Video & Transcript : 'driving under the influence' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the DRIVE Act, something we're dealing with right now, we've been talking to universities about
- But under the DRIVE Act right now, we've been talking with universities about funding cuts that have
- Under the DRIVE Act right now, we've been talking with universities about funding cuts that have been
- What we do under the privacy law is we will exempt, we will redact the private law, What we do under
- Under Rule 5 of our committee rules, the witness is going to confine themselves to the questions under
Summary:
The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That gives the individual more time to complete the necessary classes while remaining under the court's
- California was once leading the nation in driving under the influence, and now the state has fallen behind
- And so under the SVP Act, the individual is allowed... ...to petition for unconditional discharge under
- Under the Trump administration, the federal agency tasked with overseeing the gun industry, the ATF,
- under the Constitution.
Summary:
The committee began without a quorum and heard several bills in subcommittee format. AB 1546, which would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders by allowing a third DUI within 10 years to be charged as a wobbler, requiring a fifth DUI to be a felony, and lengthening ignition interlock and license revocation periods, drew strong support from law enforcement and district attorney groups and opposition from public defenders and reform advocates who argued the bill would further criminalize substance use and mental health issues. No vote was taken because there was no quorum at the time.
AB 1595, aimed at standardizing post-conviction procedures for wrongful conviction claims and clarifying courts’ authority to consider new evidence, was supported by innocence and public defender organizations and opposed by district attorneys, who said existing habeas law is already clear and that the bill would add complexity and burden courts. AB 292, which would impose mandatory jail time for repeat felony domestic violence offenders within seven years, was supported by sheriffs, prosecutors, probation officers, and local governments, but opposed by domestic violence survivor advocates and public defender groups who warned it would not deter abuse and could criminalize survivors and divert resources from services. AB 1816, allowing courts to extend probation up to one additional year for sex offenders who have not completed required treatment, drew support from probation and law enforcement groups and opposition from public defenders and civil liberties advocates concerned about longer supervision, technical violations, and barriers such as poverty and treatment access; the committee later took a roll call and passed the bill 3-1, with one member not voting, sending it to Appropriations.
After quorum was established, the committee also passed AB 1627, which would bar people with misconduct in immigration enforcement from becoming California peace officers, and AB 1927, which would create a misdemeanor for falsely impersonating a bail agent to solicit bail, both on due pass motions to Judiciary/Appropriations as amended. AB 1854, a shield-law measure expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers, patients, and related businesses from out-of-state legal process, was supported by the Attorney General’s office and reproductive rights groups and opposed by anti-abortion and family policy organizations; it was moved on a due pass motion to Judiciary. The committee then heard AB 1872, which would make repeat adult swatting offenses a felony/wobbler and require restitution for property damage, with support from law enforcement, prosecutors, and civil liberties advocates and opposition from public defenders and justice reform groups who argued the bill would not deter conduct and could disproportionately affect people with mental illness or undocumented status. A motion to advance AB 1872 was made, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on that bill.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement #1
Transcript Highlights:
- So under Arizona 11-441, which gives the statutes or the authorities to the sheriff, it talks about how
- Is that the goal, to bring the whole thing under the sheriff's office to regulate them? Okay, Mr.
- What kind of other duties would the posse get under, or is the intent to give the posse under this that
- posse get under or is the intent to give the posse under this that they don't already have a simple
- And I think the intent of this bill is to move the posses that are under the sheriff's control under
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3.
HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4.
HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed.
The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide can cause impairment and accidents.
- The father then threw the canister of nitrous oxide under his car, grabbed his two children, who were
- And the Senate and the committee, all of us are doing to stop the drunk driving.
- work I'm doing, and the Senate and the committee, all of us are doing to stop the drunk driving that
- , and I'm forgetting the name of the agency right now, but not under the Department of Consumer Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 936 on nitrous oxide sales. Senator Blakespear and supporters, including Orange and Humboldt County supervisors and public safety, medical, waste, and local government groups, argued the bill would curb youth misuse, impaired driving, and hazardous waste by prohibiting retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than eight grams while preserving legitimate uses. There was no lead opposition testimony, though members raised questions about enforcement and existing regulatory agencies. The committee ultimately moved the bill on a due pass basis to Senate Appropriations, with broad support and no recorded opposition at the time of the vote.
