Video & Transcript : 'lawmakers' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/7/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bipartisan lawmakers are against the privatization of Energy Star because they say doing so would lower
- Bipartisan lawmakers are against the privatization of Energy Star because they say doing so would lower
- fuel at Prairie Island nuclear power plant, and that understandably raised a lot of concerns among lawmakers
- understandably raised a lot of concerns understandably raised a lot of concerns among<00:26:46.720><c> lawmakers
- ,</c><00:26:47.440><c> environmental</c> among lawmakers, environmental among lawmakers, environmental
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- was poured it was discussed here, it was poured it was discussed here, it was poured over by our lawmakers
- , the impetus for over by our lawmakers, the impetus for over by our lawmakers, the impetus for this
- Why are lawmakers not liability? Why are lawmakers not liability?
- Why are lawmakers not developing reprimands towards law developing reprimands towards law developing
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, SB254, Alabama, statute of limitations, civil procedure, civil action, sex offense, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor rights, tolling, disability, minor plaintiff
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Father, we come before you today for the state, the lawmakers of this wonderful place.
- And on such a large scale, these state lawmakers have similar challenges. It's impossible.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- That kind of consistent review gives lawmakers and the public a factual basis for future decisions.
- This bill simply clarifies for lawmakers whether those incentives are doing what they were intended to
Committee:
House Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That kind of consistent review gives lawmakers and the public a factual basis for future decisions.
- This bill simply clarifies for lawmakers whether those incentives are doing what they were intended to
Summary:
The House Finance Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 2730 would clarify how JLARC evaluates the effectiveness of existing aerospace tax preferences by requiring a rolling five-year comparison of Washington aerospace employment with other states and asking JLARC to consider broader aerospace-sector changes and economic conditions. The prime sponsor and labor testifiers said the bill would add needed clarity and accountability for major tax investments supporting aerospace jobs. A committee question raised whether JLARC would be directed to make recommendations for improving the incentive, and staff and the sponsor said the bill does not specifically require that.
HB 2713 would impose a 1% B&O tax surcharge, beginning July 1, 2026, on operators of private detention facilities with more than $1 million in annual Washington gross receipts. The sponsor said the bill is intended to respond to harms associated with private detention and to help fund services and legal support for affected families and communities. A remote testifier urged a much higher surtax on GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center, while county representatives testified that the bill as written could unintentionally apply to Martin Hall, a juvenile facility in Spokane County that is publicly governed and operated day-to-day by a nonprofit contractor. They asked for an exemption for Martin Hall, and the sponsor said that inclusion of nonprofits was not intended and that she would work with them on amendments.
No votes were taken on either bill. The committee closed testimony on HB 2730 and HB 2713 and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House panel debates GOP resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against governor, AG Apr 15th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:01.640><c> process</c><00:04:02.520><c> in</c><00:04:02.680><c> an</c> of ordinary lawmaking
- process in an of ordinary lawmaking process in an impeachment,<00:04:03.120><c> but</c><00:04:03.280
- Federal investigation and lawmakers have estimated up to $9 billion in fraud across multiple programs
- Federal<00:13:08.000><c> investigation</c><00:13:08.800><c> and</c><00:13:08.920><c> lawmakers</c><00
- :13:09.560><c> have</c> Federal investigation and lawmakers have Federal investigation and lawmakers
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Meanwhile, let's be honest, plenty of lawmakers in this building have quietly held their girlfriends
- Voters in Amarillo came together across party lines to reject a similar law, yet the state's lawmakers
- Last year, a concerned Texan reached out to the National Association of Christian Lawmakers after seeing
- But Texans are more welcoming and more generous than lawmakers fixated on a culture war.
- If sex were as obvious as lawmakers keep insisting that biological sex is, we wouldn't... ...be here;
Committee:
House State Affairs
Keywords:
HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 1/22/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- We have had some lawmakers that, if they have a larger group, maybe set aside a room, bring the lunch
- We have had some lawmakers that, if they have a larger group, maybe set aside a room, bring the lunch
- We have had some lawmakers that, if they have a larger group, maybe set aside a room, bring the lunch
- We have had some lawmakers that, if they have a larger group, maybe set aside a room, bring the lunch
- </c> with you uh we have had some lawmakers with you uh we have had some lawmakers that<00:58:18.200>
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Science & Technology
House Science & Technology Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- And as administrations and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised up federal guardrails to
- protect... ...and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised up federal guardrails to protect against
- Several of our state lawmakers were very supportive of this and actually wrote a letter to the DOE, which
Summary:
The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would prohibit critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and bar violators from receiving certain public funds for telecom infrastructure. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill would reduce cybersecurity and national security risks tied to Chinese-linked telecom equipment and that states have an important role in procurement and infrastructure protection. Members asked about examples such as Huawei, the cost of compliance, whether the threat is current, and whether the bill duplicates federal efforts; Macklin said the measure targets public procurement, addresses existing risks, and complements rather than conflicts with federal action. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation, with one member citing concerns about timing and implementation.
