Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 4th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am curious in terms of bacteria or salmonella, how is that guarded against or is it just not guarded
- So is the author referring to the shell as nature's wrapper for clarity?
- And would the author agree that the raisin is nature's candy? Is what?
- Would the author agree that the raisin would be considered nature's candy? The raisin?
- Would the author agree that I might vote yes on this? Well, thank you for that statement.
Bills:
SB1465, SB2110, SB1771, SB206, SB1584, SB1386, SB1696, SB1806, SB1428, SB1390, SB1381, SB201, SB1778, SB1332, SB1836, SB1369, SB1794, SB1290, SB175, SB1379
Keywords:
professional engineers, surveyors, licensure board, sunset extension, state board, occupational licensing, engineering license, surveying license, professional regulation, regulatory board, sunset review, emergency clause, Oklahoma O.S. 59, board appointments, lay member, SB2110, eggs, ungraded eggs, graded eggs, egg sales
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and included several member and gallery introductions, including recognition of the Doctor of the Day and family members of senators. The chamber then moved to floor business on several bills, with no major debate on most measures. Senate Bill 1465 extended the sunset date for the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors to 2031 and passed 43-2, including as an emergency measure.
Senate Bill 2110, as amended, allowed the sale of ungraded eggs up to 150 dozen, with the author explaining it was requested by constituents to support rural economics and farmers markets. Senators asked about the need for the bill, the cap, and food safety; the author said the limit was a starting point and noted the eggs would be sold off-premises. The bill advanced and passed 44-2. Senate Bill 1771, which authorizes the Workforce Commission to obtain more complete information on workforce development funds and retain outside counsel, had a title-restoring amendment adopted and then passed 35-11.
Senate Bill 206, making public EMS services eligible as essential for drawing down federal funds, passed 42-5 and was also declared an emergency measure. The Senate also heard acknowledgements, including congratulations to Senator Seifried on her first successful day presiding and recognition of Catoosa Day at the Capitol. Announcements followed on appropriations and Oklahoma Women’s Day at the Capitol, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- perspective, against attacks to our public lands and our standards that protect air and water and our coast
- passed last year, establishing the next installment of our strategic plan to protect the ocean and coast
- State law requires that they discharge their authority or responsibility through issuing all of these
- They primarily use bond funding and reimbursement authority to advance the planning and construction
- It's important, and we do have a lot of lower-cost accommodations along the coast in particular.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy convened for its first hearing and heard an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency. The LAO emphasized California’s strong current revenues but warned of a structural budget problem, projected out-year deficits, and the need for a high bar on new spending. It generally supported the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plan as reasonable and consistent with bond requirements, while urging legislative oversight and caution about using special funds and adding ongoing commitments. Secretary Wade Crowfoot responded with an overview of climate, wildfire, water, coastal, and conservation challenges and highlighted progress under the Newsom administration, including clean energy growth, wildfire resilience investments, land conservation, tribal co-management, and outdoor access initiatives. He also discussed federal staffing cuts affecting California’s response capacity and said the state has had to fill gaps in flood forecasting, land management, and park access.
Members then questioned the secretary about the Delta conveyance tunnel and broader water reliability issues. Crowfoot said the project remains important, is being pursued as a beneficiary-pays project, and is moving through the State Water Resources Control Board’s permitting process, while also stressing that it is only one part of a broader water strategy that includes levee strengthening, subsidence, groundwater storage, recycling, and conservation. Senators also raised concerns about permitting delays, invasive species, and the impact of position cuts on agency capacity; Crowfoot said streamlining is needed but that staffing remains essential. The committee then moved to the Department of Parks and Recreation, where Director Armando Quintero described the state park system, tribal agreements, wildfire and deferred maintenance work, and outdoor access programs such as the State Library Park Pass and Adventure Pass. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed ongoing $6.75 million General Fund transfer for the library park pass, arguing it did not meet the high bar for new ongoing spending, but several senators strongly supported the program as a low-cost way to expand access.
