Transcript Highlights:

• Um, first up we have Senate File 4726.
• .<00:17:55.840> So time.
• So time.
• So, we have time before we get a Senate file to figure out what we want to do. >> Okay. >> All right.
• Um, so House File 3379 as benefit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• at this time. at this time.
• The coalition filed suit.
• Um the coalition filed suit. A quickly. Um the coalition filed suit.
• in that case filed by the government. in that case filed by the government.
• been filed and is pending. been filed and is pending.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate file 856. Senate file 856.
• amendment to the Senate file number 856. amendment to the Senate file number 856.
• <00:12:47.360> after programs, has already made time after programs, has already made time
• >> Cleaveor moves to amend Senate file >> Cleaveor moves to amend Senate file number
• This was the merger between House File 1 and Senate File 856.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 856, which would create an Office of the Inspector General to combat fraud in state public programs. Representative Norris described the bill as the product of a long bipartisan, bicameral working group and emphasized the office’s independence, five-year term, Senate confirmation, removal-for-cause protections, authority to investigate entities receiving public funds, prevention-focused duties, and required public and annual reporting. Representative Anderson PE also thanked the bipartisan authors and staff, saying the bill was the result of extensive negotiations and should move forward without reopening the agreement. Members then considered several amendments. Norris offered a technical cleanup amendment, A44, to clarify language about embedding employees at the Department of Education, distinguish civil and criminal investigative authority, and update law-enforcement terminology; it was adopted. Anderson PE then offered and secured adoption of a technical amendment, A45, to correct a drafting error. Representative Cleorne offered A37 to add prepayment review procedures for all agencies, but it failed on a roll call, 65-67. Cleorne also offered A38 to appropriate $15 million for OIG modernization and data-sharing improvements, but withdrew it after noting it would be out of order. A39, which would have renamed the proposed law enforcement unit from an anti-fraud and waste bureau to an anti-fraud and enforcement unit, failed on a roll call, 66-67, after debate over whether “waste” should be included in the title and scope. During debate on the naming amendment, supporters argued the title should better reflect law-enforcement work and avoid implying the office was a “waste” agency, while opponents said the existing language reflected the bipartisan working-group agreement and that changing it could jeopardize the bill’s progress. Representative West cited inspector general standards that include waste among their duties, and Representative Pinto questioned the substantive basis for opposing the change. Later, Representative Mhler offered A41 to eliminate the future law-enforcement agency entirely, arguing it would be duplicative and unfunded; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• before the committee house file before the committee house file 2014<00:13:48.320> anyone
• will go to the members for house file will go to the members for house file 2028<00:16:23.360>
• We do have a little bit of time.
• We do have a little bit of time.
• I talk about this all the time.

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will be taking up House File 3425.
• <00:00:53.720> 3425, have before you House file 3425, have before you House file 3425, a<00
• <00:01:02.680> 3595, Senate file 3595, Senate file 3595, which<00:01:04.480> was<00
• <00:01:07.520> This<00:01:07.720> timely<00:01:08.160> bill This timely bill
• >> Um, I believe that House File 3425, we are taking up House File 3425, um, and it would be holding

