Video & Transcript Research : 'absent legislators'
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CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a legislative advocate for the ACAU California Action.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members. Thank you all.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members. Thank you.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- He's absent. Representative Claire Sine. Postals, I'm sorry. He's absent.
- States like New Jersey and Maryland have already passed this legislation.
- I'm now going to turn it over to my legislative aide, Lauren Lake.
- Representative Claire Snyder Hall absent. Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Representative Charles Postles, Jr. is absent.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, what you're Members, with your votes of 11 ayes, three absent, you have given SB 1161 a do pass
- Seven ayes, four nays, three absent.
- With your votes of seven ayes, four nays, and three absent, all right, let's do this again.
- With your votes of seven ayes, four nays, and three absent, you've given SB 1580 a do pass.
- Let's do this again with your votes of seven eyes, four days, and three absent.
Keywords:
appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, for allowing me to present this important legislation.
- And starting with file item one, please call the absent members.
- Please call the absent members. Jones, Menjivar, Rubio, aye. Please call the absent members.
- Jones is absent. All right, let's begin.
- First of all, we're going to lift the call on AB 69 for the absent members.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I live in Legislative District 4.
- She did not know whether that needed to be legislated. Ms.
- She did not know whether that needed to be legislated, to be honest.
- Over those 18 years, I have helped pass legislation, trained caregivers...” “...I have helped pass legislation
- The board members feel this legislation is important to the profession, The board members feel this legislation
Bills:
HB2180, HB2184, HB2188, HB2194, HB2206, HB2321, HB2322, HB2438, HB2442, HB2448, HB2727, HB2797
Keywords:
appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The consent calendar is out, but we'll keep the roll open for absent members.
- This legislation will likely create a commission of individuals.
- The bill's out 4-2 but we'll keep the roll open for the absent. members.
- We will call the absent members for that one.
- We're calling the absent members. and that's a bill that I recommend support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent CALA, California Action for Legislative Accountability. The stated purpose...
- California Action for Legislative Accountability.
- This bill is not legislating that topic. Okay. Well, but it is talking about Prop 50, right?
- Johnson is absent. Solache? Aye. Stephanie? Aye. Thank you. The bill is up 5 to 1.
- Johnson is absent. Solache? Aye. Stephanie? Aye. Thank you. The bill is up 5 to 1.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and heard one bill, SB 73. The author described the measure as a response to perceived threats to California elections, including restrictions on armed or non-uniformed personnel at polling places, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on law enforcement access to election materials without a court order. The chair reviewed a set of agreed amendments, including removing a section conflicting with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties, clarifying the role of the Attorney General and Secretary of State, and refining language on signature challenges, law enforcement support, and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force, CHIRLA, the League of Women Voters of California, and Common Cause, argued the bill would protect voters from intimidation and preserve election integrity. Opponents from CALA argued the bill was unnecessary, would hinder legitimate investigations, and reflected distrust of law enforcement and federal oversight.
Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill was responding to real-world threats and on the ballot seizure in Riverside County. Members questioned how the measure would affect signature challenges, chain of custody, and investigations into possible fraud. The author and supporters said ballots should remain in election officials’ custody and that federal or local agents should not be able to interfere with election materials or intimidate voters. The chair and other members also discussed the urgency clause and the need to move the bill quickly despite the proximity of the June election.
The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 73 to the Committee on Public Safety. The roll call initially showed the bill passing 5-1, then after the absent member arrived, the final vote was 6-2, and the bill was reported out of committee.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 078 Apr 2nd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The morning roll call is 33 present, zero absent, two excused. We have a quorum.
- and concurring with Senate amendments to that legislation.
- passing key pieces of legislation passing key pieces of legislation and<00:45:34.960>
concurring - that legislation. that legislation.
- With a vote of 35 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and zero excused, HJR 1025 is adopted.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- States like New Jersey and Maryland have already passed this legislation.
- And I'm now going to turn it over to my legislative aide, Lauren Lake.
- Representative Claire Snyder Hall absent. Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Now, um, Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Representative Charles Postals Jr. is absent. Representative Claire Snyder Hall is absent.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Revenue - Finance Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation requires the Department of Finance...
- Representative Kay Smith, also absent. Representative Jones-Gilternor absent.
- Representative Griffith, absent. Representative Johnson, absent. Representative Romer.
- Smith, absent. Representative Jones-Giltner, absent. Representative Gray? Representative D.