Members also pressed Parks on reservation system problems and campsite no-shows. Department staff said they are updating website guidance, working with the reservation vendor, and implementing new no-show and reservation-modification rules effective July 1, including penalties for repeated no-shows and immediate reopening of vacant sites. The committee then heard a low-cost accommodations proposal, which Parks said would fund planning and construction at several sites using Proposition 68, reimbursements, and donations; the LAO said it had no concerns. Finally, the new director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Megan Hurdle, introduced herself and outlined the department’s mission, staffing, service-based budgeting, and Proposition 4 requests, including funding for salmon genetic tagging, hatchery repairs, and public access improvements. She said the department is focused on biodiversity, permitting streamlining, law enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict prevention, and noted that the agency is still updating its service-based budgeting analysis to identify gaps and priorities.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Several entities provide aviation support to the state, including the Washington Air National Guard,
- Military Department under General Welsh, and I'm also the commander of the Washington Army National Guard
- But this will also add the ability to go to state active duty and work through the National Guard Joint
- Simply, this streamlines our ability... and I'm also the commander of the Washington Army National Guard
- this will also add the ability to go to the state active duty and work under through the National Guard
Summary:
The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on.
The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Mar 11th, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- So you did catch me off guard on that one. Okay. Good job.
- I think that's my responsibility is to be there and to authorize that.
- a dual authorization whenever we do those.
- They do not have somebody that's authorized to act in their behalf.
- To be authorized to do it, how long would it take them to get a bond?
Summary:
The Local Government Committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on two House committee substitutes: House Bills 3283 and 3306 passed 11-1, and House Bills 1728, 2161, and 1830 passed 12-1. The committee then moved into public hearings.
Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914, dealing with septic system regulation, was presented as a measure to replace percolation testing with soil morphology testing as the baseline standard and to address a permit fee issue. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would improve accuracy, consumer protection, and local public health administration; one witness noted the continuing-education language already exists in regulation and pointed out a minor wording change in the substitute. No opposition testified.
House Bill 3467, sponsored by Representative Houseman, would allow county developmental disability boards to seek voter approval for a sales tax of up to one-half of 1% if property tax revenue is reduced or eliminated. The sponsor and multiple witnesses from county disability boards, sheltered workshops, and related associations said the bill was intended as a safeguard to preserve services, transportation, employment supports, and community-based care for people with developmental disabilities. Some members raised concerns about shifting from property tax to sales tax and the burden on low-income taxpayers, while others supported the measure as a revenue-diversification tool. No vote was taken.
House Bill 312, relating to county treasurer duties and bank signature authority, drew testimony from the sponsor, county treasurers, auditors, and association representatives. Supporters said the bill clarifies that the county treasurer should have sole authority over county funds and reflects current practice, while also noting a forthcoming amendment to address what happens when a treasurer is absent. Some witnesses asked for stronger safeguards, including a bonded backup designee and clearer succession procedures, and one witness urged updating surety-bond requirements. The hearing closed with no opposition testimony and no committee action taken.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And members on our side of the aisle, I would recommend a yes vote on the amendment to allow the author
- to have the bill in the form that the author would like the bill.
- <00:09:13.920><c> rails</c><00:09:14.800><c> uh</c> guard rails uh guard rails uh that<00:09:16.880><
- We appreciate the provision in the bill to repeal the sunset on the new payment withholding authority
- </c> strengthen and make this authority strengthen and make this authority permanent<00:10:16.320><c>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/13/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> Guard</c><01:08:01.039><c> is</c><01:08:01.200><c> in</c> Hampshire Air National Guard is in Hampshire
- </c><01:08:08.000><c> general</c> New Hampshire National Guard general New Hampshire National Guard general
- Um, well, if they're not a member of the National Guard or the Army National Guard, Air or that, then
- by federal authorities to receive criminal conviction information.
- To read or to anyone designated by the commissioner who is authorized by federal authorities to receive
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representitives Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, Madam Clerk, please add all members as co-authors.
