Video & Transcript Research : 'voting procedures'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone object to procedure? >> Gordon's voting no. Present. >> Questions on the bill?
- Anyone object to the procedure? >> Those voting no.
- Those Anyone object to the procedure? Those voting<01:46:35.440>
no. voting no. voting no. - Anyone object to the procedure? Carter's voting no. Present. >> No.
- Anyone object to procedure? For those voting no? Present?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call.
Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A vote on that.
- And I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- And I respectfully ask for an I vote with me to testify. and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Your I vote. Thank you. Good morning.
- With that, I would ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call.
The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And their answer wasn't, 'Tough luck, vote them out in four years.'
- The Supreme Court can amend the rules of civil procedure, and I welcome your ideas for changes along
- We at the Supreme Court also need to ask whether our court, our own procedures, promote the efficient
- The Supreme Court can amend the rules of civil procedure, and I welcome your ideas for changes along
- We at the Supreme Court also need to ask whether our court, our own procedures, promote the efficient
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended.
Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary.
Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The current vote is 4-2, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting no.
- The current vote is 4-2, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting no.
- The current vote is 4-2, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting no.
- The vote is 5-2, with the Chair voting aye and the Vice Chair voting no.
- The vote is 7-2, with the Chair voting aye and the Vice Chair voting no.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Those provisions relate to schools and vaccine procedures.
- So at the appropriate time, I’d like to object so I can cast my vote.” “All right, Rep.
- I vote yes.” “HB 926 favorably, which Rep. Chassion objects.
- A vote yes means you wish to report the bill favorably, and a vote no means you do not wish to report
- All right, members, the vote is 8-4, and the bill will be reported favorably with amendments.
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 23 and first disposed of several items without hearing them, including HB 1093 and HB 1145, and voluntarily deferring HB 946. The committee then quickly reported HB 1095 favorably without objection. That bill would require nursing facilities to have fuel or another alternative power generation source to maintain power, and supporters said it preserves existing backup-power safety requirements while giving facilities more flexibility as technology changes.
The committee then took up HB 926, which concerns vaccination status and admission to public buildings and seeks to prohibit medical mandates. After adopting an amendment set and additional changes clarifying exclusions for licensed health care providers and facilities, medical masks, and child welfare/school-related provisions, the committee heard testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters framed it as a civil-liberties measure limiting vaccine-card requirements for public buildings, while opponents warned it could interfere with public health measures, school immunization rules, and the ability of health care facilities to protect patients. The bill was reported favorably on an 8-4 vote.
HB 1220, a cleanup bill for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, was then reported favorably after a technical amendment set. HB 1227, which would require complaints involving medical judgment to be reviewed by a three-physician panel before formal disciplinary action, drew extensive testimony from a physician sponsor, a doctor describing his disciplinary experience, and the board’s executive director, who said the board already uses practicing physicians, nurses, and experts in its process and warned the proposed panel system could be impractical because physicians are difficult to recruit for such reviews. At the sponsor’s request, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 1227 for further work.
Finally, the committee reported HB 1217 favorably with amendments to a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill, after supporters said it would expose hidden pricing and rebate practices and opponents argued some provisions were duplicative or unnecessary. HB 1028, setting minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation, was reported favorably and referred to Appropriations after supporters described the need for higher rates and members discussed funding. The committee also reported HB 1185 favorably, with amendments preserving the existing Rural Hospital Preservation Act while extending similar protections to additional rural-lookalike hospitals, and adopted HCR 76 to continue the Health Inequities and Disparities in Rural Areas Task Force for another year.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, it establishes administrative procedures for appeals regarding fraud complaints and refunds
- I'm going to change my vote to no and we're going to leave. ...So there being four ayes and four nays
- That concludes voting for today. I'm going to turn the gavel over to Senator King.
- Please vote no on House Bill 14.
- Texas taxpayers should vote no on HB 14. Thanks. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Keywords:
licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement
Summary:
The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we're going to call up pending business for votes on bills we heard last week.
- I'm going to vote yes.
