Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- on the Cape and Islands have been similarly affected, and in the future, additional towns along the coast
- on the Cape and islands have been similarly affected, and in the future, additional towns along the coast
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to transportation, telecommunications, and utilities, with Senators Eldridge, Rausch, and Jehlen and House members including Co-Chair Madaro, Leader Donato, Representatives Paulino, Wells, Gómez, and Plouffe present. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, deadlines for written testimony, and the new joint rules governing action on bills. No votes were taken; the hearing was for testimony only and was adjourned after public comment.
Testimony began with strong support for Senate Bill 1998 and House Bill 3230, An Act Enhancing Renewable Heating Solutions for the Commonwealth. A representative of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas said the bill would help decarbonize heating by allowing utilities to use renewable natural gas and other qualified renewable fuels, while also supporting jobs and local economic development. The committee then heard support for House Bill 4082, which would make the Title V septic tax credit refundable; the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee said this would better help lower- and middle-income homeowners facing costly septic upgrades or sewer connections in nitrogen-sensitive coastal areas.
The committee also heard opposition to House Bill 4080 and Senate Bill 1924 from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which argued that higher aviation fuel taxes would not be justified without a clear aeronautical use for the revenue and noted federal restrictions on aviation fuel tax proceeds. In contrast, a coalition opposing private jet expansion supported Senate Bill 1924, saying a higher jet fuel tax would better align tax policy with climate and public health goals and help address aviation emissions. Finally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported House Bill 3050 on regional ballot initiatives, arguing that local revenue tools could help cities and towns fund transportation projects and reduce pressure on state transportation dollars.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-10-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- It simply sets guard anyone to pay.
- We can't stand for that. >> So, the bill isn't authorizing actions by these people.
- Um, this bill at least puts up guard rails. It ensures that there are avenues on it.
- Um, this bill at least puts up guard rails. It ensures that there are avenues on it.
- It ensures least puts up guard rails.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Jan 29th, 2026 at 02:36 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Number three, money is being spent on items not authorized by law.
- If she decides to call the guard up for floods in Ruidoso, COVID, right now.
- The guard up for floods in Ruidoso, COVID.
- Right now we have National Guard folks in combat operations in the Horn of Africa.
- Our active guard and reserve full-time folks also fall into that category.
Keywords:
tax credits, municipality, county property, industrial revenue bonds, economic development, qualified expenditures, solar energy, tax credit, renewable energy, photovoltaic, solar thermal, New Mexico, economic incentive, energy independence, SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Mar 20th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- West Coast or the East Coast or down here.
- What we're deciding as an authority, what are the proper authorities that we should be looking at for
- The having a federal authority on food safety and labeling, uh, gives us predictability in what we can
- We have been working through our concerns with the bill with the bill authors, and we believe that all
- Um, but we will continue to work with the bill authors to work, to work through that, to try to get the
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So we do have the authority to do this.
- This is specific statutory authority that's been on the books since 1996.
- to nearly every commander in the Idaho National Guard.
- The proposal corrects these problems by untying the reduction of rank authority from the promotion authority
- It will help in our Idaho National Guard.
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from March 6 and March 9, then voted to send two gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority, Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, to the Senate floor with recommendations that they be confirmed. It also introduced and sent to print RS 33670 on community schools, RS 33719 on sewer district rate regulation, and RS 33722 on a presidential primary proposal. Senate Bill 1376, which would shift local candidate filing for online elections to county clerks and streamline coordination with political subdivisions, was presented with support from the Secretary of State’s office and was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which would designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The sponsor argued the resolution would help Idaho respond to perceived threats and future land-purchase issues; supporters cited FBI and other references, while one senator said he would do more research but not oppose it. The resolution was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
House Bill 659, requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for ICE 287(g) agreements and publicly explain any refusal, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve cooperation, transparency, and public safety, while opponents—including sheriffs, police chiefs, and residents—argued it would burden local agencies, reduce trust in immigrant communities, and improperly federalize local policing. After debate over language requiring participation in future programs, a motion to send the bill to the 14th order for amendment failed 4-5, and the committee then voted 5-4 to hold the bill in committee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1356, which would make Ada County Highway District elections partisan and countywide rather than district-based. The sponsor said the change would better reflect countywide transportation needs, but nearly all testimony opposed the bill, arguing it would politicize a technical local function, increase campaign costs, and dilute district representation. No final action on SB 1356 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease TF Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It will be implemented under the authority of the secretary, later approved by the Louisiana Wildlife
- The one down in Harrison County near the coast, that is a sample size of one, and it appeared to also
- Is that a similar relationship in Mississippi where your ag department has authority over pens versus
- If they are strictly exotic, we have no authority within them. They are livestock.
