Video & Transcript : 'special legislative session' :

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 20, March 5, 2026-PM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It has truly been an honor to serve as an intern during this legislative session.
  • It has truly been an honor to serve as an intern during this legislative session.
  • It has truly been an honor to serve as an intern during this legislative session.
  • It has truly been an honor to serve as an intern during this legislative session.
  • The work you all have done this legislative session will be the groundwork for future generations of
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Review Feb 17th, 2026

Legislative Review

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, with the Committee on Legislative Review, please come to order.
  • We will now go into executive session. I move that. Eight present with the quorum.
  • We will now go into executive session. I move that House Bill 2408 be voted due pass.
  • That concludes the executive session for legislative review. I now would go into the open session.
  • And House Bill 3090 is going to take Missouri's special funds in the state treasury, and those funds
Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met in executive session and voted House Bill 2408 due pass by an 8-0 roll call. It then considered House Bill 3092, where a House Committee amendment was adopted and rolled into a House Committee substitute despite objections that the amendment had not received a public hearing and would repeal significant insurance-related provisions. The substitute for HB 3092 was then approved 6-3. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 3004, which passed unanimously 9-0. In open hearing, Representative Hausman presented House Bill 3090 as a transparency measure requiring the state treasurer to report annually on special treasury funds that have had no spending for five years and whether those funds were moved to general revenue. She said the bill would help lawmakers identify inactive accounts and unused money. Members asked how the reporting would work, what funds might be affected, and whether the bill would move unused balances into GR after five years; the sponsor said it would. No witnesses testified for or against, and the hearing closed. The committee then heard House Bill 3205 from Representative Castile, which would regulate third-party litigation funding, require disclosure of outside and foreign-linked funders, restrict funding from foreign adversaries, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Members questioned the bill’s scope, including whether the foreign-terrorist language could be read too broadly and how liability and funding-risk provisions would work. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Insurance Coalition/Missouri Civil Justice Coalition, and medical associations, all arguing that litigation funding can distort lawsuits, hide outside influence, and expose businesses and plaintiffs to abusive or foreign-backed financing. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Because increasingly, they need special levies just to cover these things.
  • My name is Alan Acosta with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
  • I am also a member of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
  • The bill is to establish a legislative task force on the Public Records Act.
  • Let's begin executive session. Welcome back. Let's begin executive session.
Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a work group to plan a Global War on Terror Memorial on the Capitol campus. The prime sponsor and supporters, including veterans, Gold Star family members, and military advocates, said the memorial would honor Washingtonians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who later died by suicide, while helping secure private fundraising and a concrete plan for the project. No opposition was recorded during the hearing, and the bill was later closed without a vote in the transcript excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 2661, which would create a temporary task force to study public records request abuse, including frivolous, retaliatory, or harassing requests, and consider possible reforms. Supporters from cities and school-related organizations said some agencies face heavy costs, legal review burdens, and repeated or overly broad requests, especially in schools. Opponents from open-government and media groups argued the bill misdiagnoses the problem, could restrict access, and should instead focus on better staffing, training, technology, and compliance. The hearing ended without a vote in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee voted to advance several bills. It reported out proposed substitute House Bill 2637, which expands Public Records Act exemptions for certain personal information, on a 4-3 vote; House Bill 2632, which updates terminology for noncitizens, on a 4-3 vote; proposed substitute House Bill 2499, on conservation district governance and disclosure rules, on a 4-3 vote after rejecting two amendments; House Bill 2198, concerning the statewide credential catalog and online repository, on a 6-1 vote; and House Bill 2520, allowing emergency meetings outside a county seat and clarifying Open Public Meetings Act procedures, on a 7-0 vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • session.
  • I think this is my sixth session as vice chair.
  • This is her third legislative session. and having worked previously as the legislative director in the
  • This is his second legislative session as my. Legislative aid, so we have some good help.
  • This legislative session is developed by the Parliamentary Any questions regarding the rules?
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Productions are holding off coming here until the session is over and sees what will happen with the
  • Or the fire department on standby because you're doing special effects.
  • </c> industry and these are specialized industry and these are specialized companies<00:59:25.000><c>
  • It wouldn't have been proper given the legislative authority in front of us.
  • </c> funds in the stadium Development Special funds in the stadium Development Special fund<01:48:08.239
Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Feb 13th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Shed was... special election.
  • He is a member of the Legislative Council, the Joint Transportation Committee, the Permanent Joint Legislative
  • What we're doing is we're giving special recognition to...
  • So, thank you for this legislation. Thank you. Thank you for this legislation. Thank you, Mr.
  • This is such important legislation.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 4th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, over the course of the legislative session.
  • So last legislative session, we were granted $200 million and tasked with creating 200 beds, and it was
  • Last session was my first session as executive director and you made a significant investment.
  • I'm so glad I'm on this committee this session.
  • We've got about an hour until session begins. We've got about an hour until session begins.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:05.519><c> on</c> motion is inexpedient to legislate on motion is inexpedient to legislate
  • session uh representative Pearson I'd session uh representative Pearson I'd like<00:33:22.600><c> to<
  • </c><01:34:10.280><c> is</c> similar to what this legislation is similar to what this legislation is
  • </c> Grant the cola uh back then the legisl Grant the cola uh back then the legisl Met<01:34:18.239><
  • account the special created the special account the special account<01:39:02.920><c> was</c><01:39:03.040
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Eight - Monday, April 27