- For three sessions, we've voted it out of the House. The Senate just won't take it up.
- I encourage you to vote this out of here. This is the right thing to do.
- We need to continually assess our procedures and protocols.
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Secretary, can you call the vote? If you vote yes, you're voting for the three-minute rule.
- If you're voting no, you're voting against the three-minute rule.
- I vote early, and I vote in person. I never, ever thought that my vote would not count.
- What's the vote? We have five yays and nine nays. The vote to defer fails.
- A vote yes is to let the bill out. A vote no is to not let the bill out.
Bills:
SB256
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- And I understand that Chair Scott is going to do the vote on it later on, right?
- Based on the vote, maybe I'll say just a minute longer.
- And I guess I would just say before we renew the motion and vote the bill out that there was a small.
- The same procedures and standards would be in place, and the judge would have to determine whether or
- After reviewing this proposal, they unanimously supported it, with prosecutors voting in its favor.
Bills:
HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation - 05/19/2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Persaud, Senator Gallivan, you want to vote? I don't know, yeah.
- Next to vote. Next bill: S 8453 by Senator Rhodes.
- I'm going to be voting in the negative on this. My concern is for law enforcement.
- Before you were going to vote, did you really talk to them about all this?
- So there are some actual vote, right? Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Cooney noting quorum and thanking staff and members. The committee considered a large agenda of transportation-related bills, including measures on school construction notice from NYC DOT, inspection station disclosures, electronic signatures for vehicle registration forms, sex trafficking awareness and prevention, passenger notification after sexual assault incidents involving transportation network companies, hazardous materials rail notifications, ATV seasonal use, highway dedications, disabled-person license plates, a DMV study of inspection stations and fees, lighting requirements for e-bikes and e-scooters, school speed zone cameras in New Rochelle, work zone safety instruction for new drivers, removal of registration stickers in favor of electronic certificates, complete streets considerations, hands-free device rules for bus/taxi/livery drivers, bans on virtual reality headsets while driving, early registration renewal for deployed service members, and road salt distribution requirements.
Most bills were reported from committee by voice vote, often with bipartisan support. Several members offered brief comments supporting bills aimed at public safety, worker protection, distracted driving prevention, and trafficking awareness. Senator Gallivan opposed the bill eliminating registration stickers, citing concerns that the stickers help law enforcement quickly identify registered vehicles; that bill was referred to Finance. The committee also referred the road salt bill and the supplemental rail-worker protection bill to Finance, while some other measures were referred onward to Codes or Consumer Protection.
The meeting closed after the supplemental rail-worker protection bill was added at the end of the agenda and reported with bipartisan support. Overall, the session emphasized transportation safety, worker protections, and administrative updates to vehicle and highway law.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair: By your vote, this bill is approved.
- I'm asking you to please vote no. Chair: Thank you.
- Please vote for this bill, and thank you again. Chair: Thank you.
- , they will vote to the majority of the need.
- I will absolutely vote up on it.
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no.
The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- by vote. by vote.
- President. and I vote I. >> Thank you, Mr. President. and I vote I.
- So I'm happy to vote aye.
- So I'm happy to vote I. Thank you. time. So I'm happy to vote I. Thank you.
- cast change or explain their vote? cast change or explain their vote?
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7.
After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-01 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to vote no today for fairness. I'm going to vote no.
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- I cannot vote for this bill. I want to vote for this bill.
- vote.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, pages, a retiring sergeant-at-arms employee, and advocates visiting for a Prader-Willi Syndrome awareness resolution. Leaders also noted ongoing budget talks with the House and said senators should not plan to be in next week while negotiations continue.
The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for House Bill 12.5, a citizen-initiative elections bill. Sponsors said it was intended to address petition fraud and protect the integrity of the constitutional amendment process, citing investigations, arrests, and fraudulent petition activity tied to recent initiatives. Opponents argued the bill would make it much harder and more expensive for citizens to place amendments on the ballot, chill volunteer participation, and effectively favor wealthy or corporate interests. After extensive debate, the bill passed 28-10.
