Video & Transcript Research : 'absent legislators'
Page 15 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So the bill as amended narrow the legislative findings to verifiable facts.
- We can legislate all day long what's really happening in the field?
- We'll leave that bill on call and let absent members add on.
- We will leave that open for absent members to add on.
- That measure is out, and we'll leave the roll open for absent members.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established.
After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls.
The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, please call absent members. Allen, Ashby, McGuire, McNerney...
- Secretary, please call absent members. Allen, aye. Secretary, please call absent members.
- Secretary, call the absent members. Secretary, call the absent members.
- Secretary, please call the absent members. Ashby, Grove, Jones, Reyes, aye.
- The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then honored astronaut Captain Victor J. Glover Jr. for his achievements as a Navy officer, NASA astronaut, and California native. Senators Weber Pearson and Rubio highlighted his historic space missions and his role as an inspiration for students, especially in STEM, before the chamber took a photo with Glover and his family.
The body then took up SCR 183 on Juneteenth. Senator Weber Pearson presented the resolution as a commemoration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Senators Padilla, Smallwood-Cuevas, Valladares, and Becker spoke in support from the perspectives of the Latino, LGBTQ, Women’s, Hispanic, and Jewish caucuses, emphasizing historical memory, faith, and the need to continue fighting discrimination. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0.
The Senate next considered budget trailer bills SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. SB 110 made technical budget amendments and passed 29-10. SB 122 expanded sales tax to electronically delivered prewritten software, extended and limited business tax credits, adjusted LLC minimum taxes, and included other revenue changes; supporters said it helped balance the budget and protect services, while opponents argued it would raise costs for businesses, hospitals, and families. It passed 27-9. SB 125 created a federally compliant managed care organization tax to support Medi-Cal and avoid deeper cuts; supporters said it was necessary after federal changes eliminated the prior tax, while opponents warned premiums could rise. It also passed 27-9.
The chamber also adopted SR 114 designating June 15-21, 2026 as AVID Week, and SJR 14 urging a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II Army and Navy nurses, both by unanimous roll call. SCR 187 recognizing Father’s Day in California also passed unanimously. The Senate then approved a large consent calendar and closed with remarks about Juneteenth and the next session scheduled for June 22, 2026.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a legislative advocate for the ACAU California Action.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members. Thank you all.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members. Thank you.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, what you're Members, with your votes of 11 ayes, three absent, you have given SB 1161 a do pass
- Seven ayes, four nays, three absent.
- With your votes of seven ayes, four nays, and three absent, all right, let's do this again.
- With your votes of seven ayes, four nays, and three absent, you've given SB 1580 a do pass.
- Let's do this again with your votes of seven eyes, four days, and three absent.
Keywords:
appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I live in Legislative District 4.
- She did not know whether that needed to be legislated. Ms.
- She did not know whether that needed to be legislated, to be honest.
- Over those 18 years, I have helped pass legislation, trained caregivers...” “...I have helped pass legislation
- The board members feel this legislation is important to the profession, The board members feel this legislation
Bills:
HB2180, HB2184, HB2188, HB2194, HB2206, HB2321, HB2322, HB2438, HB2442, HB2448, HB2727, HB2797
Keywords:
appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, for allowing me to present this important legislation.
- And starting with file item one, please call the absent members.
- Please call the absent members. Jones, Menjivar, Rubio, aye. Please call the absent members.
- Jones is absent. All right, let's begin.
- First of all, we're going to lift the call on AB 69 for the absent members.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The consent calendar is out, but we'll keep the roll open for absent members.
- This legislation will likely create a commission of individuals.
- The bill's out 4-2 but we'll keep the roll open for the absent. members.
- We will call the absent members for that one.
- We're calling the absent members. and that's a bill that I recommend support.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 078 Apr 2nd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The morning roll call is 33 present, zero absent, two excused. We have a quorum.
- and concurring with Senate amendments to that legislation.
- </c> passing key pieces of legislation passing key pieces of legislation and<00:45:34.960><c> concurring
- </c> that legislation. that legislation.
- With a vote of 35 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and zero excused, HJR 1025 is adopted.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- He's absent. Representative Claire Sine. Postals, I'm sorry. He's absent.
- States like New Jersey and Maryland have already passed this legislation.
- I'm now going to turn it over to my legislative aide, Lauren Lake.