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today I stand here wearing a jacket, a very special jacket.
  • And, you know, it means something very special.
  • The next order of business is introduction of special guests.
  • Introduction of a special guest. Proceed, lady.
  • Special introduction. Proceed, gentleman. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 57th day by roll call vote, 125-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to honor former Representative Ken Waller and to remember Keaton O’Neill, a Rawls County teenager who died after a battle with brain cancer; the chamber observed a moment of silence for O’Neill. The House also welcomed several special guests, including a deployed Marine’s family, a Greater Springfield Board of Realtors leadership class, family members of a member, and an intern and family members of another member. Committee reports recommended passage of several bills, and the House took up multiple Senate-amended measures. On House Bills 2637 and 3155, members discussed technical corrections and added provisions involving sentencing effective dates, sex offender registry procedures, drone restrictions, health care treatment orders, and prosecutor salaries; the House voted to refuse the Senate substitute and request a conference. House Bill 2593, a bipartisan military and veterans bill, was described as expanding military leave, adding cybersecurity and emergency-response protections, strengthening TRICARE and Service Members Civil Relief Act-related provisions, and supporting National Guard benefits; it was adopted 137-1 and then truly agreed to and finally passed 138-1. House Bill 2974, dealing with license reciprocity and telehealth, was amended to include interstate compacts for athletic trainers, dietitians, and physician assistants; it passed the Senate substitute 109-29 and was finally passed 108-30. The House also adopted and finally passed House Bill 2108, a Jefferson City land conveyance and infrastructure measure tied to the viaduct area, safety improvements, and an added property provision for Northwest Missouri State University land in Nodaway County; the Senate substitute was adopted 138-1 and the bill was finally passed 138-2. Afterward, the chamber received Senate messages stating that the Senate refused to recede on House Bills 2596 and 2637/3155 and appointed conference committees. The Speaker appointed House conferees for those bills and named conferees for budget bills 2002 through 2013. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Feb 3rd, 2026

