Video & Transcript Research : 'majority voting'

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • vote.
  • I probably wouldn't be positive in the final vote. So with that, I vote aye.
  • So with that, I vote aye.
  • I'd just play my vote.
  • How do you vote? I vote aye. Chairman Bliss, aye.
Summary: The committee heard and acted on several health care bills. HB 2726 would require Access contractors to cover diagnosis and treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea, including a new prescription tongue-stimulation device; supporters said it offers an effective, less burdensome alternative to CPAP and could improve adherence and outcomes, while Access was neutral and raised concerns about cost and bypassing its normal clinical review. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment and then approved HB 2726 as amended on an 8-4 due-pass vote. HB 2435 would create a pathway for internationally trained physicians to receive a provisional Arizona medical license, with a later amendment adding a four-year supervised rural practice requirement and automatic conversion to a full license if criteria are met. Supporters argued it would help address severe physician shortages in rural and underserved areas, especially for cardiology and other specialties, and several doctors testified about their experience and the need for more access. Opponents, including the Arizona Medical Board, said the state already has a case-by-case licensure process for foreign-trained physicians and warned the bill could weaken safeguards and allow insufficiently vetted applicants. After adopting the amendment, the committee approved HB 2435 as amended on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2958 would require Access to cover comprehensive dental care for pregnant women age 21 and older, with a $500,000 pilot program and reporting requirements. The sponsor and public health advocates said preventive dental care during pregnancy can reduce infections and improve maternal and infant outcomes, and the bill drew broad support from health and advocacy groups. The committee passed HB 2958 on an 11-1 due-pass vote. The committee also approved HB 2176, which changes criteria and timelines for health care institution licensing complaints and informal dispute resolution, with supporters saying it would improve transparency and predictability for hospitals while preserving enforcement authority. Finally, the committee heard HB 2447, which would bar insurers from paying certified registered nurse anesthetists less than physicians for the same anesthesia service; opponents argued it would interfere with contract negotiations and raise costs, while supporters said insurer reimbursement cuts are harming rural access and shifting costs to hospitals. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 2447, before any committee vote on that bill.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (06/26/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • According to the clerk, in order to remove from the table, we need a majority vote, and we've already
  • adopted by a vote of 16 to 8. adopted by a vote of 16 to 8.
  • > 282<04:29:30.239> is you vote no on HB2, your vote on 282 is you vote no on HB2, your vote
  • Is this vote next?
  • Is this vote next?
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Not voting. Pellerin: Aye. Sanchez: Aye. Schultz: Aye. Wicks: Not voting. The bill is out.
  • Davies, not voting. Thank you. Not voting. Davies not voting. That bill is out. Thank you so much.
  • Not voting. Carra not voting. And Wicks. That measure is out. Okay, I'll count them later.
  • It has nine votes; it's out. File item 12, AB 436, Ransom. Oh, that's out, 13 votes.
  • Okay, so it's 10 votes. That's out. Oh, I'm sorry. Vote changed by babies. Oh, sorry, vote counter.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House judiciary committee hears HF768 2/20/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • And to assert that somehow the language of his bill is what's objectionable after having voted to do
  • I implore you guys to vote yes on this bill.
  • <00:40:08.000> for<00:40:08.240> this serving the last term voted for this serving
  • And to assert that somehow the language of his bill is what's objectionable after having voted to do
  • I implore you guys to vote yes on this bill.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • proceed on uh uh then we'll take a vote proceed on uh uh then we'll take a vote on<00:09:16.519>
  • She said energy is a major cost for many Minnesota businesses.
  • The next major innovation is not on the horizon; it is at our doorstep.
  • The next major innovation is not on the horizon; it is at our doorstep.
  • So I can’t wait to vote yes for this bill today and can’t wait to see it pass. Thank you.”
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard House File 9, which was referred to the Committee on Taxes after the committee’s action. The bill was presented as an energy policy measure aimed at reliability and affordability. It would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility under the state’s energy standard, delay certain carbon-free compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, prohibit local permits to demolish fossil fuel plants under certain conditions, state support for carbon capture and sequestration without creating a state funding obligation, end the nuclear moratorium, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round starting after June 30, 2026. The committee also took up and adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture language does not obligate state spending. The bill’s sponsor argued that Minnesota’s current energy policy is driving up costs and threatening reliability, especially during extreme cold, and said the bill would create “off-ramps” from existing mandates to protect ratepayers and businesses. He cited reliability concerns, MISO/NERC risk assessments, rising utility rates, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach, including hydro and nuclear. He also said the bill would reduce taxes by broadening the sales tax exemption for residential heating. Testimony was mixed but generally focused on reliability, affordability, and the role of nuclear power. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on keeping power reliable and affordable, with both saying Minnesota needs dispatchable, carbon-free resources and noting concerns about high electricity costs and future demand from data centers and AI. The Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable waste solution, describing the long-term burden of spent nuclear fuel on its community and asking for more consultation. Xcel Energy said its nuclear plants have operated safely and reliably for decades, support low-cost and low-carbon power, and could be part of the state’s energy transition, but it emphasized the need for tribal participation and said decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • It helps with their work and with any major fires.
