Senate in Session_February 19, 2026 [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a call to order and confirmation of a quorum. Rabbi Shmur Orkman offered an opening prayer, highlighting trust in God and compassion for the vulnerable, referencing Queen Esther. Following the prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senate pages. Senator Hooper introduced a young constituent, Paul Haas, interested in state government, while Senator Mayfield presented Senate Resolution 1786, honoring the Ripple Project for its contributions to childhood cancer awareness. Senator Jones recognized the Tamarack Fire Rescue EMS team for their achievements. Additional introductions included youth leadership members from Polk County and representatives from Clay County. Senator Gates reported on 42 executive appointments recommended for confirmation, which the Senate adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 7020, concerning a public records exemption for aquaculture records, was discussed and passed with a vote of 33 yeas to 3 nays after being substituted with House Bill 7011. Senate Bill 7026, consolidating trade secret exemptions, also passed with 33 yeas to 3 nays. Senate Bill 7024, regarding cybersecurity information exemptions, was introduced by Senator Mayfield, amended for a drafting error, and passed with 36 yeas to 1 nay. Senator Bradley introduced a committee substitute for Senate Bill 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failing to report suspected child abuse until reported to law enforcement. The bill passed with 37 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 584, related to commercial driving schools, was introduced by Senator Avila and passed unanimously with 37 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 340, requiring human trafficking education for nurse licensure, passed with 38 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence, and its companion bill, Senate Bill 210, addressing public records exemptions, both passed unanimously with 38 yeas. Senate Bill 302, focusing on nature-based coastal resiliency, passed with 38 yeas after an amendment was added. Senate Bill 192, removing a cap on patient funds held by chiropractic physicians, passed with 37 yeas. Senate Bill 246, authorizing new specialty license plates, passed with 37 yeas. Senate Bill 1682 was temporarily postponed, and Senate Bill 1622, concerning penalties for late-filed financial disclosures, passed with 37 yeas. Senate Bill 1216, related to public school personnel compensation, passed with 37 yeas. The Florida Farm Bill, presented by Senator True, passed with 38 yeas after an amendment was adopted. Senate Bill 110, allowing long-term leaseholders to qualify for homestead tax exemptions, passed unanimously with 38 yeas. Senate Bill 330, clarifying heart disease presumptions for law enforcement, passed with 38 yeas. Senate Bill 394, exempting certain underwriting managers from licensure requirements, passed with 37 yeas. Senate Bill 420, requiring portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in public schools, passed with 36 yeas to 2 nays. Senate Bill 422, defining automatic dependent surveillance broadcast technology, passed with 36 yeas to 2 nays. Senate Bill 418, improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism, passed unanimously with 38 yeas. Senate Bill 176, addressing safety procedures in public colleges, passed with 37 yeas. Senate Bill 834, repealing restrictions on Healthcare Sharing Ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, passed with 32 yeas to 5 nays after a heated discussion about implications for consumer protection and free speech. Senate Bill 962, clarifying definitions in the Live Local Act, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 936, allowing temporary door locking devices, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 54, establishing requirements for district medical examiners, passed with 37 yeas to 1 nay. Senate Bill 434, preventing increased property taxes for home improvements against wind damage, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 538, revising eligibility for extracurricular activities, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 490, exempting certain email addresses from public disclosure, passed with 36 yeas to 2 nays. Senate Bill 628, honoring American sailors murdered at Naval Air Station Pensacola, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 694, addressing compensation for the descendants of the Groveland Four, passed unanimously after a supportive discussion. Senate Bill 840, refining land use regulations for local governments post-natural disasters, received unanimous support. Senate Bill 824, requiring school districts to submit annual property inventories, passed with 28 yeas to 9 nays. Senate Bill 838, addressing frivolous litigation related to electronic payment convenience fees, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 820, increasing reporting requirements for problem-solving courts, passed with 37 yeas to 1 nay. Senate Bill 706, preempting the naming of major commercial service airports, including a proposal to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, sparked significant debate. The bill passed with 25 yeas to 11 nays after discussions on local control and financial implications. Senator Bracey Davis introduced Senate Bill 748, enhancing transparency for restoring voting rights for felony defendants. Senator Smith introduced a water safety bill aimed at preventing child drownings, which passed unanimously with 37 yeas. The meeting concluded with discussions on various legislative matters, including a property tax proposal from the governor and ongoing budget considerations.