Video & Transcript Research : 'affirmative finding'

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US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's finding enough cash on hand to begin Finding enough cash on hand to begin recovery in the first
  • In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the rules are being in the affirmative
  • In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative
  • Are there ways that we can find a common ground... that we can find a common ground approach to deal
  • Let's try and find a way to address this. Let's try and find a way to work...
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-HHS, CPN-HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-12-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • mousetrap, they find a way to actually circumvent around it.
  • mousetrap, they find a way to actually circumvent around it.
  • mousetrap, they find a way to actually circumvent around it.
  • mousetrap, they find a way to actually circumvent around it.
  • All others in the affirmative, your measure is adopted.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making on SB 146, SB 147, and SB 1166. SB 146 and SB 147, both relating to condominiums, were recommended to pass with amendments. The committee adopted amendments based on testimony from Anne Anderson, including mediator/arbitrator qualifications, clarifications about disputes involving managing agents, small claims timing, lien rights, and refund determinations by an early neutral evaluator. For both bills, the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050 for further discussion. Each measure was adopted with no objections. SB 1166, relating to insurance, was also passed with amendments. The committee removed language that would have required insurers to bring claims and condition rates on doing so, replacing it with encouraging language. The amended bill adds a private cause of action against responsible parties, authorizes insurer actions under certain conditions, defines terms tied to climate-related events and fossil fuel products, and requires HPIA to report to the insurance commissioner on whether it exercised direct action rights. The effective date was likewise deferred to July 1, 2050, and the measure was adopted without objection. The committee then heard SB 985, relating to consumer protection and gift card fraud, and SB 1525, relating to electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. SB 985 drew support from a consumer fraud victim and others who said gift card scams disproportionately harm kupuna, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill’s packaging/display requirements and suggested stronger penalties instead. The committee voted to pass SB 985 with amendments, deferring its effective date to July 1, 2050, and noted it would move on to Judiciary next. SB 1525 drew significant opposition from the Attorney General’s office, Department of Taxation, Department of Health, and public health groups, who argued it conflicted with federal tobacco law, was hard for Tax to administer, and would not effectively remove unauthorized vape products. After testimony, the committee recommended deferral of SB 1525 without objection.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll find out. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
  • So, I see that, I mean, you removed certain affirmative defenses, right? You left a...
  • I see that, I mean, you removed certain affirmative defenses, right?
  • I'm not removing an affirmative defense to prosecution for bookstores in this bill.
  • Is there an affirmative defense to that in this bill?
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Special Session C Feb 13th, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I find it funny you wouldn't want to vote for this.
  • This would allow them to have affirmative defense. That is the amendment.
  • So I believe that entitles them to affirmative defense.
  • STAND FOR THE SAFETY OF THIS COUNTRY AND VOTE AFFIRMATIVELY FOR THIS BILL. THANK YOU, MR.
  • THIS AMENDMENT AFFIRMS OUR COMMITMENT TO FREEDOM OF BELIEF AND CONSCIENCE.
Summary: The Florida House passed two immigration enforcement bills during a special session. Senate Bill 4C creates new state offenses for unauthorized alien entry/reentry into Florida and mandates the death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies. Senate Bill 2C establishes a state immigration enforcement board, provides $300+ million for local law enforcement immigration cooperation, creates a $1,000 bonus program for officers participating in federal immigration enforcement, and repeals in-state tuition for undocumented students effective July 1, 2025. Multiple amendments were proposed but failed, including protections for Venezuelan TPS holders, DACA recipients, students in critical professions, and conscientious objection provisions for clergy and teachers. Debate included constitutional concerns about federal preemption, equal protection violations, and mandatory death penalty provisions. The session also included a memorial urging DHS to provide 287G agreement training opportunities.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • SITTING ON THIS COMMITTEE AND IN THE POLICY COMMITTEE LAST YEAR I FIND THAT WE SPEND SO MUCH TIME MAKING
  • OF THE CRIPPLING FEAR AND ANXIETY OF LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER TO SEE YOUR ABUSER STOCKING YOU, FINDING
  • MAYBE IT'S AN AMENDMENT BUT WHY ARE WE THINKING ABOUT STATING AFFIRMATIVELY THAT IF SOMEONE DOES HAVE
  • LIKE IF I SEE THAT, THEN THE FIRST THING I WANT TO DO IS FIND THE PERSON AND BEAT THEM.
  • . >> TAB 17 1652 VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. >> Vice Chair Martin: SENATOR YARBOROUGH. >> Sen.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/03/2026 - House Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I just find it very compelling.
  • So I'm wondering what you think about how we would find out if these students were trans. Okay.
  • I can't imagine that being put to voters and having to fight just to be validated and affirmed.
  • Affirming care and inclusive policies are not about special treatment.
