Video & Transcript : 'Georgia' :
Page 11 of 95
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Act tracks other red state programs that have enjoyed strong results such as in Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia
- However, their neighbor, rural communities to the north in Georgia and Alabama, have states focused on
- No other state is in Georgia.
- We have been very but successful with that and collaboration and working with the with the Georgia Cities
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- In Florida and Georgia, let's see, in Florida it's 10... In Florida, it's 10 years.
- In Georgia, there's no expiration. In Louisiana, it's at the discretion of the residents.
Keywords:
food trucks, mobile vendors, health inspection, fire safety, state law, regulation, food service, business license, subdivision, transfer of land, immediate family, exemption period, county regulations, Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act, tourism rebate, tax rebate, sales tax rebate, lodging tax rebate, transactional taxes, tourism development
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Georgia has 12, North Carolina has seven. Now, y'all know we don't do what other states do.
- Deer were stocked from several states: Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and
- It was discovered in Georgia years ago. It was discovered in Florida 15 years ago.
- When they started testing in Georgia, it skipped all the way over Alabama and skipped all the way over
- Alabama and went to Georgia.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:17.360><c> Whereas</c><00:32:18.399><c> our</c><00:32:18.559><c> Seller</c> Georgia Pacific
- Whereas our Seller Georgia Pacific.
- </c><00:32:42.159><c> Whereas</c><00:32:42.480><c> Georgia</c> jobs in Ataga County.
- Whereas Georgia jobs in Ataga County.
- Whereas Georgia Pacific<00:32:43.279><c> plans</c><00:32:43.600><c> to</c><00:32:43.679><c> spend</c>
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, then established a quorum with 27 senators present. The body excused absent senators, approved the previous day’s journal, and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate also welcomed guests in the gallery, including Auburn University McCarter School of Building Science students and retired MPD Sergeant Martin Bean.
The chamber received multiple House messages and gubernatorial confirmations, referring several local bills and appointments to the appropriate committees. Committee reports included favorable action on Senate Bills 298 and 91 from County and Municipal Government, and House Bills 297, 365, and 436 from Local Legislation. The Senate adopted several resolutions, including recognitions for Tharptown Baptist Church, Tuskegee University Day, Dr. Bradley Heim, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School volleyball, and a special order calendar resolution setting priority bills for the 15th legislative day.
On local bills, the Senate advanced and gave final passage to a series of county and municipal measures, including SB 301 (Perry County), SB 314 (Morgan County), SB 295 (Montgomery County), SB 312 (Marshall County), HB 371 (Pike County constitutional amendment), HB 386 (Elmore County), HB 330 (Etowah County), HB 409 (City of Alabaster), HB 408 (Shelby County), SB 299 (Barbour County), HB 416 (Cleburne County), and HB 421 (Lawrence County constitutional amendment). HB 337 on Madison County was carried over. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Alabama’s record-breaking economic development year, citing major investments and job creation, and heard a lengthy Black History recognition segment on W.E.B. Du Bois, Patricia Roberts Harris, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou.
The main policy discussion centered on Senate Bill 240 regarding parole hearings, with the sponsor explaining it would allow the Pardons and Parole Board to hear from inmates and victims by phone or video to reduce travel burdens and improve access. The sponsor said an amendment was being worked on and moved to carry the bill over to the call of the chair, while another senator raised questions about whether inmates currently have an in-person opportunity to speak and whether board members would be able to question participants remotely.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Georgia Hope, for example, spends much more than we do, and they give larger amounts in scholarship.
- Yes, Georgia Hope, for example, spends much more than we do, and they give larger amounts in scholarship
- Alaska is one of the last— And Georgia doesn't ask for any repayment.
- And I'd like to add there at Freiberg that obviously Georgia is going to spend more money on their scholarship
- Freiberg asked whether other states, like Georgia or Alabama, require repayment of scholarship programs
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee heard several higher education and K-12 bills centered on TOPS, school accountability, and curriculum alignment. It first welcomed University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new president, Ramesh Kuluru, who spoke about student success, workforce alignment, and the university’s financial recovery. The committee then adopted amendments and reported HR 17 favorably, directing a study of TOPS return on investment with the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, LED, and the Blanco Public Policy Center. Testimony from business and policy groups supported the study as a way to assess whether state financial aid is producing workforce and retention outcomes.
