Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development Feb 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It really brings Missouri up to what we see on the coast. So I'm happy to answer any questions.
- It really brings Missouri up to what we see on the coast. So I'm happy to answer any questions.
Summary:
The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 2409 from Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is aimed at expanding affordable, reliable child care through community partnerships involving businesses, nonprofits, and providers, with credits for contributions to child care facilities, employer-provided child care assistance, and provider facility improvements. She and supporters cited child care deserts, high costs, and lost economic output, arguing the bill would help parents work and businesses recruit and retain employees. Witnesses in support included the Missouri Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, local chambers, economic development groups, and child care-related organizations; there was no opposition testimony.
The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes and both sent do pass on consent. The 2508 substitute dealt with series LLC language, including searchable records and stand-alone certificates of good standing. The 2517 substitute addressed wholesaling, adding a 14-day disclosure period and changing Attorney General enforcement language from “shall” to “may.”
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2654 from Rep. Knight, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, offering a 2.5% tax credit without requiring new job creation. The sponsor and Department of Economic Development said the proposal is modeled on programs in other states and is intended to help Missouri compete for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation. Many business and economic development groups testified in support, emphasizing retention, expansion, and regional competition; several members asked whether the $50 million threshold could be lowered, and the sponsor said he was open to discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies May 19th, 2026
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill contains about $305 million in new bond authorizations.
- What I often say is that we, as an administration, never want the lack of an authorization to be the
- At any given moment, the number and value of authorizations on the books exceed the amount the state
- A private investment was also leveraged due to that bond authorization.
- We strongly support the bond authorizations that are included in this bill, especially authorizations
Bills:
H5386
Keywords:
economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- And there was a caravan that went from the East Coast all the way to the West, a caravan of covered wagons
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and first went into executive session to consider three House bills related to tourism and local trail/cultural recognition efforts. House Bill 3420, concerning the Silver City designation on the Rock Island Trail, received supportive comments about expanding recognition to more communities and was voted do pass by 11-0. House Bill 3408, also tied to the Rock Island Trail, drew a suggestion to involve local public schools and students in helping communities connect to the trail, and it likewise passed 11-0. House Bill 3407, dealing with the Cowbell Capital of Missouri, prompted remarks about recognizing the honoree and the committee’s engagement with students; it also passed 11-0.
The committee then moved to a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 52, sponsored by Representative VanSkoik, which encourages Missouri citizens to participate in patriotic programs and events for the nation’s 250th anniversary, “Show Me America 250,” on July 4, 2026, and throughout the year. The sponsor described the resolution as part of the Missouri 250/American 250 Commission’s work, including educational materials and a website for listing celebrations. Members asked about the meaning of “patriotic programs,” the absence of a fiscal note, and whether celebrations would be statewide; the sponsor said the effort is intended for all of Missouri and is not tied to any particular group. Several members voiced support and noted memories of the bicentennial celebration.
No witnesses testified for or against HCR 52, and no vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. The committee adjourned after concluding there was no further business.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so these guards that are on the east side of the state seem to have a little bit of an issue with
- And so these guards that are on the east side of the state seem to have a little bit of an issue with
- We cannot get guards now. I see billboards: 'Please come to jail guard.' The reality is...
- This is just good governance to be protecting our guards. They do a good job. Let's support them.
- Our guards do an incredible job.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19.
Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0.
The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 31, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 42
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- play scene as semi-finalists in the 2024 Winter Guard Invitational World Championships.
- </c><00:22:20.200><c> play</c><00:22:20.440><c> scene</c> the indoor indoor Color Guard play scene the
- indoor indoor Color Guard play scene as<00:22:21.240><c> semi-finalists</c><00:22:22.120><c> in</c><
- <00:22:24.000><c> Invitational</c><00:22:24.559><c> World</c><00:22:25.360><c> Championships</c> guard
- Invitational World Championships guard Invitational World Championships they<00:22:26.600><c> actually
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Leader Giskel: Yes, the chair has the authority to rule on a point of order.
