Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster declaration'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 30 Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll declare the bill to have passed, floor leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Declare the bill to have passed.
- Stigalla declares the vote. Zero nay. The bill has passed.
- Present Mcain Declare the vote. ADi 9 nay have received the majority of those present.
- Members wishing to vote or change your vote, declare, prepare to close.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and members, HB 2496, Revitalization Districts Construction Contracts, declares that construction
- The bill declares that trafficking of fentanyl across our border is a public health crisis and requires
- This bill, HB 2136, would allow, at least, to declare approaches...
- It also declares that Arizona citizens have a right to hunt and that wildlife is the property of the
- It also declares that Arizona citizens have a right to hunt and that wildlife is the property of the
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills.
Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests.
A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 14 requires that two voters signing a candidate's notification and declaration are of the same
- of the things in the committee sub that's now been adopted is that we are now requiring that the declaration
- are of the same declaration are of the same party<00:10:37.800>
and <00:10:38.519>from - <00:11:13.399>
the that we are now requiring that the that we are now requiring that the Declaration - of the Declaration notification of the candidates<00:11:16.519>
U <00:11:17.200>filing
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably.
The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1192 by Mann, having received seven ayes and zero nays, I do declare the bill to have passed
- I declare the bill to have passed. Thank you again.
- A Senate Bill 1921 by Senator Murdock, having received seven ayes and zero nays, I declare the bill to
- Having received sevens and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 181102 to have advanced.
Keywords:
substance abuse, counseling, assessment fees, mental health, alcohol and drug programs, domestic violence, domestic abuse, assault and battery, assault, battery, strangulation, dangerous weapon, family or household member, intimate partner, pregnant woman, great bodily injury, batterers intervention program, batterers' intervention, anger management, victim safety
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-27 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My question is what may trigger the declaration of the state of emergency, and would current conditions
- in the state warrant such declaration of emergency?
- Currently we are in an emergency state as declared by the Governor. That would sunset.
- I would imagine the understanding would be arrived at to make that declaration.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1423, SB1426, SB1502, SB1377, SB1983, SB1466, SB1645, SB1647, SB1847, SB1565, SB1562, SB1329, SB1383, SB1833, SB1555, SB1344, SB1839, SB1280, SB1832, SB2001, SB1405, SB2143, SB1989, SB1393, SB1392, SB1395, SB1400, SB1220, SB1516, SB1239, SB1531, SB1349, SB1221, SB1538, SB1309, SB1434, SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138
Keywords:
Oklahoma Hospital Advisory Council, hospital licensure, public health, State Department of Health, State Board of Health, hospital regulations, healthcare regulation, hospital standards, hospital construction, hospital operations, stroke care, stroke system, emergency medical services, EMS transport, psychiatric treatment, chemical dependency treatment, substance use disorder, drug storage, pharmacy, quality indicators
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, that if you actually look at the Declaration of Independence, what we find is that everything
- Of course, the Declaration of Independence, authored by Thomas Jefferson, makes the famous statement
- >
of Of course, the Declaration of Of course, the Declaration of Independence, Independence, Independence - That is inconsistent<02:30:56.720>
with <02:30:56.960>the <02:30:57.200>Declaration< - /c><02:30:57.760>
of inconsistent with the Declaration of inconsistent with the Declaration of
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, there being 36 members present, a quorum has been declared.
- members present, There being 37 members present, quorum<00:05:05.360>
is <00:05:05.520>declared - > and<00:05:06.000>
the <00:05:06.080>Senate <00:05:06.400>is quorum is declared - and the Senate is quorum is declared and the Senate is authorized<00:05:06.960>
and <00:05:07.199 - <00:43:36.800>
an Beverage Control and declaring an Beverage Control and declaring an emergency
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7.
After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee SB 5167 2025-27 Operating Appropriations Apr 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So Disaster Response Account is one of the largest ones to a dedicated account, and this is at 77 million
- There's also modifications, particularly to federal authority related to disaster response activities
Summary:
The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs.
The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Commerce and Small Business
Transcript Highlights:
- for the rest of the country on helping lower insurance rates and storm damage when we have major disasters
- Uh, but those... we have major disasters.
Keywords:
internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, real estate, licensing, brokerage agreements, team structure, penalties, consumer protection, residential construction, architect approval, building regulations, engineering, single family homes, invisible disability, distinctive license plate, specialty plate, motor vehicle registration
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the things that we found is when this information goes out in public after a disaster, it can
- So this would help to maintain that privacy after a disaster. Are there questions?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met and considered a series of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements. The bill would allow more than one collateral liability insurance policy to back a warranty license and make related financial requirement changes; an amendment clarifying policy options was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification, which creates an enforceable requirement and private right of action for party-affiliation qualification rules, and SB 7004, an open government sunset review bill that continues a public records exemption related to housing assistance program applicants or participants after disasters.