Members also heard SB 1312 on abandoned cemeteries and SB 1340 on small business contracting transparency. SB 1312 would use the existing cemetery workgroup process to develop recommendations for addressing abandoned cemeteries, with the author and the Cemetery and Mortuary Association describing vandalism, theft, and inadequate endowment funds as ongoing problems. SB 1340 would require state agencies to report more detailed small business contracting information, including actual payments, to the Office of the Small Business Advocate; the Controller’s office supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and help small businesses compete for state work. Both bills were moved forward on due pass motions to Senate Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 903 on artificial intelligence in mental health care, SB 1271 on midwifery preceptor data, and SB 1327 on EV charger accuracy oversight. SB 903 drew strong support from mental health and professional groups that said AI should not replace licensed clinicians, while medical and technology groups opposed it unless amended, warning the definitions were too broad and could hinder beneficial tools and research; the author said the bill was meant to keep a human clinician in the loop and allow administrative uses with consent. SB 1271 was supported by midwives and birth workers who said California needs better data on preceptor capacity to expand training and address maternity care deserts; it advanced to Senate Health. SB 1327 would shift EV charger accuracy oversight from CDFA’s weights and measures division to the California Energy Commission; supporters said this would modernize and standardize enforcement, while county sealers and others opposed the shift as unnecessary, costly, and potentially weakening consumer protections. SB 1327 passed on a divided vote to Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications. Several bills were held on call after votes, and the committee established quorum before taking formal actions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And basically, under the past administration, they bent the rules.
- So, and under the last.
- The House is trying to figure out how to pay, pay for those continuation of the tax cuts that under normal
- You can see the reductions, the vast majority of them under the, the um Energy and Commerce Committee
- And maybe I'm just not understanding this, but about the, under the limitations, you, it says the annual
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Tenants still retain their rights under the MRL.
- actual seniors that are making the decision, maybe not the caretaker that has to drive them back and
- Under the law that we're passing today, it will not be fraud.
- You're not responsible for the problems that drive up the cost of doing business in California, so I
- , under the current conditions of the economy, if we would like to put it up to the voters and have no
Committee:
House Judiciary
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The sole enforcement action under this bill is the attorney general.
- From a constitutional perspective, one of the central inquiries under the gift clause is whether the
- Those are the taxes that are waived under the abatement and never collected.
- Well, they're going to pay direct under the table or otherwise.
- , and allows the county assessor to consider market influences that are consistent with the property's
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then took up SB 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to base voting and advice solely on economic interests, prohibit ESG or ideological considerations except in limited circumstances, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action; supporters argued proxy advisors lack transparency and can influence votes against shareholders’ financial interests. Arizona retirement system representatives said they were neutral but warned the bill would add major operational costs, create reporting burdens, increase litigation risk, and could narrow the market for proxy advisory services. The committee passed SB 1503 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1293, which would bar GPLET abatements from applying to school-district revenue during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters said the bill would protect school funding and reduce the state aid backfill tied to GPLET projects, while opponents from Phoenix, Mesa, and economic development groups said GPLET is a key redevelopment tool that helps finance downtown and blighted-area projects and that the bill would weaken future investment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote. It also heard and passed SB 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands; insurers supported the bill as a reasonable commercial timeframe, while trial lawyers opposed it as too slow and urged a 15-day standard, with members indicating they expected a possible friendly amendment.
Next, the committee heard SB 1633, which would create an Arizona income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, after five years of occupancy. Opponents argued it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and could cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help homeowners move without facing large tax bills and improve housing turnover. The committee passed the bill 4-2. It also adopted an amendment to SB 1429, which would have expanded Arizona Commerce Authority board ex officio membership, then held the bill for further consideration. Finally, the committee passed SB 1536, allowing temporary consolidation of street light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger limited property value recalculation, with county assessors supporting the measure as an anti-gaming reform.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 3rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the law, they can solely charge for the time it takes to produce the records, so to review it,
- Under the DRIVE Act, something we're dealing with right now, we've been talking to universities about
- But under the DRIVE Act right now, we've been talking with universities...
- Under the DRIVE Act right now, we've been talking with universities about funding cuts that have been
- Under Rule Five of our committee rules, the witness is going to confine themselves to the questions under
Bills:
H5004
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-14, H 5-004, “an act to improve access to public records.” Chairs Cindy Friedman and Alice Peisch outlined the Article 48 process and explained that the committee was hearing expert testimony, then proponents, then opponents, before any public testimony. The first expert, Will Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures, gave a general overview of public records laws across the states, emphasizing that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions, timelines, fees, and coverage of legislatures vary widely. He discussed legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on the exact language of state constitutions, statutes, and chamber rules. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, testified about Massachusetts public records administration, saying requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with state agency requests increasing from 22,572 in 2017 to 47,776 in 2025 and appeals reaching a record 4,051 cases in 2025. She said the initiative would extend the law to the General Court and the Governor’s office and add exemptions for those branches, while warning that the volume and complexity of requests could require more resources.
