Video & Transcript Research : 'conscientious objection'
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 119 May 13th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no objection, Representative Gilchrist will take the chair.
- fact, ...our skin color is an objective fact.
- > objection, the committee will objection, the committee will >> rise<03:46:50.399>
and < - Seeing no objection, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon will take the chair.
- Seeing no objection, the committee... The House will come back to order. Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So when the local government lays out their goals and objectives, it should be objective when they make
- And so when the local government lays out their goals and objectives, it should be objective when they
- Without objection, that motion is adopted. Any others?
- Without objection, that motion is adopted. Any others?
- Without objection, our meeting is adjourned. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first considered CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility to certain contaminated or brownfield properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added adjacency and density/intensity limits, and excluded agricultural land, park land, land outside the urban growth boundary, and land near military installations. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote, with limited support and opposition noted in waived appearance forms.
Members then took up CS/CS/SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators. The strike-all added public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided: proponents argued the bill would help protect children and law enforcement, while opponents, including treatment experts and homelessness advocates, said there was no empirical evidence the restrictions reduce abuse and warned of retroactive punishment and increased homelessness. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 8-1.
The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstates to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses and clarifying exclusions for protected areas. Opponents argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive plans, while supporters framed it as a property-rights measure; the bill was reported favorably 10-0. SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a technical update to nonprofit law modeled on prior for-profit corporate revisions, also passed unanimously after supportive waived testimony.
Later, the committee approved SB 1338 on charitable giving, which creates a donor remedy for endowment restrictions and limits state reporting burdens on certain regulated or exempt organizations; members discussed cy pres and the sponsor said further changes would be worked out later. CS/SB 532 on court fees was amended to let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than half, with supporters saying clerks have been underfunded for years; it passed 10-0. The committee also favorably reported SB 218 on land use regulations, which restores normal land-use authority to counties not affected by recent hurricanes, and CS/SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability, which creates a presumption against liability for entities that comply with cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements; the cybersecurity bill drew concerns about retroactivity and the adequacy of compliance incentives but passed 9-2.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any objection to the reconsideration? >> Okay.
- Any objection to the reconsideration? >> Okay.
- Any objection to the reconsideration? >> Okay.
- Any objection to the reconsideration? >> Okay.
- objections to the amendments. objections to the amendments. >> Okay. >> Okay.
Keywords:
educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility
Summary:
The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1.
The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.
The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there objection? The chair hears no objection. Are there motions to instruct?
- Any objection? Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
- Is there objection? Hearing and seeing none, rule suspended.
- Is there objection? Hearing and seeing none, motion is adopted.
- Is there objection? Hearing and seeing none, rules are suspended.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote.
A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11.
The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0.
Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 02/24/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- c> as<00:16:13.800>
well We're working with them as well on developing our goals and objectives - everybody in our collaborative will be coming together to really start looking at our goals and our objectives
- everybody in our collaborative will be coming together to really start looking at our goals and our objectives
- everybody in our collaborative will be coming together to really start looking at our goals and our objectives
- everybody in our collaborative will be coming together to really start looking at our goals and our objectives
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee May 13th Meeting May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...the prioritization process to identify which goals and objectives we would like to prioritize.
- objectives that we selected to continue with and that align with the national strategy are those that
- So what we work to do is to have the committees identify which goals and objectives in the state plan
- They identify either ongoing projects or new projects that align with these goals and objectives.
- And so there are the goals and objectives that we will identify for that align with federal grants.
Summary:
The meeting opened with approval of the April minutes and brief administrative updates, including notice that House Bill 5447 had passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Speakers reflected on the bill’s key provisions, which include eating-disorder working groups, an evidence-based screening requirement for school-based health centers beginning July 1, 2027, and a DSS-led feasibility process to explore an inpatient psychiatric facility for young adults ages 14 to 21. New staff introductions were also made for the Behavioral Health Advocate’s office and the TCB team.
