Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not just Republicans; that's also independents and Democrats. I talked to them about it.
- That's also independents and Democrats. I talked to them about it.
- opposing this bill were three well-qualified, well-funded, well-staffed, powerful, large national Democratic
- citizen. ...bill were three well-qualified, well-funded, well-staffed, powerful, large national Democratic
- So as I watch Democrats continue to just dig their heels in on some of these issues, this being one of
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state funds for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training-center needs, including Wi-Fi for reserve units at joint facilities, a reimbursement program for service members using personal computers, lodging and kind for drill weekends, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for each purpose, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which added national-security restrictions on networking equipment, removed the reimbursement and lodging provisions from the underlying bill, and adjusted the funding language, passed. The sponsor and several military witnesses testified that reserve and Guard members at places like Buckeye lack Wi-Fi, adequate HVAC, and lodging, forcing soldiers to use public libraries, personal devices, or sleep in cars or on armory floors. After debate over whether the state should fund needs tied to federal reserve units and how the money would be sourced, the committee recommended HB 2348 as amended by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 registered voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and reflect voter preference, noting the change from an earlier 1,000-voter cap to 2,500 after feedback from county officials. County and advocacy witnesses opposed the resolution, arguing that vote centers provide flexibility, are often more cost-effective, and are necessary in rural counties and large counties like Maricopa; they also said precinct voting would require many more locations, staff, and equipment, and could force some counties into central-count tabulation. Supporters argued precinct voting improves voter confidence and access. The committee approved HCR 2016 for the ballot by a 4-3 vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military, National Guard, and reserve members and to broaden acceptable identification. Arizona State Parks testified in a neutral position, saying the agency is self-funded through user fees and already offers discounts to active duty, veterans, and disabled veterans, but warned that expanding free admission could affect park revenue and rural economies. The bill discussion ended with the amendment adopted and the measure moving forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission - Evaluation Subcommittee 10/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- evaluate if we're going to change the law, which I think a lot of people are—legislators, bipartisan Democrats
- evaluate if we're going to change the law, which I think a lot of people are—legislators, bipartisan Democrats
- bipartisan</c> are uh legislators um bipartisan are uh legislators um bipartisan um<00:37:59.839><c> Democrats
- and</c><00:38:00.560><c> Republicans</c><00:38:01.119><c> alike</c><00:38:01.440><c> are</c> um Democrats
- and Republicans alike are um Democrats and Republicans alike are very<00:38:01.920><c> interested.
Summary:
The Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee met on October 6, 2025, to choose additional program evaluation topics for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mson Rodriguez explained that the commission had previously selected seven topics from an initial list of 11, with background papers already prepared on five of those items, and that the subcommittee was now being asked to select five more topics for background papers before narrowing the full set to four recommendations later in the fall or early spring.
Members discussed several possible topics, especially emergency medical services, non-emergency medical transportation, MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, medical assistance fraud prevention, and U.S. Bank Stadium. David Kersner of OLA said emergency medical services and non-emergency medical transportation are distinct programs, and noted the EMS topic was evaluated in 2022 while non-emergency medical transportation had not been reviewed since 2011. Auditor Judy Randall said MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, and medical assistance fraud prevention are better suited to OLA’s financial audit division or special review unit rather than program evaluation, and that financial audits and special reviews do not require Legislative Audit Commission nomination.
On process, Mson Rodriguez said the subcommittee had already met its minimum required selections under the commission’s policy and was free to choose additional topics. The discussion also covered whether to broaden the stadium topic beyond U.S. Bank Stadium; staff said the U.S. Bank financing structure alone would be a major undertaking, but they could help craft a future topic focused on maintenance across multiple facilities. No final vote or motion was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue nominations and discussion.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And had the House majority, the Republicans, done what Republicans and Democrats in this chamber have
- have hoped that my colleagues would be willing to come together to properly honor the victims, done Democrat
- caucus is Engaging in talent on both sides of the aisle, recognizing this is not a Republican or Democratic
- This is an issue we together can demonstrate to the American people that yes, Republicans and Democrats
- I'M HAPPY TO BE THE DEMOCRATIC CO-LEAGUE ON THE BIPARTISAN SCREENING FOR HIM ACT.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Any delays that happen in the industry beyond what Democrats and more across the aisle have quoted in
- Any delays that happen in the industry beyond what Democrats and more across the aisle have quoted in
- Any delays that happen in the industry beyond what Democrats and more across the aisle have quoted in
- Any delays that happen in the industry beyond what Democrats and more across the aisle have quoted in
- Any delays that happen in the industry beyond what Democrats and more across the aisle have quoted in
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- even people who work for the executive office of the governor, no matter whether the governor is a Democrat
- I thank Emily Bruno from the Democratic caucus staff for pointing out that under federal law, unfortunately
- There'll be a caucus meeting later this afternoon where I hope that the members of the Democratic Caucus
- I am not in this position because of Democrats. I got elected because of NPAs.
