Video & Transcript Research : 'legislators'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Brian Metzger from the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- We'd be glad to work with legislative and department staff over the next few weeks.
- Zinma with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- We are working with Legislative Counsel right now.
- Legislative Analyst's Office. Hi, Heather Gonzalez with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance.
The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy.
The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank our legislative liaisons. I could not have done this job without you.
- Further discussion on the legislation.
- Charles County, approve and support this legislation.
- Charles County approve and support this legislation.
- Charles County have been asking for this legislation for years. Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 49 (3-18-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, this is the legislative branch budget.
- President, this is the legislative branch budget.
- And I encourage the adoption of the passage of this legislation.
- And I encourage the adoption of the passage of this legislation.
- <00:52:42.240>
Research people of the Legislative Research people of the Legislative Research
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Commission on Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota<00:03:39.360>
Resources. - And those draft work plans are all available to you as legislators for you to review.
- And those draft work plans are all available to you as legislators for you to review.
- This includes funding carry forwards, or what we call legislative extensions.
- what we call legislative extensions. what we call legislative extensions.
Keywords:
natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Pueblo cannot support this legislation at this time.
- We strongly support this legislation.
- Language like this matters in legislation. Intent does not.
- Language like this matters in legislation. Intent does not.
- Lillina Ortiz, legislator, is on for the New Mexico School Boards Association.
Keywords:
foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 26th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation builds Mr.
- You're comfortable bringing this legislation to a vote?
- You sir, yes or no, you're comfortable bringing this legislation before the body?
- We actually passed legislation to address that. Mr.
- Buckley moves to excuse those members on this legislative day who were excused on the previous legislative
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs Aug 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That graduation regalia legislation is just one step toward real belonging, as affirmed in pending legislation
- As we move forward with pieces of legislation, we're in our third piece of legislation now.
- And the legislator and Mr. Ramos, thank you for bringing this to light. Mr.
- , but enforcement of that legislation and holding people truly accountable when they wrong.
- Stronger legislative language when it comes to creating legislation.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions.
The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles.
The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect.
Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that was never the intent anywhere that we can find in legislation that that was allowed.
- Um, that was never the intent anywhere that we can find in legislation that that was allowed.
- Um, that was never the intent anywhere that we can find in legislation that that was allowed.
- Um, that was never the intent anywhere that we can find in legislation that that was allowed.
- Legislation for again those employees July 1st, 2023, to August 31st.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:07
Attendance Roll Call: 00:13
Approval of Minutes: 02:28
2025 RS SB 9: TRS Leave Audit Requirements & Process: 03:05
2025 RS SB 10: Overview of Enacted Legislation & Discussion: 28:38
Adjournment: 42:13, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the minutes were approved. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which concerns TRS sick leave audit requirements and process. Auditor Allison Ball’s staff said the audit is an information-gathering review of how teacher sick leave is accumulated, current balances, how many employers use the sick leave function, and the policies and procedures governing sick leave. Members discussed how unused sick leave affects retirement calculations, the distinction between the state’s financial responsibility and school districts’ responsibility, and whether the audit would also examine related leave categories such as personal leave, annual leave, and leave of absence. Committee members emphasized that Senate Bill 9 was intended to add accountability and standardize reporting, including preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave.
Several members asked for clarification on how sick leave is factored into retirement benefits. Witnesses and members explained that, under the system described, accumulated sick leave can be converted into retirement credit based on a teacher’s daily rate and then multiplied by a percentage, with the school district often bearing the cost. Members also noted nuances in the law, including different accumulation limits by hire date and tier, and that the audit may help the public better understand why some educators retire relatively young. The auditor’s office said it is still early in the process, has met with TRS leadership, and will report back once the audit progresses. The committee also asked whether maternity leave would be included; the auditor’s office said it was not specifically mandated but could be examined if the body requests it.
The committee then received an overview of Senate Bill 10 from KPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins. They explained that the bill enhances retiree health insurance benefits for certain CRS members who are non-Medicare participants and meet specified career thresholds, with different rules for hazardous and non-hazardous service. They described the benefit as $40 per month per year of service for non-hazardous service and $50 per month per year for hazardous service, both inflated annually, and clarified that these amounts are not cumulative with prior benefit formulas. Members asked about the interaction between the new amounts and existing benefits, and the presenters explained that the bill also changes current employee health insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2026, with different impacts by tier and hazardous status. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to affected employees and reviewed example calculations showing how the new contribution structure would work.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
GVO DEFER, GVO-WTL, GVO-AEN Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- If the legislative action opposes the majority vote, a written explanation is required in the legislative
- If the legislative action opposes the majority vote, a written explanation is required in the legislative
- If the legislative action opposes the majority vote, a written explanation is required in the legislative
- <00:02:19.640>
action issuance if the legislative action issuance if the legislative action - <00:07:59.759>
ly vision and concept of a legisl ly vision and concept of a legisl ly established
Summary:
The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused.