- We flew one-mile transects from the coast to the Tennessee line, and in other words, about a feeder per
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes, followed by a presentation from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry. She described the nonprofit’s work collecting and distributing protein to food banks and agencies statewide through freezer clean-out days, deer donations processed by more than 50 processors, fish donations through Venice Marina, and a paused-but-planned-to-reopen feral hog program. Members asked about processor locations, signage, exotic species, funding, sponsorships, and disease safety; Grenwald said the program is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law and that wildlife and fisheries agents help connect processors and promote the program. She also noted the organization is looking for more partners and ways to expand access and awareness.
The task force then received an update from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on chronic wasting disease testing. Jonathan Bordelon reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives to date: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed new detection in Concordia Parish from a hunter-harvested deer. He said the Concordia positive triggered the state’s CWD response plan, including a declaration of emergency and a future rulemaking process to adjust control-area boundaries. Members asked about symptomatic deer, harvest trends, and whether the disease appears to be spreading along the river; Bordelon said most positives were asymptomatic hunter-harvested deer and that harvest numbers remain near record highs.
William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks then gave an extensive presentation on Mississippi’s CWD experience. He said Mississippi has had 529 detections across 18 counties since 2018, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to roughly one in 40 this year, and that some counties near the Tennessee line are seeing severe impacts. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, voluntary sampling, taxidermist partnerships, targeted tags for properties near positives, bans on feeding and baiting in CWD zones, and research on environmental contamination, raccoons, and strain differences. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, Tennessee’s regulations, environmental testing capacity, and whether more aggressive measures or LSU research capacity could help Louisiana; McKinley said the disease is expanding despite management efforts and emphasized early detection, rapid response, and continued interstate coordination.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Uh and there was $50 million authorized Uh and there was $50 million authorized for<00:49:54.960
- </c><00:52:00.640><c> to</c> public housing authorities to public housing authorities to participate<
- The last vote we will hear is author?
- </c> the bill author has the final word? the bill author has the final word?
- </c> co-author, Senator Port. Thank you, Mr. co-author, Senator Port. Thank you, Mr.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 7010 grants authority to the Department of Financial Services for the state plan and local
- Moving into the Florida State Guard, as I'm sure this committee is aware, the Florida State Guard currently
- Moving into the Florida State Guard, as I'm sure this committee is aware, the Florida State Guard currently
- So the budget the Florida State Guard currently has is completely funded with non-recurring.
- The health department has no authority to cancel someone's health insurance.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize post-tax Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, instead of limiting them to pre-tax contributions. After a brief presentation and one waived appearance in support, the bill was rolled and reported favorably. Later, members also recorded affirmative votes on SB 7010 before adjournment.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the Governor’s proposed “Floridians First” budget, presented by Lita Kelly of the Office of Policy and Budget. She outlined a $117.4 billion spending plan with $53.2 billion in general revenue, emphasizing reserves, debt reduction, trust fund sweeps, and targeted reductions in agency positions. Major priorities included K-12 and higher education funding, teacher salary support, school hardening, Everglades and water-quality projects, cancer and behavioral health initiatives, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, corrections staffing and facilities, cybersecurity, transportation, affordable housing, and economic development.
Members asked extensive questions about teacher pay, corrections staffing, emergency response reserves, the proposed federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facility, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, the animal abuse hotline, and the absence of a specific Hope Florida line item. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV/AIDS drug assistance program, with public testimony warning that the changes could cut off access to medications for thousands of Floridians and alleging misuse of federal funds. Kelly said she would follow up on several details, including litigation costs, teacher pay comparisons, and ADAP funding questions.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- National Guard emergency, this is a core item that exists to allow the governor to activate the Guard
- the point of authorized units.
- data system, it was coded to pay 23 authorized days per month.
