Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Stinson now requests Unanimous consent that the Senate amendment be adopted without objection
• Representative West requests your names' consent that we do have a question.
• Leader West requests unanimous consent that the resolution be adopted without objection.
• With that being said, we will rescind unanimous consent.

Bills: SB1687, HB1687, HB4431, HB2894, HB2979, HB3262, HB3298, HB3369, HB3431, HB3462, SB1226, SB1876, SB1916, SB1920, HB3467, HB3498, HB3500, HB3521, HB3581, HB3650, HB3673, HB3764, HB3767, HB3781, HB3800, HB3831, HB3834, HB3941, HB2749, HB3970, HB3972, HB3979, HB3980, HB3981, HB3996, HB4095, HB4104, HB4191, HB4248, HB4298, HB4338, HB4427, HB4428, HJR1023, HB3660, HB3718, HB4326, HB3443, HB3880, HB3649, HB3000, SB1651, SB504, SB372, SB1326, SB1633, SB248, SB1242, SB1238, SB423, SB1989, SB1286, SB904, SB1213, SB1216, SB1827, SB65, SB1390, SB259, SB1944, SB540, SB2139, SB346, SB1595, SB1400, SB1555, SB1209, SB2110, SB1670, SB1061, SB2104, HR1057, SB1946, SB1734, SB1316, SB1360, SB1557, SB1684, SB2049, SB1410, SB2011, SB1437, SB1204, SB1732, SB1775, SB2084, SB1380, SB1572, SB1772, SB1224, SB710, SB1338, SB1266, SB1303, SB1307, SB1562, SB1794, SB1191, SB1983, SB1832, SB1448, SB1534, SB1593, SB1597, SB1630, SB1489, SB1726, SB1796, SB1806, SB1877, SB1451, SB1553, SB1632, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB2180, SB1725, SB2182, HB3003, HB3004, HB4434, HB4324, HB4342, HB2137, HB4432, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take up the consent calendar when we have quorum. We have 11 bills on consent today.
• Oh, consent calendar. Is there a motion for? Other items up for add-ons? Oh, consent calendar.
• Oh, consent calendar. Is there a motion for? other items up for add-ons? Oh, consent calendar.
• We have 11 bills on consent.
• On the consent calendar, Fong. Aye. Fong, aye. DiMaio. On the consent calendar, Fong. Aye. Fong.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That confirms the consent calendar as proposed.
• That confirms the consent calendar as proposed.
• Item number 7, 8, and 9 are on consent and voted on.
• Item numbers 28 is on consent, as is 29, 30, and 31.
• Item number 12 is on consent. Sharp Collins, aye. Item number 12 is on consent.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A second one would require unanimous consent. Seek an extension of time. Mr.
• A second one would require unanimous consent. Seek an extension of time. Mr.
• A second one would require unanimous consent. Seek an extension of time. Mr.
• A second one would require unanimous consent. Seek an extension of time. Mr.
• A second one would require unanimous consent. Seek an extension of time. Mr.

Bills: HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92, HB1520, HB1545, HB5265, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB1353, HB3960, HB3923, HB2221, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5092, HB3748, HB5246, HB4344, HB1482, HB4044, HB2702, HB4264, HB2807, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB3133, HB4960, HB3214, HB2145, HB 1201, HB5061, SB29, SB879, SB65, SB1745, SB412, SB412, SB1746, SB1238, SB1341, SB522, SB1532, SB1378, SB1062, SB2066, SB1963, SB2204, SB1366, SB2077, SB1967, SB1151, HB1618, HB2156, HB2615, HB2615, HB2349, HB1926, HB569, HB1762, HB38, HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3531, HB3490, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92

Keywords: carbon tax, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas, climate policy, fuel tax, emissions tax, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax limitation, environmental tax, fossil fuels, energy policy, legislative taxing authority, ballot proposition, constitutional amendment, higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University

Transcript Highlights:

• [Applause] The House will now attend to the consent calendar. Mr.
• And the consent calendar is adopted.
• All right, we have just a few unanimous consents.
• Representative Mallaloy is recognized for unanimous consent.
• You might have heard of him. consent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I live consent. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair's recommendation is to advise and consent on all of the nominations for their terms.
• This is to advise and consent from our committee to the designated periods of time, recognizing their
• As previously mentioned by Madam Chair, the recommendations to advise and consent on those listed on
• all of as forth said advise and consent all of as forth said um<01:14:45.960> to<01:14:46.239
• <01:15:55.800> on recommendations to advise and consent on recommendations to advise and consent