- Representative Claire Snyder Hall absent. Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Representative Charles Postles, Jr. is absent.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 090 Apr 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> With a vote of 28 I 7 no, zero absent With a vote of 28 I 7 no, zero absent and<00:42:54.240><c>
- Senator Exum. for legislators.
- </c><00:48:57.680><c> J002</c> absent, zero excused. J002 absent, zero excused.
- </c> zero no zero absent and zero excused. zero no zero absent and zero excused.
- </c> absent, and zero excused. absent, and zero excused.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- States like New Jersey and Maryland have already passed this legislation.
- And I'm now going to turn it over to my legislative aide, Lauren Lake.
- Representative Claire Snyder Hall absent. Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Now, um, Representative Jesse Vanderwyn absent.
- Representative Charles Postals Jr. is absent. Representative Claire Snyder Hall is absent.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 39 (3-4-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> absent senators. absent senators.
- President, I move that the absent >> Mr.
- </c> our business on day 39 this legislative our business on day 39 this legislative session.<00:04:58.240
- </c><00:34:52.560><c> hosted</c><00:34:52.879><c> by</c> legislative breakfast tomorrow hosted by legislative
- All legislators are 10:30 in room 113.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent CALA, California Action for Legislative Accountability. The stated purpose...
- California Action for Legislative Accountability.
- This bill is not legislating that topic. Okay. Well, but it is talking about Prop 50, right?
- Johnson is absent. Solache? Aye. Stephanie? Aye. Thank you. The bill is up 5 to 1.
- Johnson is absent. Solache? Aye. Stephanie? Aye. Thank you. The bill is up 5 to 1.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and heard one bill, SB 73. The author described the measure as a response to perceived threats to California elections, including restrictions on armed or non-uniformed personnel at polling places, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on law enforcement access to election materials without a court order. The chair reviewed a set of agreed amendments, including removing a section conflicting with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties, clarifying the role of the Attorney General and Secretary of State, and refining language on signature challenges, law enforcement support, and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force, CHIRLA, the League of Women Voters of California, and Common Cause, argued the bill would protect voters from intimidation and preserve election integrity. Opponents from CALA argued the bill was unnecessary, would hinder legitimate investigations, and reflected distrust of law enforcement and federal oversight.
Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill was responding to real-world threats and on the ballot seizure in Riverside County. Members questioned how the measure would affect signature challenges, chain of custody, and investigations into possible fraud. The author and supporters said ballots should remain in election officials’ custody and that federal or local agents should not be able to interfere with election materials or intimidate voters. The chair and other members also discussed the urgency clause and the need to move the bill quickly despite the proximity of the June election.
The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 73 to the Committee on Public Safety. The roll call initially showed the bill passing 5-1, then after the absent member arrived, the final vote was 6-2, and the bill was reported out of committee.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> absent, two excused. We have a quorum. absent, two excused. We have a quorum. Mr. Mr.
- ,</c><00:56:48.160><c> zero</c> 35 eyes, zero no, zero absent, zero 35 eyes, zero no, zero absent, zero
- ,</c><00:57:54.880><c> zero</c> 35 eyes, zero noes, zero absent, zero 35 eyes, zero noes, zero absent
- ,</c><01:09:14.799><c> zero</c> 31 eyes, four no, zero absent, zero 31 eyes, four no, zero absent, zero
- ,</c><03:44:29.920><c> zero</c> 33 eyes, two no, zero absent, zero 33 eyes, two no, zero absent, zero
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Secretary, please call absent members.
- The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received.
- The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled several procedural matters, including referral of AB 686 to Rules, approval of motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and adopt authors’ amendments, and requests to move AB 28 and AB 2539 to the inactive file. The chamber also confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Maggie Hallahan to the Bodina Waterways Commission and Kansasaki to the Building Standards Commission.
On the floor, members took up two resolutions focused on public awareness and policy messaging. SCR 181 designated June 10 as Family Justice Center Day and highlighted the work of Family Justice Centers serving survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking; it passed 36-0. SR 112 declared June 14-20 as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week to encourage awareness, family health-history sharing, and early screening; it also passed unanimously. SJR 18, a resolution opposing the Citizens United decision and calling for limits on corporate influence and dark money in elections, generated extended debate over campaign finance, transparency, unions, nonprofits, and corporate political spending before passing 28-8.
The consent calendar was then adopted on a 35-0 vote. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Larry Mazzola, Sr., Steve Zaley, and James J. McClain, Sr., followed by announcements that the Senate would recess and reconvene on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I move that the absent senator be excused. >> Without objection, the absent senator is excused
- President, I move that the absent >> Mr.
