Video & Transcript Research : 'sponsored captive'
Page 107 of 395
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I do have a question that I didn't ask the sponsor, so hopefully he can address that.
- And so I do have a question that I didn't ask to the sponsor, so hopefully he can address that.
- And I'm a strong supporter of Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Senator Gaetz.
- I want to personally thank Senator DiCeglie for stepping up and sponsoring this bill.
- I want to personally thank Senator DeSigley for stepping up and sponsoring this bill.
Keywords:
places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services, faith-based institutions, public safety, military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction
Summary:
The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2.
The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2.
Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, any objection for immediate, I mean, for all members as co-sponsors?
- Uh, any objection for immediate, I mean, for all members as co-sponsors?
- :25:13.520>
as immediate I mean for all members as immediate I mean for all members as co-sponsors - co-sponsors. Hearing none so ordered. co-sponsors. Hearing none so ordered.
- all senators being added as co-sponsor all senators being added as co-sponsor hearing?
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received several House Joint Resolutions: HJR 2 and HJR 3 to notify the governor that the legislature is in session and to escort the governor to the joint session, HJR 4 mourning the death of Howard Sanderford, and HJR 5 mourning the death of Samuel Allen Harper. Each was taken up by suspension of the rules and adopted without objection.
Committee reports followed, with multiple Senate bills receiving favorable reports and being advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day. Reported bills included SB 20, 30, 31, and 41 from Judiciary; SB 19 from Banking and Insurance; SB 12, 28, 35, 42, 93, and 134 from County and Municipal Government; a large group of fiscal and economic development bills including SB 54, 77, 78, 89, 100-103, 113, 122, 126, 127, 128, and 136; and SB 32, 33, 55, 70, 108, 114, and 118 from Veterans and Military Affairs. Several of these reports included amendments, and all were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day.
In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted SJR 6 honoring former Representative Brian Melton Jr., SJR 7 supporting federal voting rights legislation including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, SJR 8 naming the Lamar Harrison Memorial Bridge on U.S. Highway 98 in Wilmer, and SJR 9 honoring Samuel Allen Harper. The chamber then adopted SJR 10, a lengthy resolution celebrating the life of Claudette Colvin, with remarks from Senators Figures and Coleman emphasizing her civil rights legacy and the impact of her refusal to give up her bus seat at age 15. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn until 8:30 a.m. the next day.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there other questions of the bill sponsor? Seeing none.
- Are there questions of the bill sponsor? We have one amendment.
- Are there questions of the bill sponsor? No, we're on the bill.
- Are there questions for the bill sponsor? Are there appearance cards on this one?
- With our House sponsors with the House bill.
Summary:
The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment.
The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes.
The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think that's probably inadequate, but if the sponsor says it's favorable and the industry says it's
- Sponsor, yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And that is a friendly amendment, actually.
- All right, no, the sponsor favors the proposed amendment. Any more discussion?
- The sponsor said he doesn't have a problem with these.
- Uh, thank you, sponsor. Senator Wirth, there's a motion on the table to move the Senate bill.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill that I sponsored in the transparency package... Needed to provide feedback.
- The bill that I sponsored in the transparency package has resulted in the hearing today, an opportunity
- that were passed late last year require that before we include any LDSIs in our final budget, a sponsoring
- Before we include any LDSIs in our final budget, a sponsoring legislator must submit a disclosure form
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present, adopted the April 23, 2026 minutes, and then held a discussion focused on eligible legislatively directed spending items (LDSIs) for the FY 2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee was part of a new transparency process requiring legislators to publicly disclose LDSI requests, including the recipient, amount, and purpose, and noted that the forms must be posted publicly for at least 45 days before inclusion in the budget. He said Senate members submitted more than 500 eligible LDSI forms and House members submitted 750, for over 1,250 total proposals made available online.
The chair emphasized that the process is intended to increase accountability and public awareness of how tax dollars are spent, and encouraged the public to review the posted forms on the Senate and House websites. During the meeting, four cards of support were read into the record: Wendy Fallow supported the Literacy Center of West Michigan project; Graham Filler supported the H.H.W. request on behalf of Kalamazoo County; and Mayor David LaGrand and Rob Verhulen both supported the aquarium request.
