Video & Transcript Research : 'capitol security'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've talked, we've had conversations about that, but looking forward to protecting national security
- We've talked, we've had conversations about that, but I'm looking forward to protecting national security
- **Senator Nichols:** ...20-something years ago on the south side of the Capitol.
- I saw was 20-something years ago on the south side of the Capitol in Texas.
- RTF doesn't have enough money, and it goes to the next level of public securities, right?
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We especially want to remember their families left behind as they perform their duties here in the Capitol
- Various units and centers in efforts to enhance security and safety of Floridians.
- Ultimately, the Republican Congress must act to provide these long-awaited securities, and this special
- When I think about that, I think about concentric rings of security.
- Outside of your loyalty to President Trump, the one with the most familial connections in this Capitol
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar.
The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement.
A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hi, I'm good at a lot of things, but navigating this Capitol is just not one of them.
- replace boilers, exhaust systems, update plumbing, and update the fire suppression, fire alarm, and security
- The basic school has produced over 500 lieutenants for national security purposes.
- I am very thankful for the work that all of you are doing as it relates to finance, safety, and security
- So thank you for coming to the Capitol and laying it out. I appreciate it very much. Thank you.
Keywords:
bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2024, nearly 11,000 youth were detained in secure facilities.
- It is a matter of national security for commanders to have the authority to protect victims that are
- But what they do not know yet is that their loss has reached this Capitol and has become the bill before
- June 30th, Capitol Room 126. Thank you. Thank you. For 1015, I have U.S. I.
- June 30th, Capitol Room 126. Thank you. a.m. June 30th, Capitol Room 126. Thank you. Thank you.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Elise Stefanik, of New York, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of Americ Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:25 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Security Council. Is there a motion to favorably report the nominations? Is there a second?
- Academia's incentives are often not aligned with U.S. national security.
- Security.
- It's a region for energy, for energy security, and for influence.
- supply is a national security imperative.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- quickly, ABLE savings programs allow you to save money and not lose things like food stamps, Social Security
- quickly, ABLE savings programs allow you to save money and not lose things like food stamps, Social Security
- I mentioned that I'm using a power wheelchair nowadays, and I want to thank all of you at the Capitol
- I know that you folks have faced barriers coming into the state Capitol, especially with a broken elevator
- I know that you folks have faced barriers coming into the state Capitol, especially with a broken elevator
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the Developmental Disabilities Council and related agencies. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including a pilot project for guardian ad litem and capacity evaluations in guardianship/conservatorship cases, a supported decision-making bill, a health disparities study for people with disabilities, an ABLE savings outreach/staffing measure, a Medicaid buy-in proposal, an adult changing tables equity bill, and a resolution on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Council representatives emphasized that supported decision-making would complement tools like powers of attorney and medical releases, and that the health disparities study would help identify unmet needs by ZIP code and improve state data on the intellectual and developmental disability population.
The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii described its role as the research and training arm within the DD system, working with the DD Council and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center. It reported activities such as interdisciplinary training, community education, technical assistance, research collaborations, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, publications, telehealth, ECHO Autism, and counseling for Maui fire survivors. The center said it leveraged about $16 million in outside funding last year and highlighted goals focused on workforce development, community capacity, research with direct participation from people with disabilities, and accessible dissemination of information.
The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the state’s protection and advocacy agency, supported the Council’s priorities, especially supported decision-making, which it said could help some people avoid guardianship while preserving liberty and reducing state resource use. The center also raised concerns about the DD system budget and urged legislators to review whether the Developmental Disabilities Division is requesting enough funding, noting possible backsliding in services and eligibility. The Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health then outlined its statewide waiver program serving just over 3,500 people, its service array, and its budget request for increased waiver funding, a federal initiatives coordinator, and IT upgrades to comply with the new HCBS access rule; no votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- only saying that, you know, as somebody with a geology background, I take your point about national security
- “Welcome to the Capitol, and thank you very much.” “That’s it?” “Okay.
- One of my asks is that you explain this experience down here at the Capitol today to the guys who you're
- general fund in fiscal year 2027 and each year thereafter to the Arizona Department of Economic Security
- for the implementation of 2027 and each year thereafter to the Arizona Department of Economic Security
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with member and staff introductions and a reminder about amendment deadlines. HB 2056 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites; the sponsor said Arizona should explore potential water supplies amid Colorado River concerns. A witness opposed the bill, and members debated whether brackish groundwater should be treated as a resource or a threat to aquifers. The committee approved HB 2056 on an 11-6 vote, with one member not voting.