Members then considered HB 385 by Rep. Bamberg, which would require repayment of TOPS awards under certain circumstances when students lose eligibility, with exemptions for hardship and a pathway into LCTCS or career-technical programs. The bill drew strong debate over whether merit scholarships should ever be repaid; opponents argued TOPS is earned for the semester and should only be lost going forward, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. After amendments, the committee narrowly approved the bill by roll call vote, with Chair Schlegel casting the deciding yes to report it favorably as amended. The committee also unanimously reported HB 1058 favorably, which requires the Board of Regents to maintain a uniform data system for state financial assistance; independent colleges and business groups supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and analysis.
The committee next heard HB 406 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, which asks the Department of Education to study the feasibility of moving oversight of interscholastic athletics to a more accountable model after a legislative study found widespread complaints about the private LHSAA’s transparency and consistency. Supporters said the bill is a cautious step toward reform and a possible 2028–2029 transition, while an LHSAA representative defended current audits and governance and opposed the premise of the bill. Despite objections, the committee reported HB 406 favorably. It then heard HB 787 by Rep. McMakin, as substituted, which would exempt non-public high school students from the TOPS computer science requirement; BESE and the Department of Education opposed the bill, saying it would separate diploma and TOPS requirements and create scheduling confusion, while Catholic school representatives said the requirement conflicts with their theology curriculum. McMakin asked to defer the bill for two weeks.
Finally, the committee unanimously reported HB 1059 favorably, which aligns TOPS math requirements with BESE’s integrated math pathways, and began hearing HB 1021 by Rep. Egan on repayment of certain TOPS awards, though the transcript cuts off before that bill was completed.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and bills at the top of everyone's and bills at the top of everyone's
- Tennessee,<00:30:57.120><c> Mississippi,</c><00:30:58.320><c> Georgia,</c> Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia
- The states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia were able to effectively address solar
- The states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia were able to effectively address solar
Keywords:
HB542, district attorney, prosecutor, supernumerary district attorney, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, Alabama retirement, public employee retirement, pension, retirement benefits, post-retirement employment, salary cap, dual participation, double dipping, District Attorneys' Plan, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, state pension, survivor benefits, Office of Prosecution Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 3rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- So in Georgia, there was a case where there was a dispute between a requester and the legislature.
- Georgia is one of those.
- So in that instance, as opposed to the Georgia example, they found that the legislature actually was
- So in that instance, as opposed to the Georgia example, they found that the legislature actually was
- of your slides, you spoke about state records retention case history, and you gave the example of Georgia
Bills:
H5004
Keywords:
public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- She went missing from Georgia on 2/18/2026. She has case number 26001-246.
- Georgia requires certification.
- Georgia requires certification and other qualifications for elected sheriffs and declares their office
- In fact, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, on their website, highlights that they actively supported
- As you spoke with Anita Yandel, there are other states, including Texas, Georgia, Oregon, and Maine,
Committee:
House Community Safety
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- My background is I grew up in Georgia. I am not a Florida native, but I am an adopted Floridian.
- I went to Georgia State University.
- And the undergraduate school and Georgia State, like UWF and like Pensacola State College, was the school
- And at the—I should claim the Fifth Amendment on this—but not only did I go to Georgia State University
- , but I graduated from law school from the University of Georgia.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The bill sponsor said it would add consistency and transparency by requiring local education agencies and training providers to define their roles and funding shares in contracts, cap an LEA’s share at 10% when it serves only an administrative role, and require public meetings and published work papers for the district workforce education funding steering committee. Several industry and business groups appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without debate.
The committee then took up CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education, which was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment. The amended bill addressed presidential searches, trustee eligibility, interim presidents, polling by universities, mission reviews, and other governance issues. Members asked about the requirement that final presidential candidate groups include at least three applicants, the qualifications for interim presidents, trustee residency/alumni requirements, and limits on candidate polling. Senators Leek and Smith offered contrasting views, with Leek warning about candidate withdrawals and Smith supporting the bill as a way to depoliticize higher education governance. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to confirmation hearings for university and college boards of trustees. Several appointees and reappointees from FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UF, and UWF described their ties to their institutions and goals such as student success, workforce alignment, military support, research, and regional access. The UWF nominees drew the most scrutiny over their votes for former board chair Scott Yenor, whose public comments about women and other groups were criticized by senators and public commenters. Some nominees said they were unaware of the full scope of those remarks and would not have voted for him with that knowledge; others defended their votes as based on his education-reform views. Public testimony also raised concerns about UWF board members’ lack of higher-education experience and local ties. The committee confirmed the non-UWF nominees in a block vote and then began individual votes on the UWF nominees, with debate centered on Yenor-related concerns.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - Senate Public Safety
Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Georgia last year passed a similar law.
- Georgia last year passed a similar law.
- Georgia last year passed a similar law.
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee approved several bills during the meeting. SB 1107, as amended, creates an alternative pathway to peace officer certification for honorably discharged veterans who served as military police, allowing abbreviated AZPOST training while still requiring certification testing, background checks, and fitness standards. The sponsor and a former military police officer testified that the bill would help address law enforcement staffing shortages without lowering standards. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0.
The committee also passed SB 1308, which creates a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office in the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud claims involving technology produced by foreign adversaries and to help fund replacement of such technology in critical infrastructure. Supporters said the measure would protect consumers and critical systems from national security risks tied to foreign-made technology. SB 1020 was approved to create an Arizona Space Commission specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting the space exploration and aeronautics research fund; members and witnesses described it as a voluntary fundraising tool for Arizona’s growing space industry.
SB 1160, as amended, was passed to prohibit operating drones within a mile of ticketed entertainment events, with exceptions for authorized personnel, utilities, and certain property owners. Supporters from Live Nation and NASCAR said it would improve safety and close a loophole around large events. SB 1117 was also approved to fund DPS crime lab services for evidence from counties under one million population, with the sponsor saying it would add staff to help rural counties process DNA evidence more quickly. Finally, SB 1216 passed to remove the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and to add crime scene and digital forensic technicians to the covered employee definition. All bills received do-pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned after the final vote.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Pamela Bondi, of Florida, to be Attorney General, Department of Justice. Jan 29th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Stacey Abrams and even some members of this committee suggested the 2018 Georgia governor's election
- she was familiar with the January 2021 phone call in which President Trump called on a Republican Georgia
- Or he asked the Georgia Secretary of State, quote, "to find 11,780 votes." I asked Ms.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> recognizes the gentleman from Georgia, recognizes the gentleman from Georgia, Mr.<00:40:44.480>
- Her decades of work shaped generations of Georgia journalists and broadcasters.
- Georgia is grateful for Clara's remarkable legacy of service and education.
- </c> Donna Gretch School of Music at Georgia Donna Gretch School of Music at Georgia Southern<00:42:51.440
- For what purpose does the gentleman from Georgia seek recognition? Mr.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Aug 20th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- today, we are fortunate to have on our Zoom Eric Randolph, who's the Director of Research at the Georgia
- I'm with the Georgia Center for Opportunity, and we're associated with the Alliance.
- I'm with the Georgia Center for Opportunity, and we're associated with the Alliance for Opportunity.
- So when we want to talk about solutions, the one thing that we do where I'm at, the Georgia Center for
Summary:
The committee first heard from Arkansas Workforce Connections and the Department of Commerce about a package of nine federal waivers submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor under WIOA and Perkins. The officials said the waivers would give Arkansas more flexibility over governance, funding, affiliate centers, and program rules, and that the state expects a response by August 29. They said the package is modeled more closely on Louisiana’s approved waivers than on states with more denials, and outlined a possible transition plan if approved, including a transition committee, policy changes, board training, staffing, and follow-up legislation. Members asked about whether the waivers would affect services for people with disabilities; the officials said not directly, because the waivers focus on WIOA Titles I and III rather than vocational rehabilitation under Title IV.
