Video & Transcript Research : 'Jackson County'

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jan 9th, 2025

California Assembly Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Cora, Krell, Lackey.
  • Assemblymember Jackson will lead us in the pledge. Please join me in the pledge.
  • I'd like now to recognize and welcome two guests that are visiting from Madera County.
  • Which is the county, one of the counties in my district.
  • And since the county was established, which was in 1893, so that was 132 years.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And 50% of Oklahoma counties do not have a single OB available for women.
  • Speaker, is that you have representatives on this floor who represent those counties.
  • And 66% of counties in Oklahoma do not have a hospital that offers any type of maternity care.
  • I've heard of women crossing state lines to go see a physician because they can't find one in their county
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:03 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sutton, NAACP, and Lillian Sutton from San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County.
  • They also get a per diem when they live outside of Maricopa County.
  • and as you know, the county commissioners do get paid.
  • We are a historic village under Santa Fe County zoning, I believe.
  • Will the gentlelady from Burlington County please yield? I do yield.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you're here from Collin County, please stand. Let's all welcome our friends from Collin County.
  • that is my home county, Collin County, it is a thriving county in the heart of North Texas, one of the
  • I represent another 14 counties and you help in various in many of those counties by distributing food
  • in those smaller counties.
  • County.
Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Feb 17th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She recognizes the gentleman from Jackson. Representative Jackson from Clark. >> Thank you, Mr.
  • Jackson from Clark. Representative Jackson from Clark. Representative Jackson.
  • you've done as a county commissioner. you've done as a county commissioner.
  • local consent from the county without local consent from the county commissioners<01:30:42.000> or
  • McCellbell from Mingo County. McCellbell from Mingo County.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson
  • , Johnson, Carrillo, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Carrillo, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McNerney
  • I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 96 to withdraw ACR 210, Jackson, from the Economic
  • At that time I was the county clerk in San Francisco, but I've been involved with Moms Demand Action
  • Her name was Jen, and she just lost her cousin Annie to domestic violence in Lake County.
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine procedural business including journal approval, bill re-referrals, and consent actions. Several guest introductions were made, including family members of members and two CIF Scholar Athletes of the Year, Ryan Liu and Mona Sugawara, who were recognized for academic, athletic, and community achievements. The main floor action was on ACR 191, which designated June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. Assemblymember Stephanie presented the resolution and described the ongoing toll of gun violence, citing Hadea Pendleton and recent shootings, while numerous members from both parties and regions spoke in strong support, sharing personal and district-level experiences with gun violence and urging continued state and federal action. The resolution received 55 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also adopted several consent calendar resolutions, including ACR 206 on elder and dependent adult abuse awareness month and ACR 211, along with multiple Senate concurrent resolutions, all by unanimous roll-call votes. The chamber then heard an adjournment in memory for Michael George Savan, a longtime Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department commander, Marine Corps Reservist, former Lomita mayor and council member, and volunteer coach. The Assembly adjourned until Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations.(2-11-26)

Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Jackson >> yes. Representative Jackson >> pass.
  • Representative Jackson: Yes. Representative KC Carney: Yes.
  • >> Representative<00:45:09.839> Jackson. >> Representative Jackson.
  • Representative Jackson: Yes. Representative KC Carney: Yes.
  • Representative<00:47:57.280> Jackson, Representative Jackson, Representative Jackson, >>
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 526, while House Bill 254 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. HB 526 would make bar membership and dues voluntary for Kentucky attorneys, and the sponsor argued it protects constitutional rights, prevents compelled association, and would not stop the Kentucky Supreme Court or Kentucky Bar Association from offering services such as CLE, ethics support, and lawyer assistance programs. He also argued Kentucky lawyers should not be forced to fund speech or activities they may disagree with, and urged passage of the bill. Representatives of the Kentucky Bar Association, including its president and the chair of the Young Lawyers Division, opposed the bill. They said the KBA is an arm of the Supreme Court rather than a private association, and that mandatory dues support nonpolitical services such as free continuing legal education, legal research, the Kentucky Lawyers Assistance Program, ethics guidance, mentorship, disaster relief work, and the Legal Food Frenzy. They warned that changing to a voluntary system would reduce infrastructure, increase costs for lawyers, and potentially shift more regulatory and service burdens to the Supreme Court. Members questioned whether the bill would actually prevent the KBA from continuing its programs and asked about other states’ bar structures. The sponsor and supporters pointed to Indiana and other states with voluntary bar membership, while KBA witnesses said Kentucky’s current system is efficient and constitutional and that many services are not truly free but are funded through dues. The discussion became heated at points over whether KBA testimony itself constituted political speech, and the chair intervened to keep the meeting moving. The transcript ends during member questions, with no final vote on HB 526 shown.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Community Affairs Mar 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • BEING IN PINELLAS COUNTY REPRESENTING HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTY TOUCHING THE GULF OF AMERICA
  • JOHNS COUNTY.
  • JOHNS COUNTY CAME OUT ON THE TOP.
  • JOHNS COUNTY.
  • JOHN'S COUNTY.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sheffbind family on being the Meer County 2026 County 2026
  • Jackson and where the Supreme...
  • Women's Health Dobbs versus Jackson Women's Health Organization.
  • Jackson decision.
  • Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

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

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM

Highways and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, I live in Marshall County, one of the larger land area counties in the north.
  • ,<00:08:56.399> adequate stationed in every county, adequate stationed in every county, adequate
  • <00:09:15.200> is be dedicated in any given county is be dedicated in any given county is
  • the larger in Marshall County, one of the larger land<00:10:25.200> area<00:10:25.680> counties
  • , Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson, Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson, Mississippi.<00:26:30.640
Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 10th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2015, she was the first woman elected County Superintendent of Education.
  • Alexis Wilbur is the program manager for the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office-led Family
  • Ventura County community she proudly calls home.
  • From Assembly District 60 is Linda Krupa, escorted by Assembly Member Jackson.
