Video & Transcript Research : 'ACT'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the hearing, I'm here to testify in favor of House Bill 711, an act enabling all students
- The member said he was surprised that no one had mentioned the passage of the Educator Diversity Act,
- So I think as we consider, you know, this bill, implementation of the Educator Diversity Act, what I
- So as the Educator Diversity Act is implemented and as we continue to learn more, we want to continue
- However, DESE has not acted on this issue and has not created such a requirement.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held its 13th hearing, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Gordon, and heard testimony on a large slate of bills covering personnel and miscellaneous education issues. The first major topic was House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 327, the “So All Students Thrive” proposal, which would change reduction-in-force rules so districts could consider teacher effectiveness, student impact, staffing needs, and diversity-related factors alongside seniority. Supporters from Educators for Excellence, including teachers and a former school committee chair, argued that current seniority-based layoff rules can push out effective early-career educators and harm efforts to build a more diverse workforce. Committee members raised questions about tenure, union involvement, and how the bill would interact with the Educator Diversity Act and local contract negotiations; members generally said they shared the goal of diversifying the educator workforce and encouraged continued collaboration and feedback.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bill 658, which would require educator training on gifted and advanced learners. Parents, teachers, researchers, and advocates said Massachusetts lacks required preservice or professional development on gifted education, leaving many advanced students unchallenged and underserved. Witnesses described students who are bored, under-identified, or even discouraged in school, and argued that training would help teachers recognize and support gifted students, including students of color, multilingual learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Testimony also supported related prior bills on advanced learners and emphasized that the state should act on a 2019 DESE report recommending such training.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 736 and Senate Bill 435, which would establish de-escalation training for school transportation. The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said the measure would improve safety for students and bus operators, fill a gap in current school bus driver certification requirements, and better support students with disabilities. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4720, concerning the Athol-Royalston Regional School District’s state bailout-related reserve requirements; the superintendent said the district has long maintained fiscal stability but is still forced to leave over half a million dollars unspent each year, limiting resources for a high-poverty student population. After testimony concluded, the chairs read the full list of bills on the agenda, thanked the committee and staff, and the hearing was adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that the bill extends.
- So there are provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that the bill extends.
- There are some policy shifts regarding the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Last time under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also.
- But that's how we dealt with some of the provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Keywords:
property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property
Summary:
The committee heard and passed three bills before moving to a staff presentation on the state revenue forecast and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. SB 856, by Senator DeSantis? [sic], would require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated property taxes for residential properties using prescribed methods and DOR-developed formulas rather than the current owner’s tax bill. Supporters from county, city, and property appraiser groups said the bill would improve transparency and help homebuyers avoid surprise tax and escrow increases. The bill was reported favorably after debate about making sure the estimate appears on realtor and platform sites for first-time buyers.
SB 110, by Senator Arrington, was amended and then reported favorably. The bill clarifies that people holding 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead tax exemption even if the lease ends upon the tenant’s death, aligning those leaseholds with life estates for estate-planning purposes. The amendment, supported by the Florida Bar’s real property, probate and trust law section, clarified that lease provisions terminating at death are valid under current law. SB 434, by Senator Leak, was also reported favorably; it would prevent property tax assessments from reflecting increased just value attributable to wind-hardening improvements such as stronger roof attachments, shutters, and roof-to-wall reinforcements.
The committee then received an update from staff director Azar Khan on the new general revenue forecast. He said collections had been running slightly above estimate overall, but the Revenue Estimating Conference reduced corporate income tax projections because of weaker recent collections and uncertainty around tariffs, while increasing some other revenue sources. Members then discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which staff said would significantly reduce Florida corporate income tax revenue, with a large first-year impact driven by retroactive provisions such as bonus depreciation, research expensing, and business interest deductions. Senators and the appropriations chair said the forecast and federal changes would affect budget planning, and the committee adjourned after noting the bills had been favorably reported and the meeting was complete.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 7, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- LET'S BEGIN WITH A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE REACH ACT.
- THE REACH ACT WAS UNANIMOUS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION PASSED IN 2021 AND MODIFIED IN 2023.
- THE REACH ACT ALSO CREATED A FIRST OF IT'S KIND OFFICE WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TO
- IN 2023 WITH THE PASSAGE OF SB 240 THE REACH ACT WAS TASKED WITH FACILITATING COORDINATION AMONGST OUR
- IN 2014 THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As the only agricultural group to support the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act,
- So that was under the 1944 Flood Control Act.
