Video & Transcript Research : 'Legislative Reference Library'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am proud to support this legislation...
- It'll be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. And...
- This legislation honors their This legislation honors their sacrifices, their achievements, and their
- In the first 10 months of his second term, Trump did not refer to any white...
- No white person referred to with low IQ. And the article goes on to indicate...
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill changes the due date of the Department of Education’s computer science legislative report from
- June 30 to 20 days prior to the start of each legislative regular session.
- Effective 71 3000, okay. ...to 20 days prior to the start of each legislative regular session, and this
- I'm James Gashel, legislative chair for the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii.
- members uh I'm James gashel legislative members uh I'm James gashel legislative chair<00:27:34.159
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/23/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, legislative action. I'm sorry, legislative action.
- <00:42:46.079>
Number legislative intent. Number one. Number legislative intent. - by the voters in the legislative body. by the voters in the legislative body.
- legislation and you make it mandatory. legislation and you make it mandatory.
- her legislation to us this afternoon. her legislation to us this afternoon.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, the legislation changes certain things.
- Specifically, the legislation changes certain things.
- This legislation aims to protect...
- This legislation doesn't achieve anything but weaken privacy protections for everyone.
- You know, I've been here a couple of legislative sessions listening to this.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft systems. The bill increases penalties for flying drones over critical infrastructure, prohibits drones equipped with weapons or explosives, creates a first-degree felony for drones carrying a weapon of mass destruction, and includes a law enforcement exception. A lay-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo warning against the use of force to shoot down drones was debated but failed, and the bill was then reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SB 846 addressing notary public fraud in immigration-related services, SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions for school transportation, SB 922 on employment agreements including non-compete and garden leave provisions, and SB 1820 on motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer relations, covering performance measures, retaliation, and franchise termination standards.
Several bills focused on education, health care, and disability issues. SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, would require disability history and awareness instruction across grade levels; it drew emotional testimony from the bill sponsor, family members, and supporters, and was reported favorably. SB 998 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to certify deaths and file death certificates in hospice settings under physician protocol, and SB 1412 would modernize home health agency rules by expanding administrative flexibility and contract service use; both passed. SB 1736 would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities, and it was also reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several regulatory and court-related measures. SB 1650 expands Florida’s vexatious litigant law, including allowing designation based on conduct in a single case and extending the look-back period, while SB 1652 creates a public records exemption for certain stricken non-criminal court filings; both were approved. SB 1076 on roofing contractors was amended to require continuing education for roof-to-wall connections and then passed, and SB 1078 on fire prevention was amended with stakeholder-agreed language before being reported favorably. SB 1080 on local government land regulations, after multiple amendments and significant debate over agricultural enclaves and local control, was also approved.
Other major measures included SB 818 on utility relocation, which creates a relocation fund funded by a portion of communications services tax revenue and was supported by multiple industry and local-government groups after a compromise amendment; SB 868 on social media use by minors, which would require a decryption mechanism for law enforcement access under subpoena and prohibit disappearing messages for minors, remained under discussion as the transcript ended. The committee also heard SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers against the City of Gainesville, and reported it favorably after testimony that the city would pay the settlement amount.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 19th, 2025 at 09:11 am
Transcript Highlights:
- During the 2025 legislative session, the legislature passed Senate Memorial 9 requesting LESC to convene
- But generally, I'm going to use the term "tribe" when I refer to all Pueblo Tribes and Nations.
- Are we using tribal libraries so that people don't have to commute, but that we can use technology to
- It aligns grant award language with new legislative requirements.
- And then we'll see how things play out over the legislative session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Capital Investment Bill - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chelsea Griffin and I'm a legislative Chelsea Griffin and I'm a legislative analyst<00:11:04.800
- Miam Arab, committee legislative assistant for Senator Pappas.
- Miam Arab, committee legislative assistant for Senator Pappas.
- Miam Arab, committee legislative assistant for Senator Pappas.