  • Affirming care and inclusive policies are not about special treatment.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Education Committee began with a lengthy presentation from Dr. Victoria Dyson Homer on the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. She argued that Arizona faces a teacher shortage and high attrition, with many teachers uncertified or leaving early, and said research shows high-quality, practice-based residencies improve retention, teacher confidence, and student outcomes. She compared Arizona with Texas, described Arizona Teacher Residency’s structure as a year-long apprenticeship paired with coursework and mentorship, and said the program’s early data show strong retention and positive student feedback. Committee members asked about how the residency differs from traditional student teaching, its master’s-degree structure, and whether it should influence broader teacher-preparation and salary policies. The committee then heard and debated SCR 1006, a ballot referral dealing with school restroom and pronoun policies. The measure would require schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students unwilling or unable to use sex-designated multi-occupancy restrooms or sleeping quarters, and would bar school employees from using pronouns or names inconsistent with a student’s biological sex without written parental permission. The sponsor framed it as a parental-rights and student-safety measure, while opponents from education, civil liberties, and mental health backgrounds called it discriminatory, unnecessary, and harmful to transgender and non-binary students. After public testimony and member debate, the committee approved SCR 1006 on a 7-5 vote. The committee also considered SB 1126, which would require schools to provide certain student records and related information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers during abuse or neglect investigations and would prohibit schools from blocking staff from speaking directly with DCS. DCS testified neutrally, saying the bill could help resolve delays and improve information sharing, while members raised FERPA and guardianship concerns. The bill passed 10-0 with two members present. Finally, the committee took up SB 1210, which requires certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions offering fully online programs to Arizona residents to register with the state’s private postsecondary regulator and comply with tuition recovery fund requirements unless covered by reciprocity. Supporters said the bill closes a regulatory loophole and protects students financially; it passed 11-1. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:21:18.400> defenses present evidence of affirmative defenses present evidence of affirmative
  • > by must prove an affirmative defense by must prove an affirmative defense by preponderance<00:21
  • 21.600> and<00:32:21.840> the court makes that finding and the court makes that finding
  • if the court does not make this finding if the court does not make this finding and<00:32:34.480
  • Um could not find fencing quite a bit.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee approved the minutes of its June 10, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony on House Bill 198, “Angela’s Law,” sponsored by Representative Samara Hein. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Hein and the victim’s parents described the case that prompted the proposal, saying the current law did not allow the conduct to be treated as an aggravating factor because the sexual act occurred after death. They emphasized that the bill would not require a death sentence or life without parole, but would give judges and juries another sentencing factor to consider. Doug and Angela Kerr gave emotional testimony about their daughter’s murder and said the current sentencing options were inadequate given the facts of the case. Several members expressed sympathy and supported the bill’s purpose. Senator Wheeler said the measure would signal that the Commonwealth will not tolerate such conduct, and Representative Petrie said he supported the concept but urged careful drafting so the language would not be too narrow or unintentionally reach co-conspirators or others whose conduct differed from the principal offender. The committee then received an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that 202C was enacted in 2021 to address a gap in Kentucky’s civil commitment laws for defendants found incompetent to stand trial after serious offenses. The presentation outlined the process: a Commonwealth’s attorney must file a petition for qualifying offenses, an evidentiary hearing must be held quickly, and if the respondent is found by a preponderance of the evidence to have committed the offense, a commitment hearing follows with a higher burden of proof. They also described the 2024 amendment changing the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and noted the statute’s review-hearing schedule and the availability of later review if circumstances change or new evidence emerges.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I started trying to find how we could make this happen for him.
  • To be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1, Senate Bill 326.
  • Senator Martin, same affirmative on tab 1, 326. Senator Burton, thank you, Chair.
  • Same affirmative on tab 1, 326. Senator Burton. Thank you, Chair.
  • In the affirmative on tabs 1 and 6. Any objection? Seeing none show the motion adopted.
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Jun 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Left to vote in the affirmative? Yes. Has left the vote in the affirmative? Ms. Reynolds-Jackson?
  • Left to vote in the affirmative? Yes. Has left the vote in the affirmative? Miss Reynolds Jackson?
  • She has an affirmative in the affirmative. Has all votes in the affirmative? Ms. Murphy?
  • Affirmative, yes. Has all votes in the affirmative? Ms. Murphy? Yes. Mr. Freiman? Yes. Mr.
  • I think it's incumbent upon us to find out what that answer is.
Keywords: 1146, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as I was looking, trying to find it, I see this big fire.
  • The vote is now closed by a vote of 41 in the affirmative, 24 in the negative.
  • The vote is now closed by a vote of 59 in the affirmative, 8 in the negative.
  • The vote is now closed by vote of 42 in the affirmative, 23 in the negative.
  • The vote is now closed by a vote of 52 in the affirmative, 15 in the negative.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative— Mr.
  • IN IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, 2/3 BEING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE -- MR.
  • In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the...
  • In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative— Mr. Green: I object to the vote.
  • Two-thirds being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, and the bill is passed.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Your affirmation shows that your name is Thomas. Mr.
  • We'll give him just a minute if someone can find him.
  • Not only did they find child porn, they actually...
  • What is it we couldn't find out? And we didn't find out for 25 years. And that's the...
  • The judge didn't find there was bad faith.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • when they get there, they find out that a place has been shut down or closed for business.
  • And first, I want to affirm my colleague Senator Bracey Davis for her testimony.
  • Affirmative in tab 2. Is there any other business before the committee?