- AB 454 will remove the California Migratory Bird Protection Act sunset date, making it permanent.
- to act against the unauthorized take of more than 1,000 native bird species.
- to act against the unauthorized take of more than 1,000 native bird species.
Summary:
The committee heard several water, parks, and wildlife bills. AB 764 would expand the list of exotic non-game birds that can be managed in California to better control mute swan populations; the author and California Waterfowl said swans are invasive, aggressive, and rapidly increasing, while no opposition testified. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 616 would make the State Library Parks Pass program permanent by allowing state parks to transfer annual day-use passes to the State Library free of charge; supporters said it improves equitable access to parks, especially for low-income families, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 293 would require groundwater sustainability agencies to post board membership and a link to Form 700 filings online. Supporters, including the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, argued it would improve transparency and public trust, while opponents said the requirement was redundant and could discourage service on GSA boards. The bill passed, but with some no votes. AB 639 would narrow the definition of dams so certain weirs used for irrigation would not be subject to dam regulations; the author and technical witnesses said the structures pose no safety risk and are already closely managed, while members urged the bill be narrowed further to the Kings River area. It passed as amended to Appropriations.
AB 679 would streamline land transfers for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks by exempting those acquisitions from the Public Works Board process. Supporters said it would speed conservation and park rebuilding after the CZU fire, while one member opposed it over cost and broader state land-management concerns; it passed as amended. AB 454 would remove the sunset on the California Migratory Bird Protection Act, making state protections for migratory birds permanent after federal rollback concerns; it passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned after add-on votes were taken for absent members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I strongly endorse the Safer Soap Act. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says...
- I'm Nora Angelis with Children Now, and we are proud to co-sponsor AB 916, the Safer Soap Act.
- pursuant to the CARES Act.
- that is not subject to the act.
- Preempted by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Summary:
The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes.
AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations.
AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of William Briggs, of Texas, to be Deputy Administrator, and Casey Mulligan, of Illinois, to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, both of the Small Business Administration. Mar 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I have introduced the Prove It Act again this Congress, which requires agencies to consider both the
- Briggs served as the Acting Associate Administrator during the first Trump administration and worked
- But when I was acting associate administrator, we implemented upfront checks.
- And are you supportive of the Prove-It Act? Yes, I support the Prove-It Act. And right on time.
- Senator, I actually have been reading the Small Business Act at night.
Keywords:
SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support
Summary:
The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If we act now, we stabilize today.
- Wouldn't the PROMISE Act like that.
- also a concern that now the PROMISE Act also a concern that now the PROMISE Act is<01:14:33.400>
- And these fraud the measures Act.
- more discussions on the promise act more discussions on the promise act tomorrow.<01:49:39.040><
Bills:
HF4477
Keywords:
Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness
AL
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- From the everyday acts of service.
- If we really wanted to put American Act.
- We've heard this bill described Act.
- Someone has to act as a chamber.
- I the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- H<00:06:59.600>
549, <00:07:01.040>an <00:07:01.200>act <00:07:01.440>relating - H.R. 410, an act relating to the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures.
- H.R. 410, an act relating to the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures.
- <00:08:51.760>
to <00:08:51.880>the H.R. 410, an act relating to the H.R. 410, an act - <00:09:05.240>
to <00:09:05.320>the H.R. 410, an act relating to the H.R. 410, an act
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 01/27/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill Number 1012A, sponsored by Senator Brock: An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to
- Next, Bill Number 1327, sponsored by Senator Parker: An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation
- Bill Number 1329, sponsored by Senator Parker: An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to
- Bill Number 5553C, sponsored by Senator Comrey: An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to
- enacting the Rate-Hike Notice Act.
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered several Public Service Law bills and advanced each one to the Rules Committee after brief discussion and recorded no votes or without-recommendation votes on some measures. The bills included proposals to prohibit utilities from using ratepayer funds for certain activities (1012A), establish minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers (1327), adjust residential fixed charges (1329), require the Public Service Commission to consider economic impacts when setting rates (1847), require utilities to adopt PSC-authorized equity ratios and returns on equity (1896), create the Rate-Hike Notice Act (5553C), suspend certain utility rate changes while allowing retroactive revenue recovery (5593), allow consideration of non-economic losses in penalty determinations (7165A), change the composition of the Public Service Commission (7328A), and let utilities retain revenues above authorized returns on equity (7693). Members asked questions about who would be affected by the bills, including whether fixed-charge reductions would apply to vacant units or vacation homes and whether economic-impact considerations could affect customers differently depending on where they live; the chair and sponsors generally explained the measures as territory-wide or applicable to all residential customers, with no occupancy or income-based circuit breaker in the text.