The committee then took up several member bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 88 would create an opt-in framework for local governments to allow utility terrain vehicles on certain roads, with safety requirements and insurance clarification added by amendment; supporters emphasized local transportation benefits and law enforcement tools, while several senators raised concerns about misuse in urban areas, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 106 would allow substitute service through the same electronic platform used by scammers in vulnerable adult exploitation cases, with a 30-day hold clarified by amendment; it received support from elder law and advocacy groups and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 262 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code, including decanting, trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community property trust treatment, and was also reported favorably.
Additional bills approved included SB 402, which updates the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute by referring to armed forces as defined elsewhere in law; SB 700, which continues the public records exemption for site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; and SB 7006, which preserves public records and meeting exemptions for building plans and related documents depicting 911, E911, and public safety radio communication infrastructure, including next-generation 911 systems. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/13/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We would be forced to pursue in court to declare that the House was not duly organized. How long?
- <00:05:00.880>
that <00:05:01.039>the to pursue in Court to declare that the to pursue - in Court to declare that the house<00:05:01.400>
was <00:05:01.520>not <00:05:01.680>- a vacancy so remove pavlac and declare a vacancy so the<00:14:12.320>
fact <00:14:12.600>that - What I am worried about is that if the Republicans declare a kangaroo court and they're going to violate
- a vacancy so remove pavlac and declare a vacancy so the<00:14:12.320>
Summary:
Democratic House leaders Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long said Republicans were escalating the Minnesota House organization dispute by refusing to accept power-sharing, threatening to proceed as if they had a two-year majority, and planning to disregard the Secretary of State’s role on the first day of session. They argued that Minnesota law requires the Secretary of State to preside until a quorum is present, and that the House should follow the Minnesota Senate’s example of sharing power when the chamber is tied. They said Democrats had offered a compromise allowing Republicans to act as a majority for the first few weeks while they held a one-seat edge, then revert to the negotiated power-sharing agreement once the House returns to a 67-67 tie.
Much of the discussion focused on the Brad Tabke election contest and whether Republicans could use a temporary majority to remove him or otherwise reorganize the House. Hortman and Long said the swearing-in of members is a ministerial act and does not affect the election contest, citing past Minnesota examples where members were sworn in while legal challenges were pending. They said if Republicans ignore the Secretary of State and try to organize the House without a quorum, Democrats would go to court to argue the House was not duly organized. They also said Republicans’ claims about the disputed district residency issue were misplaced and that the Tabke case should be decided by the courts.
The leaders said Democrats were prepared to use denial of quorum as a backup if no agreement is reached, describing it as a quieter and less disruptive alternative to a long filibuster. They said the confidential swearing-in held the night before was done as an emergency backup because of security concerns and the possibility that quorum might be denied. They also said they were not worried about Republican recall threats, but warned that if Republicans proceeded with what they called a “kangaroo court,” Democrats might consider recall petitions for malfeasance. No formal vote or legislative action was taken in the exchange, and the leaders said they were still hoping to reach a compromise in later talks with Republican Leader Lisa Demuth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Kelly Moller departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- from the very democracy that we are celebrating on this 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration
- the adoption this 250th anniversary of the adoption of<00:04:42.480>
the <00:04:42.560>Declaration - of the Declaration of Independence. of the Declaration of Independence.
Summary:
This was a farewell floor speech by Representative Moller of Ramsey reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House and thanking constituents, volunteers, family, friends, staff, and colleagues. She singled out her son and father, noted mentorship from Melissa Hortman, and expressed appreciation for bipartisan work, especially on gender-based violence issues and with Chair Novotny. She also spoke warmly about Minnesota and the people she has met across the state, saying they made her proud to serve.
A major theme of the speech was courage and civic responsibility. Moller praised Minnesotans who welcomed immigrants, respected tribal nations, and supported equity and justice, and she referenced recent tragedies and public responses, including the June 14 events, the vigil for Mark and Melissa, the Annunciation families, and community support during a federal occupation. She also mentioned lawmakers speaking out against racial profiling and harm from HR 1, and recalled the 2021 House resolution condemning the January 6 insurrection and affirming support for democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections.
She urged members to continue showing courage, warning against silence in the face of wrongdoing and comparing the moment to The Emperor’s New Clothes, where someone must speak the plain truth. The speech ended with gratitude for Minnesota and the institution, and the chamber responded with applause.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the motion adopted. The minutes are approved.
- I declare the motion adopted. Questions of counsel? Seeing none. Senior Senator from the 13th.
- I declare the motion adopted.
- I declare the motion adopted. Further business? Seeing none. Adopted. Further business?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, I can't not have an opportunity to talk about disaster funding.
- opportunity to talk about disaster opportunity to talk about disaster funding.<00:58:13.440>
- c><00:58:22.960>
dollar continue to have billiond dollar continue to have billiond dollar disasters - 58:24.880>
a <00:58:25.040>ready <00:58:25.440>day <00:58:25.599>fund disasters - So, a ready day fund disasters.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations.
Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities.
He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- make it unacceptable to too many members, it doesn't pass, and then we don't avoid the potential disaster
- potential uh I believe disaster potential uh I believe disaster of<00:19:43.400>
the <00:19 - It was an epic disaster at the time, sending sales plummeting and took years to regain trust.