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll put that in consent. we'll put that in consent.
• >> Yes. 16 passes. >> Problem with consent. >> Consent. >> Good with consent.
• >> Problem with consent. >> Problem with consent. >> Consent.
• >> Consent. >> Consent.
• . >> Consent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now take up the consent calendar.
• The consent calendar is adopted. The committee will be attended to the clerk.
• We will now take up the consent 731.
• > the<00:23:05.039> relevant consent calendar with the relevant consent calendar with the
• The Senate will be the consent calendar.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, call the roll for the consent calendar.
• The consent calendar consists of file items 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14.
• The consent calendar consists of file items 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14.
• The current vote is 6-0, and the motion is to adopt the consent calendar.
• That was consent. File item 2, SB 953 by Senator Niilo.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation-related bills, with testimony focused on public safety, curb management, privacy, transit coordination, high-speed rail, and illegal dumping. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued this would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would allow selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors for curbside enforcement in a pilot program with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety in dense urban areas, and the committee discussed the bill as a limited, optional tool rather than a mandate. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays; supporters said it would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten rules for automated license plate reader systems, including annual DOJ audits, employee training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported the bill, but law enforcement groups opposed it as too restrictive and harmful to investigations. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; city officials and local government groups supported it as an accountability measure, and no opposition testified. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and planning for major events; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for large venues, while some transit groups were neutral or “work with author.” SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permitting program for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help manage utilities and other uses along the corridor, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about impacts and penalties. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail financing and partnership tools, including removing a project cap and enabling more early works and public-private partnerships; it drew broad support from labor, transit, and rail advocates, with some local agencies expressing concerns but noting amendments. The committee also took up a consent calendar and several bills on call, and many measures were advanced by roll call votes, often unanimously or with one or two no votes, after amendments and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have a consent calendar. It goes from tabs three through six.
• And that's it for that consent calendar removal. The rest of it is available for passage.
• <00:04:37.280> The for that consent calendar removal.
• The for that consent calendar removal.
• The rest of the consent calendar is adopted.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on March 20, 2026, approved the minutes, and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items for separate discussion: FIS 26048 from the Department of Safety and FIS 26053 from the Department of Environmental Services. The committee then adopted both of those items after brief questioning. Safety explained that a $2 million transfer would reduce its lapse, though it still expected a lapse of just under $4 million. Members, especially Senator Gray, emphasized concern about lapses and the need to track them closely given prior-year shortfalls. On the Environmental Services item, members discussed the Heavy Falls dam removal. The commissioner said the dam is old, not grounded in bedrock, and does not meet current safety standards, so removal was the practical option because replacement funding was unavailable. He said the aquatic resource mitigation fund and Army Corps of Engineers support made the removal feasible, and that the town had been involved in discussions for years. The committee adopted the item. The committee also adopted a Department of Transportation item, with staff noting high snowfall and a roughly 25% vacancy rate but saying contractors and bonus incentives had allowed plowing operations to continue. A Judicial Council item was then adopted, with the director saying it would likely be his last appearance this fiscal year. The committee next reviewed information materials on YDC claims administration, where DOJ staff said current spending would leave about a $10 million buffer into the next fiscal year and described reduced staffing and ongoing claims work; no action was taken. The committee then heard audit presentations for the Liquor Commission and Lottery Commission. The Liquor Commission audit reported seven findings, including a material weakness on reconciliations, issues with NextGen data/reporting, gift and promotional card controls, procurement and leasing practices, and one nonconcurrence on whether certain purchases were exempt from bidding requirements; members discussed whether attorney general review or legislation might be needed. The commission said it had completed a year-end reconciliation and was about 70% reconciled through February. The Lottery Commission audit reported three internal control comments, all concurred with by the lottery, focused on written procedures, filling the controller position, annual risk assessments, disaster recovery testing, user access controls, and training compliance; the lottery said it was hiring to reduce reliance on one employee and had no unresolved findings. The committee took no vote on the audit materials and adjourned after setting the next meeting for April 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked for CYFD when it was under the Joseph A. consent decree as a social worker.
• When Joseph A was filed in federal court, the department was put under a consent decree.
• And it took 20 years of that consent. ...of the operation.
• We have had 12 secretaries since that consent decree. Administration.
• We have had 12 secretaries since that consent decree was lifted just 14 years ago.