- Miam Arab, uh, committee legislative Miam Arab, uh, committee legislative assistant<00:25:11.360
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- legislate. Is there a second? legislate. Is there a second?
- . legislate. legislate.
- to legislate on House Bill 1081. to legislate on House Bill 1081.
- speaking to legislative house 101. speaking to legislative house 101.
- legislate on House Bill 1163. Amen. legislate on House Bill 1163. Amen.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, I would like to take up Item 3, reference of bills to committees. I'll entertain a motion.
- You could absolutely refer them to me, and I would be happy to look into kind of whatever the individual
- So you can sit in a study carrel in the library, in the new building, and look out at the Marin Headlands
- Next we have Item 3, references to bills to committees.
- Next we have Item 3, references to bills to committees.
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items. The committee first approved, on initial roll calls, appointments not required to appear including Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two appointments to the California Law Revision Commission (Anacubas and David Hubner, J.D.), while also taking up bill referrals and floor acknowledgments. Later, after all members were present, the committee completed add-on votes on those items, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support; Anacubas and Hubner drew some opposition but were still approved.
The committee then heard testimony from Brian Bishop, nominated to lead the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Members questioned him about data-driven supervision of high-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, drug and alcohol testing, unannounced visits, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop emphasized a public-safety-and-rehabilitation approach, frequent collaboration with local agencies, compliance sweeps, victim exclusion zones, and efforts to expand housing and reentry support. Public witnesses from reentry and criminal justice organizations spoke in support, and the committee voted 5-0 to send his appointment to the full Senate.
The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, nominated to direct CDCR’s Facilities Management and Construction division. Questions focused on aligning facilities with a declining prison population, aging infrastructure, heat and cooling needs, safety during construction, prison closures, disaster planning, and the status of the Norco closure. Larson said the department has reduced its footprint, is piloting cooling upgrades at several sites, is using the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing design, and is maintaining closed facilities in cold shutdown while planning for possible future use. Public commenters from reform and reentry groups strongly supported her, and the committee approved her nomination 5-0 for the full Senate.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, I would like to take up Item 3, Reference of Bills to Committees. I'll entertain a motion.
- You could absolutely refer them to me, and I would be happy to look into the individual circumstances
- So you can sit in a study carrel in the library, in the new building, and look out at the Marin Headlands
- Next, we have Item 3, reference to bills to committees.
- Next, we have Item 3, reference to bills to committees.
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first considered several governor’s appointments not required to appear. The committee voted to advance Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission appointments: Anacubas and David Hubner, with the latter two receiving split votes but still moving forward. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees and later, by unanimous add-on votes, approved floor acknowledgments and the remaining appointments on the agenda.
The main hearing was on Brian Bishop’s appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Bishop described his law enforcement and Marine Corps background and said his focus would be balancing public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. Senators asked about risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with local agencies, exclusion zones for victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reviews.
Public testimony supported Bishop’s confirmation, including from reentry providers and advocacy groups. The committee then voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation.
The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, appointed Director of the Division of Facilities Management and Construction at CDCR. Larson discussed aligning the prison footprint with a declining population, addressing aging infrastructure and heat issues through cooling pilots, and using projects like the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing facilities. Senators asked about prison closures, cold shutdown status, disaster planning, water and utility issues, and how to manage closed or deactivated facilities. Larson said closed facilities are maintained minimally, reactivation would be costly, and the department is exploring more holistic infrastructure planning. Public witnesses from criminal justice and reentry organizations strongly supported her, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative day be dispensed with. legislative day be dispensed with.
- answer, but is there model legislation answer, but is there model legislation out<00:51:28.000><
- legislation has done. legislation has done.
- legislators legislators basically<01:07:49.280>
that <01:07:49.599>would <01:07:49.839> - K through 12 schools will Library.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Youth Representation in Policy Making Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As the Eighty-Ninth legislative session, there have been many policies and bills endorsed that seek to
- Legislations like these seek to strip schools of the ability to foster inclusive environments under the
- The uncomfortable and unfortunate truth to many of these lawmakers is that you can't legislate us out
- No matter the amount of bills or proposed legislation will change who I am or what I believe in.
