Video & Transcript Research : 'Congress memorialization'
Page 142 of 352
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In the last few years, Congress has appropriated only $35 million per year.
Keywords:
border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a memorial resolution. Right. The chair recognizes Mr. Harris for a motion. Thank you, Mr.
- HR number 229 by Harris in memory of US Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald of Palestine.
- Today I rise in honor To memorialize the passing of a true American hero.
- Speaker, I ask that we observe a moment of silence in memory of Captain Fitzgerald.
- HR number 28 by Leo Wilson commemorating the naming of the Adrian Combs Memorial Highway in Chambers
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 104 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Silent tribute and memory of Anthony Dugnan, a military veteran and long-time resident of Hamilton, who
- Former Representative Brad Hill stated that there had never been a Veterans Day or Memorial Day event
- Former Representative Brad Hill stated that there had never been a Veterans Day or Memorial Day event
- And employees, please stand in a moment of silent tribute in memory of Bruce Higgins, who passed away
- Detective Higgins was an active Boston police detective and a 1993 graduate of Catholic Memorial.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted congratulatory resolutions for Fire Chief Michael Sullivan of Wakefield and Joan Smith of Abington, and approved an extension until December 7, 2025 for the Committee on Public Health to report on current House documents. The House also concurred with a Senate referral of a petition on assisted living billing practices to the Committee on Housing, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two additional petitions to committee: one on penalties for reckless or negligent vehicle operation and another designating May 2 as Veterinary Youth Day.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended six House bills for consideration, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up on second reading. Those bills concerned the Great Barrington Fire District, a technical change to the George L. Dairy Inland Fisheries and Game Fund, teacher strikes, an Arlington town manager act amendment, payment of an unpaid bill by the town of Ludlow, and additional liquor licenses for Scituate. The House ordered all six bills to a third reading.
The chamber also observed silent tributes to Anthony Dugnan of Hamilton and Boston police Detective Bruce Higgins. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed Senate Bill 23 on alternate members for the Swampscott Conservation Commission, House Bill 2879 on continued employment of a Lancaster firefighter, House Bill 3977 on alternate members for the Beckett Conservation Commission, and House Bill 4529 designating the Wider Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell tennis courts. The House then adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session and adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Roderick's resolutions honoring the memory of Daniel Grover Fitch and by Mr.
- Tarr, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker.
- I move that the Senate adjourn in his memory. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, nay.
- The ayes have it, and the order is adopted, and I would now ask for a moment of silence in memory of
- The order is adopted, and I would now ask for a moment of silence in memory of Captain Andrew John Porter
Summary:
The Senate considered and advanced Senate No. 2152, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. The bill was presented by the Senator from Middlesex, who explained it was inspired by a Lexington constituent, Owen Rosenthal, and aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma around Tourette syndrome. The Minority Leader voiced support, and the Senate adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing the bill to engrossment and later to enactment.
The chamber also adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Andrew Satera, a Trial Court employee, and later passed that bill to enactment as well. In addition, the Senate adopted several resolutions commending National Safety Month, honoring Daniel Grover Fitch, and celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first religious society of Newburyport.
Other actions included suspending rules to refer a petition to dedicate “Bob Pizza” as the official pizza of the Commonwealth to committee, ordering a House sick leave bank bill for Dana Johnson to a third reading, and referring several House petitions to committees. The Senate also agreed to adjourn in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker of Rockport, and welcomed the Scrap Robotics team of Weymouth to the chamber.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Olivera, resolutions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and honoring the memory
- Would members and guests please rise for an adjournment in memory of Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez?
- I rise today to request that when the Massachusetts Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Antonio
- The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez, to meet again
- The ayes have it, the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Antonio, Tony Gonzalez, to meet again on Monday
Summary:
The Senate session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of several ceremonial resolutions. These included commendations for six lifetime members of the Beverly Rotary Club, a resolution marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and honoring Revolutionary War veterans from East Longmeadow, and congratulations to Nicholas Anderson on becoming an Eagle Scout. The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and urging residents and businesses to practice safe driving.
The chamber then acted on committee and House papers, suspending the necessary rules to refer a bill on public education about seat belt use in vehicles carrying many passengers to the Committee on Transportation. Another House petition concerning Massachusetts Water Resources Authority sewer service authority was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate also heard proclamations for Parliamentary Law Month and George Demeter Day, highlighting the importance of parliamentary procedure and honoring Dr. George Demeter’s contributions.
Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and approved an adjournment in memory of Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez of Ludlow, with a brief moment of silence in his honor. The session then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 97 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a homeowner of the first time, I was also part of the delegation last time, so it brings me back memories
- last time, so it brings me back memories now that I have visited here again and find all the familiar
- In memory of Bernard “Bernie” Fang of Charlestown, who entered eternal life on October 17, 2025.
- will members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute in respect to the memory
- That when the House adjourns today, it do so in respect to the memory of Mark Haren, a member of the
Summary:
The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters.
The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth.
The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . whose strength is a reminder of the legacy her son leaves behind, her commitment to keeping his memory
- My son in his memory. I am a proud mother of two U.S. Marines.
- My daughter's birthday is this Saturday, Memorial Day.
- And then we'll vote on the Memorial Bridge, and we're going to start. The vote is what I'm saying.
- It is the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge, so I'm taking it out of order.
Keywords:
driver's license, vision correction, medical verification, Texas Department of Public Safety, renewal fees, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates, license plate, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Code, general revenue fund, With Loyal Hearts, Catholic school, private school, religious school, school spirit plate, commemorative plate
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution 130. commemorating the centennial of Memorial Park in Houston.
- . we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park.
- For a century, Memorial Park has been a place where families gather, runners hit the trail, and Texans
- It's one of the largest urban parks in the country, and thanks to the dedication of the Memorial Park
- Your work in ensures that Memorial Park remains a true Texas treasure and a crowned jewel of SD15, and
Bills:
SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer
Summary:
The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- um North Memorial spent about 7 million. um North Memorial spent about 7 million.
- I do have some concerns with the removal of North Memorial.
- I do have some concerns with the removal of North Memorial.
- I do have some concerns with the removal of North Memorial.
- Memorial. When we heard the bill last Memorial.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you know, I don't want to muddy the water here about this plan to have this amazing memorial, but
- <00:02:01.840>
for Um Madam Chair, creating a memorial for Um Madam Chair, creating a memorial - I think we should be able to memorial. I think we should be able to do<00:02:54.200>
both. - That's left over from the memorial? Um, Mr. Wasloski.
- ,<00:09:50.240>
we'd that's going towards the memorial, we'd that's going towards the memorial
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Memorial 2 has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it do pass
- Senate Memorial 2 has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it do pass
- Senate Memorial 7, introduced by Senator Figueroa, a memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council
- Senate Memorial 8, introduced by Senator Block, a memorial honoring law enforcement officers in New Mexico
- Senate Memorial 9, introduced by Senator Pope, a memorial requesting the Legislative Finance Committee
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lovely, move that when the Senate adjourns today it do so in memory of Mr.
- Nick was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Elizabeth "Betty," whose memory he held dear until
- Motion prevails, and I would now ask for a moment of silence in memory of Nicholas "Nick" George.
- The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Nicholas Nick George.
- No, the ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Nicholas Nick George.
Summary:
The Senate took up final passage of two emergency bills establishing sick leave banks for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees Daniel Yender (H. 4104) and Mark Kratman (H. 4161). Standing votes were required to adopt the emergency preambles, and both preambles were adopted with three affirmative votes and none opposed. The bills were then passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor for approval.
The chamber also suspended rules to advance H. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Lynnfield Center Water District in Lynnfield, ordering it to a third reading. In addition, several House petitions were received and referred to committees under Joint Rule 12.
Members adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Nicholas "Nick" George of Beverly, a Korean War Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and observed a moment of silence. The Senate also welcomed Newport High School student Madeline Jackman and American Red Cross representatives, who were present in connection with a bill to require CPR certification for graduation, and received a visit from the Ambassador of Nepal to the United States, who spoke about Nepal-Massachusetts ties and the Nepalese community in the Commonwealth.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Collins moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Ms. Irene A.
- The Chair would ask that all members, guests, and staff please observe a moment of silence in memory
- The Chair asks that all members, guests, and staff please observe a moment of silence in memory of Ms
- The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Irene O'Shea and Tiffany Marie Horne to
- The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Irene O'Shea and Tiffany Marie Horne to
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one commending the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston for Caribbean Week and another recognizing Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week. The chamber also acted on several committee reports and House petitions by suspending rules and referring matters to committees as recommended.
The Senate then took up several House bills and, after suspending the rules, ordered them to a third reading: sick leave banks for Anna C. Contaris of the Trial Court, Kendra Winner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction, as well as a bill authorizing the town of Lexington to grant 10 additional wine and malt beverage licenses for on-premises consumption. Later, the Senate passed to be enacted a bill increasing the membership of the select board of the town of Mattapoisett, sending it to the Governor.
