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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, February 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- with four years of service he veteran with four years of service he was<02:13:17.119><c> a</c><02:13
- Army Major General Edward Greer, a veteran who broke barriers and made history as one of the service's
- Healthcare providers know that understanding the unique needs of veterans from diverse backgrounds is
- These actions are disgraceful and dangerous, and I call on the president not to put veterans' lives at
- from diverse backgrounds is key veterans from diverse backgrounds is key to<02:31:50.200><c> improving
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/02/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam President, there will be an immediate meeting of the Veterans and Finance Committee.
- >> MADAM PRESIDENT, THERE WILL BE ABOUT IMMEDIATE MEETING OF Immediate meeting of the Veterans
- Immediate meeting of the Finance and Veterans and Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee in
- It is the story of workers who built our cities, veterans who defended our freedoms, and parents who
- It is the story of workers who built our cities, veterans who defended our freedoms, and parents who
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage.
The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations.
Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- of the North Dakota Constitution allows a legislative assembly to authorize bona fide nonprofit veterans
- So, um, the list does not include veterans and... ...committees like this.
- There are currently 50 veteran organizations and 22 fraternal organizations.
- But for veterans organizations, that's where we do what we do.
- But for veterans organizations, that's where we do what we do. Good point.
Committees:
Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of the North Dakota Constitution allows a legislative assembly to authorize bona fide nonprofit veterans
- So, um, the list does not include veterans and... ...committees like this.
- There are currently 50 veteran organizations and 22 fraternal organizations.
- But for veterans organizations, that's where we do what we do.
- But for veterans organizations, that's where we do what we do. Good point.
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information.
The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval.
The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> My fellow representatives of the New Hampshire House, I am a Vietnam veteran.
- </c> which supports homeless veterans. which supports homeless veterans.
- Speaking<01:37:14.800><c> of</c><01:37:15.000><c> veterans,</c><01:37:16.159><c> uh,</c><01:37:16.320
- ><c> and</c><01:37:16.400><c> there</c><01:37:16.560><c> will</c> Speaking of veterans, uh, and there
- will Speaking of veterans, uh, and there will be<01:37:16.800><c> a</c><01:37:16.960><c> great</c><01
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct - 04/24/25
Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct
Transcript Highlights:
- Miss Stangle: Um, I think Senator Matthew works with veterans.
- Does that mean that he can no longer advocate for veterans?
- Does that mean that he can no veterans.
- </c><00:41:04.640><c> Um,</c><00:41:05.359><c> you</c> longer advocate for veterans?
- Um, you longer advocate for veterans?
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to title 38, U.S.
- is established by the US Department that is established by the US Department of<00:57:13.400><c> Veterans
- Affairs pursuant to title 38 of Veterans Affairs pursuant to title 38 us<00:57:16.680><c> code</c><00
- Department of Veterans Affairs, no one has claimed that exemption since, I think, the last time was in
- Affairs uh no one has claimed Veterans Affairs uh no one has claimed that<00:58:33.440><c> exemption
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed.
Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted.
The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families.
Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House debate on MN emergency powers bill Feb 28th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:35.760><c> referred</c><00:38:36.160><c> to</c><00:38:36.520><c> the</c><00:38:36.680><c> veterans
- </c> has been referred to the veterans has been referred to the veterans committee<00:38:37.480><c> and
- I know that House File 26 is not definitely laid over in the Veterans Committee; it's being pulled back
- I know that House File 26 is not definitely laid over in the Veterans Committee; it's being pulled back
- committee it's being pulled the veterans committee it's being pulled back<00:47:00.119><c> into</c><
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- of this would be things like the Homestead market value exclusion, the market value exclusion for veterans
- ><00:05:24.520><c> with</c><00:05:24.680><c> a</c><00:05:25.080><c> disability</c> exclusion for veterans
- with a disability exclusion for veterans with a disability and<00:05:26.440><c> uh</c><00:05:26.560>
- <00:10:17.760><c> the</c><00:10:18.160><c> uh</c><00:10:18.279><c> disabled</c><00:10:18.720><c> veterans
- </c><00:10:19.200><c> exclusion</c> or the uh disabled veterans exclusion or the uh disabled veterans
Committee:
House Taxes
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Opening Day Wed Jan 15, 2025, 10:00AM HST - Day 1
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Olds is a father, a combat veteran, and a social service worker committed to addressing
- is a devoted father, proud grandfather, husband, business owner, youth sports coach, and honored veteran
- olds representative SS is a father a olds representative SS is a father a combat<02:11:03.280><c> veteran
- and a social service combat veteran and a social service worker<02:11:05.960><c> committed</c><02:11
- he is a lifelong wiy honored veteran he is a lifelong wiy Coast<02:14:42.440><c> resident</c><02:14:
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 020 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're talking about a dog that wakes somebody up from night terrors if they're a veteran with PTSD.
