Video & Transcript Research : 'computational thinking'
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think that's too much to ask. I don't think that's too much to ask.
- I think it's one of the most underrated bills of the session, with, I think, the real ability to save
- So I think this discriminatory.
- I think um I think it'd be a amendment.
- >> I<03:29:41.120>
think >> I think >> I think >> $1<03:29:41.920>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and conference committee permissions. It also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (SR 8) by a 35-0 vote, with remarks highlighting the university’s history, workforce role, mountain rescue team, athletics, and ties to Gunnison and the Western Slope. The resolution was adopted and co-sponsors were added.
The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. Senate Bill 152, concerning automated vehicle identification systems, was amended on the floor with a technical correction and passed 32-3. House Bill 1322, creating civil actions related to conversion therapy efforts, prompted emotional testimony from Senator Mullica about his mother and passed 23-12. House Bill 1123, addressing sexual abuse prevention in jails, passed 27-8 after a technical amendment. House Bill 1226, reducing emissions from certain electric generating units, passed 22-13. House Bill 1076, modifying transportation statutes, passed 28-0, and House Bill 1207, requiring employer disclosure of demographic workforce data, passed 23-12.
Senate Bill 115, a postconviction relief measure for certain older incarcerated people, was amended and debated at length. Supporters described it as narrowly tailored to a small number of eligible inmates and emphasized victim-rights protections and exclusions for serious offenses; opponents remained opposed. The bill ultimately passed 18-17. The Senate then approved a Committee of the Whole report advancing Senate Bill 181 and several House bills—1338, 1344, 1336 as amended, 1227, 1314, 1028, 1282, and 1317 as amended—to third reading and final passage, and later adopted the consent-calendar bills in special orders without objection.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Mark I think he's good. >> Mark I think he's good.
- I do not think that. But sometimes 18. I do not think that.
- think has a few questions. think has a few questions.
- I think it was silly.
- I think it was silly.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber also recognized guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and employees of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. A senator then delivered a Black History Month-style presentation highlighting James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Jan E. Matzeliger, and Percy Lavon Julian for their contributions to civil rights, labor, industry, and science.
The Senate received House messages referring two Archives and History board appointments to the Committee on Confirmations, then took up numerous committee reports. Several bills from Finance and Taxation, Judiciary, Education Policy, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Healthcare, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, State Government Affairs, and Local Legislation received favorable reports, some with amendments or substitutes, and were advanced to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The chamber also recommitted Senate Bill 266 to the Tourism Committee.
The Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Llaya McNair to the Alabama Trust Fund Board, several members to the Credit Union Administration Board, and Elizabeth Smithart, Leslie Sanders, and Wayne Sers to the Alabama State Board of Human Resources. It then adopted several resolutions, including commendations and memorials, such as resolutions honoring Mary Francis Holland, the Stanhope Elmore boys bowling team, and Alicia Cannon for more than 50 years of service to the Alabama judicial system. The Senate also adopted a resolution creating the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety, after discussion about its purpose, membership, and duties; an amendment to the commission resolution was adopted before the resolution itself was adopted.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think we're talking about a lot of time, months rather than years, but I think that we need to
- I don't think we're talking about a lot of time, months rather than years, but I think that we need to
- I don't think we're talking about a lot of time, months rather than years, but I think that we need to
- <01:13:36.360>
I've don't think I've I don't think I've don't think I've I don't think I've - I don't think this covers that.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And um I think This is on page five.
- And so, if you think about the funding sources for our overall substance use system, you think about
- And I think that concludes.
- She's thinking follow-up.
- I think you expressed it wonderfully. I think you expressed it wonderfully.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:37:36.560>
some the operating I have, I think, some the operating I have, I think, some - I I think and wish we could have done I I think and wish we could have done better<00:40:35.280>
for - So, you can go ahead and think.
- <01:35:43.920>
Think testifiers. We have Erikica Moss. Think testifiers. - Erica Kamas from Think Small. committee. Erica Kamas from Think Small.
Bills:
HF2436
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- of of um smaller, I think of um I think of of um I<00:49:14.319>
think <00:49:14.400>of but memory, if memory serves, I think but memory, if memory serves, I think it's<02:29:17.840>- Um I think that any colleagues.
- I don't think so, though. now. I don't think so, though.
- And I don't think that's the hours.
Summary:
The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault.
The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading.
Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was thinking here at the end, as you were wrapping up, that we think about all this stuff we have
- I think that's incredibly important, so planning is good, and I think that if we'd done that a little
- I think we'd like to keep it that way.
- And I think some of the introduction of the language was a bit misleading, I think, about the renewable
- And I think, you know, some of the introduction of the language, there was a bit misleading, I think,
Keywords:
comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all
Summary:
The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent.
