Video & Transcript : 'Texas State Library' :

Page 174 of 500
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so it just reinserts that language stating provided, however, that Re-inserts that language stating
  • Rep., our parents broadly demanding state intervention in local library decisions.
  • Rep, our parents broadly demanding state intervention in local library decisions.
  • is a leader, and we should not share our state bird with four other states.
  • Florida won't just be the Sunshine State. It'll be the... ...fantastic flamingo state.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, moments of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests and visitors. The chamber then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the day’s calendar and debate times. The main measure taken up was HB 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors in public schools and charter schools, which the sponsor described as a clarification of existing law to keep pornographic or sexually explicit material away from minors and to give districts clearer standards for review and objection processes. The bill drew extensive debate over constitutional concerns, local control, litigation risk, and the scope of the definition of “harmful to minors.” Members supporting the bill argued it was needed to close loopholes and protect children, while opponents warned it could lead to overbroad book removals, conflict with federal court rulings, and costly lawsuits. A series of amendments sought to narrow or redirect the bill: proposals by Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris would have preserved literary value review, protected educational and abuse-prevention materials, exempted LGBTQ-inclusive books, limited objections, preserved funding for districts, or delayed enforcement during ongoing litigation. Supporters of the amendments framed them as protecting parental choice, academic value, student safety, and district finances; opponents said they would weaken the bill’s child-protection purpose. All of the amendments failed. After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. Debate continued along the same lines, with opponents emphasizing book removals, First Amendment concerns, and the impact on students and schools, and supporters reiterating that the bill was intended to prevent minors from accessing obscene material. The transcript provided ends during structured debate and does not include the final vote on HB 1119.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • or now out of state, out of the state of Texas.
  • , to universities in the state of Texas.
  • The first requires the agency to complete the new Texas State Library and Archives Commission building
  • for Texas state employees. ...compensation costs under control in Texas for Texas state employees, right
  • of Texas, but it also... ...damaged youth that are out there in the state of Texas.
Bills: SB 1
Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today we manage 30 contracts for the state of Texas, with the state of Texas, TDCJ.
  • Today we manage 30 contracts for the state of Texas.
  • . with the state of Texas TDCJ.
  • Today we manage 30 contracts for the state of Texas, with the state of Texas TDCJ.
  • saving taxpayer dollars for the state of Texas.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 8th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , to the people in our state.
  • It mainly would be the State Police. It mainly goes to the State Police.
  • , I think, five states that have a QR code already.”
  • So those are already in operation all over the state.
  • property from one state-owned entity to another.
Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, and received several Senate messages and enrolled resolutions. The chamber also recognized visiting groups and guests, including a guest minister, the Joe Burrow Foundation, Youth Legislature participants, children’s advocacy center representatives, Alzheimer’s advocates, Delta Sigma Theta members, Kappa Alpha Psi members, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and City Year AmeriCorps. The House adopted a series of commemorative and awareness resolutions, including measures for Sanfilippo Syndrome Awareness Day, Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Awareness Day, Knock Knock Children’s Museum Day, Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day, My Sister’s Keeper Day, Youth Legislature recognition, and several commendations and condolences. It also concurred in SCR 25 and received Senate resolutions and bills, including measures on commercial driver’s licenses, Medicaid eligibility during redetermination, postsecondary support fund use, juvenile traffic violations, background checks, and explosives regulation. The House then considered and advanced a long list of bills, largely on criminal justice, education, public safety, transportation, and administrative procedure. Notable measures included bills on parole and probation alternatives, supervised release venue for sex-offender violations, jail-credit limits on consecutive sentences, medical parole notice, juvenile parole eligibility cleanup, teacher and school employee battery penalties, inmate workforce cleanup, re-entry programming for female parolees, extradition costs for probation/parole violators, and a bill allowing public postsecondary institutions to permit self-defense chemical sprays. Other bills addressed protected personal information for certain public officials, the M.J. Foster Promise Program eligibility age, scholarships for spouses of firefighters