Senate in Session (Senate Chamber) [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Senate journal from February 20, 2026, was approved. Guests included honorary pages, the Secretary of State, and family members of senators. The Clerk of the House announced the passage of several bills, including House Bill 4355 for a new hunting license stamp, House Bill 4546 for biannual reporting for business organizations, and House Bill 4730 for support services for youth aging out of foster care. Reports from standing committees included recommendations for Senate Bill 399 and Senate Bill 670, with some bills referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and others to the Committee on Finance. The Committee on Rules reported on Senate Bill 493 regarding open captioning for motion pictures. Senate Joint Resolution 22, which authorizes the legislature to eliminate ad valorem tax on business inventory, was referred to the Committee on Judiciary and then Finance. Senate Resolution 45 designated February 23, 2026, as Child Health Advocacy Day. Several bills were passed on third reading, including: - Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 65, which removes drywall services from the definition of contractor (20 ayes, 8 nays). - Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 200, increasing penalties for assaults on law enforcement and public safety animals (28 ayes, 0 nays). - Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 659, prohibiting municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units (27 ayes, 1 nay). - Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 742, modifying requirements for involuntary hospitalization (28 ayes, 0 nays). Senate Bill 757 was passed, continuing the requirement for construction project bidders to provide a bid bond while allowing corrections of minor irregularities (28 ayes, 0 nays, 6 absent). Senate Bill 763, requiring screening for sex trafficking for children entering foster care, was passed (28 ayes, 0 nays, 6 absent). Senate Bill 773, requiring the Department of Health to report positive alpha-gal tests to the CDC, was also passed (28 ayes, 0 nays, 6 absent). Senate Bill 878, creating an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Office of the Secretary of State, was passed (28 ayes, 0 nays, 6 absent). Senate Bill 890, changing school calendar requirements from days to hours, was discussed and passed (28 ayes, 0 nays, 6 absent). A senator emphasized the need for flexibility in school calendars, which received support from educators. Another bill allowing teachers with at least 15 years of experience to be certified as school principals passed unanimously. Senate Bill 916, mandating that accounting corporations include "accounting corporation" or "AC" in their names, passed without opposition, effective July 1, 2026. Senate Bill 928, treating low-proof spirits similarly to beer for retail purposes, passed narrowly (15 votes in favor, 13 against). House Bill 4575 proposed a supplemental appropriation of $8 million to support the Hancock County Board of Education and passed with significant support. The meeting concluded with discussions on various legislative bills, including those related to voter eligibility and school bus safety. The Senate adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m.