- If authorization... ...examples you gave.
- So what it is representing, it is not money; it's authority.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, December 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As a 31-year National Guard veteran, myself with three National Guard sons, our sympathy to the family
- </c><02:12:31.679><c> veteran,</c> As a 31-year National Guard veteran, As a 31-year National Guard veteran
- </c><02:12:33.599><c> sons,</c> myself with three National Guard sons, myself with three National Guard
- Speaker, Americans from coast to coast are going to be staring down these massive amounts of medical
- </c> an author of the bill along with Mr. an author of the bill along with Mr.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote machine to co-author.
- Members, vote machine to co-author. The clerk will close the machine. 18 co-authors.
- Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote machine to co-author.
- and Restoration Authority.
- Madam Clerk, the machine for co-authors. Members, vote for co-authors.
Bills:
HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89
Keywords:
Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session.
Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds.
The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote the machine to co-author.
- Twelve co-authors. Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Vote machine, a co-author.
- Restoration Authority.
- Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote for co-authors.
- Nineteen co-authors. Nineteen co-authors. Mr.
Bills:
HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89
Keywords:
Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not sure that we need to give the same authorization and power to regular security guards.
- If we could have the author back to the table, the board is close.
- The Supreme Court authorized a committee consisting of...
- They did not have the authority that he had to investigate.
- I asked if I could co-author, and of course he left.
Keywords:
armed security, liability, concealed carry, self-defense, security officers, property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, constitutional convention, delegates, state election, ratification
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not sure that we need to give the same authorization and power to regular security guards.
- The Supreme Court authorized a committee consisting of...
- They did not have the authority that he had to investigate.
- But has it under the authority of the Supreme Court? Not really.
- I ask if I could co-author. And of course he left.
Summary:
The committee first considered HB 446 by Rep. Boyer, a constitutional amendment to set eligible dates for local bond and tax elections. Staff said it would amend Article 6, Section 22, could not be done statutorily, and was scheduled for November 3, 2026 to maximize turnout. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and reported the bill without amendments.
Members then took up several constitutional amendments and civil law measures, including HB 244 on constitutional conventions, HB 214 on a property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property, HB 514 on an additional senior homestead-style ad valorem exemption, HB 27 on how non-recurring state monies may be applied to retirement system unfunded liabilities, and HB 225 on gubernatorial term limits. HB 244 and HB 225 were amended before being reported, while HB 214, HB 514, and HB 27 were reported favorably without amendments. The committee also adopted SB 127, which allows limited curator donations on behalf of interdicted persons and narrows forced heirship in certain disability-related estate planning situations.
The committee approved HB 1043, as amended, to raise the civil jurisdictional amount for the First and Second Parish Courts of Jefferson Parish from $20,000 to $35,000. It also approved HB 473 by substitute on custody and child support, with the substitute preserving language that physical custody should be shared equally unless the court finds that infeasible or not in the child’s best interest. HB 71, which extends certain self-defense liability protections to registered armed private security officers, drew opposition over training and public safety concerns but was reported favorably after a roll call vote of 8 yeas and 1 nay.
The committee also advanced HB 1082, which would require the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System to sue municipalities in the local parish rather than East Baton Rouge when it is the plaintiff. Supporters said the current venue rule burdens small towns with travel and litigation costs; opponents argued Article 84 provides a consistent statewide venue and that the litigation is largely about municipalities failing to enroll officers properly. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 306, which concerns court costs and fees in domestic abuse cases; members worked through a concept amendment to restore “reasonable” attorney’s fees and add court-approved evaluation and expert witness fees, and the discussion continued with testimony about federal grant compliance and victim protections.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- That is trust fund authority for the private prisons out of the inmate welfare trust fund.
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- What was the maximum number of state guards, or National Guardsman that you had?
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- We were able to pick up some of the housing left behind by when the National Guard departed.
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies May 19th, 2026
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill contains about $305 million in new bond authorizations.
- This bill contains about $305 million in new bond authorizations.
- What I often say is that we, as an administration, never want the lack of an authorization to be the
- A private investment was also leveraged due to that bond authorization.