The Senate then moved through a series of education bills, including measures on Bright Futures, Gold Seal, Florida ABLE, dual enrollment, educator preparation, and broader education policy, all of which passed unanimously. After a recess, the chamber took up House messages and concurred in amendments to bills on stem cell therapy, student athlete ECGs, cardiac emergency response plans, and school safety. Those measures also passed with broad support, with the school safety bill drawing some questions about the Guardian program and child care facilities.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On line 86 of this legislation, it says any modification or alteration of an appliance, operating procedure
- of an modification or alteration of an appliance,<00:09:05.600>
operating <00:09:06.080>procedure - ,<00:09:06.480>
or appliance, operating procedure, or appliance, operating procedure, or safety - It was obviously a party vote, and everyone had their say, and Miss Hall obviously she's going to have
- her say and should have her say, and was done and immediately voted.
Keywords:
business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, SB84, agricultural nonprofit, farm bureau, nonprofit agricultural organization, health benefits, member benefits, family coverage, health insurance exemption, insurance regulation, Title 27, Alabama insurance code, risk transfer
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, members, we're going to call up pending business for votes that we heard last week.
- The conflicting laws, Article 26.051 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, address the vision of legal defense
- The language of the Health and Safety Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure will clarify the TBCJ's
- Procedure and due process must be upheld throughout the entire proceeding.
- Let's get this bill voted out, get it to the floor, and give the parole bill a chance. for discretion
Bills:
HB153, HB1828, HB2306, HB2498, HB3464, HB3488, HB3636, HB3673, HB3834, HB3860, HB4120, HB4937, HB1515, HB153
Keywords:
education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, legislative leave, correctional officers, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, accumulated leave, compensatory time, parole eligibility
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, they'll be here to vote on Thursday. So, we're not voting today on any of these nominations.
- I have to go vote. So you, mid Sure. I have to go vote. So Okay.
- She muted my arguments for m procedure.
- <00:59:02.960>
I <00:59:03.119>provide The board voted and um I provide The board voted - The vote, as I mentioned being here.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment.
Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions.
The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Help each one to know the mind and the will of God on the various issues that they review and vote on
- HB 3590 by Kerwin relating to the conduct of early voting by certain political subdivisions in front
- HB 3691 by Ward Johnson relating to the electronic submission of an application for an early voting ballot
- HB 3698 by vote relating to the participation and re-employment services that condition of eligibility
- HB 3699 by vote relating to the initial claims under the unemployment compensation system or for the
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m recommending an aye vote.
- Not voting. And McKinner? We did, I'm sorry. File item number four, SB 1153, chair voting aye.
- Not voting. And McKinner? We did, I'm sorry. File item three, SB 1010, chair voting aye.
- Not voting. And McKinner? We did, I'm sorry. File item three, SB 10-10, chair voting, aye.
- Chair voting, aye. McKinnor, aye. McKinnor, aye. That vote, that matter has five votes and is out.
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard several bills focused on wildfire preparedness, industrial safety, and recycling oversight. SB 1153 by Senator Caballero would require urban retail water suppliers to add wildfire-specific procedures to emergency plans and coordinate with fire agencies; supporters said it would improve planning while recognizing water system limits, and the bill was framed as protecting ratepayers and infrastructure. SB 811, also by Senator Caballero, would create a comprehensive DTSC permitting and regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities; supporters argued it would set clear statewide standards and protect communities, while opponents said it would weaken hazardous waste protections and carve the industry out of existing law. SB 883 by Senator Umberg would impose new safeguards for facilities storing reactive chemicals such as methyl methacrylate after the Garden Grove evacuation, including backup cooling, public review, emergency planning, and state tracking; industry groups opposed the breadth of the bill and sought further clarification, while environmental and community groups supported it. SB 1010 by Senator Ashby would strengthen oversight of appliance recyclers by improving reporting, inspections, certification, and funding for enforcement; supporters said it would reduce emissions and improve compliance, while recyclers raised concerns about fees and certification requirements.