No committee questions were raised, no substantive votes were taken on the LDSI items, and the committee moved through routine procedural actions. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, supported and adopted without objection.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Budget and Revenue - 02/10/2026
Budget And Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is S1145, sponsored by yours truly, Senator Gounardes.
- S. 1145, sponsored by yours truly, Senator Gounardes.
- Next is S-4601, sponsored by Senator Curtis.
- And last is S-7875, sponsored by Senator Gounardes.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Revenue Committee met for its first meeting of 2026 with a quorum present and considered nine bills, mostly tax-related measures. Bills discussed included S196 on the public safety surcharge, S939 on gifts to the affordable housing for veterans and seniors fund, S985A on sales tax treatment for feminine hygiene products, S1140A on a tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities of one million or more, S1145 on increasing contributions to family tuition accounts, S1527 on a sales tax exemption for energy storage, S4601 on a temporary sales tax exemption for school supplies, S7641 on dedicating opioid excise tax revenue to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund, and S7875 on ending the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion held for investment.
Most bills were advanced without significant opposition and were reported to the Finance Committee. S985A and S4601 were reported to the calendar/Finance after brief discussion; S4601 drew one negative vote. S1140A also advanced, with two no votes. S7875 received the most discussion, with the sponsor arguing that repealing the bullion exemption would recover an estimated $600 million in foregone revenue and better align with affordability concerns; it was reported to Finance with one member recorded as without recommendation.
Members generally framed the bills as affordability or revenue measures, citing rising costs for families, school supplies, housing, and the need to redirect or recover tax revenue. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were moved and reported.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/10/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/28/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- five of us are co-sponsors of this bill. five of us are co-sponsors of this bill.
- I am a co-sponsor. >> Yes.
- I am a co-sponsor. go further with this. I am a co-sponsor. >> Yes. >> Yes.
- it, co-sponsoring it, uh, for sponsoring it, co-sponsoring it, and<01:20:11.040>
we <01:20:11.440 - . sponsor. sponsor.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- e e e e e e e e e e e e e e The committee will open up the public hearing and hear from the prime sponsor
- Uh, is somebody else did I sponsor this bill, or who did somebody else sponsor this bill?
- Who's the sponsor? Who would like to rate the blur on this one when we take it up?
- Life is like that. sponsor okay who anybody would like to sponsor okay who anybody would like to rate
- <01:38:26.360>
wasn't to the state only so the sponsor wasn't to the state only so the sponsor
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 733-FN, a bill concerning third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors funding lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, increases litigation abuse, and contributes to higher insurance and consumer costs. He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with guardrails and reporting requirements on specified pages of the bill. He also noted a couple of drafting fixes, including adding the word “knowingly” and incorporating a missing section later.
Members raised questions about the bill’s foreign-entity language, especially the provision allowing a governor or the Department of Safety to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure. Representative Cole said he would have lawyers review that issue. Another member asked whether the bill would prohibit a party from obtaining outside funding for a lawsuit; Cole clarified that the bill is intended as a reporting measure, not a ban, and that disclosure would be required. He also said the bill is aimed at American citizens rather than foreign-backed financing, and that some states had considered caps on such arrangements, though this bill does not.
Brandon Gratz of the Attorney General’s office testified that the enforcement language appears too limited, because it would allow only civil penalties and not broader Consumer Protection Act remedies such as injunctions or restitution. He suggested the Attorney General may not have meaningful authority under the bill as written and raised possible insurance-law issues. Commissioner D.J. Benton-Court of the Insurance Department said the disclosure could help insurers better assess risk and potentially soften the hard insurance market by improving transparency, competition, underwriting, innovation, and claims management. He also said the bill likely needs further work on jurisdiction and enforcement, and that the committee may need to coordinate with the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and possibly banking regulators. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- My understanding is the sponsor intends to confer. With that, I'm available for questions.
- It's my understanding that the sponsor concurs, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
- With that, I understand that the sponsor intends to concur, and I'm available for any questions.
- With that, I understand that the sponsor intends to concur and I'm available for any questions.