- And here's the issue: the Democratic Party in Florida is dead.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields.
Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration and Rules Subcommittee on Committees - 04/07/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it is agreed-upon language that was brought forward by both Republicans and Democrats, and it explains
- brought forward by both<00:05:03.919><c> Republicans</c><00:05:04.400><c> and</c><00:05:04.720><c> Democrats
- </c><00:05:05.600><c> and</c><00:05:05.840><c> it</c> both Republicans and Democrats and it both Republicans
- and Democrats and it explains<00:05:06.560><c> some</c><00:05:06.800><c> of</c><00:05:06.880><c> the
- thoughts that we shared with the other, both Republicans in the Senate and in the House, as well as Democrats
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public safety committee approves bill broadening state's self-defense rights, HF13 2/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- those bills were so off the chart in terms of being unworkable that even with full trifecta control, Democrats
- That's why it wasn't even able to get moved by the Democrat trifecta. It remains a bad idea now.
- /c><00:35:36.680><c> moved</c><00:35:36.960><c> by</c><00:35:37.040><c> the</c><00:35:37.120><c> Democrat
- </c> able to get moved by the Democrat able to get moved by the Democrat trifecta.<00:35:38.440><c> It
Summary:
The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries.
Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children.
The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-HOU, HHS-LBT, HHS-CPN, TCA-HHS, AEN-HHS Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- 06.559><c> thank</c> Next, we have Braha Ruth and Tarlet, again from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic
- Alan Verdick, Democratic Party Health Committee, is in support. Allan, are you present on Zoom?
- c><01:06:43.880><c> verdick</c> opposition present Alan verdick opposition present Alan verdick Democratic
- > party</c><01:06:45.039><c> health</c><01:06:45.319><c> committee</c><01:06:45.680><c> and</c> Democratic
- party health committee and Democratic party health committee and support<01:06:46.359><c> Allan</c><
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees.
In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees.
Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 30th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- a definite force to be reckoned with during a time where you had very collegial workings between Democrats
Committee:
House Administration
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 30th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- a definite force to be reckoned with during a time when you had very collegial workings between Democrats
Committee:
House Administration
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met with a quorum present and considered four Senate bills. SB 314 updated Delaware’s rape shield law governing criminal proceedings and evidence; the sponsor said it was developed collaboratively by the Department of Justice and the Office of Defense Services, and there was no public comment. SB 347 made technical corrections to the Medical Debt Protection Act; the Delaware Health Care Association thanked sponsors for early collaboration, and there was no virtual comment. SB 349 named the Millsboro Bypass the Senator Richard S. Cordrey Bypass in honor of Senator Cordrey’s service; Senator Petty Jodget spoke in support, and the bill was released. SB 345 would prevent minors involved in trafficking-related prostitution offenses from being tried for prostitution; there was no public comment, and it was also released.
For each bill, the committee took a motion to release and approved it by roll call vote. SB 314, SB 347, SB 349, and SB 345 all received unanimous support from the members present, with Speaker Minor-Brown absent for the first two votes and present for the latter two. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight REVISED: SB1101 and SB1966 - Added Apr 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Commerce & Economic Development Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's federal money overseen by the state and controlled, administered, and dictated by local democratic
Keywords:
SB80, legislation, state law, public safety, community impact, local governance, dental coverage, insurance reporting, healthcare access, dental loss ratio, community benefits, Oklahoma law, Athletic Trainer, Compact, interstate practice, licensure, public health, workforce development, military spouses, telehealth
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/25/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House DFL school safety proposal fails committee vote 4/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And they've not just been Democrat ideas or Republican ideas.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
- Right off the bat on Tuesday, we had ideas that came from both Republicans and Democrats.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important.
Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments.
Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It's representative of anti-democratic principles that we say we uphold. Thank you.
- Anti-democratic principles that we say we uphold, and on line 125, when we're listing the term includes
- But the point is, this is for all of us—Democrats, Republicans, seniors, juniors, sophomores, or freshmen
- for students will absolutely allow college students, trade school students, to participate in a democratic
- And I've heard Democrats and Republicans alike celebrate that good policy.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers.
The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is going to allow what many of my Democrat colleagues have said: that we will be able to root out
- To sit here and say that Democrats want accountability and transparency, we don't want to pay for it,
- I'm trying to figure out what would be the most fun with the Democrats.
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Democratic Caucus will meet in Hearing Room 2 at 9 a.m. tomorrow
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Democratic Caucus will meet in hearing room 2 at 9 a.m. tomorrow
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I was personally hurt by his comment that I don't know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat.
- I am a person of faith, and I'm a proud Democrat, and I was offended by that statement.
- I believe in closing that our airport should welcome everyone: Republicans, Democrats, independents,
- Giving credit where it is due, our past Democratic school superintendent canceled a contract the school
- When I first came to Florida, Democrats were in the majority as far as state government.