- And superintendents and legislators in the state.
Summary:
Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy day at the Texas Capitol with more than 300 young Texans and allies to press lawmakers on education policy. Speakers framed the event around student visibility in policymaking and criticized recent Texas actions on school vouchers, book bans, and legislation affecting LGBTQ students and classroom content. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended and voiced support for students having a seat at the table, citing a prior effort to add a student to a school board as an example of the kind of participation SEAT is seeking.
Several student speakers described how voucher expansion threatens public schools and argued that public education is being underfunded and undermined rather than failing on its own. Others focused on LGBTQ inclusion, saying bills such as SB 12 and SB 13 would erase queer students’ experiences and make schools less safe and welcoming. One speaker also condemned book bans and censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and honest, inclusive education to think critically and feel represented.
SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the group’s earlier organizing against book bans and internet restrictions and by connecting that work to broader demands for public schools, student rights, and safety. The event did not include any legislative vote or formal committee action; it was an advocacy press conference aimed at influencing lawmakers during the session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wanted to say that the reference Catherine mentioned, the guidance on DEIA and employment initiatives
- Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
- Congratulations to our commissioner and Chairman Jay Livingstone, who will be honored as Legislator of
- the Year at the 48th annual legislative reception hosted by the Arc of Massachusetts, as well as the
- So it can be anything from adding ramps to a public library to implementing universal design for school
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Clardy, as well as... ...Representative Witte for providing bipartisan support and authoring this legislation
- I apologize; that will be a question I will refer to the organization.
- In 2023, we did pass a Capitol Mall design framework piece of legislation.
- So being here, this would be the third state that has actually legislated this into their legislation
- As an immigrant in this country and being the first Kenyan-born legislator in the entire U.S., it is
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HLT-HHS Joint Info Briefing - Fri Mar 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the chief of the Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development, legislative coordinator, and
- Again, this was a very successful project in partnership with the Department of Health in libraries and
- will enable us to reestablish it, but we made some changes through lessons learned, and we will use libraries
- The other relevant component or function of this definition of rural is that it provides a reference
Bills:
HB2246, HB2119, HB1929, HB1953, HB1572, HB2549, HB2594, HB2551, HB2595, HB2548, HB2459, HB1931, HB1604, HB1616, HB1736, HB2233, HB2241, HB1891, HB1803, HB2567, HB2534, HB2399, HB2172, HB1595, HB1811, HB2168, HB1780, HB1781, HB1785, HB2122, HB2012, HB2398, HB1779, HB2296, HB1894, HB1925, HB2019, HB1896, HB2294, HB2298, HB2300, HB2344, HB2345, HB2391, HB2037, HB2201, HB1941, HB1635, HB1943, HB2325, HB1926, HB2490, HB1710, HB2545, HB1976, HB2173, HB1804, HB1563, HB2015, HB1619, HB2475, HB1889, HB2367, HB2187, HB1765, HB1452, HB2231, HB1700, HB1705, HB1626, HB1897, HB1642, HB1523, HB2593, HB815, HB1655, HB1596, HB1732, HB1842, HB2476, HB2478, HB2022, HB1588, HB2575, HB1163, HB2153, HB772, HB1519, HB2050, HB2309, HB2147, HB2329, HB2274, HB2280, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2306, HB2148, HB2088, HB1764, HB2438, HB2117, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2155, HB1832, HB2216, HB1601, HB1934, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2454, HB2004, HB2427, HB2207, HB1810, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB2323, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB1691, HB2386, HB2423, HB2121, HB1984, HB1593, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB1643, HB2558, HB1864, HB1898, HB2214, HB2167, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB322, HB1964, HB2218, HB2616, HB1535, HB1574, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2250, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1740, HB1724, HB1733, HB1799, HB1725, HB2049, HB2161, HB1970, HB2519, HB1790, HB2416, HB1873, HB2001, HB2151, HB1603, HB1880, HB1753, HB2198, HB1511, HB1991, HB2546, HB1615, HB1939, HB2140, HB2429, HB1870, HB1850, HB1782, HB2137
Keywords:
agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Mar 5, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 23
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She is accompanied by my two legislative assistants, Megan and Kiana.