and police officers, compensation for parish board commissioners, paid family leave insurance as a voluntary private-market product, insurance referral practices, and vehicle inspection sticker requirements. Several bills were amended and passed, often with strong or unanimous support, while a few were recommitted or returned to the calendar. The House passed HB 504 on parole violations as alternatives to revocation by a vote of 88-0; HB 73 on electronic voting in public meetings by 88-0; HB 125 on supervised release venue by 91-0; HB 67 on protected information records by 98-1; HB 133 on assault and battery penalties for teachers by 96-0; HB 158 on probation technical violations by 92-3; HB 168 on a female parolee re-entry program by 95-0; HB 169 on extradition costs by 92-3; HB 191 on overlapping jail credit by 88-5; HB 195 on self-defense chemical sprays on campus by 93-0; HB 245 on medical parole notice by 95-0; HB 280 on juvenile parole eligibility cleanup by 93-0; HB 283 on sick leave and discipline rules for attacked school employees by 97-1; HB 296 repealing inactive inmate workforce provisions by 88-5; HB 319 on civic education commission quorum by 98-0; HB 339 on protected information for police officers and retired judges by 97-0; HB 407 on the M.J. Foster Promise Program age reset to 21 by 94-2; HB 448 on scholarships for spouses of firefighters and police officers by 95-0; HB 550 increasing parish board commissioner pay from $50 to $100 per day by 91-2; HB 591 creating a voluntary paid family leave insurance product by 95-0; and HB 826 modernizing insurance referral rules by 93-0. HB 1085, a major proposal to eliminate traditional vehicle inspection stickers and replace them with a new sticker/QR-code system tied to registration, drew extensive questioning about costs, enforcement, local parish programs, and where the fee revenue would go; the debate was ongoing in the portion provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Library, The establishment of the Acton Memorial Library and West Acton Citizens Library, which is really
  • The West Acton Library opened as a subscription library in 1840.
  • The West Acton Library opened as a subscription library in 1884.
  • Several library staff now work at both libraries, and as a result, Citizens is always open during stated
  • In fact, the only states with more than 100 centers are California and Texas, states with four to five
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout. A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility. The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral. Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2026 at 11:13 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to thank the state land office.
  • And New Mexico is tired of being a flyover state for Texas and Arizona. This is the place to be.
  • And as we just found out a little while ago, now we're going to be calling our state the quantum state
  • of the United States.
  • , now the quantum state, for, again, the entire nation.
Keywords: 996, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • , academic state champions, and I have an individual state champion, Lily Thomas.
  • Lily Thomas won the individual state championship.
  • And this is a very real fear of our residents here in the state of Oklahoma.
  • This is not making us a better state. This is not increasing access to healthcare.
  • Speaker, because, you know, unfortunately, we have finite resources as a state government.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • , academic ...team, who are the state champions, academic state champion, and I have an individual state
  • is a border state, and we had open borders, and this is affecting Oklahoma just as it is every state
  • in the continental United States.
  • There were no state numbers given as to the impact on the state of Oklahoma. Is our error rate off?
  • That is well stated.
Summary: The House convened with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including the Duncan Girls Golf Team, the Doctor of the Day, and the Nurse of the Day. Members also made personal announcements and committee meeting reminders before moving to legislation. The main floor action centered on House Bill 4422, which would require applicants for SNAP and TANF to be U.S. citizens and use the SAVE system to verify immigration status. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayer dollars, enforce the law, and reduce improper benefits use; opponents said it would deter eligible families, especially children in mixed-status households, from seeking aid and would not address DHS error rates or budget problems. After extended debate, the House passed HB 4422 by roll call vote, 18-0. The House then considered House Bill 4423, a similar measure applying the same citizenship-verification concept to Medicaid through the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Debate repeated many of the same arguments about fiscal responsibility, eligibility, children’s access to benefits, and immigration enforcement. HB 4423 also passed by roll call vote, 18-0. The chamber then moved to announcements and adjourned until Monday, March 2, 2026.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 25th, 2026

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Idaho's interests and the interests of the United States.
  • They're doing it in Texas and in Florida at this time. Thank you. Thank you, Representative.
  • RS 33530 addresses a current problem for fire and library districts.
  • RS 33530 addresses a current problem for fire and library districts.
