Video & Transcript Research : 'voting accessibility'

Page 130 of 500
WV

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 11:05 am

West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Does every member vote? Is every member voted?
  • All those in favor vote yea; all those opposed vote nay.
  • Has every member voted? Has every member voted?
  • All those in favor vote yea; all those opposed vote nay.
  • Has every member voted? Has every member voted?
Keywords: 994, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Thu Apr 17, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair votes I. I vote I.
  • Chair votes I. I vote I. individuals. Okay. individuals. Okay.
  • Um, chair for the vote. The chair's recommendation is to pass with HD1. Chair votes I. I vote I.
  • Any members wishing to vote with reservations? Any members wishing to vote no?
  • Any members wishing to vote with reservations? Any members wishing to vote no?
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Thank you.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School. The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs. The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 27th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • By a vote of 33 yeas and 0 nays, the resolution is adopted.
  • All those in favor of the bill will vote yes. All opposed will vote no.
  • Vote, members. Senator Barrow votes yes. Madam Secretary, close the machine.
  • When the machines are open, vote, members. Senator Duplessis votes yes.
  • When the machines are open, vote, members. Senator Duplessis votes yes. Senator Barrow votes yes.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest prayer by Pastor Lee Shipp, and conducted routine opening business including journal adoption, receipt of confirmation appointments, and House messages naming conferees on several Senate bill disagreements. The chamber also adopted or recognized several personal privilege resolutions and commendations, including honors for Grady Hazel, the Acadiana Veterans Hockey of Louisiana national championship team, Grambling State University’s 125th anniversary and related athletics/band centennials, the 2026 Governor’s Fellows, and a brief address by special guest Ms. Benson. Members then acted on a series of resolutions and concurrent resolutions. The Senate adopted measures creating or requesting study task forces on child permanency, medical malpractice review panels, driving school fees, the Minimum Foundation Program, and earthquake activity in north Louisiana, and it concurred in House resolutions on illegal dumping, gaming board review, behavioral health crisis center reimbursement, Medicaid incentive payment reporting, and a physician review panel study. Several condolence and commendation resolutions also passed, including those honoring Lewis Thomas Nelson and Josephine Ruth Kennedy, and the Senate adopted a resolution urging local governments to consider generator requirements for unlicensed senior and disability residential facilities. The chamber also took up House Bill 723, a motorcycle traffic-signal bill allowing certain two- and three-wheeled vehicles to proceed through malfunctioning vehicle-actuated signals under specified circumstances; after debate about safety and enforcement, it passed 33-3. The Senate then considered numerous House amendments to Senate bills, concurring in most, including bills on fluoridation/local opt-out, public assistance, nutrition, human trafficking training, bulletproof vests, adult residential care generators, cell-cultured food products, public benefits eligibility, attorney-fee limits in disciplinary proceedings, critical infrastructure protections, debit card surcharges, bank stock certificates, child welfare proceedings, digital student IDs, watershed restoration funding, innovation hubs, sports agent registration, and manufactured housing regulation. It rejected House amendments to SB 283 and SB 408 for further negotiation. The session ended with announcements for committee meetings and a recess until 2 p.m.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Vote after vote after vote.
  • Vote after vote after down the line.
  • yes vote and yield back. yes vote and yield back.
  • , the popular vote, in the electoral vote, the popular vote, in the electoral vote, every<06:38:47.600
  • all voted forward. all voted forward.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Jan 28th, 2026

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, show Senate Bill 1338 reported favorably. Thank you. Chair Leek.
  • Yes, by your vote, show Senate Bill 1338 reported favorably. Thank you.
  • By your vote, please show Senate Bill 1582 reported favorably.
  • By your vote, show Senate Bill 1672 reported favorably.
  • Equally important is access to enforcement.
Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered several bills. SB 1338 by Senator Burton would strengthen enforcement of written endowment agreements for charitable gifts and require legislative approval for new filing or reporting requirements on charities. The sponsor and Philanthropy Roundtable testified in support, emphasizing donor intent and protections for nonprofits; the bill was reported favorably. SB 1324, which was expected to address principal offices of LLCs, was temporarily postponed. The committee also passed CS/SB 1080 by Senator DeSigley, which directs FDOT to adopt rules allowing direct payments to first-tier subcontractors in specified circumstances. A transportation industry representative supported the measure, saying the situations are rare but need a statutory remedy. CS/SB 1582 by Senator Yarbrough, as amended, requires secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers, and pawnbrokers to submit transaction data to FDLE for statewide sharing through systems such as LInX; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably, with one witness from the Florida Recycler’s Association opposing the amendment. Senator McLean’s SB 1672, creating a home buyer workforce tax credit for employer contributions to help employees with first-time Florida home purchases, was reported favorably with support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. SB 1112 by Senator Garcia, relating to the Florida Labor Pool Act, drew extensive testimony from workers, reentry advocates, and supporters who argued it would prohibit placement fees when workers are hired permanently, require annual registration of labor pools, improve accountability, and support stable employment and reentry; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after recording votes and other closing business.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Agriculture Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Transcript Highlights:
  • CEMAP urges you to vote these bills favorably out of committee.