The committee then heard testimony from Alexandra Fasulo, introduced as an entrepreneur and farmer in Schuylerville, about her concerns regarding the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) and utility-scale solar development on farmland and grasslands. She argued that solar developers were pressuring landowners, including older and lower-income property owners, into long-term leases, that ORES approves most projects despite local opposition, and that the process lacks transparency, with redacted documents and limited public access to information. She also criticized the siting of solar projects on productive farmland and said decommissioning rules could leave equipment buried in the soil.
Committee members responded that the Legislature has already taken steps to protect high-quality soils, that ORES was created by statute and operates within the Public Service Department, and that DEC and ORES are supposed to work together rather than ORES superseding DEC. Several senators said they were sympathetic to concerns about farmland and community engagement, but also emphasized the need to expand renewable energy and balance that with land preservation. Members suggested that specific complaints about ORES transparency or solar siting could be addressed through future legislation or by inviting ORES and PSC officials back for further discussion.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026
Protection and Victim Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It acts as a connector helping families Outcome.
- This act amended the Federal Communications Act of 1934 to add new criminal prohibitions on the publication
- was brought up earlier, the Report Act, you know, there are different acts that they are mandated to
- However... ...2.0 Act was introduced. It did not pass.
- However, 2.0 Act was introduced. It did not pass.
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences.
The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability.
Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-07 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- uh would be amended to read an act uh would be amended to read an act relating<00:27:04.480>
- an act relating to alcoholic beverages. an act relating to alcoholic beverages.
- The act takes effect on July 1 of 26.
- <01:31:05.440>
The The act takes effect on July 126. - The The act takes effect on July 126.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the enactment of Act 107, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, private insurers in Hawaii are required
- Since the enactment of Act 107, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, private insurers in Hawaii are required
- 107 the HPC asserts that citation in act 107 the HPC asserts that the<00:36:28.839>
expansion - Secondly, remove the sunset language in Section 8 of Act 107.
- language in Section 8 of act language in Section 8 of act 107<01:29:42.320>
thirdly <01:29
Summary:
The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided.
The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 94 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House No. 1596, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Ayah Contraris, an employee of the Trial Court
- House No. 4276, an act authorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of all
- An act providing for the terms of certain bonds to be issued by the Commonwealth, printed as House No
- House Bill 4601, an act making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year 2025.
- And from the beginning, this act was meant to ensure that the law provided critical support for first
Summary:
The House took up several routine and ceremonial matters first, including a resolution honoring the Solomon Northup Committee and commemorating the arrival of the Solomon Northup sculpture in Boston, which was adopted. Members also adopted an order extending the Revenue Committee’s reporting deadline on House No. 4606, concurred in a Senate sick leave bank petition for Jeffrey Yatson, and suspended Joint Rule 12 for a similar sick leave bank petition for Jean McCarran. The House then advanced House No. 4413, a bill on the terms of certain Commonwealth bonds, to third reading and later passed it to be engrossed.
The main floor debate centered on House No. 4601, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The bill was described as a $2.25 billion supplemental budget with a net Commonwealth cost of about $750 million, covering MassHealth, snow and ice deficiencies, Home Base, universal school meals, reproductive health care supports, a sports and entertainment fund, and other items. The bill also included outside sections on public health and finance, and it ratified seven collective bargaining agreements. The House adopted Amendment 70, which added Health Safety Net funding measures, including higher hospital assessments and a $50 million transfer from the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund, after supporters said it would help avert a projected shortfall and generate federal Medicaid revenue. A separate amendment on Home Base eligibility was rejected.