In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands.
Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Profury needed to answer legislators’ questions regarding his corrections work.
- Council... ...recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Legislative Council as
- Perfuri, as former Secretary of Corrections, should have been there to answer legislators' questions,
- Oh, there. ...there to answer legislators' questions, as I was told during that meeting.
- legislative branch that has the right and authority to do that.
Summary:
The committee met and took several budget-related items out of order. It first approved a revised Auditor’s Office letter and amendment that reduced requested salary and match increases to 10 percent for operations and UCP, and then approved a revised Lieutenant Governor’s Office request that kept positions at line-item maximums while revising regular salary and match appropriations to a total increase of $99,876. Both items passed without objection.
The committee then considered a member amendment from Senator Rice to Senate Bill 30 affecting the Governor’s Office. The amendment would eliminate one Governor senior advisor position, reducing authorized positions from 59 to 58 and cutting regular salaries and matching funds by a total of $264,895. Senator Rice argued the change was warranted because of concerns about former Corrections Secretary Joe Profury’s conduct, transparency, and refusal to appear before Joint Performance Review. Members debated the relevance of the amendment to current duties, whether the governor could still hire the individual in another role, and whether a Board of Corrections member could speak. After discussion, the committee rejected the amendment on a roll call vote.
Under regular business, the committee approved an OPM request to reinstate a labor market rate at the crime lab so it can recruit two medical examiners, with pay up to $300,000 for those positions. Members also approved Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for 11 positions tied to the new veterinary medicine school, including clinic, lab, communications, mental health, and administrative roles. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gov. Walz capital investment package 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just as a reminder, uh there were some changes in the last legislative session that will impact how we
- changes uh in the last legislative changes uh in the last legislative session<00:02:12.480>
that - session or future legislative sessions.
- session or future legislative session or future legislative<00:14:14.079>
sessions. - Uh so the full legislative sessions.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They will be required, through this legislation, to create that reunification plan.
- Yes, this legislation, I believe that part came from Representative Hunschofsky, but yes.
- That is not in this legislation.
- Well, that's in this legislation. The answers to that question are in the legislation.
- But we found Somehow, we found this beautiful compromise of legislation.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And during the meeting we heard from a number of stakeholders, many of which supported the legislation
- Chair representative the the whole intention of of this legislation is to ensure that live racing does
- Home of America's finest went to harness, racing off to legislation, allowed it to decouple from.
- I've racing legislation, allowed it to decouple from.
- In fact, the very entity that is pushing you to pass this legislation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- to grant these men and women of the Florida Senate the wisdom and knowledge and moral clarity to legislate
- And what I appreciate today is not only did you keep us from committing legislative math...”
- We will want, as you said, without doing anything, it would be legislative malpractice.
- We will want, as you said, without doing anything, it would be legislative malpractice.
- This is a necessary piece of legislation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0.
After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Bettencourt, I know you have legislation that we need to consider.
- This bill can also lay the foundation for future legislation.
- I think it's just an excellent piece of legislation. We're fully supportive.
- But we've got to continue to... ...put in place here legislatively.
- The only difference in the substitute is that it's a Legislative Council draft.
Summary:
The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending.
The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar.
The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 2nd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me give you a brief legislative history on this issue.
- House Bill 1349 here builds on the success of our previous legislation by extending the... protections
- I'm testifying on behalf of the Community Associations Institute, Texas Legislative Action Committee.
- This legislation will not remove any fees associated with reserving the room or any other requirements
- We show you registered as William Hickings, testifying on behalf of the Legislative Action Committee,
Keywords:
science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is our Florida legislative committee.
- Most you know, Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County, of course, is our legislative chair.
- that are currently serving on a legislative committee to include myself.
- Our legislative probably the course he's the sheriff getting together.
- Know the legislature had the wisdom to proactively pass that piece of legislation, but that legislation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 28th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As legislators, we get to vote on policies and legislation, and we hope that it would make positive changes
- And decided to introduce legislation on the subject in the context... ...introduced legislation on the
- I want to thank the author for this nuanced piece of legislation.
- Today, as this legislative term... ...peace and safety.
- I've had conversations as you heard with the chair of the API Legislative Caucus.