- Short, absent. Representative M. Smith. All right.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, which would create a temporary Delaware income tax deduction for qualified tip income from tax years 2027 through 2029. The sponsor described it as relief for service workers in restaurants, salons, and similar tipped occupations, with a deduction of up to $15,000, income-based phaseouts, a refundable credit for lower-income workers, and a sunset for later review. Committee members raised questions about the resident/non-resident language, the fiscal note, and whether the Department of Finance could implement the change; Finance said the department could administer it and expected only modest administrative costs, while the Comptroller’s office said the bill would reduce general revenue. After a brief recess to review updated language, the committee took public comment, but no one testified. A motion to release the bill failed to receive enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it to seek additional signatures.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. The sponsor argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, citing economic return estimates, workforce benefits, and support from all 21 Senate co-sponsors. Some members supported the bill as a way to reward service and bring in long-term residents, while others questioned whether the exemption should be income-based rather than available to all military retirees, including those with substantial second careers. The Department of Finance said it could operationalize the bill and that the non-resident language was unnecessary because the subtraction is already picked up in the non-resident code section. Public testimony from veterans’ organizations strongly supported the bill, emphasizing that the exemption can influence retirement decisions and help veterans and their families stay in Delaware. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 39 (3-4-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- absent senators. absent senators.
- President, I move that the absent >> Mr.
- our business on day 39 this legislative our business on day 39 this legislative session.<00:04:58.240
- <00:34:52.560>
hosted <00:34:52.879>by legislative breakfast tomorrow hosted by legislative - All legislators are 10:30 in room 113.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and approved the journal. The clerk reported House-passed bills and Senate bills received from the House, and several Senate bills were read a second time and sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports recommended passage of multiple measures, including bills from Appropriations and Revenue, Health Services, Natural Resources and Energy, State and Local Government, and Transportation. The chamber then moved to orders of the day and took up Senate Bill 50 and Senate Bill 191, while Senate Bill 137 and Senate Joint Resolution 54 were passed over and retained in the orders of the day.
Senate Bill 50, relating to the disposition of property, was explained as a broad update to trust, probate, and intestacy law. Supporters said it would streamline probate when there are no disputes, add privacy protections for decedents’ estate information, give courts more flexibility, set retention and filing-fee rules for wills, recognize electronic wills and other uniform-law concepts, and allow transfer-on-death designation for motor vehicles. A floor amendment removed inheritance-tax provisions and corrected technical issues; it was adopted, and the bill passed 35-1 after debate in favor from several senators and no substantive opposition.
Senate Bill 191, creating the Kentucky Kindergarten Readiness Performance-based Child Care Incentive Pilot Program, was also amended and passed. The bill would establish a three-year pilot administered by the University of Kentucky College of Education, providing a one-time $2,000 per child incentive payment or refundable tax credit to child care providers and low-income families when children are assessed as kindergarten ready. A floor amendment clarified that the study and recommendations must comply with federal child care regulations; it was adopted, and the bill passed 35-1 after a senator changed a vote from no to yes. The Senate then recessed for Rules and Committee on Committees meetings, after which the rules committee posted additional bills to future orders and the committee on committees referred several bills and resolutions to standing committees. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, a legislative breakfast, a fish fry, and condolences for a community member.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 090 Apr 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- With a vote of 28 I 7 no, zero absent With a vote of 28 I 7 no, zero absent and<00:42:54.240>
- Senator Exum. for legislators.
- <00:48:57.680>
J002 absent, zero excused. J002 absent, zero excused. - zero no zero absent and zero excused. zero no zero absent and zero excused.
- absent, and zero excused. absent, and zero excused.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I move that the absent senator be excused. >> Without objection, the absent senator is excused
- President, I move that the absent >> Mr.
- the [snorts] absent senator is excused. the [snorts] absent senator is excused.
- This legislation modernizes our today.
- This is probably the most legislation.
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7.
After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight ayes, one no, one present, two absent.
- It's time for a legislative change to hold our schools more accountable.
- The vote is six ayes, five noes, and one absent.
- And some is like if you were absent, you missed it.
- By your vote of six eyes, five knows, one absent.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of absent senators. Senator from Taylor. of absent senators. Senator from Taylor.
- And I do advocates, and legislators.
- <00:24:05.440>
as passion in promoting this legislation as passion in promoting this legislation - And I legislation for our families.
