Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblymember Jackson.
• Jackson, your closing statement, please. I respectfully ask for an I vote.
• And so am I going to get a Cal Account branch in Fresno County, Merced County?
• County.
• Chen, out of Orange County as well. Let's move that bill right away, gentlemen.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote. The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment. The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• You commented on this and wrote, looking for some Andrew Jackson level leadership on this one.
• This was an obvious reference to the fictitious story about language supposedly used by Andrew Jackson
• The tweet said, looking for some Andrew Jackson-level leadership on this one.
• Los Angeles County alone, which the County of Los Angeles agreed in a consent decree not to...
• I'm looking for some Andrew Jackson level leadership on this one.

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so it's a good amendment for the county.
• Chairman, just add some more protections for La Paz County to protect their water.
• And with the amendment, the floor amendment changes the 10% that goes to the county to 50% to the county
• Members, in 2005 I had the honor of meeting Reverend Jesse Jackson at the Bloody Sunday Commemorative
• We lost Reverend Jesse Jackson this morning.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and various guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing February 17, 2026, as Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2307 received committee amendments and a due pass recommendation. HB 2758, relating to groundwater transportation and La Paz County, drew substantial debate and multiple amendments; supporters described it as a water policy measure with added protections, while opponents warned it would weaken basin protections and benefit private water investors. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due pass recommendation. The committee also gave due pass recommendations to HCR 2003, HCR 2047, and HCR 2002 after debate on issues including transgender participation in sports and the historical/biblical naming of Judea and Samaria. On third reading, the House passed HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations of vote on several measures. HB 262 was described as honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, HB 272 as a public health-related measure tied to provider credentialing, HB 296 as a water infrastructure and finance bill, and HB 2459 as a bipartisan mobile home park tenant protection bill. The House then received the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and noted that HB 2758 failed to pass. The session concluded with announcements about committee meetings, a Game and Fish Department legislative day, and other personal remarks before adjournment until February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Shelby County jail, they was in the Shelby County jail, they was in the Shelby County jail, they
• County and they but they were in Shelby County and they but they were in Shelby County and they were
• Jackson. While he's making his way down, Jackson.
• Representative Jackson talked about uh the um Jackson talked about uh the um Jackson talked about uh
• This is Jefferson County. County only. This is Jefferson County. County only.

Bills: HB 1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 24, HJR 138, HB 3800, HB 42, HB 129, HB 677, HB 668, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 1160, HB 3883, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3783, HB 2017, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 184, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 1778, HB 514, HB 632, HB 2582, HB 766, HB 2715, HB 2712, HB 3069, HB 3505, HB 1269, HB 4224, HB 5032, HB 2240, HB 5180, HB 3348, HB 4668, HB 4665, HB 3395, HB 3157, HB 4395, HB 4325, HB 4386, HB 4273, HB 2760, HB 2820, HB 1828, HB 1579, SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 2034, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, SB 72, SB 1583, SB 2314, SB 1267, SB 1273, SB 765, SB 552, HB 2145, HJR 112, HB 1804, HJR 110, HB 1194, HB 1531, HB 5008, HB 3421, SCR 27, HB 5398, HB 1407, HB 426, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2448, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 1475, HB 3556, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• But local, yeah, the county or city... Oh yeah, it's a county or city.
• Sure, what counties... you said certain counties the petition must be filed in.
• We changed to establish that so it won't be all counties. It won't be all 67 counties.
• Counties that aren't, and they need the stability that the larger counties have.
• One is Bibb County. Development, one is Bibb County.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County Clerk's Association. County Clerk's Association.
• out, so counties that helps counties out, so counties select<00:09:39.519> their<00:09:39.680
• Fyet County uh help other county clerks.
• the number of counties. the number of counties.
• it's eight counties it affected eight it's eight counties it affected eight counties<00:45:21.280

