Video & Transcript : 'special legislative session' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Aug 10th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Doug and Ken shared a special and unbreakable bond.
  • Session schedules are as follows: Tuesday, August 11th, check-in session; Wednesday, August 12th, check-in
  • session; Thursday, August 13th, floor session at 9 a.m.
  • Session schedules are as follows: Tuesday, August 11th, check-in session; Wednesday, August 12th, check-in
  • session; Thursday, August 13th, floor session at 9 a.m.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 3rd, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is the custom and tradition that we begin each legislative day with the prayer.
  • I'm reminded of a scripture as we start this session.
  • And standing next to her special guest today is Israel Gianna, Guyania.
  • She will be my intern this session on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Members, I have an intern with me for this legislative session.
Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Senator Darrell Weaver delivered the opening prayer, speaking about unity, humility, and Christian service in public office. The body then approved, by unanimous consent, the standing committees and their members for the second regular session of the 60th Legislature. The chamber also recognized the week one pages, who introduced themselves and described their schools, hometowns, sponsors, and future plans. Several senators then introduced interns and guests on the floor, including students from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, as well as a homeschool student from Blair. During announcements, Senator Hamilton noted the Local and County Government Committee would meet later that day in Room 2.30. Members were also informed that devotions would begin the following Wednesday. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Wednesday, February 4th at 1:30 p.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • The fees collected shall be deposited into a special account of the OHA special fund, and disbursements
  • The fees collected shall be deposited into a special account of the OHA special fund, and disbursements
  • The fees collected shall be deposited into a special account of the OHA special fund, and disbursements
  • The fees collected shall be deposited into a special account of the OHA special fund, and disbursements
  • </c> 2023 from the requirements of a special 2023 from the requirements of a special Management<00:50
Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is number three, the second hearing of our session that we're actually receiving testimony on legislation
  • We want to hear about why you're here to support certain legislation or oppose certain legislation, but
  • Please support this bill again this session.
  • Please support this bill again this session.
  • This is why the legislation is also crucial.
Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • session and in the prior year... ...with the committee throughout this legislative session and in the
  • But today, just today... ...on any bill this session.
  • Session schedule as follows: Friday, June 6, no floor session, no check-in session.
  • Monday, June 9, floor session at 1 p.m. Thank you.
  • Check-in session, Monday, June 9, floor session at 1 p.m.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5. The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote. The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 19th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I know that money is going to be an issue in this legislative session. and that there have been signals
  • I know that money is going to be an issue in this legislative session. and that there have been signals
  • Thank you for the question, Madam Legislator.
  • It's been a mess since our budget was diverted to San Juan County on the last day of a legislative session
  • The legislative body as a whole did years ago.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 15th, 2026

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • session for the next nine months.
  • Last session, you gifted me a...
  • show all those present in this morning session are present in this afternoon session.
  • Third reading of legislation.
  • But why are they special?
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day. After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session. During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Feb 12th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As the session begins, we ask for your presence to guide the hearts, minds, and decisions of each Senator
  • day and that we ...previous legislative day and that we adopt said journal.
  • Okay, from the Committee on Rules: Senate Resolution number 16, Special Order.
  • Sessions... Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Smitherman, Mr. Stewart... Mr.
  • All right, now back to the special order calendar. Secretary, please call the first bill.
Bills: SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 42 , SR 74 , SR 76 , HCR 5 , SB 710 , SB 710
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - Senate Finance

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, as it's... ...fisc, and the second is it prevents special-interest enrichment.
  • That was enhanced with legislation passed last year.
  • Sometimes a release has to be drafted that's specialized, which requires an attorney.
  • Thank you for your time and consideration of the legislation, and special thanks to you, Mr.
  • and special thanks to you mr. 36 thank you for your time and consideration of the legislation and special
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's bring our work session to order. Representative Bergquist, chair of the committee.
  • Representative Cortez, 38th Legislative District. Awesome.
  • I'm Representative Ortiz-Self from the 21st Legislative District. Awesome.