- On the floor when this bill was brought, I addressed the sponsor to state to provide the total outstanding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is sponsored by the Secretary of State, and it clarifies and corrects ambiguities and inconsistencies
- Shirley Weber, AB 1977 is the Secretary of State-sponsored bill that amends the Online Notarization Act
- California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Conservators, and Public Guardians, sponsors
- to medically fragile individuals, many who are experiencing homelessness, here in support of our sponsored
- services to medically fragile individuals many who are experiencing homelessness here in support of our sponsored
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures.
The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended.
During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- We're holding this one, and we will be holding 1060 at the request of the sponsor.
- The bill sponsor is not here.
- Seeing none, the bill sponsor is not here. Do we have anyone signed in to speak?
- I know the sponsor is not here to answer this question, so I'm just curious if there was anything changed
- I know the sponsor is not here to answer this question, so I'm just curious if there was anything changed
Keywords:
campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system
Summary:
The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections met and took up several election- and campaign-related bills. SB 1006 would raise the threshold for itemizing in-state individual campaign contributions in committee reports from $100 to $200 and increase the aggregate reporting threshold accordingly; staff described it as a straightforward campaign finance update, and it passed 4-3. SB 1029 would treat a candidate committee as intending to terminate upon the candidate’s death and allow certain designated individuals to serve as treasurer; testimony from the Town of Queen Creek described practical problems encountered after the deaths of officeholders, and the bill passed unanimously 7-0. SB 1038 would require county election officials to transmit the cast vote record to the Secretary of State and prohibit alteration except as otherwise allowed; members debated whether CVRs are already public records and whether the bill was needed, and it passed 4-3. SB 1237 would add county recorders and the House and Senate election committee leaders to the list of officials consulted by the Secretary of State when prescribing the Elections Procedures Manual; county officials testified this would better reflect their role in early voting and other election functions, and it passed 4-3.
The committee also heard SB 1057, which would require vendors providing ballot paper fraud countermeasures to meet specified ISO certifications and include at least three of ten listed security features. Staff explained the ISO standards, and members discussed whether the bill needed additional safeguards and whether it differed from a vetoed bill from the prior session. The bill passed 4-3, with some members noting they wanted amendments or had concerns about the standards and the bill’s structure.
After discussing several additional measures, the chair indicated he was not comfortable moving the remaining bills without the sponsor present. Without objection, the committee held the remaining bills and adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So the sponsor will not be here. Okay. So the sponsor will not be here.
- The sponsor is not able to be here, and she wanted to express that rural Arizona is experiencing an oncologist
- We do not have, I don't think we have the sponsors here. Any questions? Any comments?
- I'll reach up to the sponsor. Thank you. Members, any comments?
Keywords:
radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, HB2178, Arizona, state agencies, chief medical officer, medical license, physician license, osteopathic license, licensure requirement, Title 41, Title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, A.R.S. 41-5902, public health administration, agency leadership, state government personnel
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several bills and held HB 2307. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerator treatment for human diseases under general supervision in certain rural counties and critical access hospitals, with documentation, observation, and physician availability requirements. Supporters from the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association and rural radiation oncologists said it would improve access to cancer care in underserved areas while maintaining safety. The committee also heard HB 2178, requiring state agency chief medical officers to hold an active medical license, and HB 2179, which separates air ambulance definitions and regulations from ground ambulances to clarify statute and align oversight with current practice; both were described as cleanup/common-sense measures and supported by the air medical industry.
The committee also heard HB 2322, which would require audio or video recording of DCS interviews with children subject to investigations, with limited exceptions for equipment failure or lack of access. Testimony in support came from a human trafficking survivor, a health care worker and counselor, and a foster parent/child welfare advocate, who argued recordings would improve accuracy, accountability, and child protection, and help preserve a child’s exact words. No opposition was presented. The bill includes a conditional enactment tied to future federal grant legislation and directs DCS to apply for grants if available.
After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to give HB 2049, HB 2178, HB 2179, and HB 2322 due pass recommendations, each by a 7-0 vote. The committee then announced HB 2307 would be held and adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, the bill sponsor reached out to me.
- The first two, you were so kind to sponsor. Last year... Three years now.