  • It's access to the land. It's the resources.
  • It's access to the land. It's the resources.
  • And so today what I'm asking you to do is help us promote that access.
  • So by voting in favor of H. 127, you'd be voting to prevent animal cruelty, limit disease risk, and strengthen
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture opened its first hearing by outlining procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony options, and the plan to hear 27 bills in docket order. The committee then took testimony on H.11/S.53, a resolve promoting equity in agriculture, with advocates from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Southeastern Mass Agricultural Partnership, and urban farming organizations describing racial and economic disparities in farming, lack of data on BIPOC farmers, barriers to land and capital, and the need for a commission to collect information and recommend policy changes. Committee members asked questions about the importance of data collection and future policy development, and the bill was repeatedly urged to be reported favorably out of committee. Testimony also supported H.118, which would create a special commission to examine the strengths and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s emergency food network. The Amherst Survival Center described serving 1.6 million meals last year and explained that food pantries are now functioning as essential parts of the state’s food system while relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and unstable funding. Members discussed the need for a more holistic look at food security infrastructure. The committee then heard H.119/S.60 on climate change impacts on farms and fisheries, with regional planners and farm advocates describing flood damage, rising costs, canceled federal climate-smart funding, and the need for direct state support for adaptation, resilience, and infrastructure improvements. The committee also heard testimony on H.125/H.142/S.65, a healthy soils bill, from landscape professionals who said construction sites often leave poor or stripped soil and that the bill would require better post-construction soil standards to support healthier landscapes and reduce long-term maintenance and environmental problems. Finally, the committee took extensive testimony on H.127, which would prohibit aquaculture of octopus for human consumption. Supporters, including legislators, scientists, veterinarians, students, and animal welfare advocates, argued octopus are highly intelligent and sentient, cannot be farmed humanely, and that octopus aquaculture would create environmental harms such as waste runoff, pressure on wild fish stocks, and ecosystem disruption. No votes were taken during the hearing; the bills were heard and testimony was received.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • access in a way that protects all trail users.
  • I rode one to the poll when I voted the first time I was elected.
  • Please vote yes on CSHB 4089.
  • Can we vote it out now? Are there any questions? We have three bills that we need to vote on today.
  • We're going to have a formal vote, or you can vote it now to present to you. OK.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 119 May 13th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I ask for a yes vote. anyway. And I ask for a yes vote.
  • So I ask for a I vote. vote. vote.
  • "Vote? Vote?" >> "No, ma'am." >> "No, ma'am." >> "No, ma'am." >> Representative Weineberg votes no.
  • a split vote.
  • And we ask for your yes vote. Seeing no further... Your yes vote.
Keywords: 981, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/03/2025)

Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • adults to believe that quickly accessing adults to believe that quickly accessing this<00:44:22.280
  • <02:04:47.159> on know themselves to be as you vote on know themselves to be as you vote on
  • <02:38:19.040> Yes<02:38:19.880> for this bill and vote Yes for this bill and vote
  • <03:29:50.560> and litigation limits common access and litigation limits common access and
  • He said yes. please vote itl on HB 377 help me stay please vote itl on HB 377 help me stay safe<04:19
Keywords: 1189, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 23rd, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any access to a school campus by someone trying to access one of these businesses, if it is customer-facing
  • Please vote against this bill to vote for parent choice and local control. Thank you. You can go.
  • A vote in favor of this bill, as amended, is a vote of confidence in our non-public schools, parents,
  • A vote in favor of this bill, as amended, is a vote of confidence in our non-public schools, parents,
  • We rely on access to child care year-round.
Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 23, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several education-related bills. SB 206 by Chairman Miller would require blood pressure screening for student athletes as part of physical examinations, with amendments narrowing the bill to student athletes and removing BESE rulemaking language. Supporters, including Coach Marcus Scott and the American Heart Association, said the measure could help detect undiagnosed hypertension and prevent serious health events. Rep. Freiberg moved to report the bill as amended, and it passed without objection. The committee also heard SB 305 by Chairman Edmonds, which would require a publicly available statewide career-alignment dashboard showing how degree programs connect to workforce outcomes, including graduation, employment, wages, and job placement data. Edmonds, student task force member Cruz Cassard, and supporters from workforce and business groups said the dashboard would help students understand Louisiana job opportunities and reduce outmigration. Rep. Landry moved to report the bill favorably, and it passed without objection. HB 624 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson would update public school emergency planning language from “crisis management plans” to “emergency operations plans” and align the law with current safety standards. School safety officials said it was a cleanup bill that would not create new mandates or costs. Rep. Carpenter moved to report it favorably, and it passed without objection. The committee then considered HB 1022 by Rep. Jackson, as substituted, concerning school-based health care services. Jackson said the bill was intended to clarify that medical decisions in school-based health centers should be made by licensed health professionals, not school staff, while preserving parental consent and not expanding services. School-based health center providers and health association representatives supported the bill, citing examples of improved access and continuity of care, but several members raised concerns about consent, the role of school staff, instructional time, and whether the bill could shift authority away from schools or create legal confusion. Jackson said he would work on amendments with stakeholders and legal staff. After discussion, Rep. Landry moved to report the substitute bill, and the committee approved it on a 10-4 roll call vote.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Appropriations Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge you to vote no on SB... ...to vote no on SB 896.
  • I urge you to vote yes on SB 1756. Thank you for being here.
  • So I ask that you vote against this bill. Thank you.
  • Please vote no on this bill. RFK Jr. may like this bill.
  • By your vote, show CS for SB 1756 reported favorably.
Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Feb 24th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge you to vote no on SB 896.
  • I move that we vote at 11:29 or 11:30 so that we make sure this vote gets up and out of this committee
  • So I ask that you vote against this bill. Thank you.
  • By your vote, CS for SB 1756 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, CS for SB 1756 is reported favorably.
Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756
Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 18th, 2025

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • And by your vote, C.S. for SB 160 is reported favorably. Vice Chair Pizzo, Chair Bradley. Yes.
  • And by your vote, C.S. for SB 160 is reported favorably. It's settled and present.
  • Yes, and by your vote, C.S. for SB 344 is reported favorably.
  • And by your vote, SPB 706 is reported favorably as a committee bill.
  • Yes, and by your vote, SPB 7, 2006 is reported favorably as a committee bill.
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up three measures. First, it considered SB 160 on public accountancy, which would create additional pathways to CPA licensure in Florida without lowering standards. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the licensure application process and effective date, heard a waiver in support from the Florida Institute of CPAs, and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call. Next, the committee heard SB 344 on telecommunications access system modernization. The bill updates the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 to reflect newer technology, revise outdated terms, broaden eligibility for the advisory committee, and implement recommendations from the Public Service Commission. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee heard supportive testimony from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc., including comments that the law is outdated, landline use is declining, and the system should accommodate wireless and other modern accessibility options. The committee then reported the committee substitute favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 706, a proposed committee bill on public records and meetings exemptions for NG-911 systems. The bill continues exemptions for certain building plans, maps, and related records and meetings involving 911 and public safety communications infrastructure, while updating the language to include next-generation 911 systems and extending the exemption review period to October 2, 2030. After no questions or debate, Senator Calatayud moved to submit the proposal as a committee bill, the motion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • And having easy access to a record of senators' votes might just make yours a little easier next time
  • You can see what they voted.
  • So I'm just happy to kind of be a part of that. every vote record, every [music] every vote record, every
  • > votes<00:02:13.621> [music]<00:02:14.000> might record of senator's votes [music
  • <00:02:46.800> or if they are deserving of your vote or if they are deserving of your vote
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Respectfully asked for your aye vote.
  • He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 13th on a 5-0 vote, respectfully asked for an aye vote.
  • He was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on May 13th, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
  • He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 13th on a 5-0 vote, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
  • I ask for an aye vote on SB 1338.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:26:39.440> I easily accessible I easily accessible I please<00:26:41.880> you<00
  • Also, we need a voice vote on the sub. The sub was a recommendation of the KDE.
  • Also, we need a voice vote on the sub.
  • Also, we need a voice vote on the sub. Questions? Also, we need a voice vote on the sub.