The committee then focused on “benefit cliffs” and work disincentives in safety-net programs. Researchers from the Georgia Center for Opportunity and the Alliance for Opportunity explained how earnings loss rates from taxes and benefit phaseouts can exceed 50%, 75%, or even 100%, making additional work or promotions financially unattractive. They presented Arkansas-specific modeling showing multiple cliffs and stacking effects across SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP, LIHEAP, WIC, reduced-price lunches, child care, and housing assistance, and argued that child care and health coverage create some of the largest disincentives. They suggested policy options including SNAP demonstration waivers, child care subsidy redesign, TANF outcome-based funding, Medicaid premium assistance and health savings accounts, and a possible small-scale pilot to test a more integrated safety net.
Heather Webb of Arkansas Family Alliance and Molly Palmer of the Heart of Arkansas United Way added testimony from families, employers, and nonprofits. Webb described a working mother who lost Medicaid and a housing subsidy as her income rose, saying the cliff left her stressed despite earning more. Palmer said Arkansas’s ALICE population often works multiple jobs and still cannot meet basic living costs, and that employers report recruitment and retention problems when workers face benefit cliffs. Members asked for more data on savings and program impacts, and the witnesses said they could provide Arkansas-specific modeling and scenario analysis. The meeting ended with discussion of public-private partnerships, employer-sponsored insurance premium assistance, marriage penalties, and the need to coordinate or consolidate fragmented programs before adjourning.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 10th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to be another Georgia, where people are abusing our rolls, you know, with ghost votes and
- 17:33.520><c> another</c> Illinois. we're going to be another Illinois. we're going to be another Georgia
- 35.039><c> people</c><00:17:35.280><c> are</c><00:17:35.520><c> abusing</c><00:17:36.000><c> our</c> Georgia
- where people are abusing our Georgia where people are abusing our roles,<00:17:37.760><c> you</c><00
Committee:
Senate County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
municipal tax, license fee, local tax increase, ordinance, public hearing, 30-day notice, municipal notice requirements, city council, town council, Alabama municipalities, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 11-45-2, open meetings website, newspaper publication, local government finance, tax transparency, fee increase, municipal ordinance procedure, University of South Alabama, Board of Trustees
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen Vaden, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary, and Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Agriculture. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I can tell you that farmers are on the ground in Georgia. right now are very worried, and I'm talking
- Can you say anything in terms of your role there at USDA, if confirmed, that would give farmers in Georgia
- What will you do to make sure farmers in Georgia are not harmed by the trade war. in the president's
- So... again, what assurances can you give me that I can pass on to the farmers in Georgia that you're
Keywords:
USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House commerce committee walk-through of omnibus cannabis bill, HF1615 4/2/25
Transcript Highlights:
- However, states such as Georgia and Kentucky currently do not permit multiple servings per container.
- However,<00:09:34.080><c> states</c><00:09:34.399><c> such</c><00:09:34.560><c> as</c><00:09:34.800><c> Georgia
- </c><00:09:35.200><c> and</c> However, states such as Georgia and However, states such as Georgia and
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- tracks other red-state programs that have enjoyed strong results, such as in Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia
- However, their neighboring rural communities to the north in Georgia and Alabama have states focused
- For several years, you've probably heard that the city of Valdosta and other cities in Georgia have had
- We have been very successful with that and collaboration with the Georgia cities. Thank you, sir.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no.
The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- many of them in the last six years, I should say, and with no determined fiscal impact, including Georgia
- year, happening in the last six years, I should say, and with no determined fiscal impact, including Georgia
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- M1 Abrams tank system maintainer, and after his initial training at Fort Benning in the state of Georgia
- Sergeant Franco is survived by his wife, Georgia, and his newborn son.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Speaker pro tempore: The gentleman from Georgia is recognized. Mr.
- The Speaker pro tempore: The gentleman from Georgia is recognized. Mr.
- THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE: THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA IS RECOGNIZED. MR.
- Scott from Georgia for his leadership and the area of jurisdiction for which this bill comes. Mr.
- Scott from Georgia for his leadership and the area of jurisdiction for which this bill comes.
Keywords:
Inspectors General, removal standard, government oversight, accountability, transparency, IG, watchdogs, federal oversight, executive branch, presidential removal, for-cause removal, independent oversight, anti-corruption, waste fraud and abuse, malfeasance, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, inefficiency, neglect of duty