- Without objection, Madam Clerk, please add all members as co-authors.
- Clerk, please add all members as co-authors.
- House Concurrent Resolution 6 by Representative Knox to authorize and direct the law institute to study
- Just call me a guard, okay. Thank you. Representative Marcel, for personal privilege.
Summary:
The House convened with 96 members present, opened in prayer and pledge, and introduced several resolutions and bills. Among the measures laid over were resolutions recognizing Funeral Directors’ Day, the crew of Eve’s anniversary, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, Nurse Practitioner Day, and condolences resolutions for several individuals. Bills introduced included appropriations measures to pay consent judgments, a property tax exemption bill for certain trusts involving seniors, and a nursing practice bill on administering reconstituted medication. Committee reports were also received, including favorable reports and amendments on multiple House bills from Civil Law and Transportation.
The chamber adopted several resolutions without objection, including condolences for former Speaker Joe R. Salter, Derek Scott, and Leroy Cavalier, recognition of Bernardo de Gálvez and Hispanic contributions to the American Revolution, Codafield Day, Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame election, and support for continued National Guard operations at Camp Beauregard. Other resolutions were referred to committees, including measures on DOJ transparency regarding Epstein-related records, a housing rental assistance feasibility study, LHSAA recognition of dance and cheer as sports, and a study of disinheritance procedures for intestate successors.
During personal privilege remarks, Representative McCormick discussed PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes), citing legislative auditor findings about limited reporting and local entities’ authority to approve PILOTs, and questioned their economic development impact. Representatives also recognized a visiting 7th grade class from Trinity Episcopal School and held a moment of silence honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson. Announcements included upcoming committee meetings, a rescheduled Transportation Committee meeting with additional bills added, an ethics training after adjournment, and a Bible study meeting the next morning. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the following day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 8th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill provides general authority to all.
- on as a co-author, that would be lovely.
- And I also want to co-author the bill, if you don't mind me saying that.
- By incorporating these additional voices and extending authorization, SB.
- I would also like to be, as a co-author of this great legislation.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- They have broad authority, those that Choose home rule to determine how they run things within their
- But at the end of the day, this legislative body is the entity that grants that legal authority to the
- Perhaps by moving that memorial so that it lines up with the National Guard memorial or find a way to
- You're aware there are only 20 National Guard members who have lost their lives in service to the United
- Wouldn't you agree that the arch, as it's proposed right now, is only about honoring our National Guard
Keywords:
government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/19/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> genuinely on the sea in the Sea Coast genuinely on the sea in the Sea Coast having<01:28:44.080>
- facing low unemployment rates and Coast facing low unemployment rates and having<01:34:10.800><c> to
- because every developer in the Sea Coast because every developer in the<01:42:50.639><c> Sea</c><01:
- 42:50.920><c> Coast</c><01:42:51.159><c> is</c><01:42:51.280><c> trying</c><01:42:51.520><c> to</c><01
- up new the Sea Coast is trying to mass up new answer<01:42:53.480><c> to</c><01:42:53.599><c> steal<
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- I got my teenager settled in for a quick second and cut us off guard.
- The correctional guards for HOCs want pay parity with the DOCs.
- The guards supervise those programs.
- From my experience, it means being guarded 24/7 by guards without access to friends or family.
- We've authored numerous reports and resources focused on parole. Thank you.
Summary:
The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well.
Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC.
A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Mar 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the amount of spending authority, this $5.26 million, that they need yet this biennium. Mr.
- Now, this is a request not for federal authority, but a request for a transfer.
- We had 10 new FTEs that were authorized by the Legislative Assembly.
- So far, We had 10 new FTEs that were authorized by the Legislative Assembly.
- National Guard Foundation of over $175,000 to support ND CARES, of over $175,000 to support N.D.