  • Appreciate your votes. Representative Proctor: I move to adjourn. Motion second.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 342, which would require all Kentucky students to complete a one-credit financial literacy course for graduation, with the credit able to count toward math, social studies, or an elective. Representative Meredith and student advocate Patrick Rovi argued the current financial literacy mandate is too weak without a credit requirement, citing low implementation across schools and the need for practical instruction in loans, credit, investing, and budgeting. Members generally supported the bill, while Representative Tipton raised concerns about adding credit requirements and limiting dual credit options, and Representative Willner questioned whether it would create an unfunded mandate. Supporters responded that the bill is designed to fit within existing graduation requirements and that free curriculum and professional development resources are available through groups like Next Generation Personal Finance. HB 342 passed the committee unanimously with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next considered House Bill 661, a technical cleanup bill related to the previously enacted nine-passenger van option for school transportation. Representative Emily Callaway said the measure only adjusts regulations needed for KDE to implement the earlier law effectively. The bill passed without opposition. House Bill 208, sponsored by Representatives Josh Bray and James Tipton, would require school districts to adopt policies limiting cell phone use during the school day and, in the updated version, restrict social media access as well. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve student attention, reduce cyberbullying and mental health harms, and address concerns raised by school disruptions and social media use. Members asked about exemptions for students with medical needs, emergency access, and whether districts would need new software; sponsors said existing district technology and local discretion should handle those issues. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then began taking up House Bill 430, which would let certain small-transportation districts seek an exemption from the KDE requirement for four annual bus safety trainings, provided they adopt a local safety policy and submit it to KDE. A district superintendent testified that the current blanket requirement causes significant instructional disruption for districts with very limited daily transportation needs.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, and by your vote, C.S. for SB 326 is reported favorably.
  • Yes, and by your vote, Senate Bill 1256 is reported favorably.
  • Yes, and by your vote, CS for SB 598 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SB 1588 is reported favorably. Yes? Okay.
  • By your vote, SPB 7044... By your vote, SPB 7044 is reported favorably as a committee bill.
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 7042 on legal tender and SB 1380 before taking up the remaining agenda. The committee first reported favorably C.S. for SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and what oversight applies. It then reported favorably SB 1256, which standardizes PBM pharmacy audits by requiring uniform audit standards, scope, frequency, penalties, and due process protections for pharmacies; testimony from pharmacists emphasized concerns about conflicts of interest, excessive audits, and disproportionate penalties, while preserving fraud investigations. The committee also reported favorably C.S. for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services after adopting an amendment that removed provisions on civil damages caps and phasing out direct disposers; the bill updates licensure and contract rules and addresses unclaimed remains. SB 632, which sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies during the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup, was reported favorably despite opposition from an attorney who argued the existing coverage framework should not be reduced. C.S. for SB 786, creating a nonjudicial process to close out undisputed trusts and discharge trustees, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 1110, a major bill expanding Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity limbs, and requiring annual reporting. After adopting an amendment clarifying eligible recipients, the committee heard extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the medical, developmental, and financial importance of prosthetic coverage, and members spoke in strong support before the bill was reported favorably. Later, the committee considered SB 1588, which implements last session’s legal tender law by refining definitions, narrowing custodian provisions, eliminating unnecessary examination requirements, and repealing the sunset clause; members raised questions about verification and anti-money-laundering concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7044 as a committee bill to expand public records exemptions to records relating to newly regulated custodians of gold and silver. The meeting concluded with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are dead last in access.
  • To navigate. for their kids to maybe have access to a good education. plate.
  • Make sure that they have access to a nearby high-quality school for their kiddo.
  • Members, I urge you to vote for this bill. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.
  • I had hoped that we would have 31 votes on this bill.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • It was access to the ITWIST database.
  • Did you have no access to that?
  • Yes, so you had no access to that.
  • sued in order to be able to get access sued in order to be able to get access to<00:21:17.240>
  • Representative Rabourn, I'd like to explain my vote.
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 26, presented by Senator Brandon Storm, Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, and Crystal Adams on behalf of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The bill would ensure Kentucky complies with the ADA by prohibiting disability alone from being used to terminate adoption petitions, parental rights, or child-placement petitions. Testimony cited Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases involving parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and national data showing high removal rates for parents with psychiatric, intellectual, or physical disabilities. The committee approved the bill 15-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 85 from Senator Steve Meredith and State Auditor Allison Ball, which continues the transition of the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Auditor’s office. Testimony focused on completing the transfer by clarifying access to the ITWIST database, ensuring complaints go directly to the Ombudsman, adding whistleblower protections, and making the office a separate office within the Auditor’s office for efficiency. Members asked about the prior conflict of interest when the Ombudsman was housed within CHFS, the database access dispute and lawsuit, and whether the office still remained independent. The bill passed with favorable expression after some members voted pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 805, with Representative Nick Wilson and Representative Sarah Stalker explaining a committee substitute and amendment. The bill would set timelines for the Cabinet to physically locate children reported at immediate safety risk and require annual kinship-care reporting to be automatically provided to the legislature and posted publicly. Wilson said the bill also cleans up language from last year’s House Bill 271, including changing “threats” to “risks” in the safety-plan definition and other terminology fixes. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and advanced the bill with favorable expression.