- The first two, you were so kind to sponsor. Last year, we finally got it right.
- discussion, I think I struggled as a freshman to understand this particular board structure, and then sponsoring
- Seeing none, the bill sponsor, Senator Kavanaugh, did reach out and he's not able to attend.
Keywords:
optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. SB 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or specified testimony in those hearings, virtually by telephone or video if the court finds no unfair prejudice; a speaker said it would codify existing practice and help avoid dismissals caused by technical issues. SB 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, with supporters saying it would improve efficiency and eliminate unnecessary board ratification delays. Both bills received due pass recommendations on 11-0 votes, with one member absent.
The committee also considered SB 1247, an emergency measure allowing a person who does not receive care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility permits it. Supporters said the bill would clarify a recent statutory interpretation and preserve longstanding arrangements, such as spouses or other companions living together; one member raised concerns about the bill’s broad wording and potential fraud or safety issues, while another noted facilities could still impose background checks or other conditions. SB 1247 passed with a 10-0 recommendation, with one member voting present and one absent.
Finally, SB 1023 would set standards for optometrists’ eye examinations, including a recommended one-year exam interval and authority to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years depending on patient factors. The Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practices, and one member said a constituent from the blind community had helped bring the issue forward. The committee gave SB 1023 a due pass recommendation on an 11-0 vote, then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- WE'VE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH THE BILL SPONSOR AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUED OVER STATIONS.
- WE DO THINK THE SPONSOR THE BILL.
- WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE SPONSOR BUT RIGHT NOW WE OPPOSE IT. >> Chair Maggard: THANK YOU.
- THAT EMPLOYEES 14 OTHER ARCHITECTS, INCLUDING STUDENTS WHILE WE APPRECIATE THE WILLINGNESS OF THE SPONSOR
- KNOWING THE SPONSOR I THINK HE WOULD BE SAFE. I APPRECIATE YOU AS HE SAT DOWN AND EXPLAINED TO ME.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, we will welcome our Senate sponsor to come to the table if anyone has signed up to speak in opposition
- Senator sponsor, your bill passes out of this committee favorably and is now eligible for consideration
- King yes representative Wht yes Chair King yes ma'am<00:11:07.760>
Senate <00:11:08.120>sponsor - your<00:11:09.240>
uh <00:11:09.360>bill <00:11:09.680>passes ma'am Senate sponsor - your uh bill passes ma'am Senate sponsor your uh bill passes out<00:11:10.240>
of <00:11:10.480
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:02
Attendance Roll Call: 03:09
SB 245 (Sen. Smith): 05:55
Adjournment: 11:21, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met, established a quorum after some initial roll-call and IT issues, and recognized several guests, including a student page, local tourism representatives, and Scott Smith of the East Kentucky trail authority. Members also briefly highlighted ongoing tourism and trail development efforts in eastern Kentucky and thanked guests for their work and local support.
The main item of business was Senate Bill 245, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith. He explained that the bill closes a loophole in the confirmation process for board appointments and reappointments, so that if the Senate declines to confirm a reappointment—or takes no action on it—the person cannot continue serving for an extended period without confirmation. In response to questions, he clarified that the bill is aimed narrowly at preventing unconfirmed members from remaining in office and making major fiduciary decisions, while preserving the governor’s appointment authority.
After discussion, a motion and second were on the bill, the clerk called the roll, and the committee voted to pass Senate Bill 245 favorably. The chair announced that the bill is now eligible for consideration on the House floor, and the committee adjourned.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Recognize the bill sponsor has an Yes.
- It adds a co-sponsor. The committee. It adds a co-sponsor.
- Recognizing the bill sponsors, the floor leader. Thank you, Mr. President.
- >> recognize the bill sponsors, the floor leader. leader. leader.