During the session, Senator Feeney recognized the Rolling Warriors Volt hockey team of North Attleboro, along with coaches, families, and supporters, celebrating their first U.S. gold medal at the North American Volt Hockey Championship and their upcoming World Cup appearance in Sweden. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Irene A. O'Shea and Tiffany Marie Horne, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Dan McColl, a beloved South
- It asks for a moment of silence in memory of Dan McColl, South Boston.
- The Senate stands adjourned in memory of Dan McColl to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m. of Hollis
- It asks for a moment of silence in memory of Dan McColl, South Boston.
- The Senate stands adjourned in memory of Dan McColl to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m.
Summary:
The Senate first took up final passage of two bills: one directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Jason Villian, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey certain parcels of land in Brockton. Both bills passed to be enacted and were sent to the Governor. The chamber also adopted a resolution celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. Massachusetts.
The Senate then considered several committee reports and procedural orders. Ways and Means reported a new draft for Senate Bill 2801, fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, and the Senate ordered the bill to a second reading with amendment deadlines and later-stage procedures set. The Rules Committee also recommended suspending the joint rule for a petition on animal telehealth, which the Senate approved, along with additional Joint Rule 12 suspensions to refer House petitions to the appropriate committees.
Later, the Senate took up Senate Bill 1646 on violations of regulations regarding hot work processes. After suspending the rules to proceed forthwith, the Senate rejected an amendment to establish a Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations, adopted the Ways and Means amendment, and ordered the bill to a third reading. Following remarks from Senator Collins about the Walsh-Kennedy Commission and fire safety reforms, the bill passed to be engrossed. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Dan McColl, a South Boston artist and newspaper man, and then adjourned to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 15 (1-28-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I rise for a vote on memorial resolution. >> Please proceed.
- I rise for a vote on memorial I rise for a vote on memorial resolution. resolution. resolution.
- <00:28:46.320>
Bob <00:28:46.720>Pernell loving memory of Robert E. - Bob Pernell loving memory of Robert E.
- Senate resolution number 33 memorial Senate resolution number 33 memorial resolution.<00:28:56.399
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and approved the journal. The House clerk communicated that the House had passed House Bills 34 and 306 and requested concurrence. The State and Local Government Committee reported Senate Bills 20 and 68 favorably, and several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on Kentucky-grown agricultural procurement, an endowed research fund, unemployment insurance, postsecondary education, wrongful conviction compensation, massage therapy, local fiscal reporting, and a resolution honoring John and Debbie Rogers.
The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 23, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directing state agencies to advance food-as-medicine initiatives. The sponsor described the resolution as a statewide framework to connect nutrition, health care, agriculture, and local food systems, emphasizing partnerships with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, better health outcomes, and support for Kentucky farmers and rural communities. Senators from Taylor and Callaway spoke in support, citing local examples and the goal of building Kentucky-based solutions rather than importing them. The committee substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 35-0.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 56 honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig, and Senate Resolution 33 honoring Robert E. “Bob” Pernell, Sr. Senate Resolution 22, honoring Brian J. Hat, was likewise adopted. After the day’s business, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees. Later, the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bills 1-4 to Education, Senate Bill 48 to Judiciary, and Senate Bills 84 and 102 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the VMAP committee, Judiciary, the Kentucky Japan Caucus, the Kentucky Israel Caucus, and an American Cancer Society action day.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:32 am
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They ignored both the spirit and the intent of the memorial.
- They ignored both the spirit and the intent of the memorial.
- You're correct; a memorial is not law.
- We also participated. in the House Memorial as a member.
- Yes, you in the House Memorial as a member.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 5989, a bill to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. First reading of the bill.
- House Bill 5989, a bill to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. Second reading of the bill.
- House Bill 5989, a bill to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. First reading of the bill.
- House Bill 5989, a bill to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. Second reading of the bill.
- House Bill 5989, a bill to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. First reading of the bill.
Summary:
The Senate met with 29 members present and a quorum, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary and full excusals for absent senators. During introduction and referral, the chamber received a large number of new Senate bills and House bills, covering election law, public health, occupational and skilled trades regulation, school code and school aid issues, child protection, cemetery and funeral regulation, insurance, estates, food law, political activity, credit unions, social welfare, transportation, natural resources, and a veterans hyperbaric oxygen therapy grant/fund proposal. All of these measures were read and referred to the appropriate committees; no substantive debate occurred at this stage.