- <00:27:51.760>
and And this is meaningful legislation and And this is meaningful legislation
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages noting passage of House Bills 1, 422, 568, and 627, and heard second-reading reports for several measures, including bills on the state dog breed, mortgage loan income limits, virtual currency kiosks, agriculture, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Committee reports also advanced a number of bills from Appropriations and Revenue, Health and Services, Natural Resources and Energy, and State and Local Government, with many sent to the Rules Committee for further action. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on transportation, tobacco/nicotine/vapor products, Public Schools Week, and honoring Joseph H. Mattingley Jr.; the Rules Committee later posted several bills for the next day and committee referrals were announced.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 98, relating to welding safety. The sponsor explained that the bill requires inspections by American Welding Society-certified personnel on certain projects where those standards apply, citing a prior school structure collapse in Kentucky as the public-safety rationale. After debate, the bill passed by a vote of 33-4. The chamber next considered Senate Bill 122, which updates alternative sentencing law to allow judges to consider caregiving responsibilities when sentencing defendants. A floor amendment, developed with input from judges, broadened and clarified the caretaker definition and moved the language into the existing sentencing statute while preserving judicial discretion. Supporters said the bill is intended to help keep families together without mandating probation or reducing penalties; after the amendment was adopted, the bill passed 35-2.
Later, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 57 honoring Father Patrick McDow on his ordination, and Senate Resolution 60 was read in full to honor the YMCA on its 175th anniversary in the United States, highlighting the organization’s history and Kentucky service. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including a special Health Services Committee meeting on artificial intelligence in rural health, and other committee schedules. The session concluded with the Senate in recess for committee meetings and then returning to report additional committee referrals and announcements.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- OK, there being 6 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent, the motion prevails.
- Hey guys There being 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, the motion prevails.
- All right, there being 7 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent, the motion prevails.
- Lozano Mesa There being 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, the motion prevails.
- OK, there being 6 eyes. 1 present not voting and 2 absent, the motion prevails.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There being 6 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 absent, the motion prevails. The hearing is adjourned.
- There being eight ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent, the motion prevails. The chair moves.
- All right, there being seven ayes, one absent, the motion prevails.
- There being 8 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent, the motion prevails. OK, the chair lays out.
- Okay, there being six ayes, one present not voting, and two absent, the motion prevails.
Keywords:
community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 958, Texas Government Code, nondisclosure, order of nondisclosure, criminal history record information, trafficking of persons, human trafficking, compelling prostitution, survivor rights, record sealing, expunction, deferred adjudication, prostitution, controlled substances, theft
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- absent, two excused. We have a quorum. absent, two excused. We have a quorum. Mr. Mr.
- ,<00:56:48.160>
zero 35 eyes, zero no, zero absent, zero 35 eyes, zero no, zero absent, zero - ,<00:57:54.880>
zero 35 eyes, zero noes, zero absent, zero 35 eyes, zero noes, zero absent - ,<01:09:14.799>
zero 31 eyes, four no, zero absent, zero 31 eyes, four no, zero absent, zero - ,<03:44:29.920>
zero 33 eyes, two no, zero absent, zero 33 eyes, two no, zero absent, zero
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As my colleagues know personally from their own bipartisan legislative trips to Mexico, our state and
- And we're going to leave it open for absent votes.
- Okay, we'll leave that open for absent votes.
- Okay, and we're going to leave the roll open for five more minutes if the absent members can come and
- We'll leave that open for absent votes. Okay.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard AB 2516 by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, which would create the California Grid Manufacturing Initiative within GO-Biz. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to address supply chain delays and rising costs for critical grid equipment, speed clean energy deployment, improve reliability, and encourage in-state manufacturing and high-road jobs. Support came from labor and industry representatives including UAW, IBEW, the California Labor Federation, CWA District 9, BlueGreen Alliance, California Labor for Climate Jobs, TURN, and Ingersoll Rand; no opposition was registered. Committee members raised affordability concerns, and the bill was moved to Appropriations and passed 7-1.
The committee also heard ACR 173 by Assemblymember Carrillo, which would formalize a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico. Carrillo emphasized cultural, economic, and demographic ties, cooperation on issues such as agriculture, labor, technology, and education, and immigrant protections. There were no witnesses in opposition, and the resolution was adopted.
The consent calendar included AB 2163 by Gonzalez and ACR 164 by Bains and ACR 166 by Avila Farías, all of which were approved. After quorum was established, the committee took roll, recorded multiple aye votes from absent members, and then adjourned after reporting all items out.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I think you mentioned, I think legislation sends a signal.
- I think it's an incredibly important piece of legislation.
- I think it's an incredibly important piece of legislation.
- Legislative session.
- We'll go ahead and reopen the rolls so that absent members can add on.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members.
AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote.
AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.