Summary:
The Budget Section met with a quorum, approved the December 10, 2025 minutes, and received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. OMB reported the state was about $2 million ahead of forecast biennium-to-date, with an estimated ending general fund balance of about $397.5 million. Joe Morset also reviewed balances in major funds, oil tax revenues, interest income, federal grant reporting, fiscal irregularities, the voluntary separation incentive program, vacancy savings, and the FTE pool. Members asked about the higher-than-forecast interest income, the effective oil tax rate and stripper-well production, the impact of temporary pay adjustments and vacancy savings, and whether the voluntary separation program could reduce institutional knowledge or shift duties to remaining staff.
The committee then approved four Emergency Commission requests: $5.26 million for DPI to support an AI-enabled tutoring platform, $105,000 from the general fund contingency for Corrections GPS monitoring, about $1.963 million for HHS SPACES eligibility system upgrades tied to Medicaid work requirements, and about $1.2 million for SNAP eligibility IT improvements. Legislative Council reported remaining interim spending authority after those approvals, and NDIT gave an update on digital accessibility compliance efforts, saying the state has made substantial progress on websites and PDFs but that applications will take longer to remediate. NDIT also reported on the Infinite Campus student information system rollout, noting data migration remains the biggest challenge and that a supplemental vendor is being brought in to help get districts ready for summer go-live. Greg Hoffman then gave a brief update on NDIT’s operational fund, saying cash remains negative in PeopleSoft but accounts receivable keeps the fund functioning within federal limits.
The Supreme Court reported on its new and vacant FTE funding pool, saying it has filled 7 of 10 new positions and has realized some vacancy savings, and Legislative Council provided a similar report for the legislative branch along with a reminder that budget action reports are available online. The Department of Transportation presented its Flexible Transportation Fund, explaining the fund’s allocation formulas and ranking process, and sought Budget Section approval for two projects over the $10 million threshold: a Medora city streets and sidewalk project and a Cass County bridge replacement. Members questioned whether funding Medora streets could set a precedent for city street reconstruction and whether the bridge application process fully reflects statewide needs. DOT said the projects were scored competitively and that the bridge list does not capture all deficiencies statewide.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Approximately 579 of those vessels have been authorized for removal by local governments applying for
- Many of the vessels on this map on the West Coast were rendered derelict by this last year's hurricane
- Then we issue the authorization to remove.
- Local governments do have the authority to use their own funding to do removals, but they do have to
- Local governments do have the authority to use their own funding to do removals, but they do have to
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout.
Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions Committee and Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The more help we get, the more legislative authority we get to also, on the accountability side, hold
- The more help we get, the more legislative authority we get to also, on the accountability side, hold
- to bring in... ...and fast and predictable as possible, and sort of having that authority to bring it
- ...and fast and predictable as possible, and sort of having that authority to bring it all together.
- We rely on our housing authorities to provide vouchers for stable housing and operating supports for
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs.
Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs.
Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- And then when we were approached by a property management company on the coast asking to be exempted
- by a property management company<00:30:49.919><c> on</c><00:30:50.159><c> the</c><00:30:50.320><c> coast
- </c><00:30:51.039><c> asking</c><00:30:51.520><c> to</c><00:30:51.840><c> be</c> company on the coast
- asking to be company on the coast asking to be exempted<00:30:52.960><c> for</c><00:30:53.279><c> companies
Keywords:
HB300, Choctaw County, probate court, probate judge, recording fee, filing fee, deed tax, mortgage tax, deeds, mortgages, property records, recordation, county local act, local legislation, technology upgrades, digitalization of records, recordkeeping, county treasury, special fund, court administration
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-AEN, AEN-HRE Public Hearings 03-31-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The second largest facility is in Pāʻoa, as you know, out on the Hamakua Coast.
- 55.880><c> Hamakua</c> poo is as you know out on the Hamakua poo is as you know out on the Hamakua Coast
- 00:13:57.600><c> able</c><00:13:57.839><c> to</c><00:13:58.320><c> find</c><00:13:58.560><c> a</c> Coast
- so they need to be able to find a Coast so they need to be able to find a place<00:13:59.120><c> to<
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose.
Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits.