A major portion of the meeting focused on marketing and outreach for urgent crisis centers (UCCs) and the broader youth crisis continuum. Daydream Communications presented research showing low public awareness of UCCs but strong interest once families learn about them, with parents wanting specialized, compassionate care, clear expectations, insurance clarity, and bilingual support. United Way described its parallel work on a statewide crisis continuum marketing toolkit, using the SAMHSA framework of “someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere safe to go,” and outlined plans to distribute consistent messaging through websites, social media, flyers, and community venues. Members emphasized coordinating with existing platforms and ensuring the marketing reflects the actual experience at UCC sites.
DCF then presented on adolescent substance use services, citing data showing high need and low treatment access among Connecticut youth. The department reviewed its ASAM-based continuum, SBIRT efforts in outpatient psychiatric clinics, medication-assisted treatment access, and statewide services such as MST, MST emerging adults, STRIDE, multidimensional family therapy, youth recovery supports, and the AIM matching tool. A new young people peer support program was highlighted, with referrals accepted from families, hospitals, community providers, DCF, youth diversion, and the judicial branch. Questions addressed parent consent, peer matching, and whether the AIM tool could be linked through 211.
The meeting concluded with an update from the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board and its regional boards and grant-funded initiatives. Presenters reviewed the state suicide prevention plan, regional coalition work, postvention response, lethal means safety efforts, and the 988 capacity improvement grant that supports Connecticut’s centralized 988 contact center at United Way. They also shared youth suicide risk data from the Connecticut Youth Risk Behavior Survey, noting recent declines in reported suicidal ideation and attempts, and provided resources for training and materials. No formal votes were taken beyond the approval of the April minutes.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any objections? Hearing none, it is reported favorable with amendments.
- Are there any objections? Hearing none, it is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr.
- Are there any objections? Hearing none, Senate Bill 221 is favorable.
- Members, are there any objections or questions on the amendments?
- Are there any objections?
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss.
Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Without objection, that shall be the order.
- That objection, such shall be the order.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added.
After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1.
The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Objection? Seeing none, show the amendment adopted without objection. We're now back on the bill.
- Any objection? So the amendment to the amendment is adopted.
- Without objection, seeing none show that motion adopted.
- Without objection, seeing none show that motion adopted.
- Without objection, show that motion adopted. We are adjourned.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes.
The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any objection to taking it up? With that objection, we'll show it's introduced.
- Is there any objection to taking up late-filed Amendment 772728?
- Senator Simon, that objection will show it's introduced.
- Line 70 to 72, what is your objection to that again, please?
- No objection. Motion adopted. We're adjourned.
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, victims’ rights, and related bills. SB 984 on aggravating factors in capital cases was reported favorably after debate over its focus on religious, school, and government gatherings; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters said it was about accountability rather than deterrence. CS for SB 1140 creating a Hillsborough County substance abuse pilot program for offenders, CS for SB 1180 broadening child sexual image protections, CS for SB 10 compensating Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction, CS for SB 500 creating a Spectrum Alert system for missing children with autism, and SB 1054 on tampering with electronic monitoring devices all passed favorably, with the substance abuse bill drawing supportive testimony about treatment and recovery and the Holmes bill receiving emotional support from Holmes himself.
The committee also approved SB 1072 on expedited DNA testing grants, CS for SB 240 on domestic and dating violence victims, CS for SB 494 creating a statewide animal abuse database, and CS for SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and weaponized drones. SB 240 drew extensive testimony from advocates describing a feasibility study for a discreet emergency alert system and the need to align domestic and dating violence protections; SB 494 drew strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials who described local registries and the link between animal abuse and violence toward people, while members discussed whether the bill should also bar known abusers from adopting animals. SB 1422 passed after questions about “reasonable force” against drones and concerns about firearms use, with the sponsor saying the bill was meant to protect privacy and property rights.
