention, nontraditional high school program, driver's license eligibility, vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• You taught me, and I want to thank you for teaching me early on.
• Side effects for... there's no medical evidence to show that it is.
• Side effects for vaccines are about 11 per 100,000, 11 per 100,000.
• And the children I'm teaching and sitting around and serving...
• The House bill does not include the 60-day waiting period for BMAPs to be effective.

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions, including the doctor of the day and a lighthearted “Cannoli Day” introduction. The chamber then held an extended farewell celebration for Senator Joe Gruters, with numerous senators, colleagues, and family members praising his loyalty, political skill, family focus, and service in the Legislature and Republican Party. Gruters was presented with a commemorative gift recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety and immigration bill that prohibited sanctuary cities and required local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Senate adopted a motion to spread Gruters’s remarks upon the journal and then recessed briefly. After recess, the Senate returned to regular business and took up third-reading bills. Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354, relating to blue ribbon projects, was temporarily postponed. The chamber then considered Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1758, relating to public assistance, with Senator Gates explaining that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system discussed earlier in session. During debate on SB 1758, Senator Berman opposed the bill, saying he could not support it in its current form because he believed the Medicaid-related provisions would create a coverage cliff after the one-year transition period and could leave people without care while increasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers. He also said SNAP error reduction should be a priority, but argued the state should focus on fixing administrative errors and fraud rather than imposing a work requirement whose costs and effects were uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• So someone could be, I don't know, fashion design, which we've had a few, and they're teaching elementary
• This is a critical teaching elementary.
• If I had had this program when I was going through teaching and getting my degree, it would have made
• <01:17:05.520> or review for safety, effectiveness or review for safety, effectiveness or
• before its effective date. End quote. before its effective date. End quote.

Bills: SB3082, SB3110, SB3251

Keywords: military families, family leave, qualifying military exigency, Hawaii Revised Statutes, financial support, Hawaii National Guard, civil-military program, education, collective bargaining, exemption, SB3251, Hawaii public safety, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, law enforcement hiring, state employment ban, police powers, Department of Law Enforcement, DLNR