- Notwithstanding Florida Statute 334.071(3), we are authorizing a roadside memorial designation marker
- Notwithstanding Florida Statute 334.071(3), we are authorizing a roadside memorial designation marker
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1.
The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members.
In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the Hawaii Parrolling Authority. the Hawaii Parrolling Authority.
- </c><01:32:33.280><c> if</c> hoping with this parole authority if hoping with this parole authority if
- Authority is trained and equipped every Authority is trained and equipped every day<02:03:44.639><c>
- </c><02:10:28.159><c> Ren</c> Pluraling Authority or Mr. Ren Pluraling Authority or Mr.
- </c> administrator Hawaii Port Authority. administrator Hawaii Port Authority.
Bills:
HB1531
Keywords:
emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- You mentioned several times in your opening the guarding taxpayer dollars from, or basically being a
- There's no meaningful penalties, no subcontractor accountability, no license suspension authority, and
- principle that this bill was brought under was that taxpayer dollars should not be used; we should be guarding
- argument that... ...bill was brought under was that taxpayer dollars should not be used; we should be guarding
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and advanced the gubernatorial appointment of Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee also sent RS 33249 to print, a resolution covering reviewed and approved rules for several state agencies, including Idaho State Police, the Public Safety and Public Utilities Commissions, the Secretary of State, the Department of Administration, and the State Lottery.
Members then considered RS 33252, a joint memorial urging Idaho’s congressional delegation to pursue greater state autonomy over election laws and campaign finance, including possible constitutional changes. The memorial was introduced and sent to print without opposition. The committee next heard SB 1247, which would require E-Verify for state and local government employers and certain larger contractors. Supporters said it would protect taxpayer dollars and align with other states, while opponents argued it was too narrow, left subcontracting loopholes, and could burden employers without fully addressing illegal hiring. After debate, the bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1236, a code cleanup bill to remove the obsolete Idaho Women’s Commission from statute. The sponsor said the commission was defunded years ago and the bill simply removed unused code. Testimony from women’s advocacy groups opposed the bill, arguing the commission could still be reactivated and could address ongoing issues affecting women. Committee members split over whether the commission was still needed, but the bill was ultimately sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senators Ruchti and Bernt recorded as voting no.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture committee considers HF653 2/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- provide</c><00:10:26.640><c> some</c><00:10:26.920><c> sort</c><00:10:27.120><c> of</c><00:10:28.120><c> guard
- </c><00:10:28.399><c> rails</c> program provide some sort of guard rails program provide some sort of
- guard rails where<00:10:29.320><c> funding</c><00:10:29.760><c> here</c><00:10:29.959><c> isn't</c><
- Representative Lee asked the bill author or Mr.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IN COMBINATION WITH THE GUARD.
- THE GUARD WILL BE PHASED OUT AND LEAVING IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR BUT IT HAS HAD A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON OVER
- WE DO OWE THEM A DEBT OF GRATITUDE AS WELL AS A NATIONAL GUARD.
- AS WELL AS RISK PROTECTION ORDERS BUT OUR LEGISLATIVE ASK ONLY ASKS FOR THOSE THAT ARE CURRENTLY AUTHORIZED
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for co-authors. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 66 co-authors added.
- We'll first take up item 57 for the purpose of adding co-authors.
- To allow any member to add on as a co-author to the resolution.
- Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- There are 60 co-authors added.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The National Institute of Building Sciences, under congressional authority, is working on developing
- This official would have the authority to make all the final administrative decisions on the approval
- This official would have the authority to make all the final administrative decisions on the approval
- protect project proponents from targeted regulatory changes and government misuse of legislative authority
- The West Coast continues to lead in this for economy, workforce, and buildings.
Keywords:
building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development, housing permits, affordable housing, local government, county planning, city planning
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, the chair has the authority to rule on a point of order.
- Notwithstanding Florida Statute 334.071(3), we are authorizing a roadside memorial designation marker
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
- It has done neither one. authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers.
The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, the chair has the authority to rule on a point of order.