  • I would encourage us all, especially in this upcoming legislative session, to think about how to divert
  • So I know that all of you know I've spoken to this committee during the legislative session that there
Summary: The committee began with a work session on juvenile rehabilitation institution capacity, services, and staffing. DCYF Assistant Secretary Jennifer Redmond described overcrowding at Green Hill School and Echo Glen, driven by longer adult-style sentences extending past age 25, limited community placements, and small facility sizes. She said Green Hill remains above safe operating capacity, but staffing, injuries, large-scale aggression, and use-of-force incidents have improved over the past year. She also discussed Harbor Heights, a new 46-bed flex facility that had opened with 22 youth and would expand once a medical trailer arrives, as well as community transition services, vocational programming, behavior management reforms, and a request for more resources for mental health-focused facilities and staffing. Members asked about success metrics, developmental disability screening and supports, college access at Echo Glen, Mission Creek planning, and gender-responsive programming; Redmond said JR uses assessments, family involvement, and specialized living units, and that some requested funding had already been secured for returning a girls’ program at Echo Glen. The committee then heard from Team Child and the Youth Action Coalition. Greta Schultz said youth perspectives should guide system reforms and identified key concerns: overuse of sentence extensions, underuse of community transition services, continued criminal referrals from Green Hill to Lewis County, limited family contact, inadequate mental health access, and unequal education opportunities, especially for young women at Echo Glen. Justella Gonzalez, a former system-involved youth, said her time in county and state facilities was harmful, with staff mistreatment, poor education, limited therapy access, and humiliating restraint practices; she also said girls at Echo Glen lacked the same college opportunities as boys at Green Hill. Committee members asked for follow-up on county versus state experiences and on telehealth mental health services. The next presentation covered county-level services for youth involved or at risk of involvement with the justice system, led by juvenile court administrators Christine Simon-Smeyer and Judge Rachel Anderson. They outlined the juvenile court continuum from prevention and truancy work through diversion, detention alternatives, community supervision, and disposition alternatives, emphasizing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and restorative practices. Clark County was used as an example of a court that partners closely with schools and community providers, uses risk assessments and wraparound behavioral health probation, and offers detention alternatives without electronic home monitoring. They said most courts do not use detention for status offenses, but instead use court involvement to connect youth to services. They also described funding, noting that courts rely on a mix of state block grant and local dollars, and that recent cuts to early intervention funding reduced programming and staff hours. Members asked about detention for truancy, developmental disability identification, restorative justice practices, and the juvenile block grant. Finally, DCYF Assistant Secretary Nicole Rose and Katie Warren of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECAP discussed child care and early learning impacts from recent policy and budget changes. Rose said Fair Start for Kids investments had increased child care access, provider participation, and kindergarten readiness, with more than 60,000 children in Working Connections care and rising ECAP enrollment and provider capacity. She said recent reductions will raise most family copays in 2026, delay eligibility expansions, eliminate some expanded eligibility categories, reduce ECAP slots by about 3,000, delay entitlement timelines, and cut provider supports such as rate increases for centers, complex-needs grants, trauma-informed and dual-language incentives, and infant/early childhood mental health consultation. Warren emphasized ECAP’s role in family stability, workforce participation, and reducing poverty, and noted its two-generation approach to supporting both children and parents.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/09/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 1058, signed in open session.
  • Senate Bill 1237, signed in open session.
  • Senate Bill 1237, signed in open session.
  • interests benefit through legislation.
