Video & Transcript Research : 'state senators'
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rousone. Senator Berman. Senator Broder. Here. Senator Burgess. Senator DeSigley.
- Senator Harold. Senator Martin. Senator Massolo. Senator McLean. Senator Pizzo? Here.
- Senator Polsky. Senator Sharif. Senator Smith. Senator Trumbull. Senator Wright.
- Senator Berman, Senator Broder, Senator Burgess, Senator DeSigley, Senator Garcia, Senator Graal, Senator
- They are not, not just not managed by DEM, Senator, not managed by the state of Florida at all.
Summary:
The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability.
Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rouson? Senator Berman? Senator Brodeur? Senator Burgess? Senator Collins?
- Senator DiCeglie? Senator Garcia? Senator Grall?
- Senator DiCeglie, Senator Garcia, Senator Grall, Senator Harrell, Senator Martin, Senator McClain, Senator
- The Senate budget recognizes the importance of our state employees.
- Senators, let's take up tab 3, SPB-2504 by Appropriations relating to state employees.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects.
Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 1st, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Nevada Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The people of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1
- The people of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.
- Senate Bill No. 104, introduced by Senator Pazina, makes an appropriation to the Other State Education
- The people of the state Nevada represented in Senate and assembly do next as follows.
- The people of the state, Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly. Do next as follows.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lee. Here. Senator Errington. Here. Senator Davis. Senator DiCeglie. Senator Gruters.
- Senator McClain. Senator Smith. Here. Senator Wright. Senator Yarbrough. Here. A quorum is present.
- Senator Davis, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Gruters, Senator McClain, Senator Smith, yes, Senator Wright
- the longstanding tradition in Florida of being the most military-friendly state in the union, as Senator
- Senator, in line 65 through 66, it states the covered employee may engage in non-work activities at any
Summary:
The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted.
The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.
SC
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate request. State your request.
- Senator from Berkeley, Senator Grooms, what purpose do you rise? State your request.
- Senator from Orangeburg. Well, as I stated earlier, this is the president's amendment.
- Have all senators voted? Senator Johnson votes. What purpose? Question. State your request.
- State your request. Leave for the Senator from Charleston, Senator Lieber.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Feb 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rouson Senator Berman, Senator Broder, Senator Burgess, Senator Collins, you're Senator Deciglie
- Instead, Senate Bill, 2 C creates a state Board of Immigration Enforcement comprised of the governor,
- Do we have her own state of Florida? Senator Gruters Senator Gruters. >> Thank you, chairman.
- Senator Sharif followed by Senator Smith. >> Colleagues, as I stated previously and some of my remarks
- Chairman Senator Senate Memorial Ce 6 see is a memorial to the secretary of the United States Department
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris.
- Telecommunications Committee and Senior Assistant Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, but
- Our then State Assemblyman Fred Perolla and then State Senator Norman Levy, whose seat I'm now honored
- Our then State Assemblyman Fred Perolla and then State Senator Norman Levy, whose seat I'm now honored
- In my role as state senator, I'm often tasked with getting to the bottom of things.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted.
The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed.
The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As Senator Sparks mentioned, about half of the students who come from out of state to go to school in
- Senator Hagenbuch, any questions? I think staff, actually, this is just for our out-of-state and I.
- Senator Menendez. Thank you, Dr. Wendler, what part of the state is West Texas A&M?
- This Senate bill would be disastrous for our city and state.
- A special thank you to my state Senator Brandon Creighton.
Summary:
The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them.
SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending.
SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, we have senators wanting introductions. Senator Hooper. Thank you, Mr. President.
- representative or state senator, you didn't have to hear mine.
- Like Senator Harrell, I'm very concerned about medical malpractice rates here in the state of Florida
- I was Rates here in the state of Florida. I was going to say something nice about Senator Pizzo.
- that the House of Representatives has refused to concur with state amendment Senate amendment one six
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of member introductions recognizing interns, pages, and a retiring Senate employee. Leadership also announced that budget talks with the House were continuing and that senators should not plan to be in next week, with hopes of sharing more budget news soon. The chamber then moved to third reading and took up a major bill on citizen initiatives and constitutional amendments, with sponsors saying it was needed to address documented petition fraud and to protect the integrity of the process.