- It authorizes the clerks to retain 10% of all civil penalties imposed for failing to stop for a school
- Notwithstanding Florida Statute 334.071(3), we are authorizing a roadside memorial designation marker
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
- They were told the GRU authority would lower rates and bring the debt down.
Summary:
The House met with a quorum present, heard prayers and ceremonial remarks, and then took up a series of returning messages from the Senate. The first major item was CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification. Members explained that the House concurred in a Senate amendment that restored teacher certificate language, kept computer science and AI-related content in the bill, and delayed implementation to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The House adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 105-0.
The House also considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity. Members adopted a House amendment allowing local governments to buy into the cyber grant program even if they do not receive a grant, adding a five-year sunset and reporting provisions. The House then concurred in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration from a university to the Florida Digital Service, and passed the bill 104-1.
Several other returning messages were rejected or sent back to the Senate. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, as well as CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel. The most contentious debate came on CS/CS/HB 1471, which concerns systems of law and terrorist organizations; the Senate amendment defined “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and retained references to Sharia law. Opponents argued the bill was overbroad, lacked due process and evidentiary standards, and threatened First Amendment rights, while supporters said it targeted conduct, not speech, and protected against terrorist support. The House adopted the amendment and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which made a technical conforming change to align with HB 1471; debate focused on transparency and due process concerns.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Lastly, the bill authorizes public schools and private schools that participate in state scholarship
- This legislation authorizes a school district or charter school to acquire and maintain undesignated
- That authority must be a department, division, or other agency of the local government.
- That authority must be department division or other agency of the local government.
- Provides FDACS the authority to cover the cost of FFA dues for Florida's public school students.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests and groups in the gallery, including students, business groups, and university basketball coaches. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on trust law, school district reporting, debt collection, service of process, lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ownership/health care licensure issues, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving the scene of a crash, background screening for athletic coaches, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. Several bills were temporarily postponed, and multiple House companion bills were substituted where the measures were identical or had only drafting differences.
Debate focused on a few measures. Senators questioned the trust code bill’s effect on out-of-state attorneys general; the school reporting bill was described as strengthening arrest and misconduct reporting for instructional personnel; and the service-of-process and lodging bills were presented as technical and consumer-protection fixes. The fentanyl testing bill drew emotional support from the sponsor and families affected by overdose deaths. The surrendered-infant bill prompted opposition over safety, anonymity, and the limited use of baby boxes, while supporters argued it could save lives. The affordable housing bill, updating the Live Local Act, was amended to adjust parking reductions and allow certain properties to use the administrative approval process, with additional limits and exclusions added.
Most measures passed overwhelmingly, including the trust code bill, school reporting, debt collection, service of process, lien waivers, public records, foreign-country business interest restrictions, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving-the-scene restitution, athletic coach background screening, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. The day’s most divided vote was on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew extended debate over fluoride policy and other provisions; it passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a Taiwan-related resolution for the journal, made additional announcements, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill was authored by Representative Guillán in the Texas House of Representatives.
- This bill is authored by Representative Smithy in the Texas House of Representatives.
- We're grateful to Morgan Meyer for authoring this bill.
- He was an eight-year veteran of the Army National Guard and had been with our sheriff's office for eight
- The Honor Guard left behind Krista and two daughters, Kinsley and Chelsea.
Bills:
HB767, HB1708, HB2143, HB2198, HB2415, HB2457, HB2763, SB876, SB1230, SB2515, SB2688, SB2790, SB2799, HB3012, HB1672, HB2523, HB3135
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, memorial highway, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Ector County, state designation, memorial designation, highway, military honors, veteran commemoration, Officer Jacob Candanoza, Transportation Code, state highway, Kaufman County, law enforcement, Travis County, Senior Police Officer
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 24th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- One of my favorite bills, which is the bill that allows us to set up the West Coast Health Collaborative
- to the fact that when we resolved the McCleary litigation, we moved a huge amount of property tax authority
Summary:
House and Senate Democratic leaders held a media availability focused on the session’s fast-moving cutoff period, the supplemental budget, and several major bills moving through committee. They said they had advanced a number of Senate bills, including the face mask bill, a bill on access to abortion medication, a bill on mobile devices in schools, and upcoming measures on driver privacy and IRS tax issues. They also said the House Finance Committee had held a hearing on the proposed millionaire’s tax, and that the budget would continue to emphasize food, shelter, health care, and continuity of government services.