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update from representatives of the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. They reviewed the 2021 task force work, the legislation and budget funding that followed, and the requirements for county clerks to provide online search portals and complete 30-year property record searches, with a 60-year standard expected next summer. Speakers said most counties are still working through scanning and verification, with only a small number fully complete, and emphasized that verification of records is the main bottleneck because it requires staff time and careful matching of indexes to deeds. They also noted limited vendor availability, differences among counties in what records are already digitized, and that the association and land title attorneys are now working more closely on future “continuous improvement” legislation. The clerks also raised related issues, including concerns about deed fraud as more records become searchable online. They said some counties already offer notification services that alert property owners when a document is recorded, which can help owners respond quickly to suspicious filings. They also discussed the filing document storage fee and KDLA digitization grants, saying the funding structure has generally worked but that two grant cycles have been missed. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and searchable, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive. In response to committee questions, the witnesses said the remaining delays are less about money than staffing shortages and the need for more manpower to complete verification, and they said they would follow up on the balance in the KDLA fund and other details. The committee then received a presentation from an Area Development District representative, who described the districts as regional, nonpartisan service organizations that help cities and counties pool resources, provide technical assistance, and leverage public and private partnerships. He highlighted examples of regional cooperation, including veterans-directed care and other shared programs, and argued that the districts create efficiencies and economies of scale for local governments and the state. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, we had all 120 counties under a flash flood warning.
• have been unprecedented from a historical standpoint, from the west to the east, and that all 120 counties
• have been unprecedented from a historical standpoint, from the west to the east, and that all 120 counties
• We have one announcement to make from Corey Ann Jackson. Is she here today? Okay.
• is she here today okay Corey an Jackson is she here today okay all<00:25:29.039> right<00:25:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard several measures focused on public safety and emergency preparedness. Senate Bill 266, sponsored by Vice Chair Aaron Reed, would allow Kentucky State Police troopers to engage in secondary employment under a policy set by the commissioner. Reed argued the change would improve morale, recruitment, retention, and compensation opportunities. Senators Boswell, Nunn, and Higden asked about when the extra work would occur and whether the commissioner had been consulted; Reed said the policy would be left to KSP leadership and cited examples such as convention centers and events like the Derby. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to the floor. The committee then adopted a committee substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 67, which creates a task force to study disaster preparedness, mitigation, and related issues such as flooding, wind events, insurance, communications, and coordination among state and local agencies. The sponsor described recent severe weather and flooding across Kentucky and said the resolution was intended to help the state identify risks and best practices, save money, and save lives. Senators discussed whether the National Guard should be included, and the sponsor said they would not object to adding a representative. The resolution passed unanimously. House Bill 234, presented by Representative Wade Williams with the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, would add airport police departments to the list of agencies eligible for grants funded through confiscated or abandoned firearms sold through the Kentucky State Police auction process. Williams said the grants support life-saving equipment such as tasers and bulletproof vests and that airport police had been inadvertently left off the eligibility list. Senators asked whether the change would reduce funding for other departments, and Williams said he did not expect a detrimental effect. The bill passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with an invitation to legislators to attend a National Guard briefing and aerial flight event, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Travis Jackson is an opponent. Uh, thank you.
• My name is Travis Jackson, a concerned Iraq War veteran.
• Jackson, a concerned Iraq War veteran, resides in House District 88.
• Jackson. I also call up Alex Kimy Young as an opponent.
• I've talked to a student in my County talking about one teacher that cannot teach the curriculum. ...

Bills: SB211, HB96, SB215, SB257, SB13, SB13

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment, postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, high school students, educational commitments, education intervention, State Superintendent, local boards, provisional release, subpoena authority, compliance, educational operation control, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• children Santita Jackson, Jesse Louis Jackson Jr., Jonathan Luther Jackson, Yusef DuBois Jackson, Jacqueline
• Lavinia Jackson, and Ashley Laverne Jackson, all of whom carry forward his legacy of service, faith,
• CHILDREN SANTITA JACKSON, JESSE LOUIS JACKSON JR., JONATHAN LUTHER JACKSON, YUSEF DUBOIS JACKSON, JACQUELINE
• We had Jesse Jackson. I used to think that he was one of the Jackson 5 back in the day.
• And he spoke to Jesse Jackson, and Jesse Jackson reminded him that one man can make a difference.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You avail yourself to the county where the harm happened or the county where the defendant resides.
• work department at Jackson University. work department at Jackson University.
• Shauna Harper from Jackson State, and Dr. Pedro Hernandez from Jackson State.
• Shauna Harper from Jackson State, and Dr. Pedro Hernandez from Jackson State.
• <05:38:26.718> So, located in Jackson, Mississippi. So, located in Jackson, Mississippi.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received the invocation from Dr. Keith Grubs, and approved routine procedural motions dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a significant portion of the meeting recognizing visiting groups, including the Madison County Executive Leadership Class, members of The Links and related chapters, Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team and coaches, Miss Rodeo Canada/Miss Rodeo Mississippi/Miss Rodeo America, Delta State University student leaders, Jackson State University NAACP political action chair Hannah Robertson, and other guests in the galleries. Several resolutions and commendations were read and presented, including Senate Resolution 40 honoring The Links, Senate Resolution 37 recognizing Abby Hardy as Miss Rodeo Canada 2026, Senate Resolution 38 recognizing Brinkley Boswell as Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2026, and Senate Resolution 39 recognizing Olivia Fero as Miss Rodeo America 2026. The Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team was formally congratulated for winning its fourth consecutive 1A state championship, and Coach Stemier addressed the Senate on the program’s faith-based emphasis, discipline, and support from families and school leadership. Olivia Fero also spoke about the Dixie National Rodeo and the role of rodeo as an agricultural and community-oriented lifestyle. The Senate then took up several bills. Senate Bill 2471, the State Treasury Efficiency and Transparency Act, was explained as a measure to identify and close idle agency accounts, require interest-bearing features on agency accounts, and mandate regular reporting to DFA, the Treasury, ELBO, and the Legislature; it passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2843, revising definitions in the Mississippi Development Grant Fund to expand eligible site-development expenses, including utility and energy infrastructure improvements, also passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2865, creating an income tax credit tied to added tax revenue from certain non-gaming capital investment projects at casinos, was described as a repeat of a bill passed the prior year and likewise passed by morning roll call with three no votes. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 2848, revising notice procedures for towing and sale of motor vehicles. The bill would require notices to owners and lienholders to be sent through a third-party vendor by certified mail, shorten notice deadlines, and preserve public notice requirements; it was supported by bankers, towing interests, recyclers, and the Department of Revenue. After questions about notice procedures and concerns about access to personal property in towed vehicles, an amendment adding a reverse repealer was adopted, and the bill passed by morning roll call. Later, the chamber moved to Senate Bill 2202, concerning economic development incentives and employee freedom/privacy regarding unionization decisions, but the motion to table reconsideration prevailed after a division vote, leaving the bill unresolved at that point. The Senate then began consideration of Senate Bill 2259, the People’s Access Act, with an amendment narrowing its live-streaming requirements to state agencies only and limiting retention to two years, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is going to be Vicky, Goofy, Goofy, no, Ellen Pines, Jim Jackson.
• Thank you, Jim Jackson. Up to two minutes, Mr.
• Chair, members of the committee, Jim Jackson for Disability Rights New Mexico.
• finally, on page 11, the provisions of this section do not apply to a public school located within a county