Summary:
The Assembly convened in Sacramento, established a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through the daily file with several procedural motions, including moving AB 1566 to the inactive file and removing SCR 177 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of bills, mostly on third reading, with many measures described by authors as support bills and passing with little or no opposition. Among the early items, AB 2257 on county jail accountability was presented but the call was moved before a recorded result was announced in the excerpt; AB 2529 on claims against public agencies passed 41-2; AB 2689 on affordable housing management passed 49-0; AB 1722 on fish and wildlife passed 51-0; AB 2071 on digital wellness instruction passed 54-0; AB 1976 on pedestrian and bicycle safety passed 42-17; AB 2012 on manufactured home transport passed 57-0; AB 2139 on surplus land and an Inland Empire soccer project passed 58-1; AB 1548 creating a Monterey Bay stewardship authority passed after the call was moved; AB 1707 allowing online electrician license renewal passed 60-0; AB 2105 on navigation app impacts passed 44-14; and AB 2051 on coastal resiliency permitting passed 46-6.
The floor also approved a number of other measures with broad bipartisan support, including AB 2074 on streamlined housing development in transit-rich downtowns (55-5), AB 2129 on Cal Fire firefighter compensation (57-1), AB 2279 on communications (16-0), AB 2282 allowing Del Puerto Health Care District to provide emergency care in rural Patterson-area communities (64-0), AB 2316 extending school facilities hardship relief to charter schools (59-0), AB 2337 adding theft by a peace officer under color of authority to serious misconduct (68-0), AB 2374 creating a state designation for AANHPI-serving institutions (47-14), AB 2464 on energy (67-0), AB 2537 on cannabis (62-0), AB 2562 requiring suicide prevention plans at alcohol and drug treatment facilities (62-0), AB 2667 on vape products (62-0), and AB 2727 raising the threshold for elderly parole review for violent sex offenses (66-0). AB 1958, which clarifies procedures under the California Racial Justice Act, was taken up later and the author said he would accept Senate amendments, but the excerpt cuts off before the final vote is shown. AB 2313, allowing customers with planned gas service line replacements to opt into electrification, drew debate over cost shifts and equity concerns before passing 41-21.
The most extensive debate centered on AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for accounts on social media platforms using addictive features and create an e-safety commission. The author and supporters from both parties framed the bill as a child-safety measure responding to research on anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and other harms, while also emphasizing protections for vulnerable youth and the need for age verification and ongoing oversight. Several members raised concerns about preserving access for LGBTQ youth, isolated rural youth, and others who rely on online spaces, but said they trusted the author’s approach and the commission structure. The bill drew strong bipartisan support in floor speeches from members who described it as necessary to protect children from addictive platform design, and the excerpt ends amid that debate without showing the final vote on AB 1709.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:04 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- “Unless this bill is passed and completes legislation.
- So I think it’s synonymous with completes legislation.
- I never intended on the legislators being in there.
- “I’m not trying to hurt the legislation at all.
- I think, you know, from our cold case, a previous legislation, sometimes long... ...legislation, and
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- hard work of legislating. hard work of legislating.
- Concurrent Resolution 6 establishes the deadlines for this legislative session.
- I had the opportunity to attend legislator conferences with him outside of session.
- ,<00:31:57.519>
talked talked about the legislation, talked talked about the legislation, - <01:07:59.440>
and being here as a legislator and being here as a legislator and exemplifying
Summary:
The Senate came to order, a quorum was established, and the chamber proceeded through routine business on the February 19, 2026 agenda. Several newly introduced Senate files were given first reading and referred to committees, including SF 3658 to Health and Human Services, SF 3665 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 3687 to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. Senate resolutions 54 through 57 were referred to Rules and Administration.
The body then adopted several resolutions. Senate Resolution 58, which updates the mileage resolution to add the chamber’s three newest members, passed 60-2. Senate Resolution 59, the annual postage resolution setting each member’s postal budget at $1,170 and additional amounts for the majority and minority leaders, was adopted 56-8. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, setting session deadlines for March 27 and April 17, was also adopted after Senator Howe questioned why the first two deadlines were on the same date and Majority Leader Murphy said the schedule matched recent sessions to expedite work.
The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spade Levy on her 104th birthday and recognizing her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter and her long community involvement. The chamber then moved into tributes for the late Senator Bruce Anderson, with multiple senators describing his military service, faith, veteran advocacy, committee work, and personal kindness. Senators Lucero, Grunhagen, Howe, Pappas, Lang, Putnam, and others shared memories of his leadership and character, and the presiding officer noted that members could later sing in his honor after the remarks concluded.