The Senate then moved into the Committee of the Whole and considered Senate Bills 480, 517, and 278. SB 480, dealing with child care organization licensing and regulation, received and adopted a committee substitute and advanced. SB 517, a Revised School Code bill, received and adopted a floor substitute and advanced. SB 278, amending the State Housing Development Authority Act, was reported without amendment and advanced. The Committee of the Whole reported SBs 480 and 517 with amendments and SB 278 without amendment, and the Senate concurred in those recommendations.
On third reading, the Senate took up Senate Bill 49, amending the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Senate Bill 50, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. Senator Albert offered an amendment to SB 49 to require citations within six months of a violation, arguing it would align with federal standards and provide certainty; the amendment failed. Both SB 49 and SB 50 then passed by votes of 20-15, with three senators excused. The Senate also suspended the rules to immediately consider Senate Resolution 134, which recognized June 23-29, 2026 as Grassroots Week; Senator Kavanaugh spoke in support, citing civil rights history and modern grassroots organizing, and the resolution was adopted. The chamber then proceeded to statements and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This will not only honor the memory of those that we lost, but will also be the best of who we are as
- Spilka, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of the victims of the September
- Spilka, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of the victims of the September
- I would ask now all members, guests, and staff to join me in a moment of silence in memory of all those
- The Senate stands adjourned in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two congratulatory resolutions recognizing IBEW Local 103’s 125th anniversary and the Town of Tewksbury’s 375th anniversary. It then took up several local and private bills, including a revised charter bill for the City of Somerville and a sick leave bank bill for a Department of Corrections employee, both of which were advanced to engrossment. The chamber also suspended various joint rules to refer several House and Senate petitions to the appropriate committees.
During the session, Senator Carr delivered a personal privilege statement reflecting on the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and urging unity, compassion, and resolve in the face of division and violence. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported favorably on bills updating Nikki’s Law and the MassHealth day habilitation program, allowing fentanyl test strips, and regulating affordable car rentals; the Senate suspended the rules to consider these matters forthwith and ordered the first two to third reading, while adopting a Ways and Means amendment and advancing the car rental bill as amended.
The Senate also concurred in House amendments to the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, adopted emergency preambles for two sick leave bank bills, and passed several measures to be enacted, including sick leave bank bills, the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, and a charter bill for the City of Saugus. The chamber adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m., approved a motion to adjourn in memory of the victims of September 11, and observed a moment of silence before adjourning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And did you have further discussions about memorializing that in an updated contract?
- McKinley, you don’t object to the…” notes to refresh your memory?
- “Yeah, so I have a harder time with long-term memory...”
- I have a very good short-term memory, which has served me well...” “...long-term memory.
- But long-term memory can be impacted.
Summary:
The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case.
The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding.
Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Quinn Memorial Highway.
- Quinn and president of his memorial association.
- Quinn Memorial Highway. Lester Floyd, L.F.
- This memorial does not name a road. This memorial does not name a roadway lightly.
- I think that it seems like a good idea that this, the Memorial Association and Mr.
Bills:
SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020
Keywords:
appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons
Summary:
The committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and held SB 1138 for further changes. It then heard SB 1035, which appropriates about $34 million from the General Fund for a 5% pay increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees, with an amendment extending the raise to private prison employees under contract. Supporters said DOC pay is not competitive and vacancies are high; opponents questioned paying private prison staff and raised concerns about private prison incentives. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1035 a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote.
The committee also approved two memorials to rename highways: SCM 1002 for L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway and SCM 1006 for PFC Michael Nolan Memorial Highway. Both measures drew emotional testimony about the honorees’ public service and military sacrifice, and both received do pass recommendations, with SCM 1002 passing 9-1 and SCM 1006 passing 9-1 after members discussed tribal jurisdiction and agreed to follow up with a letter to the tribe.
SB 1065, which would appropriate $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, was supported by the sponsor and researchers who said the treatment can help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, pain, and related conditions. Some members objected that the FDA has not approved HBOT for many of the claimed uses and questioned prior unspent funding, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance-count rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, also passed unanimously.
Later, the committee approved SB 1204, a $5.5 million General Fund appropriation to design and analyze improvements to the U.S. 60/Loop 303 interchange, after testimony from local officials and residents about severe congestion, crashes, and public safety delays; it passed 8-1. SB 1207, a $150,000 study on financing mechanisms for development-related infrastructure along the same corridor, also passed 7-1. Finally, SB 1001, which restores $1 million for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after testimony from blind seniors and advocates about long waitlists and the program’s role in preserving independence. The committee then began SB 1274, a police foundation specialty license plate bill, with sponsor and foundation testimony describing wellness, remembrance, and youth programs funded by plate revenues, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.