  • This would create a structure to be able to ensure that that does not happen here in our state.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met to consider a full docket of request statements, and all measures heard were introduced without substantive debate. Representative Hill presented RS 33521, the Foreign Adversary Investment Act, aimed at preventing Idaho public funds from being invested in adversary countries and limiting related risks. Representative Hawkins presented RS 33543, which would make it illegal to knowingly help hide, transport, house, financially support, or otherwise assist people in Idaho whose presence in the U.S. violates federal law; the motion passed with recorded nays from Representatives Rubel, Berch, and Church. Representative Sauter presented three special-district measures: RS 33530 on boundary adjustments and tax-code treatment for fire and library districts, RS 33531 allowing fire and ambulance service districts to adopt development impact fee ordinances, and RS 33532 allowing certain impact fee funds to be used for up to 50% of fire apparatus replacement costs under a capital improvement plan. Representative Wheeler presented RS 33414 to clarify contractor registration requirements and add a disciplinary tool modeled on realtor training requirements, RS 33452 to create a structured appraisal/dispute process for auto insurance valuation disputes, and RS 33453 to raise the minimum property damage liability limit from $15,000 to $25,000. Representative Shirts presented two hemp-related RSs: RS 33480 to create a licensing structure for retail hemp sellers and address products with excessive THC, and RS 33481 to clarify negligent violations for growers and align Idaho with federal hemp standards. Representative Ehlers presented code-cleanup measures RS 32913 and RS 33477, both described as agency-initiated cleanup items reviewed by DFM, LSO, and the DOGE task force. Representative Pickett presented RS 33437, which would clarify that one exempt motor vehicle in bankruptcy remains exempt regardless of operability, insurability, or registration status. All motions to introduce the RSs carried, and the committee adjourned after noting it would meet again later in the session.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/13/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 2170, state contract fund to prohibition.
  • HB 2211, State Route 88. Transportation and Appropriations.
  • HB 2008, school libraries prohibitions. HB 2009, Constitution Project.
  • HB 2008, school libraries prohibitions. HB 2009, Constitution Project.
  • HB 2019, protected Texas-Gimson. HB 2020, institution and interruption.
Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the flag of the United States of America.
  • , but also in the southern region of our state.
  • So there's zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state.
  • to us and what the state means to this country.
  • to us and what the state means to this country.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the flag of the United States of America.
  • , but also in the southern region of our state.
  • So there's zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state.
  • to us and what the state means to this country.
  • Over 800 casualties rescuing the Texas Battalion.
Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation trailer bills. AB 107 was described as a budget junior bill making technical corrections, updating federal appropriations by about $15 million, and exempting certain Proposition 4 appropriations from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending; Senator Niello objected to the transparency implications, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117 then authorized a $590 million state loan from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to provide operating support to Bay Area transit agencies, with repayment secured by transit assistance revenues and interest; supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain, while critics questioned ridership recovery, governance, and accountability. The measure passed 28-9 after extensive debate, with several senators emphasizing both Bay Area urgency and the need for broader statewide transit funding and reform. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees. Linda Hopkins, Sonoma County supervisor and air district chair, was confirmed after brief support from Senator Becker highlighting her rural North Bay perspective. Patricia Locke Dawson, Riverside mayor and South Bay air district representative, was also confirmed, with Senator Becker again praising her academic and practical background. Both confirmations passed on largely party-line votes with broad support from the majority and opposition from a small group of Republicans. The chamber next considered SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas condemning federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Trump. Supporters from both parties and multiple caucuses framed DEI as essential to civil rights, education, workforce development, national defense, and inclusion for marginalized communities, while the author argued California must resist federal rollbacks. The resolution passed after a lengthy debate and roll call, with several senators also using the discussion to share personal experiences with educational access and discrimination. Finally, the Senate took up SCR 78, authored by Senator Cabaldon, commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and warning against repeating such abuses. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, citing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of museums and historic sites such as Manzanar and the Japanese American National Museum. The resolution was presented as both remembrance and a caution against fear-driven policies and erosion of due process.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:
  • ... ...as state legislators to keep our residents safe from this out-of-state interference.
  • And again, no other state has done that. That's blue states, red states.
  • And again, no other state has done that. That's blue states, red states.
  • The Texas AG recently sued all state for This is hitting your constituents' wallets, right?
  • The California and Texas Attorneys General have each enforced state data privacy laws against violating
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:
  • So here's what's going on in other states.
  • to produce state-approved IDs.
  • It must be done at the state level.
  • and federal programs—well, more state now.
  • Shout-out to State House News.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 10th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today our state legislature more closely reflects California's diversity.
  • It was a woman who pioneered gender-affirming care in the United States.
  • Members and guests, women make up 19 million here in the state of California.
  • She was also an employee of the State of California.