That bill drew extensive debate. Supporters argued that recent investigations showed widespread fraud in petition gathering, that the measure would add reasonable guardrails, and that it would prevent taxpayer-funded government messaging from being used to influence ballot measures. Opponents said the bill would make it much harder for ordinary Floridians to place amendments on the ballot by adding costs, deadlines, registration requirements, fines, and felony exposure, and they warned it would chill grassroots participation and effectively favor wealthy or corporate-backed campaigns. After debate, the Senate passed the bill 28-10.
The Senate then adopted several House amendments and concurred on a series of education and public-safety measures, including bills on stem cell therapy, student-athlete electrocardiograms, cardiac emergency planning in schools, school safety, Bright Futures and other education policy items, and educator preparation. Most of those measures passed unanimously or with overwhelming support, and the chamber also recognized additional interns and a long-serving education advocate before recessing and returning to continue with House messages.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rousseone. Senator Berman? Senator Broder? Senator Burgess? Senator Collins?
- Senator DeSigley, Senator Garcia, Senator Graal, Senator Harold, Senator Martin, Senator McLean, Senator
- The Senate budget recognizes the importance of our state employees.
- Senators, let's take up tab 3, SPB-2504 by appropriations relating to state employees.
- And to your point, Senator Rouson, that's, there are families across the state of Florida who live in
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program.
The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill).
The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lord, we thank you for our state. We thank you for each of our legislators, our senators.
- ; Senate Concurrent Resolution 4007 — Senators Roers, Lee, and Braunberger; Senate Bill 2374 — Senators
- Senator Axtman: Madam President, as stated, this bill was brought to us by the State Board of Cosmetology
- Senator Wabama: Madam President, as was stated earlier, Mr. Secretary has stolen all my thunder.
- Senator Roars, Chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, moves that the Senate do concur
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright.
Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage.
Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker United States Senate, and the Speaker United States Senate, and the Speaker and<00:30:49.279
- The Senate of the State of Minnesota of.
- c><01:15:31.840>
in I'm a state senator who's watched I'm in I'm a state senator who's watched - , well, to the United States Senate, to the United States House of Representatives, to the United States
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AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona that the members of the Senate proclaim
- , Arizona State Senator, LD 26.
- Bienvenidos to your state Senate. Thanks for all your service to our community.
- Bienvenidos to your state Senate. And Mr.
- 14; Analise Ortiz, Arizona State Senator, LD 24; and Priya Sundareshan, Arizona State Senator, LD 18
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Arrington, Senator Avila, Senator Bernard, Senator Bracey Davis, here.
- Senator Grall, Senator Leek, Senator Martin, Senator Mayfield, Senator McClain, Senator Smith, Senator
- Senator Grohl, it had, it's my understanding that it had never been the intention of the state to move
- Senate Bill 174 designates a portion of State Road 985, also known as Southwest 107th Avenue, between
- Senator Smith said that on July 1, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memorandum stating
Keywords:
transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, transit-oriented development, housing affordability, mixed-use zoning, urban development, traffic congestion, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud, vertiports, aviation, airport infrastructure, economic development, veterans
Summary:
The committee first heard CS for SB 1342 on transit-oriented development by Senator Rouson, which seeks to expand housing near fixed transit corridors by updating TOD definitions and applying Live Local-style land-use principles to those areas. An amendment narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land-use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and added exclusions for environmentally sensitive areas, historic properties, and military installations. Supporters said the bill would increase housing supply near existing infrastructure and maximize the state’s transit investments, while local government groups and city leagues opposed it as a sweeping preemption of local zoning authority that could force high-density development without public hearings or adequate infrastructure planning. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up CS for SB 1334 on elections by Senator Grall, which would require documentary proof of citizenship in voter registration and related election processes, update how citizenship is verified through REAL ID and the SAVE database, clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method, and add other election-related changes such as candidate eligibility rules and timelines. Two technical amendments were adopted. During extended questioning, senators raised concerns about how documents would be submitted and stored, whether voters without Florida IDs or REAL IDs—especially students, disabled voters, seniors, and homeless Floridians—could be flagged or burdened, and what fiscal and workload impacts the bill would have on supervisors of elections and state agencies. Supporters argued the bill would streamline verification and reduce duplicate paperwork, while many public speakers and some senators said it would create barriers to voting, increase costs, and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The transcript ends during debate on the bill, before a final vote is shown.
