Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
Page 159 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Guard to use their towers. Guard to use their towers.
- </c><00:40:22.560><c> to</c> gave the KSP the authorization to gave the KSP the authorization to directly
- . authorization. authorization.
- And have we cleared the path authority?
- Guard. Guard. Slide<01:16:35.679><c> number</c><01:16:35.920><c> two.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1668, disposition remains authorization, legal decision-making. Rules.
- SB 1760, ASDB capital improvements financing authority.
- SB 1799, commerce authority tax incentive certification.
- SB 1799, commerce authority tax incentive certification.
- SB 1809, National Guard education reimbursement.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- the state veteran cemeteries to provide burial benefits to a specific group of National Guard Reserve
- the passage of the burial Guard Reserve the passage of the burial Guard Reserve Act<00:07:37.840><c>
- </c> a specific group of National Guard a specific group of National Guard Reserve<00:07:48.599><c> component
- and Reserve veterans that National Guard and Reserve veterans that were<00:08:00.240><c> never</c><00
- , with the missions that our National Guard members and our reservists have had.
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties.
The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment.
Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2648, Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans; authorize MSU Extension Service to assist
- MSU Extension Service to authorize MSU Extension Service to assist<00:22:22.560><c> poultry</c><00:22
- House Bill 479, universal recognition of occupational license for aggravated garden guarding practices
- </c><00:49:01.960><c> to</c><00:49:02.080><c> item</c> be added to as a co-author to item be added to
- as a co-author to item number<00:49:02.560><c> 52,</c><00:49:03.120><c> Senate</c><00:49:03.400><c>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- We continue to believe that a multi-year authorization would support long-term capital planning and more
- This bill also authorizes another $12 million for the Shared Streets and Spaces program, launched in
- This Chapter 90 bill also authorizes an additional $500 million for the statewide acceleration of road
- Similarly, the bill authorizes $800 million for highway projects that are not eligible for federal aid
- The Accelerated Bridge Program authorized almost $3 billion worth of special obligation bonds secured
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a more than $5 billion transportation bond package centered on a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization, plus funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, housing-related transportation improvements, a new DCR/MassDOT PRISM program for parkways and other DCR assets, and reauthorizations of the Municipal Pavement Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, and highway programs. They said the bill would support safety, resilience, housing production, and multimodal transportation, and noted that some bonds could be issued as special obligation bonds backed by the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues.
Committee members asked about the size and structure of the authorizations, the federal match for highway projects, the source of MBTA vehicle procurement, bridge repair needs, and whether the housing-related funds could be used flexibly for items like sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, and other local transportation improvements. Administration witnesses said the bill is intended as a temporary refill of existing programs until a larger transportation bond bill is filed next session, that the federal-aid line includes the full spending authority while the state only borrows the 20% match, and that the housing-related program is deliberately broad and not limited to MBTA communities. They also said Chapter 90 includes a road-mile component that especially helps rural communities and that preservation and safety are built into the programs.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool municipalities have to maintain the roughly 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges they are responsible for. MMA urged timely passage before construction season and praised the continued $300 million Chapter 90 level, especially the $100 million road-mile distribution that helps communities with large road networks and smaller populations. No votes were taken on the bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment after testimony ended.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 02-25-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If natural hair braiders are exempted under this bill, the board will have limited authority to enforce
- </c><00:05:25.600><c> This</c><00:05:25.759><c> measure</c><00:05:26.560><c> authorizes</c> to insurance
- This measure authorizes to insurance.
- So, this bill authorizes insurance providers to operate in areas that they otherwise might not choose
- it is something that your authorize it is something that your department<00:09:14.720><c> is</c><00:
Summary:
The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing.
The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice.
The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Author of life, yours is the Craft beauty, and offer opportunity.
- Author of life, yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.
- Up until now, if you were a diabetic, you had to get what's called a prior authorization for insulin.
- And you had to get a prior authorization for the insulin pump. That's crazy.
