Video & Transcript Research : 'genetic testing'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of William Briggs, of Texas, to be Deputy Administrator, and Casey Mulligan, of Illinois, to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, both of the Small Business Administration. Mar 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Will you use loyalty tests, Mr.
- But when you think about ships and science, it's about let's get the test bedding done.
- It said that those... test bedding of next-generation technology.
- companies... or large organizations may not have the money to do the kind of research to do the actual test
- But once the test bedding is done, it's like we're off to the races.
Keywords:
SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support
Summary:
The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- this is not a commercial, but it's free to sign up no matter of you have 18 t T-Mobile or Verizon to test
- One Artemis to crewed test flight with for astronaut is targeting April 2026.
- To test the space launch system SLS rocket.
- , infrastructure, integrating flight hardware and performing rigorous validation and verification testing
- Person B audit along commercial companies to consolidate a combination of manufacturing, processing testing
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/01/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, in order to test the electronic system, you're talking about years down the road to test out
- the electronic system. ...about years down the road to test out the electronic system.
- They have to know, okay, well, then we need to test this... ...audit.
- They have to know, okay, well, then we need to test this.
- We did experience a slowdown during March and April for state testing.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Removing the guardrails meant to ensure that diagnostic tests are clinically valid and medically necessary
- Madam Chair, Senator Shamp, I'm not saying that all diagnostic tests are necessary.
- and medications, removing the guard rails meant to ensure that diagnostic tests are clinically valid
- Madam Chair, Senator Schamp, I'm not saying that all, that no diagnostic tests, Madam Chair, Senator
- Schamp, I'm not saying that all, that no diagnostic tests are necessary.
Bills:
SB1086, SB1193, SB1318, SB1345, SB1346, SB1451, SB1496, SB1611, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1672
Keywords:
reimbursement, healthcare, laboratory services, noncontracting providers, Arizona health care cost containment, personal identifying information, PII, privacy, confidential records, public records exemption, commercial disclosure, data privacy, licensure, certification, health professions, health care licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, emergency medical care technician, EMCT
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 16th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There will be a test on it tomorrow.
- Those requirements, and because of the teacher shortage, they narrowed it down to three tests.
- They're kind of like boot camps to help them build their skills back up, go over the tests.
- For that reason, our students' test scores in New Mexico in reading and in math are concerning.
- Additionally, we cover all testing fees for our students, including Praxis exams and practice tests.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Apr 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- The contractor came in and said we tested as much as PSFA told us to test.
- In reviewing that, the lawyers kind of agreed that there was under testing done.
- First off, whoever said that PSFA determined how much testing should be done, that's baloney.
- They have a design consultant that determines the testing requirements.
- We'll do plenty of testing before that land is built upon, and if I may, Mr. Chairman...
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- will be two stories over 38,000 square feet and include many other uses such as probation and drug testing
- :56.760>
traffic <00:08:57.440>we <00:08:57.560>need <00:08:57.720>an testing - and higher traffic we need an testing and higher traffic we need an additional<00:08:58.279>
janitor - <00:10:22.399>
uh <00:10:22.519>prenten supervision drug testing uh prenten supervision - drug testing uh prenten investigation<00:10:23.720>
driver's <00:10:24.120>headed <00:10
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Judiciary heard the Judiciary’s budget presentation from Brandon Kimura and other court administrators. The Judiciary outlined its mission and access-to-justice programs, including specialty courts, self-help centers, online small claims dispute resolution, and e-reminders. It requested an operating budget of $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027, along with 17 permanent and one temporary position, and described a series of staffing and program requests tied to specialty courts, district court operations, technology, and public guardianship.
Major program requests included making women’s court permanent by converting seven temporary positions to permanent and adding a substance use counselor; expanding truancy court and the Early Education Intervention Program on Oahu; and making the driving while impaired court permanent. The Judiciary also sought staffing and funding for the new Wahiawa District Court, including security, janitorial, IT, clerical, bailiff, and social worker support, plus an additional district court judge and staff in Kona. Technology requests included cybersecurity tools and a cybersecurity unit, enhanced email protection, and replacement of aging network switches. Other operating requests included continued funding for the Criminal Justice Research Institute, restoration of 12 positions cut during the pandemic, and added support for the Office of the Public Guardian.
