Video & Transcript Research : 'legislators'
Page 157 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation committee OKs bill to ramp up restrictions on repeat DWI offenders 3/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- ramps the time repeat legislation ramps the time repeat offenders<00:04:10.599>
are <00:04:10.840 - also does and what the legislation also does and what the amendment<00:04:59.880>
that <00:04: - I am here to support this important legislation in the hopes that others are spared the pain and ...
- in the hopes that important legisl in the hopes that others<00:11:00.880>
um <00:11:01.120> - I'm here to support this important legislation in the hopes that others are spared the pain and grief
Summary:
House File 2130, sponsored by Representative Craft, was heard and amended before being re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy. The bill responds to serious impaired-driving tragedies in St. Louis Park, including the Park Tavern crash, and aims to strengthen Minnesota’s ignition interlock requirements for repeat DWI offenders. Craft described the bill as based on data showing repeat-offender risk, arguing that current law’s look-back and interlock timelines are too limited and that the statute was also reorganized for clarity.
The A1 amendment was adopted without objection. Craft explained that the amendment clarifies when the $680 license reinstatement fee must be paid: not before entering interlock, but before exiting the program, to reduce barriers to participation. He also said the bill would extend interlock requirements more aggressively for repeat offenders, expand the look-back period for prior offenses, and in some cases require treatment. He emphasized that interlock is intended to improve public safety and can support sobriety, while also acknowledging broader root-cause issues such as mental health and addiction.
Testimony in support came from St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamad, Police Chief Brian Cruy, and Methodist Hospital President Jennifer Meister. They said the bill would help address gaps in current law, better account for prior offenses, and potentially prevent future tragedies. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill was a reaction to tragedy and about addressing underlying causes of impaired driving, while others supported the measure and noted the need for broader transportation and treatment options. After discussion, the committee voted to re-refer HF 2130 to Public Safety Finance and Policy, and the motion prevailed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Leach, for your leadership and support of this important legislation.
- Nowhere is doomed because of this legislation. Just the way Cal.
- Delaware's, their governor and their legislator.
- Their legislators are starting to see what's happening.
- That's in the legislation. Okay.
Bills:
HB32, HB15, HB171, HB421, HB581, HB644, HB745, HB349, HB917, HB204, HB923, HB15, HB171, HB204
Keywords:
eviction, landlord rights, tenant rights, justice court, property law, court procedures, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, deep fake, digital impersonation, age verification, private cause of action, explicit content, consumer protection, HB 581
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I was going to compliment you on your strategic and solid legislation today.
- I too want to tell you that I think this is a great piece of legislation.
- So, Madam Chair, I want to thank you for this piece of legislation.
- content, you can't legislate content, you cannot legislate content.'
- content, you can't legislate content, you cannot legislate content.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, accessibility, labor, and public safety. AB 1798 by Assemblymember Wilson would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer test results, in underwriting. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage genetic testing, while insurers opposed it as unnecessary and said genetic data should be treated like other predictive health information. The bill passed the committee on a 7-0 vote and was held open for absent members.
AB 2190 by Assemblymember Wallace would create website accessibility standards based on WCAG guidelines and add affirmative defenses intended to reduce serial litigation while improving access for people with disabilities. Disability advocates supported the measure as a needed civil-rights update, while business groups warned it could increase liability and create unclear compliance obligations. The bill passed 9-0 and was sent to Appropriations.
AB 2721 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require hotels to post notice when they know or should know that U.S. Customs and Border Protection or ICE are using the premises, with supporters saying workers and guests deserve transparency and safety. Hotel and business groups opposed it, citing privacy, liability, and concerns about interfering with federal operations. The committee voted 6-2 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2027 by Assemblymember Ward would restrict employers from using worker data to train AI systems that replace workers and limit sharing of worker data for automation; labor groups supported it and business and public-sector groups opposed it as too broad. The bill passed 7-2 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The committee also heard AB 1837 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would extend and tighten privacy rules for transit agencies’ use of forward-facing cameras to enforce bus-lane violations; supporters said the cameras improve transit flow and safety, and the bill was presented with amendments, though no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-TRS Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- General's report to the legislation General's report to the legislation describe<00:36:35.120>
- legislative session. legislative session.
- really good legislation. Thank you. really good legislation. Thank you.
- 03.160>
has <01:27:03.440>us The current legislative session has us The current legislative- <01:28:26.160>
or able to meet with their legislators or able to meet with their legislators
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard.
SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments.
SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul legislator.
- Paul legislator.
- Paul legislator.
- Paul legislator.
session last legisl Le last legislative session last legisl Le last legislative session with<
Summary:
The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work.
Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I think the chairs should be legislative.
- Well, I think the chairs should be legislative.
- So if we get one more legislator because teams can vote for their legislators, hi, Dylan’s here.
- Yeah, I wanted to, you know, we're taking a big legislative trip on November 28.
- Obviously— Obviously, as legislators, after two weeks and Thanksgiving, we tend not to meet.
Summary:
The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation.
A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting.
The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- process. has been indispensable to this institution and to the legislative process.
- So on behalf of your colleagues at LSB, all the legislators and staff members that you have worked with
- Colleagues, I rise to support this package of legislation because we have an acute housing crisis in
- And I say that because by passing this legislation, is one of the more important ones.
- Directly to the amendment that is offered, we already in this legislation have a requirement that the
Summary:
The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees.
In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1.
Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- the COVID experience and your legislation is reducing that intensity of care.
- And I also want to point out, we've also passed this piece of legislation.
- Piece of legislation I can wrap my head around. Thank you very much, and this is good.
- So I don't have any concerns about this legislation at all.