A major topic was allegations of fraudulent or bot-driven remote sign-ins and testimony on the millionaire’s tax hearings. Leaders said remote participation has broadened public access and they do not want to shut it down, but they acknowledged the system may need interim tweaks to improve accuracy. They said the issue appears unprecedented, that they learned of it through a complaint to the House chief clerk, and that legislative tech staff and Senate operations leaders would review possible changes after session. They also stressed that sign-in counts should be treated cautiously and are not the same as votes.
The lawmakers also discussed the proposed income tax on high earners, defending it as constitutional and necessary to fund state priorities. They argued that state spending growth reflects inflation, population growth, McCleary-related school funding changes, and major investments in child care, higher education, Medicaid dental care, IT systems, and special education. In response to questions about tort claims against the state, they said Senator Dhingra’s arbitration bill is unlikely to move further this session, though the issue will continue to be worked on over the interim. They said the state needs to reduce liability through prevention and alternative dispute processes rather than through unconstitutional damage caps.
On the millionaire’s tax process, leaders said the House Finance Committee is expected to add more tax reductions than the version heard that morning, with a goal of reaching roughly 25 to 40 percent in reductions and likely avoiding a conference committee if the House and Senate can concur. They said the bill may still include a sales-tax-on-services change, but that the final package is still being negotiated. They also said they do not support extending the tax to incomes below $1 million, and that no decision had been made on a possible governor-backed sales tax holiday.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One of my favorite bills, which is the bill that allows us to set up the West Coast Health Collaborative
- to the fact that when we resolved the McCleary litigation, we moved a huge amount of property tax authority
Summary:
House and Senate Democratic leaders held a media availability focused on the late-session agenda, including the House policy cutoff, a supplemental budget, and the House Finance Committee hearing on the proposed “millionaire’s tax”/income tax measure. They said several Senate bills had moved or were moving quickly, including a face mask bill, an abortion medication access bill, a mobile devices in schools bill, a driver privacy/personal safety data protections bill, and a West Coast Health Collaborative bill. They also said the supplemental budget would emphasize food, shelter, health care, continuity of government, and other core services.
A major topic was allegations of fraudulent or bot-generated remote sign-ins on the millionaire’s tax hearings. Leaders said remote testimony and sign-ins have broadened public participation, but misuse of the system is a problem that will be reviewed over the interim. They said the goal is to preserve easy public access while improving accuracy, and that the sign-in numbers should be treated cautiously because the system is informational rather than equivalent to voting. They also said there had been no direct contact with state Supreme Court justices about the tax bill.
The leaders defended the need for the income tax proposal by arguing that state spending growth reflects inflation, population growth, the McCleary school-funding changes, and major investments in child care, higher education, Medicaid dental care, IT systems, and special education. They said the Legislature is trying to balance the tax code and that they do not support taxing incomes below $1 million, though they would not rule out future legislative changes decades from now. On tort claims against the state, they said Senator Dhingra’s arbitration bill has advanced the discussion but is unlikely to move further this session, and that broader liability reductions may require constitutional changes or prevention-focused investments. They also discussed long-term care workforce pressures, saying Washington is better positioned than many states but still faces an aging-population challenge. On the millionaire’s tax process, they said the House Finance Committee is expected to increase tax reductions in the bill, with leaders aiming to resolve differences with the Senate without going to conference if possible.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 5th, 2025
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We serve as trusted partners to government authorities. health authorities and producers, not only here
- So we've pushed out information to private practitioners. that are a part of our authorized personnel
- Two medications that are approved. systemic medication that just gained emergency youth authorization
- January that amends rules governing our authorization of take of protective native wildlife.
- Austin, we buy and sell cattle from coast to coast.