- </c> they're a veteran with PTSD. they're a veteran with PTSD.
- The State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. to hear House Bills
- The State Civic,<02:14:46.480><c> Military,</c><02:14:46.800><c> and</c><02:14:46.960><c> Veterans</c
- ><02:14:47.360><c> Affairs</c> Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, was the veterans not online? No.
- Chairman was it was the veterans not online? No. All right.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The House Committee on Election Laws, chaired by Dan Hunt and co-chaired by Senator Keenan, held a hearing on 27 bills with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker. The main policy theme was expanding youth participation in elections. Senator O'Connor testified in support of Senate Bill 526 and House Bill 854, which would allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary if they turn 18 before the general election. Lawan Allen of Vote 16 USA also supported bills to lower the voting age, arguing that youth voting becomes habitual, can increase turnout more broadly, and is already in place in several cities and states. Robin Chen, the lead petitioner for S. 508 and H. 814, gave extended testimony in favor of children's right to vote, saying children are affected by government decisions and should have a voice. Representative Sousa raised concerns about misinformation and the vulnerability of younger voters, but Chen responded that misinformation affects adults too and pointed to historical civil rights activism by children.
Several local election-law measures were also discussed. Cynthia Hogan, Brockton’s elections director, supported a bill requiring candidates for local office to have lived in the city for a year, saying people have sometimes used business addresses or other questionable claims of residency to run for office. Representative Suzy testified in favor of H. 872, a Pembroke home-rule petition to reduce the signature threshold for a recall petition from 20% to 10% of registered voters, describing the change as a response to low-turnout local elections and not aimed at any current official. Representative Gallagher supported two Bridgewater home-rule petitions: one establishing a recall process for elected officials and another creating term limits for town councilors, both of which had been approved by the town council and would still require voter ratification in Bridgewater if adopted by the legislature.
The hearing concluded without any bill votes or committee actions beyond accepting testimony. The chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted until action is taken on the bills, and the committee adjourned after no further witnesses came forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Deputy Vargas served as an 11-year veteran of the department.
- Deputy Vargas served as an 11 year veteran of the department.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget May 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The second item on the agenda is a request from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs requesting
- funding authority for a project to provide upgrades in HVAC to a warehouse at the Louisiana War Veterans
Summary:
The committee first heard a fiscal status statement from the Office of Planning and Budget showing that updated Revenue Estimating Conference forecasts reduced the FY26 general fund excess available from $292.6 million to $179.7 million, with lower revenues across the five-year baseline and larger out-year imbalances. With no questions, the statement was approved.
Members then reviewed several Facility Planning and Control items, including approval of a new $3 million LSU Health Sciences Center project in New Orleans funded by self-generated revenues, a $343,600 increase for HVAC upgrades at the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, and a $700,000 increase for Southern University’s A.A. Leno Law Center addition. The committee also received informational change-order reports and approved Louisiana Economic Development contract extensions for Zender Communications and Graham Group, as well as a Department of Education contract amendment for the Louisiana Gator ESA program with Odyssey after questions about the contract’s up-to amount and procurement process.