  • Signed in open session.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several points of personal privilege introducing guests and honoring military personnel and other visitors. Members also recognized a resident doctor in the gallery and guests from Sahuarita and Buckeye. Later in the day, the chamber paused to honor the University of Arizona men’s basketball team for its Final Four run with a legislative proclamation, and members met the team during a recess. The session also noted Motorcycle Awareness Day at the Capitol before adjournment. The House then moved through Committee of the Whole on a large consent calendar of Senate bills, adopting committee amendments and reporting numerous measures do pass as amended, including SB 1067, 1100, 1137, 1174, 1189, 1206, 1215, 1235, 1254, 1413, 1503, 1620, 1668, 1671, and 1754. SB 1428 was retained on the calendar. The chamber also sent SB 1160 and SB 1193 to an additional Committee of the Whole under House Rule 12P for further amendment, and both later returned with amendments and were reported do pass as amended. On third reading, the House passed SB 1058, which concerned firearm transactions and merchant coding, after debate over whether it would burden businesses and financial institutions or protect privacy and Second Amendment rights. The House also passed SB 1237 on election conduct and SB 1294 unanimously. SB 1372, dealing with reimbursement for nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists, drew extensive debate over rural health care access, insurance company practices, and the proper role of government; it ultimately passed 33-20. HB 2050, relating to radiologic technology, also passed and was transmitted to the governor. The House concurred in Senate amendments to several House bills and then adjourned until Monday, April 13, 2026.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-05-29 - 10:00AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Speaker, as we face the end of the session and the transition from this session to the next one
  • Uh, it is difficult to leave this very special difficult to leave this very special place.
  • The connections we have here and make here are special and significant.
  • We no longer list our home addresses on the legislative website.
  • We only have one day left of the session.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 5th, 2026

Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know I've asked this of you before during the last two rounds, the special sessions.
  • Yeah, not to rehash the second special session, but that was also legislation that we opposed.
  • The special session reforms of 2020.
  • The special session reforms of 2023 and 2024 have produced new transparency, and that transparency does
  • And Chair Petrie-Norris, you were a champion in the second special session on an E-15 bill.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • session.
  • It's an honor for you to consider this legislation, especially as your first of this legislative session
  • And notably, we're required to memorialize all this prior to this legislative session.
  • And the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, which was also part of the program, stayed under... ...Legislative
  • We took the actual language that you all passed out of the Women's Commission legislation last session
Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2006 session with member and staff introductions, then took up five bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Muzzall testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan cooperation. The bill drew 20 pro and 53 con sign-ins, but no questions or vote were taken at the hearing. Senate Bill 5825 would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments. Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the change would help sustain youth leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement programs, with an initial fundraising goal of under $50,000 and policies to be developed with OFM and legal counsel to manage donor expectations. Testimony from board members and volunteers was strongly supportive, and the sign-in sheet showed four in favor and one opposed. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in legislative offices from the prohibition on using public resources for campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify ethics rules and allow harmless historical or decorative items, but members and staff raised concerns about what counts as “previous” campaign material and suggested tightening the language. The hearing on Senate Bill 5863 focused on preserving Lakeland Village historical records until at least fiscal year 2030 and allowing archival access after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and disability advocates described the bill as an act of respect and historical accountability, and testimony from family members and advocates was unanimously supportive. Finally, Senate Bill 5840 would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require more regular C-4 filings; the PDC said the goal was greater transparency and easier compliance, while several treasurers supported simplification but warned about burdens from zero-activity filings and some timing provisions. The committee noted the bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned after the final hearing.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • document for floor session.
  • I rise today as the chair of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus in solidarity with our California Legislative
  • When I was PTA legislation and advocacy chair, she helped me edit and When I was PTA Legislation and
  • , February 11th, check-in session; Thursday, February 12th, check-in session; Friday, February 13th,
  • 11th, check-in session; Thursday, February 12th, check-in session; Friday, February 13th, floor session
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, completed the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors, students, and a long-serving committee secretary, Tabitha Volga-Sang, who was honored for 32 years of service. Members also took up a procedural motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to immediately consider ACA 14, the Taxpayer Protection Act, without reference to file; that motion failed on a 14-44 vote. The main policy debate centered on SB 106 by Senator Laird, a budget appropriation to provide $90 million in one-time funding for Planned Parenthood and related women’s health and family planning services after federal cuts. Assembly Member Tangipa offered amendments arguing the money should be directed more broadly to women’s health and hospitals, but the Assembly voted 41-13 to lay the amendments on the table. Supporters, including Gabriel, Sharp-Collins, Gibson, Krell, Bonta, and others, said the bill was needed to preserve access to cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, and reproductive care, especially in rural and underserved communities, and to offset the effects of federal defunding. Opponents, including Johnson, DeMaio, Patterson, and Tangipa, criticized the bill as lacking transparency, favoring a politically connected organization, and diverting attention from hospital funding and other health needs. After extended floor debate, SB 106 passed the Assembly 55-10 and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. The chamber then took up H.R. 84, a resolution condemning racism after President Trump circulated racist imagery depicting former President Obama and Michelle Obama. Members from the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, AAPI, Jewish, Native American, and other caucuses spoke in support, saying the post normalized dehumanization and had real-world consequences; Assembly Member Tangipa also stated the post was wrong and apologized on the record. The transcript ends during continued debate on H.R. 84, before a final vote is shown.