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Carrie Rambabrunder representing Lincoln County.
• All right, so we have two folks online, Jackson Phillips and David Cretcham, Cretcham, uh, who have voiced
• So Jackson. Uh, you are up for speaking first. We have you registered as in opposition.
• Uh, so if you will, Jackson, go ahead and unmute yourself and go ahead and give your testimony.
• This would also happen down in, in Donana County, so it should be friendly to everybody.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Jackson County. >> Madison County. All you... >> Jackson County. >> Where? >> Jackson County.
• through Shelby County. through Shelby County.
• They went over in Bullock County, not Bullock County, went over in Pike County.
• > my County.
• Pipe County joined on to my County.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• John Kennedy with rural counties.
• We represent 40 counties in the state, but counties collectively, and in some cities, operate just shy
• Nancy Buremeyer, on behalf of Yuba County, Sutter.
• We have a commercial plant north of here in Shasta County.
• Jackson. This is file item number seven. I think we're nearing completion.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here in the county.
• Johns County. For all of the educators in Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
• Those of you familiar with Mariana and the Jackson County area know that Chipola College is the heartbeat
• Those of you familiar with Mariana and the Jackson County area know that Chipola College is the heartbeat
• 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 heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also serving on this conference committee is Senator Robert Jackson, who I know is engaged in floor activity
• Senator Robert Jackson is serving on the subcommittee, and Senator Bottcher is serving as an alternate
• On our cities, towns, villages, counties, and special districts, local governments are where policy meets
• in talking to constituents, which also affects our schools, our towns, our industrial lands, our counties

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government. Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs. Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I know is from Lee County.
• County Public Schools.
• I am from Pasco County.
• Johns County, Florida.
• I live in Lee County, but I drive to Charlotte County because Charlotte County has bargained for the

Bills: S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included. Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs. The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting. In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also put up into Lefayet County.
• These to Church Road in Dotto County.
• , you can't see Dotto County.
• you that if you're in Dotto County, you that if you're in Dotto County, you can't<00:12:41.040><
• > understand in Harrison County, then as I understand in Harrison County, then as I understand

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sheriffs are funded by the Board of County Commissioners.
• Lauren Jackson with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in support.
• Only Haslett with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office in support.
• I live in a very dense area in Broward County. Densely populated area.
• In Miami-Dade County, my county approved an affordable housing location specifically for sex offenders

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome this morning my local county judge, Judge Hector Akala from Meny County.
• <00:04:42.320> Meny<00:04:42.800> County.
• Please make Akala from Meny County.
• /c> representative from Nelson County representative from Nelson County District<00:05:25.840> 50.
• Kevin Jackson, representing District 20, most of Bowling Green and part of Warren County.

Keywords: 00:50 Roll call 05:09 HB 140 06:56 HB 140 Vote 08:04 HB 144 09:50 HB 144 vote 11:12 HB 189 18:47 HB 189 vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, with the chair noting the committee’s regular meeting time has changed to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Members were introduced to committee staff and reminded of procedural rules, including the 24-hour amendment rule. The committee also recognized a guest in attendance, Judge Hector Akala of Meny County. The committee heard House Bill 140, relating to highway pavement markings, from Representative Candy Maseroni. She said the bill responds to complaints from first responders and constituents about poor nighttime visibility of road markings and would require the Transportation Department to inspect completed work after six months to ensure markings remain visible. After questions about responsibility for noncompliant work, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, from Representative Huff, with testimony from Dustin Miller of State Farm Insurance. The bill would change title-junking standards by focusing on cosmetic damage rather than damage that requires a junk title, such as hail damage. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 189, relating to pedestrian safety, from Representative Jackson, with testimony from Gracie Kelly of the Kentucky League of Cities and Jeremy Thompson of the Kentucky Chiefs Association. The bill would create a statewide standard limiting stationary pedestrian presence in state right-of-way, with penalties under existing pedestrian citation provisions; members asked about constitutional concerns, definitions of state right-of-way, and local permitting. After discussion, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, two members recorded missed yes votes on House Bills 140 and 144, and the committee adjourned with a reminder that it would meet again the following Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.