Video & Transcript Research : 'surface mining'
Page 117 of 369
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 2, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- here to speak in strong support of House Bill 499 to share what this bill means for businesses like mine
- If someone is worried about whether a small brewery like mine can uphold safety or quality, I invite
- there's also some smaller distributors that work with smaller breweries, still a little bigger than mine
- So I'm encouraging, empowering what could be another great client of mine in the future, potentially.
Summary:
The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up one bill, House Bill 499, which would allow malt beverage manufacturers producing less than 31,000 gallons annually to sell and deliver directly to vendors. The sponsor and several craft brewery owners and industry advocates testified in support, arguing the measure would help small breweries reach local restaurants, improve quality control, create jobs, and serve as a bridge into the three-tier system for businesses too small to attract distributors. Opponents, including the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, argued the bill would undermine the three-tier system, weaken accountability and tax collection, and create risks for consumer protection and market fairness.
During debate, several members said they supported the bill as a small-business measure while noting they remained protective of the three-tier system. Some members raised concerns about tax tracking and long-term distributor contracts, but others said the bill appeared limited enough to preserve the existing system while giving small breweries a chance to grow. The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with one recorded no vote.
After the bill vote, the subcommittee revisited prior questions about Department of Lottery Secretary Davis’s travel reimbursements. Members reviewed updated documents showing more than $50,000 in travel reimbursements from January 2021 through November 2024, including about $27,840 tied to Orlando destinations, and expressed concern that some reimbursements may have covered commuting between Tallahassee and Orlando. The chair said the information would be sent to Secretary Davis for an explanation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to introduce a good friend of mine who's originally from Minnesota but now visiting from Washington
- /c><00:04:11.200>
good <00:04:11.360>friend <00:04:11.560>of <00:04:11.720>mine - <00:04:12.040>
who's to introduce a good friend of mine who's to introduce a good friend of - mine who's originally<00:04:12.840>
from <00:04:13.040>Minnesota <00:04:13.680>but<
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a friend of mine who's on our Columbia School Board.
- But they know what mine is because I was a Democrat's state representative. Okay.
- So her ideology on this arena differs from mine.
- It doesn't matter that we're both Democrats. on this arena differs from mine.
- It will be on mine, not yours. Excuse me. I'm speaking, and I didn't ask you a question.
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school levy/bond questions to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor argued the change would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, and better align school board decisions with the broader electorate. Supporters echoed those points, saying April elections have low turnout, campaigning is difficult in winter, and November voting would give more residents a voice.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued the bill unnecessarily singles out St. Charles County, could politicize school board races, and might bury local issues on crowded November ballots. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and warned that four-year terms and the loss of staggered elections could reduce continuity and institutional knowledge. Others said limiting levy and bond questions to November could delay urgent district needs and reduce local flexibility. Some supporters and opponents also debated whether the bill should be statewide rather than county-specific.
After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002 “do pass” by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee also voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135 “do pass” by the same 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present margin.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:16:55.640>
a <00:16:55.720>constituent <00:16:56.440>of <00:16:56.560>mine - gallery, I see a constituent of mine gallery, I see a constituent of mine here<00:16:57.240>
- South Gallery, I know that the AKAs have already been introduced, but I want to introduce a friend of mine
- We have a friend of mine and a former alderman of the city of Carthage, Miracle Matlock.
- We have a friend of mine and a former alderman of the city of Carthage, Miracle Matlock.
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer, pledge, and quorum present, then moved through routine organizational business including journal approval, committee reports, introduction of pages, and numerous member introductions recognizing visiting veterans groups, medical residents and physicians, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, former members, constituents, and other guests. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including Education, Drug Policy, Appropriations A, Elections, and other standing committees.
The main floor action involved adoption of two House resolutions from the supplemental calendar. House Resolution 29 designated January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi, with remarks highlighting the importance of blood donation, Vitalant’s role, and the need for a diverse blood supply; the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 26 commended Jamal Roberts for winning the 23rd season of American Idol; members noted he would not be present the next day because of other obligations and that he would reschedule, and the resolution was also adopted.
Later, the House observed a moment of silence and announced it would adjourn in memory of Richard Hagar, a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty, and J.P. Carter, a 3-year-old who died of cancer. The chamber recessed and later adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day after additional committee meeting announcements and member notices, including a breakfast invitation and a reminder about committee schedules.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-05-05
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- There are provisions that could theoretically allow it through what's called a data mining waiver.