OR
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am the new legislative assistant for Sarah Gelser Blouin. Great. All right. We're good to go.
  • council about qualifications for special education and EAs, and a presentation...
  • Legislative council about qualifications for special education EAs and a presentation by ODE about the
  • And if I could just add one quick thing connected to that: during next year's legislative session, we
  • For the record, my name is Victor Ruther, and I'm a deputy legislative counsel.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/07/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • their legislative agenda for the<00:04:18.280><c> session.
  • </c> uh prior to 2019, we do need a special uh prior to 2019, we do need a special legislation<00:32:
  • The proposed amendment to the legislation does not require PERA to administer the special legislation
  • </c> being required to administer the special being required to administer the special legislation. legislation
  • special legislation which administer the special legislation which aligns<01:08:20.799><c> with</c><
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • You all look so beautiful, and I can see some future legislators.
  • do is to present ideas for legislation.
  • I can see some future legislators.
  • do is to present ideas for legislation.
  • This is a special hearing.
Summary: The Senate and Assembly Education Committees held their annual joint hearing with the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, where student delegates presented policy ideas developed over two days. Committee members repeatedly praised student voice and noted that several past student proposals had become law. The hearing began with opening remarks from legislators and student organizers, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and the value of hearing directly from students. The chair also reviewed hearing rules and explained that the panels would be treated as peers in a formal policy discussion. The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible activities such as mock elections, civic fairs, Socratic seminars, and public comment practice. Members asked about costs, grade-level flexibility, voter registration, and how the proposal would fit within existing curriculum time. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with expanded training and motion rights. Legislators supported the concept but raised technical concerns about fiscal impact, the need for odd-numbered boards, the scope of motioning authority, and whether districts would need reimbursement if the mandate became statewide. A third panel proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction by embedding it into existing classes, with curriculum and teacher training developed over time by state agencies. Members questioned how it would fit into adopted materials and whether the state should wait until the new high school financial literacy course is fully implemented before designing middle school instruction. The fourth panel proposed expanding restorative justice by creating a CDE task force and authorizing PPS-certified staff to use restorative justice training materials in discipline processes. Senators discussed prior legislation, confidentiality concerns in closed-session hearings, and the fiscal cost of a state task force, while expressing support for stronger restorative practices. The final panel proposed more active mental health education through short, twice-semester classroom sessions for grades 7-12 focused on coping skills, time management, and awareness of resources. Assemblymember Castillo and Senator Cortese questioned whether teachers and counselors could effectively deliver the program, whether it would duplicate or overburden existing efforts, and whether wellness centers or student-led awareness efforts might be more effective. Committee members generally agreed the topic was important but were skeptical that another curriculum mandate was the best solution, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations Committee, February 23, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 1 and that legislation, Senate File 123, both expend a portion of the 1% severance tax.
  • The third area is Senate File 81, which I believe is the recalibration legislation, and Senate File 1
  • and Senate file 1 uh both legislation and Senate file 1 uh both redistribute<00:07:17.759><c> the</c
  • This session here is entirely educational. There is no vote at the end.
  • And the footnote one special revenue.
Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I was just going to legislation.
  • have the special non-lapsing fund um have the special non-lapsing fund um established<00:13:44.639><c
  • </c> been not very supportive of special been not very supportive of special days.<00:31:43.360><c> Representative
  • This will take 10 to 6, inexpedient to legislate.
  • </c> around House sessions. around House sessions.
Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.