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of retained bills and several new measures, with most receiving favorable reports after amendments. Major debate centered on CS/SB 706, which preempts airport naming to the state and designates Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA and trademark-related conditions. Senator Jones offered amendments to avoid private royalty benefits, but both failed. Senators Berman, Osgood, Jones, and Pizzo spoke against the bill, raising concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and ethical issues; Senator Mayfield defended the bill as cost-free to the airport and noted the naming agreement. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements and CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, both with amendments and some opposition from the Florida League of Cities on the utility bill.
Several other bills were heard and reported favorably with little controversy. CS/SB 1500 would streamline uncontested probate proceedings; SB 962 would exclude farms and farm operations from certain zoning definitions tied to affordable housing preemption; CS/SB 820 would strengthen reporting for problem-solving courts; SB 840 would revise portions of last year’s hurricane-related land-use law to narrow its scope and sunset temporary restrictions; and SB 856 would require online property listings to show estimated ad valorem taxes, with an amendment excluding social media platforms and broadening liability protections. SB 110 would clarify homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases. SB 394 would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance from licensure requirements, and SB 434 would prevent wind-hardening improvements from increasing assessed value for residential property tax purposes.
The committee also advanced several public-safety and transparency measures. CS/CS/SB 658 and 608, a combined water-safety bill, would require safety features for rental properties with pools or nearby water bodies and authorize DBPR enforcement; supporters framed it as a response to Florida’s high child-drowning rates, and Airbnb waived in support. SB 748 would place constitutional language on restoration of voting rights on sentencing score sheets, with broad support from voting-rights and civil-rights groups. CS/SB 824 would require annual reporting of unimproved school-district land inventories, and CS/SB 848 would create a framework for off-site stormwater treatment and related credits, with support from builders and mitigation bankers. The committee also heard CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, which clarifies certification requirements and performance criteria after a delete-all amendment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I was personally hurt by his comment that I don't know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat.
- I am a person of faith, and I'm a proud Democrat, and I was offended by that statement.
- I believe in closing that our airport should welcome everyone: Republicans, Democrats, independents,
- Giving credit where it is due, our past Democratic school superintendent canceled a contract the school
- When I first came to Florida, Democrats were in the majority as far as state government.
Committee:
Senate Rules
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, the Democrats may feel like it's easy to flee the state, but it is difficult for a woman to flee
- I am the Secretary of Texas Young Democrats.
- I want the Democrats out of my wallet. I want the Republicans out of my bedroom.
- And if this bill is so dangerous, where are the Democrats?
- The numbers come from Democrats, independents, men, and women.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/24/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs heard HB 1790-FN, which would address involuntary admissions for certain individuals with a substance use disorder. Representative Lucy Weber introduced the bill for Representative Long, and the committee heard extensive testimony both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. Opponents, including John Burns of SOS Recovery and Jake Barry of New Futures, argued that involuntary commitment is not well supported by research, can retraumatize people, may increase overdose risk after release, and could undermine New Hampshire’s existing recovery and harm-reduction efforts. They emphasized that treatment should be voluntary, trauma-informed, and paired with housing, recovery supports, and other community-based services.
Representative Long said he was willing to accept DHHS’s request to amend the bill into a study commission, though he expressed concern that a prior state study had not led to action. He said the commission should focus on implementation details, including where people would be placed, staffing, withdrawal management, elopement prevention, length of commitment, and aftercare. He described involuntary commitment as one tool for people with severe dangerous addictions, distinct from drug court, and said it could help avoid criminal records. Committee members asked about capacity at New Hampshire Hospital and how the proposal would work in practice.
DHHS officials Katya Fox and Cynthia Pabonis testified that the bill raises major policy and fiscal concerns. They said New Hampshire’s current system has benefited from investments in naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, recovery centers, and community-based services, and that those investments have helped reduce overdose deaths. They estimated the bill would require a new 70-bed facility costing about $40 million to build and about $33.3 million annually to operate, with only a small portion offset by insurance, plus more than $600,000 in annual legal costs and additional staffing and system changes. They also said New Hampshire Hospital has 185 beds, with about 100 patients typically ready for less restrictive settings, and that housing shortages are a major bottleneck. NAMI New Hampshire also testified in opposition, saying families often want any possible treatment for loved ones but still opposed the bill. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- States across the political spectrum, Republican and Democrat, are already putting guardrails in place
- ,</c><00:19:03.640><c> are</c><00:19:03.840><c> already</c> Republican and Democrat, are already Republican
- and Democrat, are already putting<00:19:04.400><c> guardrails</c><00:19:05.040><c> in</c><00:19:05.280
- /c><01:31:19.640><c> and</c> independents and other states and independents and other states and Democrats
- and other states on Democrats and other states on legislation<01:31:22.080><c> that,</c><01:31:22.720
Committee:
Senate Labor