- into it today, but yeah, there's a provision in the federal regulations for something called a data mining
- That would be necessary through a data mining waiver for our investigators to go in and look at it themselves
- That would be necessary through a data mining waiver for our investigators to go in and look at it themselves
- can't talk about—and I'm not trying to be cagey—I don't know how they conduct their own internal data mining
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 05:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
- Your Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
- Your committee on energy industry and mining has had under consideration engrossed committee substitute
Summary:
The Senate first took up Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. After adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, the chamber concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed the bill 33-0, with one member absent and not voting. The amendment was described as creating an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year, and the bill was presented as a tool to help county boards fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas.
The chamber then received a large number of committee reports and advanced several House bills on first reading. These included measures on creating the Team West Virginia Corporation, establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the respiratory care interstate compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the Science and Culture Center, and a comprehensive energy development policy and plan. Several bills were reported as amended by committees, and one energy bill was referred to the Rules Committee.
Additional committee action included reports on a bill to repeal the school-transfer eligibility protection, a load forecast accountability bill, oil and gas well plugging provisions, a TANF drug-screening extension, and a bill authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners. Most of these were advanced on first reading after unanimous consent. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day, with announcements of upcoming committee meetings before the chamber adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we, from that, chose a different path of data mining. to increase successes of treatment, and
- And so we, from that, chose a different path of data mining, The population.
- And so we, from that, chose a different path of data mining based on current databases like Medicaid
Summary:
The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum present and received a briefing from Melissa Jordan, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health and chair of the Florida Rare Disease Advisory Council (ARDAC). Jordan explained that rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 people each individually, but together impact an estimated 2.3 million Floridians. She reviewed ARDAC’s structure, its three subcommittees, and its 2025 legislative report recommendations, which focused on expanding Florida-specific data, disaster preparedness, state agency coordination, insurance oversight, provider education, faster diagnostic tools, research collaboration, and establishing centers of excellence. She also highlighted ARDAC’s work with other states and its effort to build an online repository of resources for families and providers.
Jordan discussed the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program, funded at $500,000 annually, which supported research awards at Florida State University and the University of Miami in 2024 and another University of Miami project in 2025. She also described House Bill 907 and the Sunshine Genetics Act pilot program, which created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn whole-genome sequencing pilot to screen volunteer infants for hundreds of conditions beyond traditional newborn screening. The institute will include research, training, clinical care, a diagnostic lab, genome editing capacity, and a sequencing pilot overseen by a board, consortium, and steering committee.
Members asked about interstate collaboration, the scope of data collection beyond Medicaid, how the council reduces family financial burdens, how families and providers can learn about available resources, and how ARDAC measures effectiveness. Jordan said Florida has learned from other states’ survey-based approaches and instead is using administrative data sources such as Medicaid, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, birth and death certificates, with more clinical data to be added over time. She said success is tracked through annual reports, ongoing work plans, and quarterly research reports that measure progress, patient enrollment, treatment outcomes, and potential follow-on funding. The meeting concluded after the presentation and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned without further business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Kolkhorst, I want you to know, in the stands is the Fort Bend tax collector, a good friend of mine
- Heather's a friend of mine. I've known her for years.
- Heather's a friend of mine. I've known her for years.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then spent much of the session on recognitions, including a visit from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the introduction of Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day. Senators offered remarks honoring the chiefs’ service and welcoming Dr. Splinter and Dr. Sarah Jethro to the chamber.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 16, sponsored by Senators Miles, West, Alvarado, and Cook, designating January 29, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol. Senators Miles and West highlighted the sorority’s history, service work, and Texas members, and the resolution was adopted without objection. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 9 by Senator Perry recognizing American Public Works Association Day, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulating Heather Keister on being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Perry emphasized the importance of public works and infrastructure, and praised Keister’s engineering work and contributions to West Texas.
The Senate also recognized a Brownsville delegation and celebrated Brownsville Day at the Capitol, with Senator Hinojosa of Nueces speaking about the city’s history and community spirit. Additional resolutions, including Senate Resolution 13 and Senate Resolution 18, were adopted without objection. The chamber then approved a motion to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee hearing and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting, and the Senate recessed until Monday, February 3, for bill reading and referral, then adjourned until Tuesday, February 4.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Kolkhorst, I want you to know, in the stands is the Fort Bend tax collector, a good friend of mine
- Heather's a friend of mine. I've known her for years.