- to gain access to the data it was an to gain access to the data it was an epic<01:18:49.159>
disaster - at the time sending sales epic disaster at the time sending sales plummeting<01:18:51.560>
and
Keywords:
redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rules RESCHEDULED to Wed., April 15, 2026, 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Declare the vote: seven aye, two nay. With a vote of seven... Declare the vote: 7 aye and 2 nay.
- Declare the vote: eight aye, two nay.
- Declare the vote. Six aye, four no.
- With a vote of 8 to 1, declare your vote to have passed.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026, would allow the state treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys. Supporters said the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and needs in-house expertise and faster legal advice; questions focused on possible conflicts with the Attorney General, fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included. After discussion, the bill was reported due pass by a 7-2 vote.
Senate Bill 835, also amended to a 2026 effective date, would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review by the Secretary of State. The author said the bill responds to antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and is intended to provide state supervision before boards take potentially anti-competitive action. Members questioned whether existing court remedies and Attorney General oversight were sufficient, and whether a single official should have that authority. The bill passed due pass 8-2.
Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases, with the assessments used as one factor in bail decisions but not as the sole basis for granting or denying bail. The author said the bill is modeled on federal practice and is meant to help judges make fact-based decisions and reduce jail overcrowding, especially in Oklahoma County. Members asked about who validates the assessments, county implementation, and costs; the author said counties could choose their own approach and that the fiscal impact would not be significant. The bill was reported due pass 6-4.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 262, which was heavily amended and had both the title and enacting clause struck while members continued working on it. The bill concerns moving certain inmates convicted of nonviolent financial crimes out of county jails and into appropriate intake/transport processes, with the author emphasizing the goal of reducing jail overcrowding and inviting further collaboration on the language. Members raised concerns about fairness and possible unequal application based on community ties, and the bill was reported due pass 8-1 despite being acknowledged as a work in progress.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico, 57th Legislature, First Session, 2025, declares
- The House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico, 57th Legislature, First Session, 2025. declares
- Memorial declaring February 6th, 2025, Valencia County Day in the House of Representatives, House Memorial
- A joint memorial declaring February 21st, 2025, New Mexico Tribal Trio Programs Day in the legislature
- Declaring February 12th, 2025, New Mexico YMCA Youth and Government Day in the House of Representatives
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- sponsored by Representatives Cesar Aguilar, Lorena Austin, Walt Blackman, and Mariana Sandoval, declaring
- State of Arizona legislative proclamation declaring April 1, 2026, NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four
- schools to implement Celebrate Freedom Week lessons that focus on foundational documents like the Declaration
- It ensures that students learn the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution...
- It ensures that students learn the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing April 1, 2026, as NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in Arizona Day. Members also highlighted visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Tucson International Airport, and Autism Bringing Change, along with remarks tied to World Autism Day and Passover.
The chamber then considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1024, SB 1078, SB 1123, SB 1164, SB 1232, SB 1293, SB 1493 as amended, SB 1520, and SB 1572 all received do-pass recommendations, while SB 1665 was retained on the calendar. SB 1142 drew the most debate, with supporters describing it as conformity with a federal scholarship tax credit that would help Arizona students, and opponents arguing it would further divert public dollars to private education and expand voucher-like programs without accountability. Despite the opposition, the bill received a do-pass recommendation.
Members also debated SB 1293, which would limit how GPLET property tax abatements can affect school district taxes; supporters said it would prevent unequal treatment and protect statewide taxpayers, while opponents warned it could hinder housing and economic development. SB 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction, was supported as a civics and civic-health measure and opposed as an unfunded mandate that bypasses the State Board of Education. SB 1160, as amended, addressing drone restrictions near venues, was defended as a public safety measure and criticized as overbroad and potentially criminalizing innocent conduct. On third reading, the House passed SB 1097 unanimously, SB 1166 and SB 1216 by wide margins, and SB 1787 by a narrower 31-24 vote. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placed several bills on third reading or engrossing, and adjourned until April 2, 2026.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the motion adopted. The minutes are approved.
- I declare the motion adopted. Questions of counsel? Seeing none, the senior senator from the 13th.
- I declare the motion adopted.
- I declare the motion adopted. Further business? Seeing none. Adopted. Further business?
Summary:
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, and then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577 relating to driver's licenses. Counsel explained that the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal agreements with Ireland and Japan to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses, provided the foreign licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, clarifies that foreign license holders are not eligible to register to vote through the DMV, and allows the commissioner to set related fees and adopt rules. A strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment were adopted.
The committee heard from DMV counsel Adam Hawley and the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Mike Hornby. Hawley said the measure would allow citizens of the listed countries to avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, and noted West Virginia already has similar arrangements with Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Hornby said the bill was intended to support economic development and trade ties, especially with Ireland, where American workers and companies face licensing hurdles; he said Ireland had requested state-level reciprocity and that Japan was added because of West Virginia’s existing trade relationship there. Several senators expressed support, describing the bill as a symbolic and practical step toward foreign investment and job creation.
After discussion, the committee voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was then adopted, and the committee adjourned.