The committee also received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role in critical minerals. He described Arizona as a hub for mining innovation and discussed university work on autonomous equipment, microgrids, pilot processing, tailings recovery, workforce training, and heat-stress monitoring. Members asked about microgrids, legal and policy changes needed to de-risk domestic mining, tariffs, workforce decline, and whether AI and automation would reduce jobs; Luxbacher said automation is driven by economics, not just regulation, and would likely create more skilled maintenance and technical jobs rather than eliminate the workforce.
Jeremiah Pate of Lunisand then presented on subsurface imaging technology using geo-radio-tomography, which he said can image deep underground from airborne platforms and help locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and buried military infrastructure. Members asked about applications for archaeology, identifying mineral types, water detection, uniqueness of the technology, and possible defense uses. Pate said the company is working toward better mineral identification, can detect aquifers readily, and is currently the only company fielding this type of airborne subsurface imaging. The chair closed the meeting after thanking members and speakers, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And as administrations and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised up federal guardrails to
- protect... ...and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised up federal guardrails to protect against
- Several of our state lawmakers were very supportive of this and actually wrote a letter to the DOE, which
Bills:
SB1046
Keywords:
telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- The Barrier Council extends its support and gratitude for lawmakers for prioritizing the APA exemptions
- The Barrier Council extends its support and gratitude for lawmakers for prioritizing the APA exemptions
- The Barrier Council extends its support and gratitude for lawmakers for prioritizing the APA exemptions
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard two measures: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a $590 million loan structure to support four Bay Area transit agencies through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission using unallocated Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds. Finance explained AB 107 included technical fixes such as extending encumbrance periods, updating federal authority, correcting fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and adding an APA exemption for implementation of already-approved climate bond programs. AB 117 was described as a cost-neutral regional solution with a 12-year loan term, two years interest-only, and repayment secured through existing state transit funding streams, with oversight by CalSTA, CTC, and MTC to limit impacts on other projects.
Members raised concerns about transparency, competitive bidding, and whether APA exemptions and no-bid or emergency processes could reduce oversight, while supporters argued the exemptions were needed to get voter-approved climate and wildfire-related funds out the door. On AB 117, senators questioned whether the loan could become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails, whether post-pandemic ridership declines and safety/fare-evasion issues are temporary or structural, and whether the loan could jeopardize TIRCP-funded capital projects such as BART Phase 2. Transit agencies and local representatives testified in support, saying ridership is recovering, the loan is critical to avoid service cuts, and the Bay Area economy depends on transit stability.
The committee first passed AB 107 on a 9-4 vote and AB 117 on a 9-4 vote, then held both bills on call. After recess, absent members returned and both measures were lifted from call and passed with 11 votes each. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I think if I were in your shoes as lawmakers, I feel the following would be helpful to hear.
- To be honest, many Sierra Club members wanted lawmakers Very sensible, grounded legislation.
- To be honest, many Sierra Club members wanted lawmakers to go far further.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, retail bags, pollution, customer impact, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, it's a big gray area right now with the... of the affirmative defenses and frankly as lawmakers
- I think the issue that we've identified, it's real and it's serious, and what can and should lawmakers
- They deserve lawmakers who won't compromise. their safety, because when giving porn to a child is considered
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- School voucher spending now makes up 6% of our state's budget, and some lawmakers have indicated their
- I've heard many of our own lawmakers express concerns about how we are caring for seniors, especially
Committee:
All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE
Summary:
The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee considered Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which would continue Arkansas’s phased income tax reductions, lowering the personal income tax rate to 3.7% and delaying the corporate income tax change until the following January. Dismang said the bill was part of a long-running effort begun in 2013 to reduce rates using conservative budgeting and surplus revenue, and he estimated the change would reduce the effective tax burden for a person making $65,000 by about 45%. Committee members supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not cut state services and argued Arkansas should balance competitiveness with funding essential programs.
