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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Any questions for staff? Seeing none, welcome to our prime sponsor, Senator Orwell.
- And thank you so much, Senator Kaufman, for joining Senator Orwell. I have a question.
- Thank you, Senators. And I think Senator Kaufman will be seeing you in a hot second. Thanks.
- Any questions for staff? Seeing none, welcome to Senator Torres. Let's hear about your bill.
- Any questions for staff? Seeing none, welcome to Senator Torres. Let's hear about your bill.
Summary:
House Finance met on February 26 and heard several tax and housing-related bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6343 would extend the deadline to apply for a property tax exemption for improvements to single-family homes damaged by natural disasters, with sponsors citing recent flooding and the need to help displaced homeowners in multiple counties. Local officials from Kent and Algona testified in support, describing flood damage and ongoing recovery needs. The bill was heard but no vote was taken.
Senate Bill 6347 would roll back the higher estate tax rates enacted in 2025, while leaving the higher exemption amount in place. Committee staff said the bill would reduce revenue to the Education Legacy Trust account by about $44.8 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and about $389.9 million over the 2027-29 biennium. Supporters argued the higher rates could harm family businesses and encourage wealthy residents to leave; opponents said the bill would mainly benefit very large estates and would worsen budget pressures by reducing funds for education and child care. Public testimony was mixed, and the bill was heard without action.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products stored in Washington for out-of-state sale until 2038. The sponsor and a logistics witness said the exemption helps farmers get products faster, supports regional distribution, and improves competitiveness; staff said the revenue impact would be small. Finally, Senate Bill 6114 would define “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes to make tax treatment of attached property clearer, and Senate Bill 6027 would broaden allowable uses of several local affordable housing funding sources, including rehabilitation and operations of existing housing, rental assistance in some counties, and expanded uses for Affordable Housing for All grants. Both of those bills drew support from state and local housing officials and advocates, and the committee adjourned after the hearings with no recorded votes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 3rd Revision: SB2060 laid over 4/6, added to today's agenda Apr 7th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Debate, I'll ask staff to please open the cue for a vote.
- Staff, please open the queue. Kane votes. Boles called. Will resolve. Play the vote.
- Senate Bill 2060 is the Build Act.
- Senate Bill 1992 is a requested clean-up bill from the Department of Commerce.
- Up next, we're gonna have Senate Bill 1579 being presented by Speaker Hilbert.
Committee:
House Appropriations and Budget
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Christina King, staff to the committee.
- Any questions for staff? Seeing none, then welcome to our prime sponsor, Senator Shoemaker.
- Rochelle Harris, committee staff.
- Senate Bill 5994 relates to the distribution of timber tax revenues.
- Rochelle Harris, committee staff.
Summary:
House Finance held public hearings on two Senate bills. On Senate Bill 5252, staff explained that the bill would remove the one-acre limit on a property tax exemption for nonprofit public assembly halls, beginning with property taxes due in 2027. Staff said the fiscal impact would be minimal, with no loss to the state levy and only a small local property tax shift, though the Department of Revenue anticipates a one-time administrative cost. Senator Shoemaker and a grange representative testified in support, saying the change would help rural granges that serve as community gathering places and are facing rising costs and property tax burdens.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5994, which would change how timber tax revenues are distributed to school districts. Staff said the bill would extend distributions to districts that had qualifying levies in either of the prior two years, even if they do not have such a levy in the current year, and that it would take effect immediately with no state revenue impact but an indeterminate effect on school district funding. A county assessor testified that he supported the policy but was concerned the immediate effective date would disrupt current levy distribution calculations and suggested a January 1, 2027 effective date instead. No votes were taken, and both hearings were closed before the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 9th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have with us Senator Robin Kennedy and Senator Pavl Piano, and there'll be other senators joining
- as well, Senator Oliveira.
- Senator Piano. Senator Piano. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Thank you, Senator.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
MA
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Driscoll.
- It's been tough on the staff.
- The Senate has agreed to that number.
- Senator Feeney was there.