- She is accompanied by my two legislative assistants, Megan and Kiana.
- >
judiciary <00:42:00.880>committee referred to the judiciary committee referred to the - I feel like the process, the legislative process, is working perfectly.
- May all others be referred for action. May all others be referred to<01:41:50.000>
print.
Bills:
HB2246, HB2119, HB1929, HB1953, HB1572, HB2549, HB2594, HB2551, HB2595, HB2548, HB2459, HB1931, HB1604, HB1616, HB1736, HB2233, HB2241, HB1891, HB1803, HB2567, HB2534, HB2399, HB2172, HB1595, HB1811, HB2168, HB1780, HB1781, HB1785, HB2122, HB2012, HB2398, HB1779, HB2296, HB1894, HB1925, HB2019, HB1896, HB2294, HB2298, HB2300, HB2344, HB2345, HB2391, HB2037, HB2201, HB1941, HB1635, HB1943, HB2325, HB1926, HB2490, HB1710, HB2545, HB1976, HB2173, HB1804, HB1563, HB2015, HB1619, HB2475, HB1889, HB2367, HB2187, HB1765, HB1452, HB2231, HB1700, HB1705, HB1626, HB1897, HB1642, HB1523, HB2593, HB815, HB1655, HB1596, HB1732, HB1842, HB2476, HB2478, HB2022, HB1588, HB2575, HB1163, HB2153, HB772, HB1519, HB2050, HB2309, HB2147, HB2329, HB2274, HB2280, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2306, HB2148, HB2088, HB1764, HB2438, HB2117, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2155, HB1832, HB2216, HB1601, HB1934, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2454, HB2004, HB2427, HB2207, HB1810, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB2323, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB1691, HB2386, HB2423, HB2121, HB1984, HB1593, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB1643, HB2558, HB1864, HB1898, HB2214, HB2167, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB322, HB1964, HB2218, HB2616, HB1535, HB1574, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2250, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1740, HB1724, HB1733, HB1799, HB1725, HB2049, HB2161, HB1970, HB2519, HB1790, HB2416, HB1873, HB2001, HB2151, HB1603, HB1880, HB1753, HB2198, HB1511, HB1991, HB2546, HB1615, HB1939, HB2140, HB2429, HB1870, HB1850, HB1782, HB2137
Keywords:
agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're holding this hearing today during an important point in the legislative process.
- The legislative process.
- that takes place at the federal level, or late legislation at the state level, or a pandemic.
- This is presenting that bill and that legislation did not anticipate these types of liabilities.
- This bill and that legislation did not anticipate these types of liabilities.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Transparency held a hearing focused on three issues: federal funding cuts and delays, possible state revenue impacts from reduced IRS enforcement, and the fiscal effects of AB 218 on local governments. The Franchise Tax Board described how state and federal tax systems are closely linked, how most returns are filed electronically through software, and how FTB relies on IRS information sharing for compliance, fraud prevention, offsets, and nonfiler work. Members raised concerns that federal staffing cuts at the IRS could weaken audits of large corporations and reduce California revenue, and asked about VITA and ITIN filers; FTB said it was not aware of VITA reductions, noted ITIN returns are processed the same as other returns, and said ITIN filing appeared slightly down this year. The Department of Finance said it is monitoring federal developments, summarized the continuing resolution and reconciliation process, and noted that California lost nearly $940 million in earmarked federal projects under the CR, while major federal budget decisions remain uncertain until the President’s budget and later congressional action.