Several speakers opposed the bill, including a clergy member/social worker, a parent advocating for disability services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a community advocate from the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. They argued the state should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, housing, food assistance, early childhood education, and supported living services, citing underfunded schools, a waitlist for pre-K, hospital and child care pressures, and the needs of low-income and vulnerable residents. Some speakers said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families.
In closing, Dismang said Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive and that no essential services would be cut because the state is operating with a surplus. After discussion, Senator Dismang moved do pass, Senator Petty seconded, and the committee approved SB 1 by voice vote. The committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE May 4th, 2026
REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.
Transcript Highlights:
- Our state's private school voucher spending now makes up 6% of our state budget, and some lawmakers have
- I've heard many of our lawmakers express concerns about how we are caring for seniors, especially as
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Some lawmakers have indicated their intention to continue growing the Education Freedom Account Program
- I've heard many of our lawmakers express concerns about how we are caring for seniors, especially as
Committee:
All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- While talking to lawmakers back home, they, like me, were shocked that fentanyl was not already included
- He told a story all around the state of Oklahoma, urging lawmakers to correct this gap in testing and
Bills:
HB2947 , HB3257 , HB3264 , HB3834 , HB3940 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB4003 , HB4118 , HB4326 , HB4346 , HB4421
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, criminal justice, minimum sentences, parole eligibility, violent crimes, Oklahoma statutes, HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I’m here to present AB 1754, which will provide voters and lawmakers with information about whether
- Improved tracking will strengthen public trust and provide lawmakers with data to inform and improve
- Today I'm here to present AB 1754, which will provide voters and lawmakers with information about whether
- Improved tracking will strengthen public trust and provide lawmakers with data to inform and improve
- Remember what this bill does: it mandates anti-hate training for elected officials, not the public, the lawmakers
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The authority's annual reports and these oversight hearings are a critical opportunity for state lawmakers
- finding and recommendation to the authority more than two years ago was for it to provide state lawmakers
- Thus, I believe the time for the authority and state lawmakers to find a solution to this near-term funding
- finding and recommendation to the authority more than two years ago was for it to provide state lawmakers
- Thus, I believe the time for the authority and state lawmakers to find a solution to this near-term funding
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee held an oversight hearing on California High-Speed Rail, focusing on the authority’s supplemental project update report and the newly released 2026 draft business plan. Committee leaders emphasized transparency, the project’s funding challenges, and the need for clear answers on costs, schedule, and scope. The High-Speed Rail Authority said the project has made major progress in the Central Valley, including substantial construction completion, right-of-way acquisition, and railhead development, and highlighted over $14 billion in savings from a rebased project plan, plus an additional $2 billion in savings in the draft business plan. The authority also said it expects to begin laying track by the end of the year and continues to pursue private-sector partnerships and clean-energy opportunities.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Inspector General both raised concerns about whether the current funding plan is sufficient and whether the authority has clearly identified the timing of future expenditures versus revenues. The LAO said the project likely still faces a funding gap for Merced-to-Bakersfield once financing costs and the loss of $4 billion in federal funds are considered, and warned that cap-and-invest revenues are volatile and may not be well suited for borrowing without additional safeguards. The Inspector General said the authority still has not provided a precise funding plan, estimated the project is about two years away from lacking funds on hand to stay on schedule, and urged lawmakers to focus on financing costs, procurement timing, schedule risks, and distinguishing true cost cuts from scope changes.
Members questioned the authority about proposed statutory changes, including CEQA and permitting streamlining, court resources, third-party process changes, sales tax exemptions on materials, and expanded land-use/value-capture tools. They also pressed the authority on the loss of federal funds, the withdrawal of litigation over those funds, and whether the project’s revised savings depend on moving station locations away from downtown Merced and Bakersfield and on other scope changes such as more single-tracking and blended operations south of Palmdale. The authority said it is still committed to Merced-to-Bakersfield, believes the business plan shows a path to completion with sufficient funding, and will work with the Legislature on any needed changes before the final plan is submitted.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 14, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 44
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nine lawmakers at that time. I yield my time, Madam Speaker. Thank you again, Madam Speaker.
- Six introducers are lawmakers on the other chamber.
- Nine<04:45:22.120><c> lawmakers</c><04:45:22.600><c> at</c><04:45:22.720><c> that</c><04:45:22.880><c
- May I yield Nine lawmakers at that time.
- Six introducers<04:45:50.480><c> are</c><04:45:50.640><c> lawmakers</c><04:45:51.480><c> on</c><04:45