- My family owes so much to the staff at Pappas.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the work of the special legislative commission studying whether and how the facility should continue. Senators and representatives said the Legislature has continued funding Pappas, that the hospital cannot be closed before the commission reports, and that they are seeking to extend the commission’s deadline. Multiple commissioners and witnesses described Pappas as a unique setting combining inpatient medical care, residential programming, special education, therapy, and campus-based activities for children with complex medical needs.
Union leaders, staff, parents, and local officials argued that Pappas is being quietly depopulated through blocked admissions and continued discharges despite the formal pause on closure. They said the hospital’s integrated model cannot be replicated elsewhere, that families and staff are being left in limbo, and that the state should invest in repairs, modernization, and possibly temporary modular space to reopen admissions. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children who have benefited from Pappas and on workers who fear losing a specialized workforce built over decades.
Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said the state is committed to keeping Pappas open and stable while the commission works, but that admissions must meet hospital-level-of-care standards and the current infrastructure limits who can safely be served. He said the administration has been expanding outreach, hiring staff, and exploring ways to broaden services, including outpatient and therapy programs over time. Commissioners pressed him on why admissions remain so limited and whether the facility is being effectively depopulated, while Goldstein maintained that the restrictions reflect legal and safety requirements rather than an effort to close the hospital.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- **Senator West**, you have questions? **Senator West**: Just one question. Item 10.
- Which page, Senator? **Senator West**: I'm gonna return to this. **Senator West**: ... businesses?
- **Senator Kohlhorst**: Did you have a question, Senator Kohlhorst?
- **Senator Kohlhorst**: I did, Senator Flores. Thank you for bringing that up.
- So, Senator Flores, I look forward to working with you and Senator Blanco on the issue.
Bills:
SB 1
Committee:
Senate Finance
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Pastor Earl Gleason is sponsored by the Senator of the 7th, Senator Leak. Welcome to the Senate.
- So if I can have my colleagues, Senator Sharif, Senator Bracey Davis, Senator Davis, and there you are
- Rosalind Osgood, Senator Barbara Sharif, Senator Tracy Davis, and Senator Levon Bracey Davis.
- The Senator of the Third District, Senator Simon.
- Commissioner Maria Sacks, our new county administrator, former Senator Joe Bruzo, and county staff, and
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0.
Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Chang. Senator DeCoite excused. Senator Fevella here. Senator De La Cruz here.
- Senator Elefante here. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard excused. Senator Hashimoto.
- Senator Ihara present. Senator Inouye present. Senator Kanuha. Senator Keohokalole. Senator Lee.
- Senator McKelvey hi. Senator Moriwaki present. Senator Richards here.
- Senator San Buenaventura excused. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim. Senator Lee. Senator McKelvey hi.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Securing Human Services / Strengthening Election Integrity / Legislating Legacy Jun 8th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services.
- It wasn't a very controversial one with Senator Hoffman and Senators Newer and Schumacher and myself.
- And so working with Senator Hoffman and Senator Sen and Representatives Newer and Schumacher, we hard
- And so working with Senator Hoffman and Senator Sen and Representatives Newer and Schumacher, we hard
- Senate File 3045 passed in the Senate with 36 votes in favor and 31 against.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate file number 334. >> Third reading. Senate file number 334.
- Messages from the Senate.
- </c> Messages from the Senate. Messages from the Senate.
- Bod, Secretary of the Senate.
- </c> with the Senate amendment say I. with the Senate amendment say I.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs and Joint Legislative Audit Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We also want to recognize Senator Carbalden, Assembly members, Sharon Kirk Silva, Senator Carlton, Assembly
- To the Assembly Members in this committee, I urge you to begin calling on Senator Padilla and Senator
- staff.
- The staff at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, the current staff, has been working diligently, passionately,
- Thank you to J-LAC staff, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee staff, who put this together.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Pastor Gleason is sponsored by the Senator of the 7th, Senator Leak. Welcome to the Senate.
- sponsored by the Senator of the Second, Senator Trumbull.
- So if I can have my colleagues, Senator Sharif, Senator Bracey Davis, Senator Davis, and there you are
- Rosalind Osgood, Senator Barbara Sharif, Senator Tracy Davis, and Senator Levon Bracey Davis.