- Heather's a friend of mine. I've known her for years.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation, dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal, and recognized several visiting groups and individuals. Senators Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, and Campbell welcomed members of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and Senator Nichols introduced Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day.
The chamber then adopted several resolutions without objection. Senate Resolution 16 recognized Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and its South Central Region for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the Capitol, with remarks from Senators Miles and West highlighting the organization’s history, service, and Texas members. Senate Resolution 9 designated January 29, 2025, as American Public Works Association Day at the Capitol, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulated Heather Keister for being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces also recognized a Brownsville delegation, and additional resolutions, including Senate Resolutions 13 and 18, were adopted without objection.
The Senate also approved a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee reconvening at 12:45 p.m. and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting upon adjournment. The chamber then recessed until 10 a.m. Monday, February 3, for reading and referral of bills, and after that process, adjourned until 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 4.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, these are kids on the Iron Range who frankly know a lot about mining and timber, but they don't
- and timber but they don't know mining and timber but they don't know about<00:52:37.440>
Hollywood - And so we've seen the same thing with mining and with the helium deposits.
- mining and and with the helium deposits. mining and and with the helium deposits.
- actually, you know, the the mining actually, you know, the the mining country<01:04:52.559>
and
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- uh, types of changes to the way we do things, we will continue to be stagnant in communities like mine
- <00:14:14.800>
where stagnant in communities like mine where stagnant in communities like - One is mine, and the other one is coming from suggestions from the state auditor.
- also uh two uh Tiff bills one is mine also uh two uh Tiff bills one is mine and<00:59:54.359>
- <00:59:56.079>
and and the other one U directly mine and and the other one U directly mine
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Paul Torkelson departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And shortly after I got a phone call from a constituent of mine who was very interested in one particular
- A friend and colleague of mine, Jean Wagenius, who was my arch enemy in the environment committee, often
- Uh Uh Uh friend<00:21:27.000>
colleague <00:21:27.480>of <00:21:27.600>mine - <00:21:28.280>
Jean <00:21:28.560>Wagenius friend colleague of mine Jean Wagenius friend - colleague of mine Jean Wagenius who<00:21:29.320>
was <00:21:29.560>my <00:21:30.360>
Summary:
Representative Torkelson gave a long farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his legislative career, thanking colleagues, staff, family, and voters, and sharing anecdotes from his early campaigns and years in office. He emphasized the importance of listening to constituents, working across party lines, and not holding grudges after disagreements. He also praised the Minnesota Capitol, Cass Gilbert’s design, and the renovation work, and noted his service on committees including Transportation, Capital Investment, Ways and Means, and redistricting.
A major theme of the speech was bipartisanship and institutional respect. Torkelson described working with members from both parties, including House leaders and committee counterparts, and said the House’s tied balance had forced more work to the committee level and produced bipartisan outcomes. He warned against using redistricting as a political weapon and urged Minnesota not to follow that path. He also thanked specific staff members and mentioned his family, including his daughter, who works as a lobbyist.
The speech did not involve a bill debate or recorded vote. It concluded with a call for legislators to keep learning from one another and to find practical paths forward while staying true to their values, ending with a quotation from Ecclesiastes and applause.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, mine is not far as these.
- concerns about HDCs in committee Tuesday, but when you get through with this, I'll get back into queue, mine
- Chair, mine is not far as these.
- concerns about HDCs and committee Tuesday, but when you get through with this, I'll get back into queue, mine
- When you get through with this, I'll get back into Q, mine for something else. Okay.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the House, it gives me great pleasure to introduce this good man of God, a good college friend of mine
- Her son and daughter were friends of mine.
- <00:28:29.360>
of Her son and daughter were friends of Her son and daughter were friends of mine - > daughter<00:28:30.240>
Susie <00:28:30.720>actually <00:28:31.039>works mine - Her daughter Susie actually works mine.
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity.
The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release.
Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I started just with a friend of mine who had served in Iraq.
- One real good friend of mine is on his feet... Changed them.
- One real good friend of mine is on his fifth wife right now.