The proponents, led by Jesse Littlewood of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, Scotia Hila of Act on Mass, and Auditor Diana DiZoglio, argued that Massachusetts is an outlier for exempting the legislature and governor from public records law and that the proposal would create needed accountability without exposing personal constituent communications or internal deliberations. They said the measure would make records such as committee votes, final bill drafts, amendments, expenditures, attendance records, minutes, and public testimony available, while preserving exemptions for constituent services, draft legislation, internal staff communications, and policy development discussions. DiZoglio emphasized that the initiative is aimed at basic administrative and financial records, citing her own difficulty obtaining receipts, contracts, and procurement documents, and said the public should be able to see how taxpayer dollars are spent. Committee members questioned the witnesses extensively about the scope of exemptions, constituent privacy, legislative privilege, and whether the measure could reach communications with nonprofits or lobbying-type interactions; proponents responded that privacy and constituent-service exemptions were intended to remain in place, though some members pressed for clearer statutory language.
The hearing also included a contentious exchange over whether the initiative could affect legislative communications and whether the Senate had already taken a position against the measure. Some members raised concerns about separation of powers, legislative privilege, and the possibility of exposing constituent communications or internal deliberations, while proponents argued that the initiative was narrowly tailored and that any legal disputes could be resolved in court. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing. The committee concluded the testimony portion after hearing from the proponents and their questions, with the matter left pending for further consideration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> held</c><00:18:53.120><c> the</c> Under threat, Lieutenant Moyer held the Under threat, Lieutenant
- </c> the United States under presidents from the United States under presidents from both<02:37:26.560
- </c><04:27:33.600><c> the</c> frankly I haven't witnessed under the frankly I haven't witnessed under
- <c> and</c> amendment under the fiveminute rule and amendment under the fiveminute rule and shall<05:
- under General >> The uh request is covered under General Lee.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- therapist already covered under the insurance?
- , but we work under the direction of the physician.
- , but we work under the direction of the physician.
- We’ve heard some testimony before that everything that the statute authorizes is... ...under the direction
- And again, go back to the definitions of what an athletic trainer is permitted to do under the statutes
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bills 2365, 2490, and 2249, a bipartisan version of Elijah’s Law, which would require child care facilities to receive training and guidance on recognizing and responding to food allergies and anaphylaxis. Sponsors described the bill as a response to the death of Elijah, whose daycare did not administer epinephrine quickly enough after a food exposure. Witnesses in support, including a parent and food allergy advocate, said the measure would improve preparedness and save lives. Committee members asked about whether the bill should use broader epinephrine terminology, whether the requirements could also be handled through child care licensing rules, and whether the bill was already included in a larger measure. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on those bills was closed.
The committee then heard House Bill 1965, which would require insurers to reimburse athletic trainers for covered services and add athletic trainers to the practitioner definition for billing purposes. The sponsor and athletic training witnesses said the bill would recognize athletic trainers as licensed health care providers, improve access in rural and underserved areas, and allow reimbursement when trainers work in clinics, hospitals, or other non-school settings. Committee members raised repeated questions about the difference between athletic trainers and physical therapists, whether school-based services were already paid through contracts, whether the bill would increase costs or create double payment, and how diagnosis and billing would work under the current scope of practice. Opponents from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Missouri Insurance Coalition argued the bill would create a mandate, increase costs, and expand billing before clarifying the underlying scope of practice. No vote was taken in public hearing.
The committee then moved into executive session and voted several bills do pass. A substitute was adopted for House Bill 1826 and the committee substitute for House Bills 1826, 2560, 2349, and 2194 passed 17-0. House Bill 1783 also passed 17-0. House Bill 2372, which incorporated multiple related provisions including changes to epinephrine terminology and other committee items, passed 17-1 after a substitute and amendment were adopted. House Bill 1827, the occupational therapy bill related to disabled placards and license plates, passed 18-0. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard House Bills 1941 and 2279, which would prohibit copay accumulator programs for fully insured plans so that third-party assistance counts toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Sponsors and a rheumatologist testified that the bills would prevent patients with serious illnesses from being forced to pay the same deductible twice and said similar laws have been enacted in many other states. Opponents from America’s Health Insurance Plans argued the measure would affect only a minority of plans, raise costs in the individual and small-group market, and could worsen affordability for remaining enrollees. The hearing ended without a vote on those bills.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH/HLT Joint Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- cannot provide the services if the people do not want to be under CORE care.
- want to point to the little part about the social media influencers being included in that.
- It's in the billions, and how many of those influencers are children that are making that money that
- </c><01:00:29.960><c> it's</c><01:00:30.079><c> in</c><01:00:30.240><c> the</c> being made by influencers
- it's in the being made by influencers it's in the billions<01:00:31.440><c> and</c><01:00:31.720><c>
Summary:
The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees.
The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package.
The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up.
Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- about the development of the Bay-Delta plan and the options that we have under consideration.
- In terms of the broader compliance clause that an entity like Kern Energy has, that is under the jurisdiction
- and rate positively impact the ratepayers under certain conditions.