  • She has been a member of numerous county, regional, and state boards throughout her career.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then dispensed with the reading of the prior journal and handled routine motions, including re-referring AB 432 and AB 564 to committees. The main item of business was House Resolution 14, proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from the LGBTQ, Native American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, Jewish, and other caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing women’s historical contributions, ongoing inequities, and the importance of representation and parity in public life. Assemblymember DeMaio also supported the resolution while urging attention to girls’ sports. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 78 coauthors were added. The chamber then held its annual California Women of the Year ceremony, with Aguiar-Curry and other members recognizing honorees from across Assembly districts for leadership in education, health care, public service, advocacy, business, and community work. The lengthy roll call highlighted a broad range of women’s accomplishments and community impact. Guest introductions followed, including Sacramento District Attorney Tien Ho, VSP Vision Care executives celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary, and EMTs and ambulance support staff being honored by the California Ambulance Association. The Assembly also took up the second-day consent calendar, which was adopted 71-0. Assemblymember Schultz then delivered an adjournment in memory of Barbara Beckley, founding member and artistic director emerita of the Colony Theatre Company, praising her contributions to Los Angeles theater and the arts. The House then adjourned until Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m., with a Revenue and Taxation Committee hearing scheduled upon adjournment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Keith Jackson, here. Paty Jackson, here. Holly Johnson, here. Zack Ramsey. Danny Rhodess, here.
  • We do expect the Jackson FMS.
  • Secretary Jackson is here.
  • capital plan include the Lecher County capital plan include the Lecher County equipment<01:00:23.280
  • So whenever I've got a a counties.
Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 1/19/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Uh, Chase Jackson has joined me today.
  • >> Uh Chase Jackson uh has joined me today.
  • She's now the Baltimore County Executive, Kathy Class Meerson. >> County Executive Kathy Class Meers
  • ,<00:08:09.680> District Fauna Jalo from Anonda County, District Fauna Jalo from Anonda County
  • Uh Senator from G County. County. County. Thank<00:08:39.279> you,<00:08:39.519> Mr.
Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Pastor Ray Cotton of Mount Si Baptist Church, who prayed for wisdom, integrity, courage, compassion, and protection for lawmakers. The senator from the 45th district introduced the pastor and praised his long ministry and community leadership. The chamber then recorded a quorum and moved through brief introductions of guests, including constituents from District 22, local elected officials, a junior senator from District 8, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, and a new group of student pages from several districts. The Senate handled limited business, including the reading and referral of Senate Bill 257, the Mel Noland Woodland Initiatives and Fellowship Fund reporting bill, and two bond initiatives for the Linthicum Ferndale Youth Athletic Association and Carol Manor Elementary School. Leaders noted that committee hearings would be busy in the coming week and that the desk was otherwise clear. There was also an announcement encouraging members to watch the documentary "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round," tied to Glen Echo Park desegregation history and the legacy of former Senator Gwen Britt. The main event was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. remarks by the senator from the 45th district. The speech focused on passages from the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," emphasizing King’s discipline, nonviolent strategy, the interconnectedness of communities, the role of constructive tension, the need to demand justice rather than wait indefinitely, and the moral distinction between just and unjust laws. The senator framed King as both a strategist and a builder of institutions, and argued that lawmakers should measure their work against those principles. The chamber responded with strong applause, and the remarks were journalized without objection. After a final quorum call confirmed 43 members present, the Senate remained in session briefly and then adjourned without objection until Tuesday, January 20 at 10 a.m.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Technology - Room 216, 18 March, 2026; 2:00 PM

Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • I work for the Jackson County E911 Emergency Communications District.
  • I work for the Jackson<00:07:18.000> County<00:07:18.720> E91<00:07:19.680> Emergency
  • Jackson County E91 Emergency Jackson County E91 Emergency Communications<00:07:20.960> District
  • I'm the county administrator for Quipman County. I've been in position for eight years.
  • :46.080> Quipman the county administrator for Quipman the county administrator for Quipman County
Summary: The committee first considered the reappointment of Thomas Allen Wicker to the IT Board. Members praised his long service, industry knowledge, and the importance of the state’s information technology operations. After a brief question about his past as editor of the Daily Mississippian, the committee voted to advise and consent, and the nomination was reported out. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to confirming the initial members of the new Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority board created under the next generation 911 law. The chair reviewed the board’s duties under Section 6 of the act, including budgeting, grant administration, setting and revising technology standards, improving interoperability and consolidation of 911 systems, recommending standards for public safety answering points, collecting performance data, coordinating technical assistance, addressing GIS mapping and standards, and developing a CMRS grant program for NG 911 implementation. The chair and Senator Deleno emphasized that the board will be responsible for statewide planning, sustainable funding, and helping local governments understand the costs and benefits of NG 911 and shared GIS infrastructure. The committee then heard brief statements from the nominees, who described backgrounds in emergency communications, law enforcement, GIS, EMS, county administration, and local government. Nominees included Danna Diaz, Chief Chad Norman Dorne, Eric Hollingsworth, Paul Sheffield, Scott Trapalino, Terresa Windham, Paul Mosley, Matt Haley, Brian Roberts, W. Willis Willard Johnson, Beatatric Prior, and Sheri Hoampamp. One nominee, Paul Sheffield, had a self-reported bankruptcy from 2002 that had been resolved in 2004, but the committee still moved forward. Each nominee was asked if there were questions, and the committee repeatedly voted to advise and consent, with no opposition recorded. Senator Deleno closed by stressing that the board’s work is critical to the future of first responders in Mississippi, especially the development of a statewide GIS standard and a grant framework for using NG 911 funds responsibly. He said the legislature wanted to avoid piecemeal purchases and instead ensure accountability, efficiency, and a sustainable funding source. The chair thanked the nominees and Senator Deleno, and the meeting concluded after the confirmations were completed.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • an area that doesn't have another municipality but has a part of the county, then the county board of
  • , then the county part of the county, then the county board<02:51:05.040> of<02:51:05.120>
  • It goes to the county.
  • It goes to the county.
  • It goes to the county.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions. Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism. The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 015 Jan 29th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jackson, Jackson, Jackson is excused. Johnson.
  • We'll fix that. >> Uh, members, we've got our superintendent from the Douglas County School District
  • ><00:26:26.400> Mesa as the junior legislator from Mesa as the junior legislator from Mesa County
  • 28.080> professor<00:26:28.559> from<00:26:28.880> my<00:26:29.120> days County
  • , my former professor from my days County, my former professor from my days at<00:26:29.520> Colorado
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened, led the pledge, and completed a roll call showing a quorum with 55 members present and 10 excused. The journal from Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was approved as corrected. The Speaker then moved into announcements and introductions, with several members briefly joking about the sign-up process and fines for failing to sign up in advance. Announcements highlighted a range of visiting groups and upcoming committee meetings. Members recognized the Colorado Council of Authorities/911 communications officials, Rooted Christian Academy sixth graders, physical therapy advocates, CASE Member Day at the Capitol, and community college representatives. Several members also announced committee schedules, including Judiciary hearing sunset bills and House Bill 1058, a DORA sunset hearing, a capital development committee meeting, and a Health and Human Services SMART Act hearing. There were also invitations to a Colorado Mesa University reception and a Treasury open house for unclaimed property. At the end of the session, the Speaker announced appointments to the House ethics committee: Representatives McCormick as chair, Soper as vice chair, Woodrow, Mabrey, and Garcia Sander. The Majority Leader then moved that the House stand in recess until later in the day, and the motion carried.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Appropriations Feb 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Ricardo Jackson, and I'm 73 years old.
  • It invests in economic development for Putnam and Marion counties.
  • Eco-tourism is a key driver in Marion County.
  • Marion County has almost the same acreage on the Rodman Reservoir as Putnam County.
  • Jeff Scala, Florida Association of Counties, speaking for information.
Summary: The committee first took up SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for the wrongful convictions, incarceration, and death tied to the 1949 case. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step after prior state apologies, pardons, and exonerations. The committee adopted a $4 million amendment that divided compensation equally among the four families and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s share. Multiple family members and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the decades of trauma and the need for full justice. Senators in debate largely supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 330, which clarifies disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers by refining the definition of heart disease and allowing certain officers who transfer agencies to rely on a prior physical under specified conditions. SB 474 also passed, expanding military leave protections to include public officials and employees who serve in the Coast Guard or Florida State Guard, adjusting pay eligibility for federal service, and updating related retirement and assistance provisions. SB 96, the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program bill, was amended to expand eligibility to veterans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level and to move funding into the General Appropriations Act; members debated whether the broader eligibility could increase demand, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for out-of-home placements, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. CS/SB 480 on state IT governance was reported favorably after amendments that strengthened vendor performance metrics and restored state data center security provisions; it creates a new central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office and aims to improve oversight of procurement, spending, and technical debt. SB 1066, addressing partial restoration of the Ocklawaha River and Kirkpatrick Dam, passed after a late-file amendment and extensive testimony from environmental, recreation, and local economic interests. SB 1216, which gives school districts more flexibility in educator compensation, and SB 1120, which increases oversight and reporting for water management district spending, were also reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 1366 on claims against the government, which raises sovereign immunity caps, ties future adjustments to CPI, shortens claim deadlines, and changes attorney-fee provisions. The bill drew support from local government and public-hospital groups as a compromise, but also significant concern from some senators about the impact on self-insured agencies and whether the fee changes would discourage attorneys from taking cases. The discussion remained ongoing, and the bill was still moving forward as the meeting continued.