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met briefly and heard an informational presentation from Tron, director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries. He described the ministry’s 20-year effort to provide free outdoor recreational therapy for veterans, active-duty service members, military chaplains, female veterans, and families, centered at the Lodge of Hope near Sheldon, Missouri. He said the program uses hunting, fishing, devotional messages, and adaptive equipment to serve injured and disabled participants, and emphasized its focus on PTSD, family support, and veteran suicide prevention.
Committee members responded positively, thanking him for the ministry’s work and discussing issues such as the high divorce rate among veterans, suicide, and the importance of family healing. Tron explained that the organization is funded mainly through churches, individuals, businesses, sponsorships, and occasional donations from event participants, and that it has expanded with RV pads and a bunkhouse because of growing demand. He also said the group is planning future events for Special Forces, military youth, and marriage retreats, and that the same faith-based model has helped inspire other similar organizations.
No legislation was considered and no votes were taken. The meeting ended after members offered praise and the chair adjourned the committee.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 40th Legislative Day Jun 24th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was a constituent of mine.
- I'm not allowed to talk anymore after mine.
- I feel like I am the canary in the coal mine.
- mine, which served as an early warning system for dangerous gases.
- Another canary in the coal mine.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family.
The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively.
Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- He was a mentee of mine.
- He was a mentee of mine.
- It is a longstanding principle of mine that the government should never interfere in the free market
- The benefit to Pinal and the state by transitioning Pinal away from groundwater mining.
- And I'll give you a hint, it wasn't mine.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of Arizona School Board Association members and local school board representatives visiting the Capitol for Advocacy Day. Members also honored the House Doctor of the Day, Dr. Heather Serran, and approved the journal and attendance. The chamber then moved through a large number of Senate messages and House calendar items, including committee assignments and first and second readings of many bills.
A major floor action was the unanimous adoption of SCR 1054 honoring former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, followed by remarks remembering his public service and consumer-protection work. The House also agreed to return SB 1278 to the Senate for reconsideration and referred several House bills to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced numerous bills, including HB 2055, 2150, 2426, 2456, 2457, 2728, 2755, 2918, and 2923, with several floor amendments adopted. HB 2728 drew the most debate over Department of Economic Security continuation and added policy changes affecting SNAP, unemployment, and eligibility verification; after a divided question and recorded vote, it received a do-pass recommendation by 32-25.
The House also advanced HB 2134, 2142, 2289, 2290, 2331, 2379, 2397, 4026, and 4033 in later Committee of the Whole sessions, with discussion focused on school safety funding and governance, school board training, HOA disclosure reforms, tax sourcing clarity, and bond disclosure language. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including HB 4041, HB 2444, HB 4018, and HB 4070. In final third-reading votes, HB 2053, HB 2327, and HB 2416 passed; HB 2175 and HB 2492 failed; and HB 2805, which would make school board races partisan, was under debate at the end of the transcript amid strong arguments both for and against increasing partisanship in school board elections.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 14 (1-27-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Kentucky coal-fired electric plants and coal mines run 24/7 producing reliable low-cost electricity
- <00:46:40.400>
run <00:46:40.720>24/7 <00:46:42.079>producing and coal mines - run 24/7 producing and coal mines run 24/7 producing reliable<00:46:43.599>
lowcost <00:46:44.400 - 00:47:02.160>
and <00:47:02.319>gentlemen <00:47:02.560>that <00:47:02.880>mine - <00:47:03.200>
coal ladies and gentlemen that mine coal ladies and gentlemen that mine coal
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by the pledge, roll call, and a quorum declaration. The chamber approved the prior journal, received new bill and resolution introductions, and heard a House message that House Bill 312 had passed the House and was sent over for concurrence. The Senate also recessed briefly for committee meetings, then received committee reports referring several bills and resolutions to standing committees and placing Senate Joint Resolution 23 on the regular orders for January 28, 2026.
The main floor action was on Senate Bill 17, relating to the Kentucky Court-appointed Special Advocate Network. The Senate adopted a committee substitute that updated CASA statutes, including reducing the minimum board size from 15 to 12, narrowing a volunteer/employment restriction to Department of Community Based Services employees, removing outdated references to the National CASA Association while retaining compliance with national standards through the Kentucky CASA Network, and updating the state association’s name. The bill passed 33-0, and a title amendment was adopted without objection.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 181, an emergency bill relating to schools and traceable communications. The chamber adopted a committee substitute and two floor amendments: one requiring parent notification after investigations involving alleged unauthorized electronic communication by a student, and another adding limited exemptions for communications involving school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel when certain school officials are included. Supporters said the changes were intended to refine implementation while preserving the bill’s original student-protection purpose. The bill then passed unanimously, 33-0.