- Meaning the shock from the Middle East is driving both up at almost an equal level. Exactly.
- But one of the things that was created through legislative action that became, you know, under the purview
Committee:
Senate Rules
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IT HELD LITTLE VALUE UNDER THE LAW.
- UNDER THE SYSTEM WE HAVE NOW MR.
- UNDER THE NEW LAWS ENACTED.
- TO COLLECT THE PETITION CIRCULATOR VOLUNTEER UNDER THIS.
- THIS ONE I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE UNDER IS THE NOTICE OF SECTION THE INDIVIDUAL HAS RECEIVED NOTICE FROM
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- therapist already covered under the insurance?
- All the athletic trainers, as all health care professions, bill under CPT codes that are under physical
- , but we work under the direction of the physician.
- , but we work under the direction of the physician.
- And again, go back to the definitions of what an athletic trainer is permitted to do under the statutes
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the—I mean, under-papering the polls with the needed amount of ballot paper.
- counties are completing the actions that are required under the law.
- In the last few sessions, the gap in funding from the federal government, especially under the last administration
- In the last few sessions, the gap in funding from the federal government, especially under the last administration
- the purpose of funding future capital improvement projects for the properties under the agency's care
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused.
The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action.
Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of times it's because of the absence of adult supervision and adult influence.
- Under the provisions of this bill, schools will be forced to divert limited financial resources and staff
- But by limiting excessive markups, this bill will remove the financial incentive that drives large-scale
- But by limiting excessive markups, this bill will remove the financial incentive that drives large-scale
- Price caps will eliminate the only source of competition in ticketing, driving fans back to Live Nation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- factors can significantly influence the credibility and testimony of an individual's ability to consent
- Recognizing the patterns of coercion, undue influence, isolation, and manipulation is critical in evaluating
- The short version is that the bill would Generally, the bill would establish the comptroller as the sole
- The committee substitute differs from the bill as filed in that it would ensure courts do not influence
- We also have attorneys appointed under Chapter 264 of the Family Code. ...which are in court-ordered
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By driving on a fall truck to a bruntfall on Highway Dubry, about 10 miles north of Poplar Bluff, the
- Under the word, honor and truth, I have the Southwest Missouri county clerks that are here visiting the
- The gentleman from Green has moved the question under immediate consideration. We now put it.
- may shorten any time frame under the section to achieve this purpose.
- When you did the titling amendment, right? No. It falls under the original title.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- about the development of the Bay Delta plan and the options that we have under consideration.
- In terms of the broader compliance clause that an entity like Kern Energy has, that is under the jurisdiction
- and rate positively impact the ratepayers under certain conditions.
- Meaning the shock from the Middle East is driving both up at almost an equal level. Exactly.
- But one of the things that was created through legislative action that became, you know, under the purview
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine actions, including approving three governor’s appointments not required to appear: Anthony Surich as Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency, Craig Snelling J.D. to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, and Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, all by 4-0 votes. It then took up appointments requiring testimony, beginning with Jereen DiAdamo to the State Water Resources Control Board.
DiAdamo focused her remarks on safe drinking water, groundwater sustainability, conservation, and Bay-Delta restoration. She said the number of Californians without safe drinking water has fallen from 1.6 million to 800,000 since 2019, credited the SAFER program, technical assistance, and mandatory consolidation authority, and described ongoing work on failing and at-risk systems, domestic well mitigation, SGMA implementation, and the Bay-Delta Plan. Senators pressed her on audit follow-up, measurable goals for reducing the remaining unsafe systems, funding uncertainty, and concerns from environmental and tribal groups that the board has favored water users over ecosystem protections. Supporters from water, agriculture, business, and local agencies praised her collaborative style and consensus-building, while opponents argued she had not done enough to protect the Delta and called for new leadership. The committee ultimately voted 4-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Sivagunda Gunda for reappointment to the California Energy Commission. He highlighted progress on grid reliability, zero-carbon generation, and planning for California’s energy transition, including transportation fuels, building electrification, and the eventual retirement of Diablo Canyon. Senators questioned him about the future of Kern Energy and small refineries, the state’s transportation fuels plan, fuel imports and costs, and whether California can retire Diablo Canyon by 2030 without harming reliability. Gunda said the state is planning as if Diablo Canyon retires in 2030, that current resource additions make reliability manageable, and that affordability and market coordination remain key issues. The committee then voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate, and the hearing recessed afterward.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't just give them the keys to the car and have them go out there and drive, right?
- We give them the education of driver's ed and learn how to drive before they start driving on their own
- Thank you guys for coming and taking the time to drive to Tallahassee.
- I have four kids under five, so I haven't yet entered the school system.
- I have four kids under five, so I haven't yet entered the school system.
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate.
Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules.
A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.