The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/27/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, as Rep.
- So, I think that in those instances, I think that having a separate and different, um, uh, policy I think
- So, I think that in those instances, I think that having a separate and different, um, uh, policy I think
- One quick one because I think think think >> please >> please >> please >> uh
- Um, I<04:18:31.840>
think I think I think the<04:18:34.239>last <04:18:34.479>thing
Summary:
The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time.
The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168.
Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue Estimating Conference May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think Greg uses them as well.
- I'm going to turn this on, I think.
- I think pretty much all forecasters are.
- I think that’s what we heard today, and I think that maybe has served the state well in terms of stability
- I think we might still be here in 2030.
Summary:
The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time.
The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue Estimating Conference May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think $750 million is doable, but even so, I think it's fairly optimistic, to tell you the truth.
- I'm going to turn this on, I think.
- I think that's what we heard today, and I think that maybe has served the state well in terms of stability
- And I'm thinking of those collections.
- I think we might still be here in '30.
Summary:
The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast.
The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted.
Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it was at 5 pm, and I still think it's not quite grasping the policy completely.
- I think we can get this right.
- I think I understand your question.
- And I actually don't think that solves the problem. I think it creates more.
- And so, I think that's really important.
Bills:
SB1726, SB1236, SB1633, SB1413, SB1317, SB1360, SB1342, SB1477, SB1189, SB1546, SB1524, SB1338, SB1193, SB1812, SB1617
Keywords:
higher education, graduate instructors, training program, academic integrity, First Amendment rights, administrative reporting, education, consolidation, board, public schools, resident tuition, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, state scholarships, financial aid, immigration status, undocumented students, noncitizen students, lawfully present, postsecondary education benefits, college tuition
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 24 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I see one of them sitting here, right?
- David graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer systems and accounting
- in this building in a wheelchair comes with challenges that most members, thankfully, never have to think
- Think about how long 2006 really was.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, received committee reports, and approved the prior day’s journal by a 50-0 vote. Several members were granted leaves of absence, and the chamber also took up a number of procedural motions, including re-referring Senate Bill 1212 to Appropriations and moving Senate Bill 911 from the table to the calendar. The Senate later recessed for committee meetings and party caucuses, then reconvened to continue floor action.
On the calendar, Senate Bill 1206 passed 50-0 after supporters said it would help Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry by allowing manufacturers to pursue state licensure while federal FDA approval is pending, without weakening safety standards. Senate Bill 1273 passed 48-2; its sponsor said it would clarify that turnpike automated plate-reading data may be shared with investigators in missing or endangered persons cases, including Amber Alerts. Several other bills were either agreed to and re-referred to Appropriations or ordered over in their place, including House Bill 681, Senate Bills 1061, 1303, and 1355, and House Bill 1505 and 1667.
The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 326, where an amendment by Senator Mastriano was adopted and the resolution was then held over as amended. In executive session, the chamber returned several nominations to the governor, then confirmed a slate of gubernatorial nominations, including appointments to the Pennsylvania Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Board, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and several Pennsylvania Army National Guard promotions, by a 50-0 vote. The Senate additionally approved committee-reported bills from Appropriations and Health and Human Services, and signed House Bill 1344 in the presence of the Senate.
During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action on minimum wage legislation, noting Pennsylvania has not raised the wage since 2006 and pointing to House Bill 2189. Senator Dush delivered extended remarks on the nation’s founding and the religious views of Benjamin Franklin. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until June 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Tuck: Silence your cell phones, computers, whatever may make noise.
- some of the testimony from the public right now about closing loopholes and parental rights, and I think
- some of the testimony from the public right now about closing loopholes and parental rights, and I think
- Particularly in light reality, where you're thinking through high-acuity trauma centers, pharmacists
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition.
Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database.
Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's from a precision standpoint.
- I think there's that's probably a more precise number the the 765 I think we can expect or we should
- I think you answered the question.
- I think it may be useful for for the committee to think about possibly combining those two thoughts into
- So I think to look at this scenario and I think that way you could probably develop the best most fair
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- I think let me step back a minute.
- Yes, I think you.
- And I think that's demonstrable.
- I think the delegate's covered.
- I just think when we're talking about this much money and these bonds and everything else, I think it
Summary:
The Senate Infrastructure Committee took up several bills involving the West Virginia Parkways Authority and work-zone safety. On House Bill 4563, which would allow E-ZPass single-fee transponders to be used with multiple vehicles, members debated amendments that would have limited or codified restrictions on transferring transponders between vehicles. Testimony from Parkways Authority CFO Samuel indicated the current agreement already ties a transponder to one vehicle but allows users to update vehicle information online, and that the authority is considering a sticker-based system in the future. Delegate Daniel Linville also testified in support of the bill’s broader intent, arguing the revenue risk was limited and that the authority’s existing practices and bond obligations would not be harmed. The committee rejected the Wetzel amendment and then voted to report House Bill 4563 to the full Senate.
The committee then considered House Bill 4419, which would require public hearings and notice before the Parkways Authority could raise tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would subject related revenues and sinking funds to audit. Counsel noted possible constitutional and fiscal concerns, and Senator Randolph moved to send the bill to the Finance Committee for further review. That motion passed, and the committee then reported the bill to the Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for speeding and other violations in highway construction work zones and adds penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Jason Pizzatella of the Contractors Association testified in support, saying the bill was a safety measure in response to recent work-zone fatalities. Senators from Fayette, the 13th district, and Randolph also spoke in favor, emphasizing worker safety and the dangers of speeding through active construction areas. The committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, let me step back a minute.
- Yes, I think you.
- I think the delegate's covered.
- I just think when we're talking about this much money and these bonds and everything else, I think it
- It would be, I think.
Summary:
The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed.
The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I know the drill.
- When you vote no, we think you don't care, or someone's telling you what to do, what to think: some party
- But I think I'll defer to Jordan, who is... Right.
- But yeah, I think that this bill, the concerns raised on the dais here, I think, are real.
- Yeah, I think this is an interesting bill.
Keywords:
cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting.
Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 20th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When you think cosmetology, when you think beauty, you think me. I know you do.
- We think they are a tool. We think they are a tool.
- I think and I think I've figured it out.
- Think about that.
- Think about that.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved through announcements recognizing Nowruz/Persian New Year, Ute Day at the Capitol, Mosaic students, and other brief invitations and tributes. The chamber then agreed to proceed out of order to resolutions and adopted House Joint Resolution 1017, which urges the federal government to fulfill obligations to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe regarding water rights and the Animas-La Plata project. Supporters emphasized tribal water security, federal funding, and the tribes’ longstanding stewardship; an amendment (L.004) was adopted 60-0, and the resolution then passed 60-0, with several members adding as co-sponsors.
The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, reappointing Carrie L. Hunter as State Auditor for a five-year term. Speakers from the Legislative Audit Committee praised Hunter’s professionalism, nonpartisan leadership, and the office’s national recognition; the resolution passed unanimously, 62-0, and members invited Hunter to be recognized in the chamber. After that, committee reports from Appropriations and Finance were read and several bills were set as special orders for later consideration.
In Committee of the Whole, the chamber considered several measures. Senate Bill 39, dealing with Fire and Police Pension Association disability and survivor benefits, received a technical cleanup amendment and passed. House Bill 1311, concerning bonds in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, was amended to clarify public versus private projects and passed; supporters said it would help smaller contractors, including contractors of color and women contractors, enter the market. House Bill 1184, continuing the Colorado Forest Health Council, passed after committee report amendments. House Bill 1305, on aligning state and federal statutes to improve access to inpatient behavioral health, passed despite some committee-level concerns about regulation. House Bill 1234, concerning access to child abuse or neglect records, passed after an amendment limiting access unless courts explicitly grant it; supporters said it would help victims access their own records, including for legal defense. Finally, Senate Bill 50, on child care center policy disclosures, was introduced with sponsors explaining it would require centers to disclose mandatory reporter obligations, camera and footage policies, and related privacy/access rules, in response to a case where parents were denied access to video footage.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you have a new number in your slide.
- I think that's the better plan.
- Do you think it will change if the participants?
- As a math teacher, I think it's everywhere. So I think that.
- I don't think you need additional money.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's going to be an unintended consequence.
- You know, I think that all of us... You know, I think that all of us have a heart for people.
- I would like to think that he would.
- And I think there's great need to be concerned.
- I think it's a good first step of where we need to be. I think the bill will ultimately change.
Keywords:
Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first postponed SB 524 and SB 1156. It then heard and favorably reported several bills, including SB 488 and SB 490 by Sen. Massullo, which update Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles procedures, raise the crash-reporting threshold, expand email use, and create a related public-records exemption. The committee also favorably reported SB 892 by Sen. Martin on enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, SB 124 by Sen. Rodriguez updating Florida Virtual School statutes, and SB 584 by Sen. Yarbrough strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and tax collector authority. SB 656 by Sen. Bradley, codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 by Sen. Bradley, formally establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, also passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 216 by Sen. McLean, which would tighten unemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, more frequent verification, and fraud-reporting measures. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while opponents from labor groups and several senators warned it would burden claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote.
The committee also considered CS/SB 382 by Sen. Truenow on electric bicycles, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation of e-bikes and related devices. A mother whose son was killed on an electric scooter urged the committee to restore scooters to the bill, and several members expressed support for further work on that issue. The committee reported the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.