- Starting this year, starting this year, you won't need a prior authorization from any insurance company
Summary:
The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker.
Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media.
The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jan 22nd, 2026
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Author of life, yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.
- Author of life, yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.
- Up until now, if you were a diabetic, you had to get what's called a prior authorization for insulin.
- And you had to get a prior authorization for the insulin pump. That's crazy.
- Starting this year, starting this year, you won't need a prior authorization from any insurance company
Summary:
The joint convention convened to receive the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber adopted orders appointing committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor into the chamber, and the Archbishop of Boston and Rabbi Elaine Zacker delivered the invocation and benediction. The proceedings also included the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and formal acknowledgments of guests and former officials.
In her address, Governor Maura Healey focused on affordability and the state’s response to federal policy changes. She criticized actions by the Trump administration on tariffs, health care, immigration enforcement, and food assistance, while emphasizing Massachusetts’ efforts to lower costs and protect residents. She highlighted housing production and conversion of state and office properties, energy affordability measures, health care reforms including ending prior authorization for insulin and banning medical debt reporting, transportation improvements, economic development, education investments, and workforce training. She also announced short-term relief for winter utility bills, expanded support for food banks, and new proposals to protect children from social media harms.
The Governor also discussed public safety and veterans’ services, citing reforms after the Gabriel House fire and improvements to the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans’ homes. She framed the speech around Massachusetts’ historical role in the nation’s founding and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, urging continued unity and leadership. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned without any legislative vote on policy matters during the session.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She was the first woman to chair the Benson Housing Authority and made history as Johnston County's first
- </c><00:09:22.160><c> and</c> chair the Benson Housing Authority and chair the Benson Housing Authority
- </c> Americans Act of 1965 to authorize Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations<00:41:58.240
- We're at war, a war that Congress never voted to authorize.
- For instance, off the Oregon coast, they For instance, off the Oregon coast, they fired the people that
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Apr 7th, 2026
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- We continue to believe that a multi-year authorization would support long-term capital planning and more
- This bill also authorizes another $12 million for the Shared Streets and Spaces program, launched in
- The Accelerated Bridge Program authorized almost $3 billion worth of special obligation bonds secured
- Those authorizations we wanted to do a refill on just four of them: federal aid highway, non-federal
- Those authorizations we wanted to do a refill on just four of them: federal aid highway, non-federal
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a major transportation investment package centered on a $300 million annual Chapter 90 local aid program, with $200 million distributed by the traditional formula and $100 million by lane miles to better support rural communities. They also outlined funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, transportation projects that support housing production, a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations of existing highway and municipal grant programs such as the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets and Spaces.
Witnesses said the bill would help address aging infrastructure, improve safety and resilience, support housing development, and leverage Fair Share surtax revenue through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. They explained that some authorizations are structured to allow the state to issue special obligation bonds, and clarified that the bill authorizes the full spending amount for federally aided projects even though the state only borrows the 20 percent match, with the federal government reimbursing the rest. Committee members asked about bridge repair needs, the size of the backlog, how housing-related transportation funds would be allocated, MBTA vehicle procurement, and whether rural communities would have fair access to the new funding streams.
Several members praised the administration’s financing approach but urged future Chapter 90 increases to keep pace with inflation and requested more attention to rural municipal capacity and bridge safety needs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool for cities and towns to maintain local roads and bridges and urging prompt passage before construction season. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- They do it the first Friday of every month, and they work with their Honor Guard, where they learn how
- related to Idaho Code 33-525, which is something this legislature passed in 2020, which essentially authorizes
- with a parent who serves or is a member, either part-time or full-time, of the armed forces, National Guard
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee approved the minutes from January 22, 2026, after a motion and second, with no opposition. The committee then heard a presentation on military-connected students from Dominic Hagan of Mountain Home Air Force Base and Dr. Spencer Barzzi of the Idaho State Department of Education.