- There was one committee amendment that added co-sponsors.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, confirmed a quorum, and welcomed several guests and groups, including Maryland Library Association members, Stephen Decatur High School’s boys soccer team, Clarksburg High School’s girls flag football team, NAMI representatives, Baltimore Promise, local soil conservation district representatives, and a 911 center leader. The chamber also journalized the invocation and prepared for the Governor’s upcoming State of the State address by exchanging messages with the House and appointing Senate members to escort the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
The body then took up a series of Finance Committee bills, most of them receiving favorable reports and being ordered to third reading without objection. Measures discussed included SB 14 on small business health insurance SHOP enrollment effective dates; SB 22 on Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations; SB 134 on Medicare supplement policy enrollment periods; SB 139 on third-party administrator enforcement; SB 199 on the Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Voting Fund; SB 205 codifying federal mental health parity requirements; SB 216 on unemployment insurance confidentiality; SB 43 on the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund; SB 46 on state veterans cemeteries interment provisions; and SB 226 on the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
Several bills had brief amendments or procedural issues. SB 22 received a technical amendment changing “Attorney General” to “Office of the Attorney General.” SB 199 received an amendment adding a co-sponsor, and SB 46 was briefly set to lie over under the rule after a senator requested time to review a technical clarification. The chamber also received House Bill 1, which was referred to committee, and SB 624 was reassigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Most committee reports were adopted unanimously or without objection, and the Senate repeatedly congratulated the honored school teams and library advocates.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- president of Twin Rivers United Educators, speaking for the California Teachers Association as a co-sponsor
- Jason Henderson, on behalf of the Faculty Association for California Community Colleges, proud co-sponsor
- Russell Manning, on behalf of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, proud co-sponsor of the bill.
- Katrina Lyndon, on behalf of Young Invincibles, co-sponsor on this bill. Thank you.
- Dan Merwin on behalf of the California School Boards Association, proud co-sponsors, in support.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, sponsors, and thank you guys for being here.
- Every sponsor has that 15 minutes to do with us what they wish. It's yours. So, Mr.
- But as our sponsor, Senator Wirth, said earlier, Mr.
- I enjoyed the debate, even though I wasn't sponsoring the bill.
- Thank you, sponsor.
Keywords:
SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We’ll see the sponsor here. Then we will do... Mr.
- We have the sponsor here, Representative Gress. We have the sponsor here, Representative Gress.
- See what we've got the sponsor here? Please explain that.
- See what we've got the sponsor here? Please explain to that.
- We have your sponsor. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Intel Expert/Expert Works on using its Intel Expert software to help the Department of Child Safety and law enforcement process large volumes of audio, video, and text data in cases involving missing, abused, neglected, and exploited children. The presenters said the tool can triage hotline calls, identify names, locations, relationships, criminal methods, and coded language, and produce translated and aggregated transcripts, with the goal of reducing hundreds of hours of manual review to minutes. Members discussed possible use with DCS, sheriffs, DOC, procurement and RFP issues, cost, and whether the system could help identify backlogs, serial abusers, and trafficking networks; the presenters said it is already used in Iowa and could be adapted quickly for Arizona. Committee members indicated interest in pursuing legislation, a pilot, or budget action, and said they would follow up with agencies and the presenters.
The committee then considered HB 2460, which would preempt local ordinances that penalize businesses for theft of movable property, especially shopping carts. The sponsor argued cities were shifting the cost of stolen carts onto businesses and consumers instead of pursuing thieves, while city and league representatives argued local ordinances were needed to address blight, sidewalk hazards, and abandoned carts, and that the bill would unnecessarily limit local control. After debate over whether businesses should be required to retrieve carts or use anti-theft devices, the committee passed HB 2460 on a 4-3 vote.
Next, the committee heard HB 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and ABOR from encouraging or facilitating abortions. The sponsor said taxpayer-funded schools should remain neutral and not use official roles to promote abortion, while opponents argued the bill would chill constitutionally protected health care information and referrals, especially on campuses where student health services may be the only care available. Supporters testified that campuses should provide alternatives such as pregnancy resources and adoption information. The committee passed HB 2060 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also heard HB 2210, as amended, which would prohibit the state, political subdivisions, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators. Supporters said the technology was intended for aviation safety and should not be repurposed as a tax-collection tool, warning that pilots might turn it off to avoid fees and reduce safety. Opponents, including the City of Phoenix, said airports need flexibility and that the bill could interfere with local airport operations. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment and then passed HB 2210 as amended on a 4-3 vote.