Each bill drew extensive testimony from industry, environmental, labor, local government, and community representatives. Supporters generally emphasized public safety, transparency, and the need for clearer statewide standards, while opponents warned about overregulation, reduced flexibility, or unintended impacts on existing hazardous waste and recycling systems. Committee members also raised questions about transparency, liability, size-based treatment of facilities, and whether the bills were narrowly tailored enough to address the problems identified.
The committee voted to advance all four measures to the Committee on Appropriations, with votes taken on call and some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. The final add-on votes showed SB 811, SB 883, SB 1010, and SB 1153 all passing out of committee, with the roll left open for absent members before the meeting adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- By voting to pass the Bean New Deal, you'll be voting for a future where everyone has access to healthy
- You'll be voting for a more just and nonviolent food system.
- By voting in favor of the bill, you'd be voting for the next step in both mitigating the climate change
- For these reasons, I urge you to vote yes on S. 922. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much.
- In conclusion, a vote for beans today is a vote for a better tomorrow. Thank you.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its first hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including hunger-free campuses, FAFSA completion, early college/college-in-high-school programs, banning legacy preferences, AP credit consistency, and tuition equity for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Committee leaders opened by outlining the hearing process and noting the three-minute testimony limit. Legislators and advocates generally framed the bills as equity and access measures aimed at improving college affordability, student success, and workforce development.
Representative Vargas testified for H. 1466 and H. 1467, arguing that hunger-free campus should be codified because many public college and community college students face food insecurity, and that FAFSA completion should be improved through individualized outreach and an opt-out or completion requirement. Senator Lovely, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other advocates supported the hunger-free campus bill, citing data that 44% of public university and community college students experienced food insecurity in 2023 and that food insecurity harms graduation rates. Femi Stoltz and Shanti Lopez Toro backed the FAFSA bill, saying many students miss out on Pell grants and need direct support; they pointed to state examples such as Louisiana and to recent state action requiring FAFSA awareness. Committee members asked about the federal FAFSA rollout, regional equity in food access, and the need for long-term funding and data collection.
A large panel supported H. 1455 on college and high school/early college, including former Chair Roy, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, a student graduate, MBAE, and Tripp Jones. They described early college as a proven model that helps low-income and first-generation students, improves degree attainment, and supports workforce needs; witnesses said the goal is to scale from about 9,000 students and 55 partnerships toward 22,000 to 25,000 students by 2030, with possible future growth beyond that. Members raised questions about funding, public-private partnerships, parental involvement, faculty development, and whether the bill should include data review and more standardized policies across institutions. Representative Garcia also testified for H. 1432 on AP credit, saying students should receive consistent credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5. Senator Edwards and James Murphy testified for the legacy preference ban, arguing it is unfair and rooted in exclusionary history; they said some states have already banned legacy preferences in public and private institutions. Finally, UMass Dean Michael Fox, alumnus Dan Mayer, and student Jake Rasmussen supported S. 920 to include Stockbridge associate degree programs in MassEducate, saying tuition equity would help enrollment and support Massachusetts agriculture and green-industry jobs.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 30 January, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Close the machine, Madam Clerk.
- Clerk, will follow that procedure. Introductions. Any objection to this? Hearing none, Mr.
- Clerk, will follow that procedure. Resolutions, petitions, memorials, and other papers.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, with the prayer focusing on support for linemen, first responders, and families affected by severe weather in Mississippi. A quorum was established, the journal reading was dispensed with, and there were no select committee reports or resolutions/petitions/memorials presented. Standing committee reports were noted as being on the counter, and introductions of constitutional amendment bills and other introductions were handled by unanimous consent without reading.
During introductions of guests, Representative McMillan recognized Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker in the North Gallery. The clerk then announced several committee meetings scheduled for Monday, including Corrections, Judd B., Wildlife, Ports and Harbors, Youth and Family, and Gaming, with times and rooms specified.
No legislation was debated or voted on beyond routine procedural motions. The House adopted the motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until 2 p.m. Monday.