The presenters described Idaho’s Purple Star School designation, which recognizes schools that support military families, noting Stevenson Elementary in Mountain Home as the state’s first Purple Star school. They also discussed the Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MC3), which helps military students transfer credits, maintain graduation progress, and navigate enrollment and placement issues when families move. Dr. Barzzi also reviewed Idaho’s military student identifier and the State Department of Education’s website resources, explaining that these tools were developed in response to a 2023 study that found military-family resources were not always easy to access.
Committee members asked how many military-connected students are in Idaho and whether the program is limited to base schools. The presenters said there are about 3,500 military-connected students in the state, concentrated near Mountain Home but also present in Kuna and Boise, and that Purple Star support can be offered in any school, not just those on base. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- They do it the first Friday of every month and they work with their Honor Guard where they learn how
- related to Idaho Code 33-525, which is something this legislature passed in 2020, which essentially authorizes
- with a parent who serves or is a member, either part-time or full-time, of the armed forces, National Guard
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee first approved the minutes from its January 22, 2026 meeting by motion and voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from the Idaho Department of Education and Mountain Home Air Force Base on supports for military-connected students, led by Deputy Superintendent Spencer Barzzi and school liaison Dominique Hagan.
The presenters described Idaho’s Purple Star Schools program, which recognizes schools that provide extra support for military families, and highlighted Stevenson Elementary in Mountain Home as the state’s first Purple Star school. They also explained the Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MC3), which helps military students with issues such as enrollment, placement, attendance, and graduation when families move frequently. Additional supports discussed included advanced enrollment under Idaho law, the military student identifier, and the Department of Education’s website resources for families and schools.
In response to questions, the presenters said Idaho has about 3,500 military-connected students, concentrated near Mountain Home but also present in Kuna and Boise. They noted that Purple Star participation is not limited to base schools and is an optional program that requires staff training and school-wide support. No further committee action was taken after the presentation, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides only discretionary authority for the EIB to consider labeling Authority for the EIB to consider
- It does not create residual and undefined authority over It does not create residual and undefined authority
- Discretionary authority to the EIB to consider labeling through rulemaking if necessary.
- and characterization of discretionary authority as a requirement alters the scope of law.
- That understanding did not include granting broad labeling authority or residual authority over exempt
Bills:
SB241
Keywords:
child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level
Summary:
The Senate began by outlining the day’s agenda, then received several House messages, including the House’s request for concurrence on Senate Bill 151 and notice that the House had concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 2, 3, and 70. The Senate also received enrolled bills SB 64 and SB 101, and later adopted committee reports on House Bill 120 and SB 64. The chamber then took up concurrence on SB 151, a tax package that the House amended to remove the gross receipts tax provision for medical supplies, add a 1% salary increase for state employees, higher education, and public schools, extend a high-wage job tax credit, and add sunsets. Senator Hamblen supported concurrence as a friendly amendment, while Senator Cervantes argued the House changes transformed the bill into an unconstitutional appropriations measure and urged a conference committee. The Senate nevertheless concurred, 22-14.
On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 61, which increases the penalty for aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony to align with other sentencing provisions. Supporters, including Senator Cervantes, cited consistency in the criminal code and noted the Sentencing Commission’s endorsement; the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed House Joint Memorial 3, directing the Environment Department to convene stakeholders and report on implementation of the PFAS Protection Act, despite a brief exchange over whether the memorial could be read as expanding authority under the existing PFAS law; it passed 22-13.
The chamber then passed several memorials: Senate Memorial 20, amended to include youth and family voices and legislative appointees in a statewide youth violence summit, passed 35-0; Senate Memorial 21, calling for a study of a statewide overdose prevention program, passed 35-0; Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a working group on domestic violence funding and CYFD-related funding flows, passed; and Senate Memorial 27, urging expansion of the Radiation Exposure Act to compensate New Mexicans affected by atomic testing and uranium mining, passed 34-0. At the end of the session, the Senate received a governor’s message authorizing consideration of SB 74 on cockfighting penalties, followed by a playful Senate response message. The body also agreed to move House Joint Memorial 2 from Rules to the President’s table and then recessed until 8:30 a.m. the next day.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll just touch real quick on the DPS honor guard. This program is an executive request.