The University of California reported substantial federal pressure on research, student aid, and health care. UC said hundreds of millions of dollars in federal awards have already been canceled, with additional threats to NIH and DOE facilities-and-administration rates, graduate fellowships, student loan repayment plans, international student visas, Pell Grants, and Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding. Committee members pressed UC on the effects of DEIA-related federal restrictions, the loss of clinical trials and research staff, and the impact on low-income students and patients. UC said it is pursuing litigation with the Attorney General and other institutions, but emphasized that court action is only a temporary solution and that sustained state and private support may be needed.
The second panel addressed the fiscal consequences of AB 218, which extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims against public agencies. FCMAT presented a report with 22 recommendations, including better statewide data collection, financing mechanisms, a possible victims compensation fund, and prevention measures. Los Angeles County described a tentative $4 billion settlement tied to AB 218 claims, saying it will require reserves, borrowing, and long-term annual payments through 2050, while also forcing curtailments and cuts to vacant positions to preserve services. Members discussed insurance pools, retroactive premiums, unidentified future claims, and the need for a compensation fund or other financing tools. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with public comment, including testimony from local health officials about nearly $400 million in terminated federal public health grants and the resulting layoffs and service impacts.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- State of Arizona legislative proclamation.
- I am truly glad to see this legislation come through.
- Motion to refer to additional committee of the whole. Committee of the Whole. Mr.
- This piece of legislation ensures that veterans'... Mr.
- This piece of legislation ensures that veterans' As a state, this piece of legislation ensures that veterans
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and guests, including a University of Arizona presentation in the members’ lounge and a proclamation honoring Mama Luisa’s Italian restaurant for 70 years of family ownership and service. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and several Committee of the Whole reports, with members frequently explaining votes and offering support or objections on policy grounds.
Among the bills passed on third reading were HB 2041 (child neglect), HB 2128, HB 2251 (midwifery), HB 2342 (planned communities/HOAs), HB 2402 (emergency medical services), HB 2403 (AHCCCS appropriations), HB 2615 (parenting time), HB 2641 (firefighting foam), HB 2673 (incarcerated persons and mental illness), HB 2700 (Technology First Study Committee), HB 2951 (subscription cancellation/consumer protection), HB 2991 (minors’ access to technology content), and HB 4070 (human trafficking). HB 4018, relating to county officers, failed on a 26-24 vote. Members also voted to reconsider that failure, but the motion to overturn the chair’s ruling on division was defeated.
The House then entered additional Committee of the Whole proceedings on measures including HB 2136 and HB 2923, both of which were amended and recommended do pass after extended debate about free speech/civil terrorism language and guardianship/probate issues. In a later Committee of the Whole, members advanced HB 2188, HB 2239, HB 2437, HB 2445, HB 2502, HB 2620, HB 2931, HB 4004, and HB 4064, with amendments on several bills. HB 4044, concerning public safety funding and the rainy day fund, was also amended and recommended do pass after debate over fiscal reserves and DPS/corrections support. The final consent calendar measures were adopted with committee amendments and recommended do pass.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Senator Victoria Hunt, and I represent the 5th Legislative District. Happy to be here.
- You can also reach out directly to me or our legislative coordinator, Kimberly Gets.
- , although it's adopted by reference specifically.
- In the report, will you be referring to what our learnings are from those states?
- In the report, will you be looking, will you be referring to what our learnings are from those states
Summary:
The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- You may see, and we expect to see, some legislators coming in and out.
- It's customary in the legislature at our hearings to take legislators out of turn.
- So you may see me call forward a legislator whose name isn't on the screen when they come in.
- Legislators have hearings that they have to testify at and chair and things like that.
- Adding to that pain is the recent destruction of the Edward Said libraries in Gaza.
Summary:
The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism.
Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate.
A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'd love to see more community colleges, more libraries, but even better yet, virtual service delivery
- I don't think any area is out of bounds entirely, but I'll say if you look at that TIGAL I reference
- Just a quick question: the legislation that was passed that requires this monthly verbal and written
- I believe it began as legislation to ALC and then was moved to the subcommittee, but I'm more than happy
- I believe it began as legislation to ALC and then was moved to the subcommittee, but I'm more than happy
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell.
Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs.
In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.