The House also adopted a consolidated amendment that included provisions affecting western and central Massachusetts municipal health insurance costs and changes to violent injury benefit language for first responders, including clarifying the definition of a weapon and tightening the standard for covered injuries. Another consolidated amendment was adopted by roll call, and the bill itself was then passed to be engrossed by a recorded vote. The session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a motion to adjourn in memory of former House members Thomas and George, which was agreed to before adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Act 97 from 2015 and Act 15 from 2018 mandate 100% RPS standards by 2045, as well as commit in Hawaii
- Act 97 from 2015 and Act 15 from 2018 mandate 100% RPS standards by 2045, as well as commit in Hawaii
- Act 97 from 2015 and Act 15 from 2018 mandate 100% RPS standards by 2045, as well as commit in Hawaii
- Act 97 from 2015 and Act 15 from 2018 mandate 100% RPS standards by 2045, as well as commit in Hawaii
- There were two parts in that act.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- These include the Veterans Home Governance Reform Bill and the SPEED Act, monumental legislation that
- Written testimony will also continue to be accepted by the committee until the bills are acted upon and
- support veterans, active duty service members, and their families that built off the original HERO Act
- legislation, filed by That built off the original HERO Act legislation filed by the governor.
- I respectfully request that the committee act favorably on these two bills.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its first public hearing of the 2025–2026 session, with House Chair Rep. Joe McGonagle outlining the committee’s focus on veterans’ benefits, military families, and related policy priorities. He noted the committee’s recent record of advancing major veterans legislation, described the hearing as hybrid, and explained that testimony would be limited to three minutes. The committee then heard testimony on several bills, including H. 3886/S. 2503, H. 3863/S. 2480, and H. 3859, among others.
Melissa Willett of the Department of Defense and Rep. John Stanley testified in support of H. 3886/S. 2503, which would expand support for military families by improving school open enrollment flexibility, special education continuity, concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile matters on military installations, and coordination around military protective orders. Committee members questioned the juvenile jurisdiction and protective-order provisions, with concerns raised about federal versus state authority and due process; witnesses said the jurisdiction change would be case-by-case and that military protective orders are commander-issued decisions that could be used as evidence in civilian proceedings. The Department of Defense said the proposal aligns with priorities from military stakeholders and other New England states.
Jim Keene testified in support of H. 3863/S. 2480, seeking a cost-of-living adjustment for veterans’ benefits and extending certain benefits to Guard and Reserve members killed on active duty. Allie DeBateau of the Massachusetts Municipal Association testified on H. 3859, which would streamline veterans benefits administration by having the state pay benefits directly rather than reimbursing municipalities quarterly; she said this would reduce local administrative burden while leaving local veterans service officers’ roles unchanged. Committee members asked about municipal support and the fiscal impact, and the hearing concluded with no votes taken, followed by adjournment.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 41st Legislative Day Jun 25th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
- Not at this time, Madam Acting Speaker. Representative Collins. Thank you, Acting Speaker.
- Thank you, Acting Madam Leader.
- Thank you, Acting Madam Speaker.
- and then those intentional willful acts.
Summary:
The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request.
The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.
AL
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Federalism
Transcript Highlights:
- This is contained in this bill, but how do you define a person who acts in support of an organization
- this is contained in this bill, but how do you define a person who acts in support of an organization
- Travis, can you help me understand where this might be defined, the individual who's acting in support
- And I do think that we'll need to get some more clarity on whether an individual acting in support of
- a terrorist organization is fully defined, or who's going to determine what acting in support looks
Summary:
The Federalism Committee met to consider one measure, Senate Bill 1683, an emergency bill expanding Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary involvement in real property. The bill would bar foreign adversaries from leasing or otherwise obtaining a substantial interest in Arizona real property, lower the definition of “substantial interest” from 20% to 5% for contingent interests, prohibit foreign adversaries from installing or accessing equipment or data on Arizona property, and make violations a Class 5 felony. It also covers transactions designed to evade the law through intermediaries, shell companies, partnerships, or trusts, and requires certain utilities, telecom providers, critical infrastructure owners, and agencies to notify the Attorney General and Arizona Corporation Commission if they suspect prohibited equipment or lease arrangements.
The committee heard supportive testimony from retired Lt. Col. James Rusty Mitchell, who said Arizona has been a national model for protecting military training and argued the bill would strengthen those protections, especially around Luke Air Force Base. Committee members questioned the breadth of the bill, particularly the reduction of the ownership threshold to 5% and the definition of a person acting in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization. Mitchell said he was not the expert on those legal details, while Department of Emergency Affairs legislative liaison Travis Schulte said the definition is tied to federal statute. One member expressed concern that the bill could sweep in non-adversarial transactions and implicate First Amendment activity.
After discussion, the vice chair moved SB 1683 for a do pass recommendation. The committee voted 5 ayes and 2 nays to advance the bill, and the meeting adjourned.