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• house file house file 931<00:03:44.720> as<00:03:44.920> described 931 as described
• <00:06:36.400> was because an outdated mailing file was because an outdated mailing file was
• <00:07:41.400> 931 objectives presented in house file 931 objectives presented in house file
• objectives of house file objectives of house file 931<00:14:21.279> um<00:14:21.560> as
• We're trying to eliminate wasted staff time.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3489. Senator McQuade. House File 3489. Senator McQuade.
• pool one more time. pool one more time.
• House File 4138. Senator Muay. House File 4138. Senator Muay.
• screen time. screen time.
• House File House File 3067.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the time and I really appreciate the testimony. Senate File 2042 will be laid over.
• , Senate File 1897.
• , Senate File 1897.
• , Senate File 1897.
• , Senate File 1897.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So at this time I will associated.
• relating to amendments must be pre-filed relating to amendments must be pre-filed be<00:08:31.200
• file number 476. file number 476.
• <00:09:26.960> number Noor moves to amend Senate file number Noor moves to amend Senate file
• <00:10:06.600> Third file number 476 as amended. Third file number 476 as amended.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 476, the human services policy bill on continuity of care, assisted living safety, vulnerable adult protections, and program integrity. Representative Noor, the bill’s author, described it as a broad policy package covering direct care and treatment, Department of Health policy, aging and disability services, behavioral health, maltreatment of vulnerable adults, continuity of care, and miscellaneous changes. Representative Schumacher also supported the bill, saying the final language reflected extensive stakeholder work and compromise, especially in aging and long-term care, while also adding guardrails around fraud-related processes and other DHS policy decisions. Several amendments were considered. A DE3 amendment was offered and adopted, and an A8 amendment to the amendment was initially discussed as a way to create a legislative working group and bring more community input into human services program changes, but Representative Curran withdrew it. Curran then offered A11, which would have changed billing limits for individualized home supports with training, but withdrew that as well after noting DHS concerns about possible costs. The House then suspended the rules to allow Noor’s A13 technical amendment, which was adopted. On third reading, Representative Frederick praised the bipartisan work and highlighted provisions addressing intimidation of staff in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, extending voluntary return time for certain civilly committed individuals, and allowing some DCT staff to move from unclassified to classified positions. Noor thanked staff and reiterated that the bill protects vulnerable people while preserving program integrity and taxpayer dollars. The bill passed as amended by a vote of 93 ayes to 39 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 4277 is Harvey's Law.
• time, And the third time, they<00:01:42.920> took<00:01:43.120> a<00:01:43.200> life
• House<00:04:04.040> File<00:04:04.320> 4277 House File 4277 House File 4277 requires
• we've discussed a thousand times. we've discussed a thousand times.
• and have it follow suit House File 3435. and have it follow suit House File 3435.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When they try and file a grievance, the school district denies it three times.
• filing it.
• Only three times have we ever had to file a suit for partition: one time with my brother because he was
• I probably have filed a lawsuit for partition less than 10 times in all those suits, but it is a tool
• There's no guarantee your temporary sealing motion will be heard by the time you need to file your trade

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• They're great most of the time.
• So, but I have enough time, let's say I'm going for a promotion and the chief decide to file something
• It's on file with Senate staff.
• It's on file with Senate staff. So I got a hold of what was on file with Senate. for public view.
• It's on file with Senate staff.

Bills: S0600, S0760, S1012, S1326, S1488, S1536, S1544, S1750

Keywords: bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, Florida statutes, bond conditions, surety, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault

Summary: The committee took up several criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 760 on violations of pretrial release conditions. A strike-all amendment narrowed the bill to make willful violation of a no-contact order a first-degree misdemeanor, authorize warrantless arrest on probable cause, and require detention until first appearance in certain cases. The amendment and the bill, as amended, were both adopted and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1536 on digital voyeurism, which would extend the expectation of privacy to backyards in the surveillance statute; it was reported favorably after brief questions and support from a Florida Smart Justice Alliance witness. Members next considered SB 1012 on inmate services. The bill would expand use of contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust funds for reintegration and facility upgrades, and would require reimbursement for inmate emergency and specialty medical services at Medicaid rates, with telehealth and autonomous APRNs included as options. Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida opposed the bill as written, warning that tying Medicaid participation to treatment of inmates could reduce reimbursement and discourage provider participation, while the Department of Corrections and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported it. Senators discussed costs, aging inmates, and possible future changes, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 600 on bail bond and pretrial release laws after adopting a strike-all that aligned it with the House companion and made technical changes to solicitation, training, and bond reinstatement rules. Public testimony raised concerns about who should receive returned bond money and how clerks would process payments, but the sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined. Later, the committee reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1750 on criminal sexual conduct, which increases penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes, especially those involving children. It also reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1544 on complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers, a bill requiring complainants to provide sworn complaints to officers before interrogation unless corroborating evidence is present; police chiefs and sexual violence advocates opposed parts of the bill, while supporters argued it would protect officers from unfounded complaints. Finally, SB 1488 on booking officer duties regarding minor children of arrested persons was reported favorably, and SB 1326 on prosecution of defamation was taken up for reconsideration with a delete-all amendment that narrowed the insanity defense, limited mitigation for severe mental illness in serious cases, and extended detention periods for incompetent defendants; opposition testimony from defense, public defender, and mental health advocates warned it would worsen treatment and increase costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The secretary will read the House file numbers. >> House File Numbers 4102 and 4348. >> The House files
• At the same time, Mr.
• at that time. at that time.
• from time to time, because that amount is so high.
• /c> statistics in real time uh from time to statistics in real time uh from time to time<03:40:30.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He says it time and time again.
• Eventually, as happens time and time and time again in human history.
• Green on House File 1.
• We had missed our time to come to the U.S. three times, and if we didn't come that last time, we would
• But we know who is compromised time and time again, and it's our community.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:37.839> President, this time. Um, Mr. President, this time. Um, Mr.
• spent during that time. spent during that time. >> Thank<00:14:36.800> you.
• I move the Senate stand in recess until the last bill is filed, at which time the journal will reflect
• will be filed. Senator Blackwell. will be filed. Senator Blackwell.
• <00:18:36.000> journal bill is filed, at which time the journal bill is filed, at which time

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call that established a quorum, followed by an invocation by Pastor Robert Hulet of Agape Church in South Haven and the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Jackson. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including family members of Senators Carter and Thomas, and the chamber recognized a state flag flown in honor of Daniel Hudson Sparks. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2017, the repeal of various obsolete commissions. Senator McConn explained that the bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would repeal 22 boards and commissions that had not met, had not filed minutes, or had not carried out their intended functions. Senator Norwood asked about a $47,000 item tied to the Status of Women Commission, and McConn said he believed the money had been appropriated but likely not spent because the commission had not met. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed on final passage by afternoon roll call. The Senate then moved to announcements, including a rules committee meeting after recess, a capital prayer group meeting the next morning, a finance committee meeting with a PERS presentation, and an appropriations subcommittee meeting. Senators also requested that the chamber adjourn in memory of several individuals, including Wesley Balden, Carl Wyers, and Joe Fernald. With roughly 300 to 350 bills reported as filed, the Senate recessed until the last bill was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• drugs at the time.
• My predecessor filed this bill a few times, and I took a look at it.
• My predecessor filed this bill a few times. And I took a look at it.
• Thank you for your time.
• We’re saying the same thing time and time again.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, friends, this is not the first time, as you know, nor will it be the last time that I rise around
• And, Madam President, the time is approaching.
• Because all across this Commonwealth, communities time and...
• The bill was read a third time.
• It's two times.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated. The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for the time being, we're going to go on to business on the daily file.
• This is not the time.
• Back to the business on the daily file, we are going to pass and retain on file items 80, 81, 82. 83,
• We're going to pass and retain on file item. 85, file item 86, file item 87, which gets us to file item
• We are going to pass and retain on file items 89, 90, 91. Which brings us to file item 92, AB 1150.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 4075 is the next bill.
• Um presenting 4075, House File 4075.
• So, House File 4075 is the next bill. So, House File 4075 is the next bill.
• And um Representative Steer moves House<00:12:44.720> File<00:12:45.120> 3826 House File
• File 3827. File 3827. Representative<00:20:39.120> Duran.

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 4282 is herewith returned to the Senate.
• c> is<00:07:31.400> herewith Senate file number 4282 is herewith Senate file number 4282 is
• The secretary will read the House file numbers. House File Numbers 4074, 4138, and 5074.
• The House files have been given their second reading.
• final passage as amended to Senate file final passage as amended to Senate file number<00:39:56.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all