The committee then considered HB 2798, as amended, which would provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials related to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. The sponsor framed the bill as an economic development and national security effort, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has enough of the material to justify public spending. The University of Arizona supported the work as within the Geological Survey’s mission. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-5, with one member present and one not voting.
HB 2303 would codify investment rules for the State Treasurer, requiring safety and principal preservation ahead of return and prohibiting speculative investments and insider-benefit conduct. The Treasurer’s Office said the bill reflects current policy and ethics rules already in place, and members asked about how “speculative” would be defined and whether the bill would affect other investment-related statutes. The committee passed the bill 15-0, with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344 would require the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool and allow a third-party backup only in emergencies; the Treasurer’s Office argued this preserves a low-cost, high-liquidity service for local governments, while some members questioned whether it limited future Treasurers’ discretion. The committee passed HB 2344 12-2, with three present and one not voting.
Later, the committee heard HB 2759, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veteran programs. A retired Navy SEAL and campus veterans coordinator described emergency housing, equipment, and professional-development needs for student veterans at Embry-Riddle, while several members supported the effort and others objected to using state funds for a private institution or a county-specific program. The bill passed 11-6, with one not voting. The committee also passed HB 2207, appropriating $300,000 for the prison Braille transcription program, after testimony that the program trains inmates in a skilled trade and has had no recidivism among released participants; it passed 17-0, with one not voting. Finally, HB 2224, as amended to reduce the appropriation from $2 million to $1 million, would fund the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP. Supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies and can improve health outcomes, while members discussed budget constraints; the committee approved the amended bill after testimony from program advocates and farmers.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2026 at 11:13 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To maintenance crews, security officers, food service workers, and many more.
- However, However, we have a serious issue in this country, a national security issue and a gap.
- These are private investments that believe in the national security of our country and believe in the
- Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe, Senator Peter Wirth, Senator William E.
- Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe, Senator Linda M.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it securely and safely
- We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it securely and safely
- We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it securely and safely
- SAFETY AND CYBER SECURITY VULNERABILITIES CAN RENDER AI DEPLOYERS OPEN TO ADVERSARIAL ATTACKS.
- FOR A VA BENEFIT DECISION, BUT NOT ONLY FOR THE BENEFITS THEY ARE DUE, BUT FOR The stability, the security
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Legislature should take action to protect privacy and data security for children and families in
- We need clear guidance, widespread training, and secure funding that protects continuity of care.
- And then finally, the security of data that the state... Has to remain in place.
- So we welcome you to the Capitol. We welcome you to your district office here in L.A.
- So we welcome you to the Capitol. We welcome, go to your district office here in L.A.
Summary:
The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning.
The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively.
Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-23 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida, WildPath, and many of the other supporters of the wildlife corridor that have been in the Capitol
- This helps students who lack family support to secure safe, stable housing independently.
- youth receive supportive services and case management, also providing assurances to landlords to secure
- Sergeant, please secure the chamber. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a debate?
- And he chaired that, and led vital investigations into national security, including the aftermath of
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to those affected by the Florida State University shooting and recognition of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, student advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and visiting school groups. Members also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. The chamber then moved into special order business and considered a series of bills, many of them with House companions substituted in and passed by wide margins or unanimously.
Among the measures passed were bills updating child care and early learning provider regulation, imposing costs on false swatting reports, extending protections against extraordinary hospital collection actions, expanding hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, clarifying school choice disclosure requirements under the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, adjusting interest rules for trust accounts supporting legal aid, revising transportation and traffic enforcement provisions, expanding public records exemptions for certain judicial and health care investigators and appellate clerks, changing municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, strengthening motor vehicle offenses involving impersonation and obscured plates, increasing trespass penalties at certain law-enforcement-controlled sites and large ticketed events, requiring refunds of patient overpayments, authorizing certain stem cell therapies, allowing relatives and direct support professionals to administer insulin in group homes, addressing rideshare impersonation and transit funding rules, and updating the Uniform Commercial Code for digital assets and emerging technologies.
Several bills drew notable debate. The trust fund interest bill prompted extended discussion over legal aid funding, bank participation, and whether the measure would reduce support for legal services; it ultimately passed 28-10. The transportation bill was heavily amended, including removal of speed-limit increases and changes to school bus camera enforcement and micromobility rules, and passed 37-0. The Miami-Dade water and sewer rate bill sparked debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records bills protecting agency investigators and JQC employees also drew questions about accountability and transparency before passing. Most other measures passed with little or no opposition, and a few bills were temporarily postponed or set aside.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I mean, you know, there's a lot of times being up here at the Capitol all day that, you know, there's
- now from some of our grocery store and then kind of talk about some different initiatives in the Capitol
- It also requires the department to provide information on how to secure assistance programs for which
- As these youth age out of care, they are often eager to secure reliable transportation.