Later, the committee considered CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility by Senator Harrell. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House version and added vertiports and charging systems as eligible projects for public-private partnership funding, with FDOT authorized to fund certain vertiport costs within available resources. The bill drew support from industry and local representatives, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 174, which designates a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and directs FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The bill prompted significant debate over whether Kirk’s legacy warranted a state road designation, with opponents citing his controversial statements and arguing the honor was political and divisive, while supporters said the designation recognizes civic engagement near FIU and is symbolic rather than regulatory. The transcript ends during debate on SB 174, before any final action is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator... Thank you, Speaker Pro Tem, Senator Creighton.
- The committee substitute for Senate Bill 1271 allows the state and local law enforcement... of federal
- The committee substitute for Senate Bill 1271 allows the state and local law enforcement...
- The Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1271 allows the state and local law enforcement, as agreed upon
- But absent that, I thought that would be great due diligence on your part as an esteemed state senator
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day.
Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously.
The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure.
The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to your State Senate, Miss Wilson.
- "Senator yields." "Thank you, Senator.
- And as a New York State Senator, I cannot possibly support a bill that does not put New Yorkers first
- It is the safest county in the state. >> How do you vote? >> Senator, how do you vote?
- SENATOR.
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care.
The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies.
The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Arrington. Here. Senator Avila. Senator Broder. Here. Senator DiCeglie. Here.
- Senator Arrington, Senator Abelah, Senator Broder, Senator DeSigley, Senator Harold, Senator Polsky,
- And we have also taken many of these individuals, including Senator Jason Broder, out to Lyonia State
- In many of these individuals, including Senator Jason Broder, out to Lyonia State Preserve, to see the
- Senator Avila, Senator Broder, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Harrell, Senator Polsky, Senator Smith, Vice
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- .>> HERE >> SENATOR ARRINGTON. SENATOR BRODEUR. SENATOR GRALL.
- SENATOR POLSKY. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW PRIVATE DONATIONS ARE HANDLED BY THE STATE?
- TAKE UP TO NUMBER EIGHT, SENATE BILL 874 ON DESIGNATION OF THE OFFICIAL STATE FLAGSHIP BY SENATOR COLLINS
- SENATE BILL 1088 ON STATE DEPARTMENT CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS BY SENATOR POLSKY.
- SENATORS, TAB NUMBER 15. SENATE BILL 1524 ON DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE BY SENATOR GRALL.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lopez. Senator Maez. Senator Muñoz. Senator Nava. Senator O'Malley. Senator Padilla.
- Senator Paul. Senator Pinto. Senator Pope. Senator Ramos. Senator Sanchez. Senator Scott.
- I would like to welcome you to today's session of the New Mexico State Senate.
- New Mexico State Senate. Thank you to our reader. And I'll yield to Senator Michael Padilla.
- Lujan, Chief Clerk, New Mexico State Senate. Los Alamos National Laboratory.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Polsky. Senator Sharief. Senator Smith. Senator Trumbull. Senator Wright.
- Senator Berman, Senator Brodeur, Senator Burgess, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Garcia, Senator Grall, Senator
- , Senator McClain, Senator Pizzo, Senator Polsky, Senator Sharief, Senator Smith, Senator Trumbull, Senator
- Senator Berman, Senator Brodeur, Senator Burgess, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Garcia, Senator Grall, Senator
- They are not by, not just not managed by DEM, Senator, not managed by the State of Florida at all.
Keywords:
property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations.
The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government.
Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.