Transcript Highlights:

• And thus, to give you an idea of how fast things are moving, we are all accustomed to our devices where
• the power of the device doubles every two years.

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence and stow electronic devices. Anyone wishing to speak?
• Please silence and stow electronic devices.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Make sure cell phones and other communication devices are off or turned on silent.
• focuses on education, enforcement, and data so we can better understand where risks exist and how these devices

Transcript Highlights:

• good faith and exercising reasonable care, may independently prescribe drugs, drug categories, and devices
• A pharmacist may prescribe drugs or devices only for conditions for which the pharmacist is educationally

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also clarifies that such facilities may not provide or offer any drug... or device intended
• Texas Alliance for Life does not take a position on contraceptive drugs, devices, or methods used to

Bills: HB220, HB783, HB2240, HB3336, HB4202, HB4449, HB4904, HB3441, HB4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, minors seeking to purchase hearing devices must obtain a letter from a hearing specialist and
• And finally, it will allow any licensed physician to authorize hearing devices for minors, not just hearing

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Didn't tamper with the GPS device, just did what he did and ended up having a motion for adjournment
• House Bill 316 relates to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device

Bills: SB535, SB664, SB1019, SB1020, SB1120, SB1537, SB1804, HB3207

Keywords: SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield, victim sexual history, past sexual behavior, sexual assault evidence, trafficking of persons, continuous trafficking, indecency with a child, continuous sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, indecent assault, consent defense, in camera hearing, Rule 412, Rule 609, victim protection, evidence admissibility, criminal evidence, sexual offense prosecution

Transcript Highlights:

• WPS is yet another woke device of social justice Biden initiative.
• First, WPS is yet another woke device of social justice Biden initiative.

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But do all you can to provide the kinds of traffic control devices that will increase motor shielding
• Well I for one am thankful for these magic devices that we carry that when I land on a plane I look down

Keywords: daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion

Summary: The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please silence your cell phones and all communication devices.
• And if members of the public wish to speak, please turn ...communication devices.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 1479, by Rep. Baker, created a public records exemption for lethality assessment forms and the victims’ answers under the domestic violence lethality assessment law. The sponsor said the goal was to protect victims and keep the form consistent statewide; a question was raised about whether other agencies such as DCF could access the information. The only public testimony was in support, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 317, by Rep. Fabricio, which would require complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers to be written and sworn, require officers to receive the complaint and supporting evidence before interrogation or discipline, and keep unfounded investigations out of personnel files and from being used for promotions or commendations. Supporters, including the Fraternal Order of Police and a state corrections PBA representative, argued the bill would protect officers from frivolous or retaliatory complaints. Opponents, including the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association, warned it would undermine transparency, early warning systems, accreditation, and accountability, and could discourage legitimate anonymous complaints. Several members debated the balance between officer due process and victim protection; the bill passed 11-6 and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 961, a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measure presented by Judge Maney. A strike-all amendment replaced the original language with a package aimed at improving customer service and efficiency in driver and vehicle services, including online title and registration requests, longer renewal periods for certain permanently handicapped persons, and a new misdemeanor offense for selling DHSMV appointment slots. The amendment and the bill as amended were supported by Florida tax collectors, adopted, and the committee passed HB 961 unanimously, 17-0, with a favorable report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is Representative Van Dever's bill requiring a guide for solar devices, uh, Representative
• Well, I wouldn't, well, we certainly wouldn't propose that we, uh, disengage a, a, uh, device that was

Bills: HB 246, HB 796, HB 1056, HB 1544, HB 1846, HB 2001, HB 2618, HB 2625, HB 2869, HB 2898, HB 3069, HB 3114, HB 3157, HB 3228, HJR 98

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. IF TIME PERMITS WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT.
• WITH THE FIRE MARSHAL ASSOCIATION AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO GO IN AND DO THE SAFETY INSPECTIONS WITH DEVICES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As an administrative thing, please silence all electronic devices, devices and anybody wishing to speak

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As always, please silence all electronic devices and anybody wishing to speak before the committee should
• I didn't do it take to make sure that their device protected.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or placed on silent.

Summary: The conference committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget and Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened briefly to exchange budget-related offers between the House and Senate. The House presented its offer on the Senate’s proposed proviso and implementing bill, along with offers on the two conforming bills: House Bill 501E, concerning petroleum cleanup programs, and Senate Bill 2506E, concerning fuel taxes. The Senate also presented its offer on the budget, back of the bill, and related projects, and both sides indicated they would review and follow up on the proposals. No public comment was offered. Members were reminded that the committee was on one-hour notice for the next meeting. Senator Davis moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or placed on silent.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or placed on silent.

Summary: The conference committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget and Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met briefly to exchange budget-related offers between the House and Senate. The House offered the Senate the proviso and implementing bill, along with offers on two conforming bills: House Bill 501E on petroleum cleanup programs and Senate Bill 2506E on fuel taxes. The Senate responded that it would review the House offer and indicated it also had a House offer on the budget, back of the bill, and projects for the House to consider. No public comment was offered. Members were reminded that the committee was on one-hour notice for the next meeting. Senator Davis moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• ENSURE CELL PHONES AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DEVICES HAVE TURNED OFF OR PLACED ON SILENT MODE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure all your cell phones are off and all communication devices are silent.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources met briefly for a conference committee discussion on the budget spreadsheet and conforming bill. Representative Esposito presented the House’s first offer to the Senate, noting highlighted changes on the spreadsheet intended to narrow differences between the chambers. Senator Broder thanked the House for the offer and said the Senate would review it and return with a response. No public comment or member statements were offered. The committee reminded members to watch for the one-hour notice, and Chair Mayfield moved to adjourn. The motion was adopted without objection, and the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that your cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or placed on silent

Summary: The conference committee on State Administration, Budget, Agriculture, Environmental, and General Government Appropriations met briefly to review budget negotiation materials. The chair noted that the House had submitted a second offer on budget proviso language, back-of-the-bill items, and projects, along with a first offer on implementing and conforming bills. Members were told that many shaded sections reflected areas where the two chambers had already made significant progress in agreeing on numbers and wording. Senator Breuter and Chairman Maggard both thanked each other and their staff for the work done so far, and described the negotiations as making substantial progress toward finalizing the budget. No additional comments were offered by members, and there was no public testimony. With no further business, the committee reminded members to watch for notice of the next meeting, noting the one-hour notice requirement. Representative Cheney moved to adjourn.