The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:43.519><c> coastal</c> they're common along the coast coastal they're common along the coast
- SB 232 explicitly authorizes Alabama volunteer fire departments and volunteer fire rescue squads to manage
- SB232 explicitly<00:26:20.480><c> authorizes</c><00:26:21.360><c> Alabama</c><00:26:22.000><c> volunteer
- and have over this time grown to be statewide in presence from Huntsville and Florence down to the coast
- and have over this time grown to be statewide in presence from Huntsville and Florence down to the coast
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Hawaii Public Housing Authority Hawaii Public Housing Authority Census.<01:35:59.280><c> Apologies
- Uh I I'm not sure like the authority.
- In terms of the training and authority, these folks would not have law enforcement authority.
- </c> authority to make that kind of decision. authority to make that kind of decision.
- </c> legislative or tool authorizations legislative or tool authorizations including<06:20:03.040><c>
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- they're great homeownership opportunities in Washington, and we see much more of them on the East Coast
- they're great homeownership opportunities in Washington, and we see much more of them on the East Coast
Summary:
The Senate Housing Committee met in executive session on several housing-related House bills. Staff briefed bills expanding affordable housing on religious-organization property (HB 1859), requiring cities and counties to allow various forms of supportive and emergency housing in certain zones (ESHB 2266), making changes to common interest community law and WUCIOA (SHB 2354), changing service requirements for rent-increase notices and unlawful detainer notices (SHB 2452 and HB 2664), and exempting limited equity cooperatives from WUCIOA (2SHB 2590). The committee also reviewed fiscal notes and noted that most bills had no state fiscal impact, while the limited equity cooperative bill had a small Department of Revenue cost that would be absorbed.
The most extensive discussion centered on ESHB 2266. Senator Gildon offered amendments to require step housing to be near transit, allow local review of operational plans, require 24-hour on-site supervision unless otherwise justified, and limit new requirements for smaller cities; Senator Gaynor offered a population-based amendment for cities under 10,000. Supporters of the underlying bill argued it would reduce barriers and expand needed shelter and housing, while opponents raised concerns about local control, neighborhood impacts, and operational oversight. None of the amendments were adopted, and the committee advanced the striker and underlying bill.
The committee then voted to send HB 1859, SHB 2354, SHB 2452, 2SHB 2590, and HB 2664 forward with due-pass recommendations, with HB 1859 and ESHB 2266 sent to the Rules Committee and 2SHB 2590 sent to Ways and Means. Members generally expressed support for expanding housing options, though some noted concerns about implementation, local impacts, and the need for further work on WUCIOA-related issues. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the session.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Mar 30th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote on the machine for co-authors.
- Madam Clerk, open machine for co-authors. Members vote the machine for co-authors.
- Madam Clerk, open machine for co-authors. Members, vote to machine for co-authors.
- Marcel wants to be a co-author. Clerk will close the machine. 17 co-authors. Next bill.
- Madam Clerk, open machine for co-authors. Members, vote to machine for co-authors.