  • State University system after leading Texas A&M University–San Antonio.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then dispensed with the reading of the prior journal and handled routine motions, including re-referring AB 432 and AB 564 to committees. The main item of business was House Resolution 14, proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from the LGBTQ, Native American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, Jewish, and other caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing women’s historical contributions, ongoing inequities, and the importance of representation and parity in public life. Assemblymember DeMaio also supported the resolution while urging attention to girls’ sports. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 78 coauthors were added. The chamber then held its annual California Women of the Year ceremony, with Aguiar-Curry and other members recognizing honorees from across Assembly districts for leadership in education, health care, public service, advocacy, business, and community work. The lengthy roll call highlighted a broad range of women’s accomplishments and community impact. Guest introductions followed, including Sacramento District Attorney Tien Ho, VSP Vision Care executives celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary, and EMTs and ambulance support staff being honored by the California Ambulance Association. The Assembly also took up the second-day consent calendar, which was adopted 71-0. Assemblymember Schultz then delivered an adjournment in memory of Barbara Beckley, founding member and artistic director emerita of the Colony Theatre Company, praising her contributions to Los Angeles theater and the arts. The House then adjourned until Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m., with a Revenue and Taxation Committee hearing scheduled upon adjournment.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 6, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:31:24.080><c> of</c><00:31:24.240><c> Texas</c> Van Dy from the great state of Texas Van Dy from
  • I yield to Representative Cloud from the great state of Texas such time as he may consume.
  • </c><00:42:52.720><c> as</c> the great state of Texas such time as the great state of Texas such time
  • And I'm saying this to the governor of the state of Texas.
  • </c><02:36:40.640><c> of</c> the governor of the state of the governor of the state of Texas.<02:36:42.319
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • libraries, Office of Culture Development, Volunteer Louisiana, State Museum, and our recent new project
  • Go to your local library with your library card, and you can check out a backpack on the state park side
  • One of the other programs to talk about briefly is our State Library Office of Louisiana here within
  • our library system.
  • We are partnering with the Louisiana State Museum and Secretary of State Museums to do this, and state
Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • state of Oklahoma.
  • fairness. ...the state fair.
  • In all reality, the agency is a state agency. They do business on behalf of the state.
  • And in all reality, the agency is a state agency. They do business on behalf of the state.
  • It's like having a state auditor.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • was before we decided we did need a state plane.
  • In March of 2026, Murray State College's shotgun...
  • Since 1980, our state has shared a sister-state relationship with Taiwan, built on trust, collaboration
  • He was the first quarterfinalist for state Basketball and state for high jump.
  • He is the vice president and 2026 state FFA recipient.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • before we decided we did need a state plane.
  • Since 1980, our state has shared a sister-state relationship with Taiwan built on trust, collaboration
  • .and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to state government.
  • I mean, it isn't essential that we have one screener for the entire state.
  • His salutatorian was the first quarterfinalist for state basketball and state high jump.
Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, and heard an invocation, a Veteran of the Week recognition for Colonel William S. Hartzell, and several guest introductions and special presentations, including the Coeta Tigers wrestling team, the Murray State College shotgun team, and visitors from Taiwan. The chamber also recognized the Psychologist of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Doctor of the Day, and Pages of the Week, along with committee meeting announcements and a motion to adjourn at the end of business. Members then considered and passed a series of bills. Senate Bill 1290 on 211 services passed 82-0 and its emergency clause also passed. Senate Bill 1530 on state government and innovation/research funding passed 58-27. Senate Bill 1847 on Medicaid home and community-based services passed 78-10 with its emergency clause. Senate Bill 169 increasing longevity pay for state employees passed 85-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1377 requiring DHS to provide duffel bags and hygiene items for foster children passed 88-4 with emergency. Senate Bill 1990 on the Incentive Evaluation Commission passed 88-4. Senate Bill 1991, a cleanup measure redirecting certain lease and land-sale revenues to O-CAMP, passed and its emergency clause also passed. The House also adopted H.R. 1050 reaffirming Oklahoma’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, followed by remarks from Taiwanese officials. Senate Bill 1778, the Strong Readers Act, passed 87-5 with emergency after discussion about reading screeners, funding tiers, and an optional second-grade assessment. Senate Bill 1579, described as a taxpayer bill of rights related to ad valorem tax, drew extended debate over property taxes and state savings before passing 85-0. Senate Bill 1992, defining strategic financial partners for an income tax credit, passed 65-24. The House then moved to adjourn until Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.