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, that will end our executive session.
  • I could go on and on about special districts.
  • And frankly, I agree with the idea behind the legislation.
  • There should be no special disposition, no special exemptions.
  • As I said, bringing Kansas City and not giving them special consideration or special favoritism brings
Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Bill 2709, including a substitute that combined language from HB 2709 and HB 2671. Members debated an amendment that would have separated the Hancock-by-subclass portion from a personal property tax provision; supporters said it would make the bill cleaner and preserve a separate property tax issue already addressed elsewhere, while opponents argued it would create inconsistency. The amendment failed, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for HB 2709 and HB 2671 was voted do pass by a roll call of 14 yes and 5 no. The committee then passed HB 1759 do pass by a vote of 12 yes and 7 no, with one member noting that additional tweaks were expected on the floor. Next, the committee considered HB 2925, where Representative Fowler offered Amendment 04H to remove the requirement that property tax elections be held in November and replace it with an affirmative-consent standard requiring both a majority of votes cast and at least 25% of registered voters voting yes. Supporters said the change would avoid forcing local tax elections into a narrow election window and would require broader voter buy-in for long-term tax obligations; opponents argued it would be a major change that should receive more public review and could distort local election participation. The amendment failed 5 yes to 14 no, and HB 2925 was then voted do pass 11 yes to 8 no. In public testimony, Representative Van Schoiack presented HB 2415, which would require assessors to use a cost approach rather than a market approach for valuing buildings, while still valuing land through the market approach. He said the bill was intended to address over-assessment in larger counties and under-assessment in rural counties, and to make valuations more objective. Testimony was mixed: a public advocate supported the idea as a way to address rising taxes and tax sales, while county assessors and other witnesses said assessors already use multiple approaches, that cost approach works best for new or rural properties but can be subjective for older buildings, and that forcing one method statewide could create inaccuracies and large valuation swings. No action was taken on HB 2415 during the hearing. The committee also heard HJR 148 and HJR 111, presented by Representatives Coleman and Taylor, to bring Kansas City Public Schools under Hancock limits like other districts. Sponsors said KCPS is the only district still operating under a special court-imposed arrangement from desegregation-era orders and that the proposal would keep the district at its current levy while requiring voter approval for future increases. KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier opposed the measure as written, saying the district does want to come under Hancock but needs to do so on its own timeline and with a planned April 2027 levy proposal that would maintain the current rate; she said the district is now fiscally stronger and has community support, including passage of an 85% bond issue. Committee members questioned the legal basis, the effect on KCPS and charter schools, and whether the proposal would interfere with the district’s planned ballot strategy.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • We know that when you have to buy specialized equipment or specialized consumable materials for your
  • You could think about tiered funding for those specialized costs.
  • session coming up.
  • As a middle school special education teacher, I can say that this is unheard of.
  • And I think we talked in the previous session about that. I'm a little bit confused about.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are. ...are in a special session.
  • I don't know how many of the bills still would have time in a special session, but this committee is
  • In the last legislative session, the 89th session, you funded a A project, for example, the city of Brownsville
  • As we maybe move into the next legislative session. Thank you. Thank you. Mario Cantu.
  • I think it's so important, and I don't think we could wait until the next legislative session to make
Bills: HB48 , HB66 , HB68 , HB71 , HB75 , HB164 , HB171 , HB254 , SB 3 , SB 18 , HB123 , HB149 , HB117
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Tribal and State Relations Committee Jul 22nd, 2026 at 11:00 am

Tribal and State Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • What are the needs that the state can address before the 2027 legislative session?
  • What are the needs that the state can address before the 2027 legislative session?
  • We're kind of already late. 27 legislative session, because that's what these sessions or these meetings
  • And so we're going to bring some bills back again this next legislative session.
  • With the LPRs—the, for those of you that don't... ...your legislative session, correct?
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Both pieces of legislation in this particular session are before this committee.
  • Forward-looking work is passing legislation.
  • yeah, hope that you do the same this session.
  • any special treatment.
  • , they didn't want any special treatment.
Summary: The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations. A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry. The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Funding (01/22/2026)

Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • So would have no session on the 29th.
  • ><c> after</c><00:42:22.319><c> special</c> secondary education after special secondary education after
  • </c> funding for special education services. funding for special education services.
  • </c> special ed, which is another problem. special ed, which is another problem.
  • </c> funding special education. funding special education.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 18th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • On behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I rise in support of ACR 195.
  • I rise on behalf of the new California Legislative Christian Caucus.
  • You see it as anti-LGBT legislation.
  • I will specifically speak to the parents' rights legislation.
  • The session schedule is as follows: Tuesday, May 19, check-in session; Wednesday, May 20, check-in session
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Sep 30th, 2025

Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The shenanigans that are the special session tomorrow and all of that stuff.
  • So we are going to have that short meeting, and the special session will start tomorrow.
  • And I think for me, especially before we go into a special session tomorrow, it's important to say out
  • And I'll just wrap, Madam Chair, before we go into the special session thing.
  • But we begin on this eve of a special session to discuss what federal impacts we will have in New Mexico
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Mar 31st, 2026