- But the process, obviously, we have to come back for authorization on that project.
- So moving on to the Health Care Authority, beginning on line 17, Mr.
- On Line 44, Department of Finance and Authority for the Child Care Revolving Loan D.
- So I'm showing 123 and 124 as the Health Care Authority.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to thank the author and the original author as well.
- And I look forward to working with the authors and the original author as well to make sure that we can
- And I look forward to working with the authors and the original author as well to make sure that we can
- We don't believe this expanded authority is necessary.
- I'd like to call on authors Koloza, Chiavo, Hart, and Irwin.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye.
The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye.
Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to establish guardrails to stabilize the justice system—represent a thoughtful solution that helps guard
- The administration has the ability and the authority to use any and all available funds, including ..
- .has the ability and the authority to use any and all available funds, including the transitional escrow
- Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water
- In 2022, he co-authored a book with Richard Santusainio detailing the events surrounding her death in
Summary:
The Senate first debated and advanced Senate Bill 2561, an act to promote student learning and mental health, centered on a statewide bell-to-bell restriction on student cell phone use in schools. Supporters argued the bill would reduce distraction, improve academic performance and mental health, and encourage social interaction, while preserving flexibility for districts and exceptions for emergencies, special education, health needs, and instructional uses. Several senators emphasized local control and the need for public input, and a number of amendments were considered: some were withdrawn, some were rejected, and others were adopted, including an amendment requiring consistent and necessary exceptions and another requiring public hearings and local public input. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 38-2.
The Senate also took up a conference committee report on a $259 million FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The report funded EMS costs, home care, the Healthy Incentives Program, DTA chip card technology, veterans benefits, the state police crime lab, the SSI state supplement, the Fair Housing Fund, and the National Guard, and included major indigent defense provisions: $40 million for 320 new CPCS staff attorneys, rate increases for private bar advocates, guardrails to reduce future work stoppages, and an independent review of the indigent defense system. Senators questioned the timing of the report, the inclusion of items not previously voted on by either branch, and the funding sources, including use of the transitional escrow fund and excess revenues. The report was accepted, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the supplemental budget was enacted.
In addition, the Senate passed other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District and a municipal roads and bridges financing bill, both by roll call vote. The chamber also enacted a health care protections bill, and it concurred in referrals on a governor’s municipal empowerment legislation. The session included a brief memorial tribute and adjournment in memory of Harry C. Christensen.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2841 recognizes its author, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill.
- Recognized author Senator Hughes explains the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.
- The Mobility Authority also partnered with us.
- That are generated by the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
- . this procurement authority to the Port of Galveston.
Keywords:
memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- We had eight on consent but for Two minutes that we don't get an author here.
- Authorizing pharmacists to furnish over-the-counter hormonal contraceptives.
- And a special thank you for authoring this important measure.
- So while we're waiting for our last author, why don't we.
- I want to thank the author.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> CORPORATIONS AUTHORITIES AND Corporations Authorities and Commission also met simultaneously
- Walter Oden, Dormitory Authority.
- Schroeder; Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority. Linda Brown-Robinson; authority.
- This is -- it doesn't say who can author or what can author.
- THIS IS -- IT DOESN'T SAY WHO CAN AUTHOR OR WHAT CAN AUTHOR.
Summary:
The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games.
The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually.
The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Taxes Committee considers HF169 3/11/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we have the bill in the shape the author would like. originally taxed so we don't want to add originally
- now we have the bill in the<00:01:18.119><c> shape</c><00:01:18.520><c> the</c><00:01:19.119><c> author
- 20.119><c> uh</c><00:01:20.600><c> would</c><00:01:20.799><c> like</c><00:01:21.079><c> the</c> The author
- As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
- As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
Summary:
The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered.
Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach.
Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.