For capital improvement projects, the Judiciary’s top priorities were $4 million to design a new South Kohala District Court, $900,000 to replace an aging AC chiller on Kauai, and $5 million for lump-sum facility preservation work. Members asked questions about purchase-of-service contract rates, implementation of court-appointed fee increases, federal grant dependence, specialty court effectiveness, truancy court outcomes, and the condition of the Ewa District Court site. Judiciary witnesses said they were working to raise provider rates through contracts and a separate bill, cited low recidivism and reduced petitions as evidence that specialty courts and truancy efforts are working, and said the Ewa site has significant foundation issues that may require further assessment or a different location.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (11-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have several in test.
- We do have several in test.
- <00:21:00.480>
There We do we do have several in test. - There We do we do have several in test.
- in test. in test. >> Thank<00:21:06.880>
you.
Summary:
The task force met on November 4, 2025, approved the prior minutes without objection, and then heard a presentation from Amazon on its Kentucky aviation and logistics operations. Amazon described its statewide footprint, including its Boone County air hub at KCVG, its investment of more than $60 billion in Kentucky since 2010, about 20,000 jobs in the state, and its use of Amazon Air as a middle-mile network supported by third-party carriers. The company also highlighted small-business support, community relief efforts, and workforce development through Career Choice, including partnerships with Kentucky schools and aviation maintenance training.
Members asked about Amazon’s most in-demand workforce needs, future operational challenges, and whether autonomous vehicles are used on the KCVG ramp. Amazon said it would follow up on workforce-demand details, identified customer-driven innovation and culture as ongoing challenges, and said autonomous vehicles are in testing but are not part of regular KCVG operations. Amazon also emphasized sustainability efforts, including alternative aviation fuel, and said it wants to work with the legislature to expand AAF production and supply in Kentucky.
The task force then heard from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Matt Wingate on the state’s aviation economic development strategy. They said aviation and aerospace are central to Kentucky’s logistics and economic-development goals, with aerospace identified as the state’s top export and air cargo as a major strength. They discussed outreach to general aviation airports, support for local grant matching, airport funding projects, workforce and education partnerships, and efforts to market Kentucky at aviation trade shows such as Paris Air Show and MRO America. No formal votes or other actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- care, which oftentimes is us through Medicaid and Medicare, is picking up the tab for a necessary test
- When my high school best friend had her first STI test, she wasn't comfortable going to her parents.
- As it stands now, all 50 states allow minors to receive STI testing and treatment.
- Do we think it's going to pass a smell test? Thank you, thank you. I do.
- You know, can my son get a blood pressure test? We're not talking about sick patients here.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- When my high school best friend had her first STI test, she wasn't comfortable going to her parents.
- As it stands now, all 50 states allow minors to receive STI testing and treatment.
- Do we think it's going to pass a smell test? Thank you, I do. That's it.
- You know, can my son get a blood pressure testing? We're not talking... ...check?
- You know, can my son get a blood pressure testing? We're not talking about sick patients here.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So when the opportunity came up to do more rigorous water testing, boom, all of a sudden we were testing
- rigorous water testing boom all of<00:22:56.960>
a <00:22:57.039>sudden <00:22:57.279>< - c> we<00:22:57.360>
were <00:22:57.720>testing <00:22:58.080>positive <00:22: - 58.600>
for I don't know this for a fact, but I think most schools haven't tested for PFAS the - But as far as other schools go, they would have to opt into that testing to make that determination.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- These are time-tested languages that have passed muster over the past several decades, if not longer,
- languages that uh that a past tested languages that uh that a past Court<00:40:26.319>
muster - more ambiguity around that tested more ambiguity around that tested language<00:40:38.800>
and - Constitution I appreciate uh the test Constitution I appreciate uh the test iers<00:48:27.240>
- <00:48:31.720>
of states and has been proven the test of states and has been proven the test - <00:48:31.720>
Summary:
The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted.
The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language.
Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Test scores, curriculum, and standards matter, but the stats alone have never told the full story.
- test test scores curriculum effectively test test scores curriculum and<00:35:58.720>
standards - Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that
- Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that
- Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that
Keywords:
redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a random sample test. given to a subset of students in every state in grades four and eight in
- six percent of their students who don't speak English at home, but we're all given the same English test
- They are still testing reading and math.
- We're testing reading and math, but we're testing based upon our aligned curriculum standards.
- That is why Alpine ISD's money should not be affected by Brewster CAD's failures on your tests.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
- And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
- This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
- And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
- And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer.
Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing.
For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 27 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Swampscott, House No. 4444, local approval received; a House bill amending the town of Arlington's means-tested
- persons in the town of Swampscott, House No. 4444; an act amending the town of Arlington's means-tested
- An act amending the town of Arlington's mean-tested senior citizens property tax exemption, house number
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and local matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of resolutions commending the Sleep Apnea Awareness Initiative for recognizing March 2026 as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and celebrating the commissioning of the USS Massachusetts; the House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also concurred with a Senate petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Department employee, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a petition on condominium conversions of co-owned two-unit buildings to the Committee on Housing.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a series of local bills for consideration, including measures for Somerville’s affordable housing trust, property tax exemptions in Swampscott and Arlington, the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, a Lexington parkland exchange, and a charter for the town of Orange. The House ordered these bills to a third reading. It also passed to be enacted two engrossed bills: one waiving the maximum age requirement for a Boston police officer applicant, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey parcels of land in Brockton.
Later, the House took up additional third-reading bills and passed them to be engrossed, including another Boston police age-waiver bill and a bill allowing Sean Duffy to take the firefighter civil service exam despite the maximum age requirement. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn to Wednesday at 11 a.m. in formal session, and notice of a Democratic caucus at noon.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 31 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The House bill amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury
- An act amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury, House
- An act amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury, House
Summary:
The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of resolutions honoring William B. O’Leary on his 100th birthday, congratulating Ethan Ho on earning Eagle Scout rank, and celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Paul’s Church of Palmer. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolutions. It also concurred with a Senate referral of a petition concerning retirement benefits for Alec Simonello to the Committee on Public Service.
The House then considered local bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures concerning an excise on parking space transfers in Salem, expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Sudbury, and land acquisition/disposition in Falmouth. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second and third readings and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber also passed to enactment several engrossed bills, including firefighter and police age-exemption bills for Haverhill, a Williamsburg board-name change to select board, a Sandwich overpass memorial designation, and a Chicopee charter change to gender-neutral language.
The House then acted on additional third-reading bills, passing to enactment a bill allowing Kenneth Navarro to take the Haverhill firefighter exam despite the maximum age requirement, and passing to engrossment bills for William Rob Cargill’s firefighter exam eligibility and special meetings of the Holyoke City Council. On Senate Bill 1859, concerning retirement for Walter L. Gerton, Representative Walsh offered and the House adopted an amendment substituting text from House Document 5331, after which the bill was passed to engrossment as amended. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not necessarily geared to do that testing statewide. In fact, it's far more expensive.
- Some of the pitfalls of the nature of the testing are going to require additional equipment, operating
- prove in a criminal prosecution whether they should have had it or not based on the limitations of testing
- And then also some of the pitfalls of the nature of the testing are going to require additional equipment
- prove in a criminal prosecution whether they should have had it or not based on the limitations of testing
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was talking with Nelson, and some of you on this floor were with me, he showed me his first poll test
- In fact, I took that poll test.
- birthed Jim Crow-era laws by way of intimidation, district maps, poll taxes, voter ID laws, literacy tests
- we are living through today harkens back to the Confederacy, back to the poll taxes, the literacy tests
- we are living through today harkens back to the Confederacy, back to the poll taxes, the literacy test
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a process when we use the evaluation process that everybody tests and then somewhat goes to C
- Without a doubt, environmental testing does cost something.
- The bill, as it's currently written, asks the department to... ...testing does cost something.
- testing, low tens.
- They would have to certify that that testing data was done properly, submitted properly.
Summary:
The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded.
The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably.
Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.