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, so ordered. previous legislative day and that we previous legislative day and that we adopt
  • </c> I'd like to recognize some special guests in the gallery.
  • </c> the Committee on Local Legislation. the Committee on Local Legislation.
  • </c><00:27:36.120><c> Mobile</c> Committee on Local Legislation Mobile Committee on Local Legislation
  • </c> Local Legislation Jefferson County. Local Legislation Jefferson County.
Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 30 senators. The chamber approved excusing absent senators, dispensed with reading the prior journal, and agreed to allow bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Several guests were recognized in the gallery, including local officials, construction representatives for the new statehouse, and advocacy groups. A series of House messages were received and referred to committees, including local bills and constitutional amendments for Macon, Winston, Perry, Montgomery, Mobile, Jefferson, Marengo, Covington, Tuscaloosa, and Madison counties, along with measures on campaign finance, title fraud, public health, workforce, income tax, legal tender, consumer protection, seafood products, carbon dioxide injection wells, and boards of registrars. Committee reports included favorable reports on Senate Bill 374 and House Bill 432 from the Committee on Local Legislation. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 97 commending the University of Alabama on its planned ROTC facility and Student Veteran Center, and Senate Joint Resolution 98 naming a portion of Highway 9 in Elmore County the Lamar S. "Bubba" Woodham Jr. Highway. During personal privilege, Senator Smitherman urged attention to the lack of septic systems in parts of the state and suggested the Senate may need to study the issue, possibly through a resolution or task force. Senator Orr submitted a notice in writing regarding proposed Senate rules changes. The Senate then took up local legislation, adopting budget isolation resolutions and passing multiple local bills and constitutional amendments, including House Bill 569 (Autauga County), House Bill 337 and Senate Bill 371 (Madison County), House Bill 576 (Mobile County), House Bill 529 (Class 2 municipalities), Senate Bill 369 (Lauderdale County), House Bill 612 (Covington County), and House Bill 514 (Tuscaloosa County), with votes largely unanimous or near-unanimous. The Senate recessed until 1:00 p.m. after completing the local calendar items.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that was a great example for a young legislator.
  • remainder of today's floor session.
  • What an amazing special day we have here today.
  • And Senator Burton said, man, this kid's something special. I saw him.
  • Our next floor session is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd at 2:30 p.m.
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, welcomed former legislative leaders and members to the floor, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The session then focused on several ceremonial resolutions and a lengthy adjourn-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Members repeatedly described Burton as a forceful, unvarnished advocate for foster youth, the poor, and other vulnerable Californians, while also sharing personal stories about his humor, bluntness, and bipartisan relationships. The Senate also announced upcoming committee hearings and birthday recognitions for several members and former Speaker Willie Brown. Three resolutions were taken up and adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. SCR 133, by Senator Grayson, recognized California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day; Grayson spoke about the dignity, autonomy, and contributions of people with Down syndrome, and introduced guests from the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and several families. SCR 134, by Senator Wahab, recognized Nowruz and the Afghan American community; Wahab and Senator Caballero highlighted the holiday’s themes of renewal and the contributions of Persian and Afghan Americans, and members received baklava gift boxes. SCR 139, also by Senator Wahab, recognized Afghan American Heritage Month; Wahab and Senator Grove emphasized Afghan Americans’ history, resilience, and service, and Wahab introduced leaders from the Afghan Coalition and other community advocates. Each resolution was adopted by roll call vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to memorial remarks for John Burton, with speeches from the President Pro Tem, minority leader, and many senators recalling his work on foster youth, public service, and California politics. Members also suspended and later reinstated Mason’s Manual rules to allow direct quotations during the tribute. The Senate concluded by expressing condolences to Burton’s family and colleagues, inviting members to a reception, and announcing that the chamber would reconvene later in the week for the formal adjourn-in-memory motion.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that was a great example for a young legislator.
  • remainder of today's floor session.
  • What an amazing special day we have here today.
  • And Senator Burton said, man, this kid's something special. I saw him.
  • Our next floor session is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd at 2:30 p.m.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed numerous former legislators to the floor. The body then moved through the daily file, including several resolutions recognizing cultural observances and a memorial tribute to former President Pro Tem John Burton. Senator Padilla also moved file item 24 to the enacted file, and the Senate announced upcoming committee and budget subcommittee meetings later in the day. The chamber adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 133, recognizing California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day, after remarks from Senator Grayson about the contributions and dignity of people with Down syndrome and the importance of support systems for individuals and families. The Senate also adopted SCR 134 recognizing Nowruz and the Afghan American community, with remarks from Senator Wahab and support from Senator Kaverya, and adopted SCR 139 recognizing Afghan American Heritage Month. Each resolution passed by roll call vote with no opposition. A major portion of the session was devoted to an adjourned-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Senators from both parties and several former members offered personal recollections emphasizing Burton’s advocacy for foster youth, working people, and marginalized Californians, as well as his blunt style and political influence. Members highlighted his legislative legacy, his later work through the John Burton Advocates for Youth, and his role in shaping California politics and San Francisco. The Senate concluded the tribute, invited members to a reception, and announced that it would remain in recess before reconvening later in the week.