Bills: HB70, HB93, HB95, HB139, HB140, HJR4

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup

Transcript Highlights:

• Five are on consent.
• We are going to go ahead and dispense with the consent calendar. Yeah, I don't know.
• All right, we've got a motion and a second on the consent calendar.
• Okay, this is a consent file. Schiavo? Aye. Schiavo, aye. All right, 15-0.
• The consent calendar is out. We'll leave that open for absent members to add on.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objection to consent. >> 13 sir. Any objection to consent.
• Any objection to consent? >> Seeing none, we'll go on consent. I hereby close the public hearing.
• >> Any objection to consent? >> Any objection to consent?
• committee and by the house on consent committee and by the house on consent last<03:20:52.160>
• nothing vote and we put it on consent. nothing vote and we put it on consent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, obviously, this is informed consent. This is very similar to what we have with right to try.
• Next, obviously, this is informed consent. This is very similar to what we have with right to try.
• Next, obviously, this is informed consent. This is very similar to what we have with right to try.
• Informed consent. This is very similar to what we have with right to try.
• Thank you for that testimony. things like requiring informed consent things like requiring informed consent

Bills: HB0028, HB0080

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Roy, yes. 13-0. >> Any objection to consent? Seeing none, it has gone consent.
• Any objection to consent? Seeing none, it has gone consent.
• Any objection to consent? >> 130. Motion. Any objection to consent?
• It's implied consent.
• I see a causal implied consent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.
• Tyler of Boston asked unanimous consent to vote for roll call number one.
• McDonagall of Everett asked your name for consent to be recorded on the last roll call.
• Cruz of Salem requests consent to be recorded on the last roll call. Chair? Objection?
• Your name is consent to amendment in the hands of the clerk, Amendment number 27.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House considered House No. 57, a $425 million supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025 to fund the emergency shelter/emergency housing assistance system and related activities. The bill, as described by the chair of Ways and Means, included major policy changes requested by the Governor: immediate residency verification at intake, limits on eligibility, required criminal history disclosures and CORI checks, a reduced maximum shelter stay from nine months to six months with hardship waivers, temporary respite sites for 30 days, and a cap on system capacity. Supporters argued the changes were needed to preserve the right-to-shelter system amid fiscal strain and federal inaction; opponents said the bill still did not go far enough or, in some cases, went too far and risked harming families and children. The House debated and voted on numerous amendments, mostly focused on tightening eligibility or changing shelter operations. Several Republican amendments to reduce funding, impose a one-year residency requirement, require broader background checks, limit eligibility to homelessness caused within Massachusetts, and require cooperation with ICE were rejected, often after roll call votes. A point of order was sustained on multiple amendments as beyond the scope of the bill, including proposals affecting court officers, law enforcement, and ICE-related provisions. The House also rejected amendments to cut the appropriation from $425 million to $200 million and to add other restrictions on eligibility and administration. Some amendments were adopted. A redrafted Amendment 27, offered by Rep. Decker, was adopted 25-25 on a tie vote and expanded protections to children under age six and added related hardship/extension language. A subsequent amendment by Rep. Consalvo was adopted unanimously to add disability-related protections and extend benefits in certain cases. Another amendment by Rep. Finn was adopted to modify language about seeking federal reimbursement, and Amendment 9 was adopted to require competitive bidding for certain service funds. After debate and roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 126-26. The House then observed a moment of tribute for Doug Selfick and adjourned to meet again Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would require that licensed professionals obtain patient consent before using AI for supportive services
• I'm going to be asking for unanimous consent to withdraw this, but I think this is an area we can all
• But I am going to be asking for unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment. Thank you.
• The Senate has requested unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment. Are there any objections?
• So I'm going to request again unanimous consent to withdraw the pending amendment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor. After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have four bills that are eligible, one of which is on consent.
• This was on the consent calendar. Thank you. Again, that's SB 985, Strickland.
• Okay, so at this point we're going to add votes to the consent calendar.
• Okay, so at this point we're going to add votes to the consent calendar.
• On the consent calendar, then it's it thanks and I that's from okay. All bills are out.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman asked unanimous consent to strike the enacting clause without objection.
• Senator Reinhart asked unanimous consent to work from a committee sub without objection.
• Senator Reinhart asked unanimous consent to work from a committee sub without objection.
• Chair, I would ask unanimous consent that the title be restored to the bill.
• We have a unanimous consent request to restore the title without objection. That will be the order.

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 618 responds to this by expanding how often carriers can, with the insured's written consent, change
• This essentially gives the policyholder... ...holders' written consent through a signed form.
• Under the current law, an insurer may not use consent to rate for more than 10% of its commercial insurance
• Now and currently the way the policy reads is we are allowed to consent to rate or adjust the excess
• Raising the amount from 10% to 20% on policies that we're able to consent to rate or add excess will

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.