  • and then it's a major part of it. and then it's a major part of it.
  • All those in >> We'll go ahead and vote.
  • Discussion on the bill. >> Go ahead and proceed to vote.
  • Go ahead and vote. Clayton, make roll call. This is a roll call vote for House Bill 87.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • >> Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. >> Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I.
  • Chair votes I. none. Chair votes I.
  • > others<03:43:17.840> voting members voting no without others voting members voting no
  • voting? No. Without others voting I. voting? No. Without others voting I.
  • voting no without others voting I. voting no without others voting I.
Bills: SB2003
Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 04/04/25

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • proxy voting.
  • That would have created major problems for homeowner associations if they couldn't use proxy votes.
  • > major<02:34:12.000> problems would have created major major problems would have created
  • The vast majority, as Senator Pappas already said, the vast majority are doing the right thing.
  • <03:25:57.200> So buying votes for his position. So buying votes for his position.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of my favorite stats on that, partly because I was a music major, is that more music majors actually
  • get accepted to medical school than biology majors.
  • He hasn't declared his major yet.
  • A student may declare a major when they enter into college.
  • So that's her major concern when it goes to college.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, February 7, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • we both know has been the major we both know has been the major advancement<00:38:29.520> it<
  • This will be a 5-minute vote. vote for e e e e e e One minute. One minute. Minute. For.
  • The American people voted for accountability, and they voted to keep the government in check.
  • voted for accountability and they voted voted for accountability and they voted to<02:17:15.040>
  • ><02:51:01.680> have<02:51:01.960> a voted they voted to not have a voted they voted to
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (3-18-26)

Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • May I briefly explain my vote? May I briefly explain my vote?
  • It's a major concern.
  • Explain my vote, please. >> Go ahead. And I'm still not sure how I'm going to vote.
  • should know before they vote on that. should know before they vote on that.
  • could briefly explain my vote. could briefly explain my vote.
Keywords: 958, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • So with that, I vote aye. Aye.
  • We're voting. You can't leave it. And we have the votes. Okay. We have the votes. Chairman Griffin.
  • We will vote on 2696.
  • The vote is six ayes, four nays. Aye. Here's a vote of six ayes, four nays.
  • With that, I vote aye.
Summary: The committee heard several energy and transportation bills, with testimony largely split between sponsors, industry groups, local governments, and environmental advocates. HB 2428, dealing with county and ADEQ authority to issue voluntary permits certifying emission reduction credits for mobile and non-road sources, drew neutral support from ADEQ and support from Maricopa County; it was amended and passed 10-0 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2145, which expands who may petition on gasoline supplier alternative standards, also passed, 5-4, with no amendment. A lengthy debate followed on HB 2331, as amended, which would require electric utilities to ensure 85% of generating capacity serving retail load comes from “reliable resources” by 2030. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to preserve affordable, dependable power and prevent overreliance on intermittent renewables, while opponents from the Sierra Club and Rural Arizona Action said it would effectively favor fossil fuels, raise costs, and limit cleaner energy options. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and the sponsor’s amendment, then passed the bill 6-4. HB 2795, which limits county zoning authority over small modular reactors once federal permitting and certification steps are met, drew strong support from nuclear and business advocates and opposition from county, city, and environmental representatives concerned about local control, safety, waste, and preemption; it passed 6-4 after amendment-related discussion. The committee also passed HB 2340, which allows the power plant and transmission line siting committee to evaluate the plant itself when reviewing transmission line applications, by a 5-4 vote. Finally, HB 2400, an emergency measure to suspend the motor vehicle fuel tax in Areas A and C during summer months and replace the lost revenue with state highway funds, prompted testimony about gas prices, boutique fuel requirements, and transportation funding needs; cities and counties opposed the diversion of highway funds, while the sponsor argued it would help consumers facing higher fuel costs. The Griffin amendment was adopted, and the bill passed with a due pass recommendation after debate on affordability versus road funding.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:37 am

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • No, but to explain votes, Senator Charley, did you ask? Yes, ma'am. Thank you.
  • By a vote of 63, you have a due pass onto judiciary.
  • My vote is 6 to 3, and now we're back on the amended measure for House Bill 14.
  • And to explain his vote, Senator Pope. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • So with a vote of 73, you have a do pass recommendation on to judiciary. Thank you.
Keywords: 996, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The ghost of Brandon Creighton was here, and it got me ready to vote.
  • All right, do we have other items to vote on?
  • Okay, I know, but do we have other things to vote on while we're waiting? That's it?
  • It's a 4-1 vote. Did I do this correctly? Wait a minute, let me just rerun it to make sure.
  • I mean, in fact, I think nearly the great majority of them already.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Jun 4th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, because I think I'll speak for the majority here: we still want our teachers appreciated.
  • First, on behalf of the majority, we definitely Thank you again, Mr. Chair.