- We strongly support the bond authorizations that are included in this bill, especially authorizations
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H.5386, the Mass Winds Act, with the governor and administration officials describing it as a follow-on to the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They said the bill is intended to help Massachusetts compete globally for capital, talent, and companies by creating a Global Mass initiative, including a proposed $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for site development to help international firms locate or expand here. The administration also highlighted about $305 million in new bond authorizations, plus operating proposals such as lowering the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, funding internship incentives, and supporting downtown revitalization and the creative economy.
Committee members and witnesses focused on several policy areas within the bill. On talent, Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, and the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council backed a provision waiving redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses who have already demonstrated proficiency in practice. On labor mobility, the governor defended changes to the non-compete law as closing a loophole, while attorney Russell Beck opposed the revisions, arguing they would upset the 2018 compromise and could reduce employer-provided compensation. Municipal and housing witnesses supported codifying site plan review and broader zoning reforms, while others urged attention to affordable housing, tiny homes, and commercial-to-residential conversions.
Local officials and municipal groups generally supported the bill’s downtown, arts, and planning provisions but asked for more detail on implementation and infrastructure, especially around energy, water, and data centers. The Massachusetts Municipal Association said the bill’s standardized site plan review and downtown investments could help communities, but stressed the need for close state-municipal partnership. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor rights if federal protections weaken. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, warning of significant revenue loss and possible fraud concerns. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee accepting written testimony afterward.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The New Mexico National Guard takes great pleasure...
- as a soldier in the New Mexico National Guard from 1945 to 1970.
- Guard.
- DPS is still under statutory authority to do some of this.
- Do they have rulemaking authority?
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements and guest introductions tied to several recognition days, including Disability Rights Awareness Day, Elevate the Spectrum Day, Geothermal Rising Legislative Day, DWI Awareness Day, and Adult Education and Literacy Day. Senators also welcomed guests for New Mexico Down Syndrome Day and other constituent visits, and the chamber read certificates recognizing the Hurley family and the New Mexico Military Museum, as well as adult education and literacy programs across the state. Testimony and remarks highlighted the service of the Hurley family, the importance of adult education for workforce and civic participation, and the contributions of people with disabilities and their families. The Senate adopted multiple committee reports and received House messages on several bills and resolutions.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 96, as amended, which streamlines child care licensing and reduces administrative barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers; an HOA-related floor amendment was adopted after discussion about local restrictions and neighborhood traffic concerns. The chamber then passed Senate Bill 14, as amended, which expands the state’s health professional loan repayment program with $25 million in funding split between physicians and allied health professionals/nurses, with questions focused on eligibility, prioritization, and whether the funding would be sufficient to address shortages. Senators also debated the bill’s support for part-time service and its role in helping New Mexico compete for medical workers.
The Senate next passed Senate Bill 104 unanimously, establishing a process for removing a wildlife commissioner that requires gubernatorial initiation, notice and a hearing, and direct review by the state Supreme Court; debate centered on due process, the removal standard of incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance, and how the new process compares with prior law. Finally, the chamber took up Senate Bill 50, which would give the Law Enforcement Training Standards Council more flexibility to set training curricula for officers, especially in rural departments; sponsors said the bill preserves minimum training while allowing updates for current issues, but several senators raised concerns that the measure could weaken explicit statutory requirements for domestic violence and sexual assault training and asked how those topics would remain protected in the future curriculum.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 2nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Such amount is hereby authorized for expenses incurred from January 1st, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- The next closest one is in the Portuguese Azores off the coast of Africa.
Bills:
SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/21/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> um trying to help their workers um guard um trying to help their workers um guard against<05:08:
- </c> action not a state action so the Guard action not a state action so the Guard works<05:30:50.200
- or I'm going to leave the Guard.
- or I'm going to leave the Guard.
- </c> knew that I was going to join the guard knew that I was going to join the guard and<05:40:03.718
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the military affairs and national guard the military affairs and national guard network<00:08:57.440
- </c> increase to the 92.5 million authorized increase to the 92.5 million authorized in<00:10:01.120>
- The authority is integrated tax system.
- They Industrial Development Authority.
- </c> Industrial Development Authority Industrial Development Authority approved<00:46:31.040><c> for<
Keywords:
0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:38 Approval of Minutes
0:01:02 Information Items
0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants
0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues
1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates
1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions.
Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system.
The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds.
Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.