Additional measures reported favorably included SB 1268 updating Department of Law Enforcement statutes and increasing reimbursement for retired police dogs, CS for SB 1344 revising juvenile status-offender procedures, CS for SB 1252 creating a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 1386 increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers, CS for SB 1084 strengthening sexual cyber harassment laws for intimate and digitally forged images, CS for SB 1654 revising sex offender/predator registration and reporting rules, CS for SB 1650 expanding the vexatious litigant law, and CS for SB 1652 creating a public records exemption for stricken court filings. The final and most heavily debated bill, CS for SB 1284 on wrongful death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony from supporters who framed it as recognizing unborn life and opponents who warned it could be used to harass abortion patients, providers, and supporters and could increase malpractice exposure; the sponsor said the bill would allow parents to recover damages while protecting mothers and lawful medical care. The transcript ends before the roll call on SB 1284 is completed, but the committee had already reported the other measures favorably by recorded votes, generally along party lines with broad support from members present.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, the rules are suspended. Question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
- Without objection, the rules are suspended. Question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
- Without objection, the rules are suspended. Senator... The rules are suspended.
- Without objection, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Summary:
The Senate adopted two resolutions: one honoring the Honorable David T. Donnelly for his service to the Commonwealth, and another commending amateur radio operators for Amateur Radio Week and ARRL Field Day. The chamber then took up several House measures, including two bills establishing sick leave banks for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees Daniel Yende and Mark Kratman; both were advanced to a third reading after the rules were suspended.
The Senate also suspended General Rule 12 and referred a House petition by James J. O’Day concerning access and continuity of care to specialists in hospital services for eligible individuals to the Committee on Public Health. Later, the Committee on the Judiciary reported a bill, Senate No. 2522, related to strike and health care protection in the Commonwealth, ought to pass, and the Senate referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means after suspending the rules.
Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in a formal session with a calendar, and then adjourned.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, without any objection, we'll go ahead and adjourn for the day.
- With that without any<00:02:01.439>
objection <00:02:01.920>we'll <00:02:02.159>go - c><00:02:02.240>
ahead <00:02:02.399>and <00:02:02.560>adjourn any objection we'll - go ahead and adjourn any objection we'll go ahead and adjourn for<00:02:03.040>
the <00:02:03.200
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
2025 Sine Die Ceremony Apr 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing no objection, so ordered. Fourth order of business, messages from the House.
- Hearing no objection, so ordered. Senator Rocelli. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
- Hearing no objection, so approved. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
- Hearing no objection, the 2025 regular session is adjourned sine die. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The transcript covers end-of-session floor action in both chambers of the Washington Legislature. Messages were received announcing that the House had adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404 and that the Speaker had signed Senate Bill 5161, while the Senate President signed open session substitute Senate Bill 5194, substitute Senate Bill 5195, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, and House Concurrent Resolution 4404. The Senate also moved all measures on the floor calendar or held at the desk back to the Committee on Rules, and the Senate journal for the 105th day was approved.
In the House, the Speaker reported signing the same measures and took a brief point of personal privilege to thank legislative staff. The House also dispensed with reading the journal and approved it by consent. Staff were invited to the floor for a sine die ceremony, indicating the close of session.
The final action was a motion to adjourn sine die for the 2025 regular session of the 69th Legislature. After clarification of the motion, the Legislature agreed and adjourned sine die without objection.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, members' guests will be granted privileges to the floor.
- The Committee of the Whole is called to order without objection.
- With that objection, amendment withdrawn.
- The Committee of the Whole is called to order without objection.
- With objection, HB 2750 will be retained on the calendar.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone object to procedure? requested. Anyone object to procedure?
- Two objections seen. morning roll call. Two objections seen.
- Does anyone object to that procedure? Mr.
- Any objection? It is granted. Okay. Senator Bryan. Mr.
- Any objection? It >> 2001, Senator Sparks. Any objection? It is<02:49:09.200>
granted.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages.
The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage.
Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 59 Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Any objections proceeding with the orders of the day?