- Seeing none, we'll take anyone in support of the legislation? Anyone in opposition?
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other options such as GoodRx or generic pharmacy pricing. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after no additional support or opposition testimony was offered.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 878 from Senator Fitzwater, a pharmacist practice act bill negotiated with the Board of Healing Arts and pharmacy groups. The bill would codify pandemic-era pharmacy flexibilities, expand pharmacist authority to administer certain vaccines approved by the FDA and state boards, allow therapeutic plans and some medical device dispensing, and authorize over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with FDA-approved warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters, including pharmacy associations and large pharmacy chains, said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Some members and an opponent raised concerns about safety, self-treatment, vaccine authority, and whether the bill shifts too much power from elected officials to boards. The bill was heard only; no committee vote was reported.
The committee also heard House Resolution 538, which would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research, funding, and affected families. Members largely supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication and assistive technology. House Resolution 4661 followed, calling for increased awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension, and encouraging public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. The sponsor described it as an awareness measure rather than a mandate, and members asked about how education efforts might work and whether broader screening should be considered. No votes were taken on either resolution during the hearing.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 45 Apr 22nd, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a reminder: in celebration of Earth Day, which is today, it is legislator night at the Oklahoma
- Good afternoon, the distinguished legislators, ladies and gentlemen.
- Their legislation, to show them a few ways to cut corners and get things done.
- Not about great bills that were passed or great legislation I did.
- Legislators and leadership, it has been a real privilege to serve with each and every one of you.
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
Summary:
The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol.
A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state.
The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response.
No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Our legislative chaplain remains standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, which will be led
- This data center in Marana that this bill is very, it's for, to me is special legislation. And...
- This data center in Marana that this bill is very, it's for, to me is special legislation.
- And House Bill 2873 is special legislation.
- They did it in my legislative district in Casa Grande.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues.
The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19.
The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Holy One, as we begin this day of legislating, let us begin by focusing on our breath as we slowly breathe
- Betty Davis, Legislative District 28. Representatives Livingston and Pingerelli.
- I want to echo the comments of my colleague from Legislative District 3.
- I would actually say that the Secretary should have to get some legislative approval, either from the
- Members, I know it's legislative Friday, but pretend like you're listening. Thank you.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Permissive legislation that allows a municipality to adopt a firefighters bill of rights.
- Some of this funding will have to be legislated. Uh, but we don't have a timeline.
- <00:19:10.880>
Uh funding will have to be legislated. - Uh funding will have to be legislated.
- /c><00:19:44.240>
on <00:19:44.559>the legislation have any impact on the legislation have
Keywords:
rural health, healthcare access, state funding, health transformation, appropriations, fiscal policy, healthcare funding, economic development, mental health, maternal health, antitrust, competition, market regulation, business practices, consumer protection, anaphylaxis, epinephrine, auto-injector, public health, school safety
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 16, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This opposed legislation provides our intent to address those issues by providing funding through cash
- You are doing your part as a legislator to make sure the committee may be made whole again.
- This is like sexual predation moving into a category of special interest for us as a legislative body
- This is like sexual predation moving into a category of special interest for us as a legislative body
- This is like sexual predation moving into a category of special interest for us as a legislative body
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 08:29 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation provides.
- Austin Davidson from the Legislative Finance Committee, and we also have Ismael Torres from the Legislative
- My name is Zoe Barker and I'm the Legislative Director with Conservation Voters New Mexico.
- do not do lobbying, but we gather legislators together.
- I don't know if this would be a benefit or if it would hurt your legislation or your memorial.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- THAT YOU GRANT THIS THESE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FLORIDA SENATE THE KNOWLEDGE AND MORAL CLARITY TO LEGISLATE
- JUST QUICKLY AND I'M ASKING THESE QUESTIONS SENATOR SIMON BECAUSE OF LEGISLATION THAT HAS A POSSIBILITY
- BUT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS SHOWING THEM THAT WE SEE THEM AND WE ARE HERE TO TRY TO HELP THEM AS
- I DO WANT TO RAISE A RED FLAG FOR THIS ENTIRE BODY AS WE PUT FORTH THIS GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION, IT'S
- WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING IT WOULD BE LEGISLATIVE MALPRACTICE SO THANK YOU FOR GETTING US TO THIS POINT
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- pieces of legislation that repeals an existing chapter and then creates a new chapter that's intended
- I think Alice is right that it's a big, it's a bit of a challenge when there's a piece of legislation
- or even multiple pieces of legislation that reputees. legislation or even multiple pieces of legislation
- The legislative policy is different.
- Each legislative project ends up differently here. And do you have comments?
Summary:
The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance.
A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law.
The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Huffman for her leadership and support of this important legislation.
- I'd like to start off by thanking Senator Perry for laying out this legislation and those co-authors
- My name is Rick Thompson, legislative director with the County Judges and Commissioners Association.
- This legislation will greatly help our... Texans and rural communities.
- The TAA is looking forward to working with the legislators and help advance Senate Bill 1377.
Keywords:
SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- this conversation brings to the table, and we can incorporate that into an even better piece of legislation
- And transparency is one of the ways the public, one of the ways legislators, can look and review and
- That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of
- or filed legislation related to this question.
- or filed legislation related to this question.
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably.
Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate.
The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Transparency is one of the ways that the public, one of the ways that legislators can look and review
- That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Chief Justice of our Florida Supreme
- That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of
- or filed legislation related to this question.
- or filed legislation related to this question.
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably.
Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- When sudden cardiac events take place, timely intervention is That is why the legislation unanimously
- On behalf of the California Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.
- Thank you, and on behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I ask for your aye vote on HR 23.
- Moving to announcements, this is a reminder for all legislative staff.