  • I think that in our case, the major issue here was a misinterpreted, In our case, the major issue here
  • I do not think that there was a specific board vote on these charges.
  • My answer to that, Representative Hollowell, was that I do not think there was a formal board vote.
Keywords: 1204, all
Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports, beginning with approval of the minutes and then hearing several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District addressed two findings: use of operating funds for an end-of-year employee banquet and unauthorized credit card charges that resulted in a small loss. District officials said they had changed credit cards, increased monthly review and reconciliation, stopped using operating funds for off-campus celebrations, and would limit future meals and events to district business. Members questioned whether the prior administration was still involved, whether the charges were from an outside hacker, and how the district would continue teacher appreciation without violating state law. Forest City School District then discussed a $33,000 off-campus staff celebration funded through what the district described as long-standing Pepsi-related funds. The district said it believed the money was discretionary private donation revenue, but audit staff said the funds were treated as operating funds because they were in a general fund account and subject to constitutional limits. The district said it would stop using the fund that way, provide staff and board training, and ensure future expenditures comply with the law. Members also asked about the lack of a formal board vote, the amount remaining in the account, and whether the event was meant to recognize staff growth and service. The committee next reviewed additional findings: Conway School District’s former maintenance employees allegedly misused district funds and resources, with a separate investigative report still pending; Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000; Westside School District had about $9,500 in credit card charges that could not be substantiated, along with weak internal controls and some personal charges; and Boonville School District paid a board member’s son more than $5,000 for groundskeeping without the required exemption, which DESE later denied. The committee filed the reports as reviewed, including eight other findings not referred for prosecution and 89 audits with no findings, and then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Community Affairs Nov 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, SB 48 is reported favorably. Yes. Senator Trumbull? Yes. Chair McLean? Yes.
  • By your vote, SB 48 is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senators.
  • By your vote, SB 34 is reported favorably. Senators, I'd like to skip to tab 5.
  • By your vote, the confirmation of Fox Henderson is recommended favorably. Thank you.
  • This has been a major step forward in improving health care access to Blountstown and the surrounding
Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/07/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That we're voting on.
  • CAN VOTE ON AND COME FORWARD WITH A FINAL ENACTED BUDGET.
  • Senator Ramos to explain her vote. FATALITIES.
  • I PROUDLY VOTE AYE. THANK YOU, Mr. PRESIDENT.
  • SENATOR RA MOTION TO EXPLAIN HER VOTE.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services. Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll explain why vote yes on the bear hunt.
  • voting.
  • But I think that I as I said earlier, I stand behind the vote. Yes, that I voted on.
  • We're used to encourage voters to vote yes on 2.
  • Major Bill Holcomb, boating and waterways.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance (03/17/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • Vano voted yes. Representative Walner voted yes. Representative Sullivan voted yes.
  • Vano voted yes. Representative Walner voted no. Representative Sullivan voted no.
  • Representative Lay voted no. Chair Weyler voted yes. The vote is 14 to 11.
  • Representative Waye voted yes. The vote is 24 to 1. "Yeah, I vote yes.
  • Roy voted yes. Representative N. Vano voted yes. Representative Walmer voted yes.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-28 (4:30PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everyone should vote yes. constituents and say you voted no. Everyone should vote yes on this bill.
  • I urge you to vote no.
  • I urge you to vote up.
  • Have all members voted? The clerk will lock the machine and announce the votes.
  • I have all members voted.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B on immigration, along with discussion of anticipated Senate changes. The sponsor described the bill as creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, establishing an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, expanding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses by unauthorized aliens, ending undocumented-student fee waivers, and providing substantial appropriations for enforcement and related programs. Members also questioned the Senate version’s proposed mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses involving unauthorized aliens, as well as pretrial detention, 287(g) participation, DMV reporting requirements, and the bill’s effects on schools, teachers, social workers, and local agencies. The sponsor and supporting members repeatedly said the bill required broad cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that existing federal law would control where conflicts arose. A major portion of the debate focused on whether the bill would allow or require immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive settings, and whether teachers, school resource officers, and social workers could be placed in conflict with federal privacy or professional obligations. Members also raised concerns about detention based on suspected status, the standard of proof for immigration-status determinations, prison and jail impacts, workforce shortages, and the fiscal effects on counties and state agencies. The sponsor said the bill did not provide DMV funding, that the state would need to study some implementation questions, and that the appropriations included $25 million for a local law enforcement participation incentive program and up to $350 million for broader implementation and coordination. Several amendments were offered and failed. Representative Chambliss proposed protecting schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; Representative Escamani offered amendments to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers and to grandfather currently eligible students; Representative Woodson offered a similar Dreamer-related amendment; and Representative Bartleman proposed barring local law enforcement from entering schools during school hours to detain children solely for immigration status. Supporters of these amendments argued they would protect children, preserve educational access, and prevent trauma in schools and houses of worship. The House rejected each amendment by voice vote, and the transcript ends during debate on the Bartleman school-safety amendment before final disposition is shown.