- And, um, between 10 and 20% of children in foster care are already eligible for Social Security.
Bills:
HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539
Keywords:
assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- people have been to our state parks, and probably every hand in this room and many rooms of this Capitol
- future property tax revenue and reduce local economic damage by making buildings across Florida more secure
- future property tax revenue and reduce local economic damage by making buildings across Florida more secure
- For over 130 years, Mosaic and its predecessors have played a vital role in ensuring domestic food security
- produce is responsible for over 50% of the crop yields that are used in America, ensuring U.S. food security
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met for its first meeting of session and heard four bills. HB 209, the State Parks Preservation Act, would limit development in state parks and require stronger public notice and participation for land management plan changes. Members discussed protections for cabins and existing lodging, and an amendment aligned the bill with the Senate and clarified conservation-based recreational uses. Support came from Audubon Florida, Nature Conservancy, and others, and the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute after a unanimous roll call.
HB 143 would create a Florida Resilient Buildings Tax Credit for new construction and retrofits that meet LEED-based resiliency standards, with a new advisory committee under DBPR to help administer the program. An amendment moved the process under DBPR, added UCF and FIU to the advisory council, and made technical conforming changes. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Boca Raton city council member and was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one no vote.
HB 295 would direct DEP to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan based on its 2020 recycling report, including education, market development, and recommendations for statutory changes. Testimony emphasized that the plan would be voluntary and would not impose costs or mandates on homeowners or businesses. The bill passed without amendments and was reported favorably. HB 585 would let owners of former phosphate mining lands record notice and obtain a Department of Health radiation survey to support a narrow defense against strict liability claims; an amendment clarified the notice content and limited the definition to mined lands, not gyp stacks. The bill drew extensive questions about notice, radiation thresholds, disclosure to buyers, and liability scope, but supporters from Mosaic, the Florida Chamber, and a health physicist argued it would improve transparency and help redevelop lands. It was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one soft yes and one no vote.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We'd like to hear that as well, while protecting affordability, local jobs, and energy security.
- So it's affordability, increasing our local energy security, and then emissions reduction.
- When I came home, I was actually at the state Capitol earlier.
- They see a regular bedroom, but it is secure.
- They need security. They should not have to struggle alone after all the pain during the injustice.
Keywords:
image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You and I have had a discussion about DPS taking over security of the Capitol complex.
- It's going to be a blended version of what we're doing here at the Capitol with security specialists
- It's going to be a blended version of what we're doing here at the Capitol with security specialists
- That's for maximum security. If I may, from security, yes sir, if I can.
- level security rating.
Bills:
SB 1
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 11:39.120>
for Whether it's secure transportation for Whether it's secure transportation for school - Securing our where it matters most.
- Security. Instead, he's closing offices. Security. Instead, he's closing offices.
- personal social security data and fire personal social security data and fire their<02:36:34.479>
- work to be done to secure our border. work to be done to secure our border.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , help me welcome the Osceola Chamber and also Osceola elected officials that are up visiting the Capitol
- Senator DiCeglie: This addresses the Open Government Sunset Review for cyber security held by state agencies
- The order provides an opportunity to take steps toward long-term economic and strategic security for
- provide affordable healthcare coverage options for Florida farmers and ranchers who face challenges securing
- So schools that are currently being built or securing funds to be built will still have...
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Jun 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Second one is the security aspect of it. So that's one. Second one is the security aspect of it.
- That's the Department of Homeland Security mission.
- That mission was a request from Homeland Security to all...
- Department of Homeland Security mission.
- or other sources of funding secured.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners.
The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing.
The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee On Alternative Protein Innovation Jun 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- food and water security.
- While food security is a cornerstone of human development, economic development, and national security
- of consumers and the economic security of farmers.
- Elphin Biden in terms of food security as well, right?
- Like, it's a national security issue, but it's national security for every nation.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state.
The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify.
The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry.
The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/24/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thousands of organizers from across the state are descending on this Capitol tomorrow for a massive Tax
- THOUSANDS OF ORGANIZERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE ARE DESENDING ON THIS CAPITOL TOMORROW FOR A MASSIVE TAX
- conditions pay cost sharing based on inflated list pricing, even as insurers and pharmacy benefit managers secure
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.”
After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements.
On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.