Bills:
HR72, HR73, HR74, HR75, HR76, HR77, HR78, HR79, HR80, HR81, HR82, HR83, HCR36, HCR37, HCR38, HCR39, HCR40, HCR41, HB368, HB433, HB1017, HB1018, HB1019, HB1020, HB1021, HB1022, HB1023, HB1024, HB1025, HB1026, HB1027, HB1028, HB1029, HB1030, HB1031, HB1032, HB1033, HB1034, HB1035, HB1036, HB1037, HB1038, HB1039, HB1040, HB1041, HB1042, HB1043, HB1044, HB1045, HB1046, HB1047, HB1048, HB1049, HB1050, HB1051, HB1052, HB1053, HB1054, HB1055, HB1056, HB1057, HB1058, HB1059, HB1060, HB1061, HB1062, HB1063, HB1064, HB1065, HB1066, HB1067, HB1068, HB1069, HB1070, HB1071, HB1072, HB1073, HB1074, HB1075, HB1076, HB1077, HB1078, HB1079, HB1080, HB1081, HB1082, HB1083, HB1084, HR70, HR71, HCR35, HB31, HB326, HB1013, HB1014, HB1015, HB1016, SB192, SB196, SB198, SB203, SB204, SB214, SB216, SB257, SB291, SB383, HB13, HB23, HB25, HB32, HB41, HB42, HB90, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB127, HB138, HB139, HB141, HB179, HB187, HB213, HB247, HB286, HB332, HB344, HB357, HB367, HB370, HB462, HB505, HB527, HB537, HB605, HB680, HB681, HB725, HB780, HB782, HB847, HB892, HB911, HB916, HB1012, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB337, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB58, HB69, HB93, HB166, HB199, HB201, HB202, HB218, HB223, HB224, HB231, HB235, HB246, HB338, HB349, HB352, HB379, HB405, HB429, HB535, HB547, HB577, HB588, HB626, HB636, HB652, HB653, HB669, HB688, HB691, HB721, HB738, HB806, HB851, HB857, HB861, HB889, HB904, HB907, HB908, HB929, HB1009, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB739, HB842, HB875, HB919, HB61, HB185, HB233, HB613, HB848, HB52, HB228, HB289, HB735, HB796, HB722, HB284, HB301, HB827, HB953, HB901, HB9, HB46, HB193, HB400, HB436, HB468, HB570, HB582, HB733, HB746, HB923, HB952
Keywords:
HR72, House Resolution 72, Sophia Patout, Layla Porter, St. Amant High School, Future Farmers of America, FFA, Coastal Restoration Heroes, coastal restoration, Louisiana coast, coastal land loss, wetlands, saltmarsh, barrier island, West Grand Terre Island, Restore or Retreat Inc., smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, black mangrove, Avicennia germinans
Summary:
The House met on March 26, 2026, established a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a large number of introductions, resolutions, and committee reports. The chamber recognized Women of the Storm on its 20th anniversary, honored Saint-Amant FFA for winning a national coastal restoration championship, and later recognized Elevate Louisiana. The House also received Senate bills on topics including freshwater fishing limits, bridge preservation, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, eye care coverage, and other matters, and introduced numerous House resolutions and bills covering education, ethics, transportation, elections, public records, criminal law, and appropriations. Several measures were referred to committees or were allowed to lie over, while some resolutions were adopted without objection.
The House then considered and passed a series of bills, many by wide margins. Criminal justice and public safety measures included HB 53, adding illegal gambling as a RICO predicate offense; HB 57, allowing courts to consider criminal histories when issuing temporary restraining orders; HB 64, authorizing magistrates to recall arrest warrants; HB 102, creating second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities; HB 106, requiring written parental consent before melatonin is administered to children; HB 137, strengthening penalties and school notification procedures for terroristic threats against schools; HB 152, updating controlled dangerous substances schedules; HB 155, restricting drone use near the Capitol; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on contract; and HB 727, allowing burning of certain untreated construction lumber and wood mats. Members also approved HB 11, adding associate degrees to sentence-diminution eligibility, and HB 726, increasing penalties for abandoning vessels, with discussion noting the need for future funding to remove derelict boats.
Education and workforce-related bills also advanced, including HB 238, easing ethics restrictions so former school board members who are certified teachers or school psychologists can return to work sooner; HB 256, clarifying mandatory reporter training for school employees; HB 363, allowing virtual-school students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their resident public school; HB 386, allowing locally authorized charter schools to operate as their own LEA under local rules; HB 434, giving superintendents more authority over probationary school bus employees; HB 557, defining long-term care pharmacies; and HB 584, ending the practice of giving foster children trash bags for belongings and providing proper luggage instead. The House also passed HB 661, expanding nepotism exceptions for certain lower-paid school positions such as paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers, and HB 697, recreating the Department of Environmental Quality through 2030. Most bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan support, though HB 137 on school threats drew significant debate over parental liability and juvenile intervention before passing 71-26.