- </c> the [snorts] absent senator is excused. the [snorts] absent senator is excused.
- This legislation modernizes our today.
- This is probably the most legislation.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of absent senators. Senator from Taylor. of absent senators. Senator from Taylor.
- And I do advocates, and legislators.
- </c><00:24:05.440><c> as</c> passion in promoting this legislation as passion in promoting this legislation
- And I legislation for our families.
- </c><00:27:51.760><c> and</c> And this is meaningful legislation and And this is meaningful legislation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight ayes, one no, one present, two absent.
- It's time for a legislative change to hold our schools more accountable.
- The vote is six ayes, five noes, and one absent.
- And some is like if you were absent, you missed it.
- By your vote of six eyes, five knows, one absent.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Revenue - Finance Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation requires the Department of Finance...
- Representative Kay Smith, also absent. Representative Jones-Gilternor absent.
- Representative Griffith, absent. Representative Johnson, absent. Representative Romer.
- Smith, absent. Representative Jones-Giltner, absent. Representative Gray? Representative D.
- Short, absent. Representative M. Smith. All right.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, which would create a temporary Delaware income tax deduction for qualified tip income from tax years 2027 through 2029. The sponsor described it as relief for service workers in restaurants, salons, and similar tipped occupations, with a deduction of up to $15,000, income-based phaseouts, a refundable credit for lower-income workers, and a sunset for later review. Committee members raised questions about the resident/non-resident language, the fiscal note, and whether the Department of Finance could implement the change; Finance said the department could administer it and expected only modest administrative costs, while the Comptroller’s office said the bill would reduce general revenue. After a brief recess to review updated language, the committee took public comment, but no one testified. A motion to release the bill failed to receive enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it to seek additional signatures.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. The sponsor argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, citing economic return estimates, workforce benefits, and support from all 21 Senate co-sponsors. Some members supported the bill as a way to reward service and bring in long-term residents, while others questioned whether the exemption should be income-based rather than available to all military retirees, including those with substantial second careers. The Department of Finance said it could operationalize the bill and that the non-resident language was unnecessary because the subtraction is already picked up in the non-resident code section. Public testimony from veterans’ organizations strongly supported the bill, emphasizing that the exemption can influence retirement decisions and help veterans and their families stay in Delaware. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Public Safety Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members.
- Keep that bill on call for absent members. Thank you.
- Keep that bill and call for absent members.
- Keep that bill and call for absent members.
Summary:
The Senate Public Safety Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 647, which would clarify last year’s RV disposal pilot program for Los Angeles and Alameda counties so local agencies can remove abandoned, inoperable RVs more efficiently. Supporters, including a representative for Mayor Karen Bass, said the bill is needed to address public health, fire, sewage, and neighborhood safety hazards. Opponents argued the measure would be used to remove occupied RVs without adequate housing or service referrals and would harm vehicle residents. The committee later approved AB 647 on a do-pass motion to the Appropriations Committee.
The committee also considered AB 1656, which would give judges discretion to delay human trafficking cases when the assigned prosecutor has another trial, preliminary hearing, or motion to suppress, with amendments limiting the continuance to one time and no more than 10 days. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and trauma-informed continuity for survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim continuity and constitutional rights, the committee passed AB 1656 as amended to the floor. AB 1917, a bill to require prosecutors to file a motion before reinstating charges dismissed at preliminary hearing, also drew support from public defenders and defense groups and opposition from district attorneys, who argued the bill used the wrong procedural mechanism. The author agreed to explore moving the process into the existing 995 framework, and the committee passed AB 1917 as amended to Appropriations.
AB 2636 would require courts to consider possession of a loaded firearm when deciding whether a juvenile qualifies for deferred entry of judgment. Supporters, including probation and police chiefs, said the bill would add accountability for serious gun-related conduct while preserving rehabilitation options; opponents said it would reduce access to effective youth diversion and disproportionately affect Black and brown youth. The committee passed the bill to the floor. AB 1632, which would replace notarization with a penalty-of-perjury statement for 602 trespass authorization letters, was supported by cities and law enforcement as a way to reduce bureaucracy and help address trespass and vacant-property hazards, while opponents warned of abuse and Fourth Amendment concerns. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill to the floor. The hearing then moved on to AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill, with the author introducing the measure and witnesses from Pierce’s Pledge expected to testify.