- Commissioner Maria Sachs, our new county administrator, former Senator Joe Bruzo, and county staff, and
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote.
On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/11/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1259. Madam Vice Chair, please move Senate Bill 1259. Yes, Mr.
- Staff, please explain the bill. Mr.
- Any questions for staff? Seeing none, we have the bill sponsor here, Senator Kavanaugh.
- Members, any questions for Senator Kavanaugh? Mr.
- Members, any questions for staff? I have a question.
Committees:
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections , House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Keywords:
elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Brodeur? Here. Senator Burton? Senator Garcia? Senator Harrell? Senator Rodriguez?
- Senator Rouson? Senator Sharief? A quorum is present, Mr. Chair. Thank you so much, Robin.
- Thank you, Senator Davis.
- Senator Garcia, you had a question? If you have... Okay. Senator Garcia, you had a question?
- Senator Burton, or should we go—who should be first? Senator Harrell?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management.
Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications.
Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to thank the committee staff for their work.
- I really appreciate the committee staff for their hard work.
- And then if I may, if I may, Senator, thank you for the question.
- Thank you so much, Senator Garcia, for working with our committee staff and for accepting the committee's
- File item number 3, Assembly Bill 1985 by Senator Irwin, as amended.
Committee:
House Higher Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs May 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, I'm Senator Bob Archuleta and the chair of the committee and representing the Senate side of it
- So State Senator Arjoletta, Assemblymember Shivo, and the Senate Military and Veteran Affairs Committee
- So, Senator—no names, please. Oh, of the veterans? Oh, absolutely not, Senator. Thank you.
- The fact of the matter is, though, Jim's staff is a lot bigger than my staff.
- The fact of the matter is, is though Jim's staff is a lot bigger than my staff.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need.
County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports.
Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m joined by my colleague, Senator Paul Feeney. Good afternoon, Senator Feeney.
- I know that some of my staff is here.
- I see Shane from Senator Feeney’s office and Mary from my office.
- So, Senator Feeney? I would just be chilling, yeah.
- So, Senator Feeney? I would just be chilling, yeah. Mr.
Summary:
The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that the commission’s charge includes reviewing payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now/pay later financing, the costs to small businesses of accepting different forms of payment, and the impact of Section 28A of Chapter 140D. No testimony was taken at this first meeting; it was intended to introduce commission members, outline the process, and begin planning future hearings and a final report with recommendations or options for the Legislature.
Members discussed possible hearing topics, including business and consumer impacts of credit card fees, surcharges, and gratuities; the legal and regulatory landscape; and policy considerations such as transparency, reporting requirements, and possible limits on fees. Several members supported the commission’s scope and noted the issue’s timeliness, citing the growth of cashless transactions and the burden of swipe fees on retailers and restaurants. One member suggested the commission also consider cryptocurrency in transactions, and another raised the possibility of holding hearings outside the State House to improve access for small businesses around the state.
The chairs said the first public hearing is tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium, with additional hearings to be scheduled depending on interest and sign-ups. They said testimony may be offered in person, online, or in writing, and that written testimony will be part of the record. The commission also encouraged members and interested parties to suggest experts, topics, and report formats as the study develops. The meeting ended with a motion to close and an affirmative vote to adjourn.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for staff.
- Thank you for staff.
- >> Senate votes.
- Senate File 1714 intends to fix that.
- Third reading, Senate File 4502, as amended by the Senate. Third reading.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to start with Senator Arreguín and then Senator Cortese and then Senator Caballero and then
- Senator Padilla.
- We're going to start with Senator Erigine and then Senator Cortese and then Senator Caballero and then
- Senator Padilla.
- All right, next up we have SB 722 by Senator Wahab. Welcome, Senator Wahab.
Committee:
Senate Housing
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator.
- Senator Seyarto.
- Okay, Senator Wahab. Senator Wahab will present SB 722. The floor is yours. Okay, Senator Wahab.
- Senator Laird. Senator Cabaldon. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Senator Wiener? Senator Wiener. Weiner, aye. The bill is out.
Committee:
Senate Local Government