In addition, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 36 recognizing January 25-31, 2026 as Physician Anesthesiologist Week, with remarks highlighting the specialty’s contributions to anesthesia, airway management, patient safety, ICU care, pain management, and major surgeries. The Senate also heard announcements thanking road crews, first responders, and utility workers for winter storm response, and members made several co-sponsorship requests and announcements, including notice of Kentucky Audiologist Association advocacy day and a committee cancellation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/16/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That is what these colleagues of mine have done: stood up.
- 00:03:54.120>
these <00:03:54.320>colleagues <00:03:54.760>of <00:03:54.880>mine - That is what these colleagues of mine That is what these colleagues of mine have<00:03:55.240>
Summary:
Minnesota House members and gun-violence prevention advocates described an ongoing floor sit-in aimed at pressuring Speaker Lisa Daudt to bring a Senate-passed gun violence prevention package to a vote before the end of session. Speakers, including Reps. Kristi Pursell, Zaina Mohamed, Julie Green, Samantha Sencer-Mura, and Emma Greenman, said the sit-in had lasted about 36 hours and framed the effort as a response to recent shootings, especially the Annunciation tragedy, and to demands from families, survivors, students, doctors, clergy, and other Minnesotans for action.
The proposed package was described as the most comprehensive gun-violence reduction legislation Minnesota has considered, including an assault weapons ban, high-capacity magazine limits, restrictions on binary triggers and unserialized 3D-printed ghost guns, safe-storage requirements, school safety measures, and mental health supports for children in crisis. Speakers argued that red flag laws and background checks passed in 2023 were already saving lives, and that the new package would extend those protections. They criticized House leadership for not bringing the bill forward and said refusing a vote denied legislators and voters a chance to take a public position.
Sen. Ron Latz, chair of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said the Senate passed the package 34-33 and sent it to the House, and he urged the House to act. He also said the red flag law had been used more than 400 times and noted that Speaker Daudt herself had benefited from a red flag order, arguing she should extend similar protections to others. Maggie from Protect Minnesota echoed the call to listen to the public and said the state was watching to see whether lawmakers cared enough to act. No vote was taken during the exchange; speakers said they would continue the floor action and urged Minnesotans to call the House and demand a vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, this morning I got an email from friends of mine back in California, a company that we're working
- multiple very exciting strategic initiatives around space and national security, around water, around mining
- multiple very exciting strategic initiatives around space and national security, around water, around mining
- Arizona already operates highly instrumented systems in transportation, emergency response, space, and mining
Bills:
HB2809
Keywords:
cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors, 1182, all
Summary:
The Committee on Science and Technology heard two informational presentations before taking up its only bill, HB 2809. The first presentation, from the University of Arizona, focused on fusion energy research and commercialization. The presenter described fusion as a clean, safe, long-term energy source with major potential for Arizona, emphasized growing U.S. and Chinese investment in the field, and argued that Arizona could become a hub for fusion supply chains, talent, and deployment. Members asked about timelines, regulation, and how fusion might compare with small modular reactors and other energy sources; the presenter said fusion could be commercially deployable in roughly 12 to 15 years if public-private investment continues. The second presentation, from XRDNA, described a spatial-temporal addressing system for physical objects and events, aimed at improving coordination across space, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. The company said it is testing with Space Force and launch providers, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its main near-term use case in logistics and space operations.
HB 2809 would require state agencies handling sensitive data, including elections, public safety, benefits, finance, and infrastructure information, to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 validation, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed, manufactured, or maintained components. An amendment clarified that agencies would not be required to connect offline systems to the internet to install encryption, and that agencies could use offline methods such as removable media. The sponsor argued the bill is needed because Arizona’s legacy systems are vulnerable, cited prior cyber incidents and audit findings, and said the bill would secure data even on older systems while keeping the encryption key with the Auditor General. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, the Auditor General’s role, and the need for more stakeholder input. No one signed in opposition; the Secretary of State’s office was noted as neutral.
The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. Several members explained their yes votes as support for the bill’s goal while emphasizing the need for careful implementation and broader discussion. The meeting then adjourned.