- Chair, objection, she has none.
- Chair: Objection? Chair: There is none. Representative Lombardo votes no.
- Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none.
- Does the Chair object? The Chair hears none. The House will come to order. Calendar item 13.
Summary:
The House met in a floor session that began with routine procedural motions, including quorum checks, roll calls, and brief recesses. Members also welcomed guests and observed a moment of silent tribute for Frederick Pat Waller of Dracut, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime farmer, before taking up the day’s major budget business.
The principal item was the FY2026 appropriations legislation. House leaders described the conference report as a roughly $61 billion budget that reduces spending from earlier proposals while increasing Fair Share spending to $2.4 billion. They highlighted funding for education, including Chapter 70 aid, universal school meals, higher education financial aid, MassReconnect, and school clean energy projects; transportation, including MBTA and regional transit authority support; housing and homelessness programs; food assistance; and a new $5 million immigration legal assistance fund. Supporters emphasized fiscal stability, timely passage, and aid to cities and towns, while noting uncertainty from the federal government.
The House first passed the supplemental appropriations bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 142-0, then later passed it on final enactment by 143-1. The House then accepted the conference report on the main FY2026 budget by a roll call vote of 139-6, adopted the emergency preamble by a recorded vote, and finally enacted the budget by another 139-6 vote. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn to the following Thursday at 11 a.m., and the House adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Third, regarding the provision that permits the Secretary of State or Attorney General to object to such
- written authorization from an elections official, our amendments state that if such an objection is
- not apply unless a person remained stationed at the polling place after gaining knowledge of the objection
- The provisions about the Secretary of State and the Attorney General being able to object to a local
- arrangement to provide security for ...and the Attorney General being able to object to a local arrangement
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-28 (12:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, show the motions adopted. Read Senate Bill 2D.
- Without objection, so the motion is adopted.
- Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned. Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned.
- Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the Governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on artificial intelligence protections, an AI Bill of Rights, related public-records exemptions, and medical freedom, in addition to congressional redistricting and related litigation funding.
The Senate took up SB 2D, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, and SB 4D, the accompanying public records bill. Supporters said the AI measure was intended to protect children and consumers from deceptive or harmful AI practices, preserve privacy, and prevent unauthorized commercial use of personal images. Opponents argued the bill was too permissive, especially regarding parental opt-out provisions, and did not provide meaningful protections or remedies. After debate, SB 2D passed 37-1.
The Senate then considered SB 4D, which creates public-records exemptions tied to investigations under the AI bill. Questions focused on who would be exempted, and the sponsor explained the exemption would apply to investigative files handled by the Department of Legal Affairs involving minors, parents, and name-image-likeness issues. SB 4D passed 33-4. The Rules Chair announced committee and scheduling updates, including postponing the medical freedom bill, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Bergstrom requests unanimous consent to strike idle without objection.
- Your request that the committee work from the committee sub without objection will be the order.
- A unanimous request to strike the title, but that objection that obey the order.
- Senator Seyford Senator Seyford asked for UA consent to accept a committee sub without objection.
- Senator Seyfried asked unanimous consent to work from the committee substitute without objection.
Bills:
SB514, SB346, SB1593, SB1782, SB1366, SB1497, SB366, SB1895, SB2048, SB2005, SB2006, SB710, SB1480
Keywords:
SB514, school choice, charter school, virtual charter school, OSSAA, extracurricular activities, interscholastic activities, athletics, homeschool, other means of education, alternative education, student eligibility, student transfer, district policy, public school district, adjacent district, blended learning, virtual learning, school sports, academic eligibility
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 11th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If we had some type of objection to rules, having to fight and possibly pay millions of dollars, isn't
- Seeing none, Senator Stanley With no objection, I declare the bill will be advanced.
- Senator Coleman actually names consent that the bill be advanced without objection.
- Senator Weaver, Ashham's consent that the bill be advanced without objection.
- Without objection, that'll be the order. Will there be changes?