  • I'd like to be recorded in the affirmative for tab 3. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • I'd like to be recorded in the affirmative for tab 3, 4, 10, 11, 13, and 16.
Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida. The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy. Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:35 am

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
  • out what there is to find out.
  • Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
  • Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
  • Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
Keywords: 996, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:12 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • By a vote of 35 in the affirmative and zero in the negative, Senate Bill 21, as twice amended, is ...
  • By a vote of 35 in the affirmative and zero in the negative, the motion to reconsider has passed the
  • And they find it useful, again, up to 180 days. This is a debate we need to have.
  • I vote of 38 in the affirmative, zero on the negative.
  • what I need to find.
Keywords: 996, all
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 24 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, and I respectfully ask for an affirmative vote.
  • I ask for an affirmative vote, Mr. President.
  • So Senate Bill 1273 simply clarifies and affirms that ability.
  • So Senate Bill 1273 simply clarifies and affirms that ability.
  • This is a technical amendment, and I ask for an affirmative vote.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, received committee reports, and approved the prior day’s journal by a 50-0 vote. Several members were granted leaves of absence, and the chamber also took up a number of procedural motions, including re-referring Senate Bill 1212 to Appropriations and moving Senate Bill 911 from the table to the calendar. The Senate later recessed for committee meetings and party caucuses, then reconvened to continue floor action. On the calendar, Senate Bill 1206 passed 50-0 after supporters said it would help Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry by allowing manufacturers to pursue state licensure while federal FDA approval is pending, without weakening safety standards. Senate Bill 1273 passed 48-2; its sponsor said it would clarify that turnpike automated plate-reading data may be shared with investigators in missing or endangered persons cases, including Amber Alerts. Several other bills were either agreed to and re-referred to Appropriations or ordered over in their place, including House Bill 681, Senate Bills 1061, 1303, and 1355, and House Bill 1505 and 1667. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 326, where an amendment by Senator Mastriano was adopted and the resolution was then held over as amended. In executive session, the chamber returned several nominations to the governor, then confirmed a slate of gubernatorial nominations, including appointments to the Pennsylvania Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Board, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and several Pennsylvania Army National Guard promotions, by a 50-0 vote. The Senate additionally approved committee-reported bills from Appropriations and Health and Human Services, and signed House Bill 1344 in the presence of the Senate. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action on minimum wage legislation, noting Pennsylvania has not raised the wage since 2006 and pointing to House Bill 2189. Senator Dush delivered extended remarks on the nation’s founding and the religious views of Benjamin Franklin. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until June 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 39 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:41 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I ask my colleagues to join me in affirming the ruling of the Chair. Thank you. Taken.
  • I ask my colleagues to join me in affirming the ruling of the Chair. Thank you.
  • In this matter, 131 in the affirmative, 22 in the negative.
  • In this matter, 21 in the affirmative, 134 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted. Mr.
  • The clerk will display the tally. 154 in the affirmative, 3 in the negative.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:33.240> the<00:04:33.360> March in the board book, you'll find the March in
  • the board book, you'll find the March and<00:04:33.880> April<00:04:34.280> financial<00
  • I think you know how that works, but we just ask that you affirm this, approve this.
  • <00:09:14.160> this, we just ask this that you affirm this, we just ask this that you affirm
  • But it's hard to find something that fits when you're a four-person agency. I understand.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on June 9, 2026, with a quorum present and first elected David Nicholas as chair and Mike Soles as vice chair by acclamation. The commission then approved the prior meeting minutes and received staff reports, including March and April financial reports showing the office remained within budget. Staff also reported that the April filing cycle for employers and lobbyists had been completed and that the next reporting period would open September 1 and be due September 15. The commission approved a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, consistent with the state budget. Staff also updated members on office space: the current lease, in place since 1995, is being extended for six months at the current rate while the office evaluates whether to renew or move to a larger space. Members discussed the need for a better work environment and a small conference room, and staff said they would keep the commission updated as the process develops. The commission then considered its annual recommended legislative changes to the LRC. Staff explained that the first three items were the same as last year’s recommendations and the fourth corrected a drafting issue where a confirming amendment had been missed. Members discussed the timing and usefulness of the recommendations, including a brief joke about hiring lobbyists, and then approved all four items for recommendation. Finally, the commission voted to enter executive session to discuss confidential complaints and, if necessary, informal opinions.
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jul 12 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I ask my colleagues for an affirmative vote. Thank you. Thanks, gentlemen.
  • President, and I encourage an affirmative vote. Chair, thanks, gentlemen.
  • President, I encourage an affirmative vote on House Bill 2400. Thank you, Mr. President.
  • I will submit the rest of my comments for the record, and I ask for an affirmative vote.
  • President, I too rise and ask for an affirmative vote on this matter, on this fiscal code.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you swear and affirm that the evidence you are about to give And if you would raise your right hand
  • Do you swear and affirm that the evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and
  • Do you swear and affirm that the evidence you are And raise your right hand, please, sir.
  • Do you swear and affirm that the evidence you're about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and
  • Do you swear or affirm that? Would you please raise your right hand, sir?
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise. The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.