The Sabine River Authority sought approval for a $9.5 million increase to its operating budget and its 2026-2027 budget, explaining the increase was tied to taking over the Cypress Bend Resort hotel and related property; members asked about long-term self-sufficiency and local support, and the items were approved favorably. The Louisiana Department of Health received approval for 15 HERO Fund grant awards totaling about $4.6 million to support 541 new health care credentials statewide. The Water Sector Commission’s recommendations were also approved, including $619,850 more for St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 and emergency subfund support for the city of Tallulah, conditioned on a limited fiscal administration order. Finally, members reviewed an agreement between the LCTCS Board and its Facilities Corporation under Act 35, and the meeting adjourned without objection.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- As a 10-year veteran of county government, that's always a concern.
- Again, as a 10-year veteran of county government, this is the most onerous and expensive cost to our
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired for the day by Senator John Liu, took up a long agenda of bills covering labor and benefits, corrections, health, taxation, government transparency, and public services. Early measures included increasing short-term disability benefits, adjusting a poverty-level-related earned income disregard, expanding correctional health staffing review, and authorizing the Inspector General to investigate sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities; each of these advanced to the floor. The committee also advanced bills on ovarian cancer screening access, retirement system membership changes, a trail stewardship program, live agency representative access, FOIL/open meetings fee awards, a Harriman campus development plan, court data reporting, educator conventions, park water testing, an energy storage tax abatement, a Native American Affairs office, adult changing tables in public facilities, Medicaid Inspector General audit standards, remote training certification for agency personnel, newborn Gaucher disease testing, electronic self-exclusion requests for gambling, and child daycare inspections and opioid antagonist requirements.
Several bills drew discussion. The prescription drug transparency bill (Print 488A) prompted questions about possible overlap with federal Hatch-Waxman/FTC oversight and whether a New York notice requirement could slow generic-drug settlements; sponsors and staff said it was intended as a supplemental transparency measure for consumers. The court reporting bill (Print 1849A) raised concerns about mandates on local governments, but supporters said it mainly required OCA to compile data in one format. The Medicaid local-share phaseout bill (Print 5519) generated the most debate, with supporters arguing it would provide major property tax relief and should be addressed in the budget, while opponents emphasized the need to curb Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse first.
Two major fiscal oversight proposals were defeated. Print 8661, which would have required the Comptroller to hire an independent private auditing firm to review state-funded programs for fraud and abuse, was opposed despite support from some members who argued outside auditing was overdue; it failed by one vote. Print 5519 was also ultimately defeated after a recount confirmed it lacked the required majority of the full 22-member committee. Most other bills were approved and sent either to the floor or, in the case of the drug transparency bill, to the Rules Committee.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a bill to enforce the VA amendatory clause for veterans that are purchasing a home using their
- We are finding more and more that title companies are not releasing the earnest money that a veteran
Bills:
HB1082 , HB1638 , HB3040 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3298 , HB3587 , HB3996 , HB4113 , HB4140 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4301 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB4352 , SB1082
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker Pro Tem, members, just want to remind folks that we will have Veterans Caucus at 11:30 today.
- I want to make sure everybody can stop by and say hello to our veteran community leaders.
Summary:
The Arizona House convened with prayer, the pledge, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and the introduction of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler. Members also welcomed several guest groups, including carpenters, local officials from Show Low, Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with Representative Selina Bliss introducing ALS Society members and several Arizonans living with ALS to speak to the issue.
The chamber then considered House Resolution 2007 honoring the life of Sheila Jean Mattox, also known as Ginger Mattox. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and members observed a moment of silence. Representative Marcus and others offered remarks about Mattox’s community service and her impact in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood, and family and friends were recognized in the gallery and on the floor.
The House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2680. The bill received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment, both adopted without recorded opposition, and the committee then recommended the bill do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 as amended to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House also received various Senate messages and committee reports, announced upcoming meetings and caucus events, and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, just want to remind folks that we will have Veterans Caucus at 11:30 today.
- I want to make sure everybody can stop by and say hello to our veteran community leaders.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- opportunity, I don't know if you reviewed the email, but an email went out to us from, I think it was the Veterans
- Went out to us from, I think it was the Veterans Exploring Treatment Options in support of the legislation
Committee:
Joint Drug Policy
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Veterans Affairs reported to Legislative Audit that employees at the Fayetteville Veterans
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING