Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
Page 185 of 312
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Republicans and Democrats alike, they don't file their donation like they do their expenses.
- All right, the Democrats will be in Room 403. Representative Lane, hold on.
- Things that you can still do: a Democrat town committee or Republican town committee can still hold their
- > things that you can still things that you can still do<02:44:05.760><c> a</c><02:44:06.279><c> Democrat
- </c><02:44:06.720><c> Town</c><02:44:06.960><c> committee</c><02:44:07.279><c> or</c> do a Democrat Town
Committee:
House Election Law
Summary:
The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program.
Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections.
Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services budget bill aimed at 'restoring trust' passes House 5/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- majority Thursday where we had the vast majority of<00:46:42.079><c> House</c><00:46:42.400><c> Democrats
- ><c> voted</c><00:46:44.240><c> to</c><00:46:44.480><c> be</c><00:46:44.880><c> out</c> of House Democrats
- who voted to be out of House Democrats who voted to be out of<00:46:45.280><c> compliance</c><00:46:
- I find it hilarious, actually, that we are here on this House floor listening to House Democrats saying
- I find it hilarious, actually, that we are here on this House floor listening to House Democrats saying
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The only reason I can see for delaying at this point is to try to blame the Democrats if we get into
- Um, both Republicans and Democrats. Um, so that's it.
- Um both Republicans and Democrats.<02:20:49.520><c> Um</c> Democrats. Um Democrats.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
Summary:
The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department.
Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492.
The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Modern tools have democratized people's ability to genetically engineer organisms to be more infectious
- powerful mechanisms available to a private citizen to make their voices heard, that they are vast democratic
- It denies them access to these vast democratic forums.
- I mean, frankly, you have seen now emergencies not being declared in Democratic states when they should
- This proposal seeks to undermine this longstanding democratic practice by restricting speech within 100
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill.
AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations.
The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- There's eight Republican sponsors and co-sponsors and five Democrats.
- There's eight Republican sponsors and co-sponsors and five Democrats.
- There's eight Republican sponsors and co-sponsors and five Democrats.
- There's eight Republican sponsors and co-sponsors and five Democrats.
- There's eight Republican sponsors and co-sponsors and five Democrats.
Committee:
House Transportation
Summary:
House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process.
On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently.
The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/20/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- My wingman in the mental health court project is Representative Buzz Sher, a Democrat from Portsouth.
- My wingman in the mental health court project is Representative Buzz Scherr, a Democrat from Portsouth
- project is Representative Buzz<00:19:21.840><c> Sher,</c><00:19:22.160><c> a</c><00:19:22.320><c> Democrat
- </c> Buzz Sher, a Democrat from Portsouth. Buzz Sher, a Democrat from Portsouth.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And honestly, it's the Republicans here who have the power to do something more than the Democrats do
- And honestly, it's the Republicans here who have the power to do something more than the Democrats do
- the power to do something more than have the power to do something more than the<01:53:21.120><c> Democrats
- </c> the Democrats do. And I put it on you. the Democrats do. And I put it on you.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Summary:
The committee adopted the minutes from its February 24, 2026 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Coulter. The hearing then focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement, referred to throughout as Operation Metro Surge, on Minnesota college campuses. The chair said the purpose was to document alleged abuses, campus fear, and racial discrimination, and to hear from testifiers about effects on students, faculty, and staff. Representative Novotny briefly objected to the framing, saying the committee should be finding facts rather than making a predetermined presentation, and the chair responded that members should remain respectful and that questions would be held until after all presenters testified.
Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow described what he called relentless and unprecedented disruption, including student stops and interrogations, family separations, and an ICE operation on campus in which armed masked agents allegedly detained a student without a warrant and pointed weapons at students and staff. He said the campus received bomb threats afterward, increased virtual learning options, and saw spikes in student support needs, housing assistance, and leaves of absence. Jenna Chernega of the Inter Faculty Organization said faculty across Minnesota State universities reported widespread student and colleague stress, increased workload, disappearing students, and a need for clearer sensitive-location protections and academic freedom guidance. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College Faculty said community conditions inevitably affect classrooms, that campuses have not yet had an ICE incident but are bracing for one, and that faculty want to support students and may need financial help if enrollment declines.
Jennifer Irwin of AFSCME said fear from ICE activity extends beyond campus boundaries and is affecting attendance, work, and daily life for staff and students; she cited a member detained in St. Paul while trying to prove legal status. Student testifiers Brendan Frazier of Concordia University, St. Paul, Jonathan Fitzgerald of Minnesota State Mankato, Sudi Adow of Lead MN, and Will Luther of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities described panic, reduced attendance, food insecurity, disrupted classes, and fear of leaving home or commuting to campus. They urged stronger student privacy protections, support for international and immigrant students, emergency aid, and policies to keep campuses safe. No further committee action or votes were taken after the minutes approval.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- These are the kind of things that we need to look at collectively as Republicans and as Democrats about
- c><00:57:57.760><c> as</c> collectively as Republicans and as collectively as Republicans and as Democrats
- 58.960><c> how</c><00:57:59.119><c> we</c><00:57:59.280><c> can</c><00:57:59.440><c> stabilize</c> Democrats
- about how we can stabilize Democrats about how we can stabilize costs<00:58:00.319><c> here</c><00:58
- And despite the outcome of these votes today, so too will House Democrats as we fight to stand with Motans
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- publishing the law, and when you are able to read the law and it's easily accessible, it's exceptionally democratic
- It's exceptionally<01:31:29.520><c> democratic.
- </c><01:31:30.560><c> We</c><01:31:30.800><c> don't</c><01:31:31.120><c> pass</c> exceptionally democratic
- We don't pass exceptionally democratic.
- voters, especially Black voters, have been registered, educated, and empowered to participate in the democratic
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, it was Democrats that were running on nursing homes and saving nursing homes and funding nursing
- Members, it was Democrats that were running on nursing homes and saving nursing homes and funding nursing
- Members, it was Democrats that were running on nursing homes and saving nursing homes and funding nursing
- Members, it was Democrats that were running on nursing homes and saving nursing homes and funding nursing
- And for so many years, members, it was Democrats that were running on nursing homes and saving nursing
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but I would encourage Democrats and I would encourage the governor to take a look at the overreach
- Um, but I would encourage<01:26:48.080><c> Democrats</c><01:26:48.560><c> and</c><01:26:48.800><c> I<
- /c><01:26:48.960><c> would</c> encourage Democrats and I would encourage Democrats and I would encourage
- But we should start on that now, and it would be very easy for Democrats to say, you know what, we went
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- So in 2023, this body brought together Republicans and Democrats; they brought together industry and
- In 2023, this body brought together Republicans and Democrats; they brought together industry and the
- body brought together<00:25:39.679><c> Republicans</c><00:25:40.159><c> and</c><00:25:40.360><c> Democrats
- </c><00:25:40.919><c> they</c> together Republicans and Democrats they together Republicans and Democrats
Keywords:
sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/6/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, we've heard bills like this are pushed to the floor to see how Democrats might vote on it.
- of the pieces of polling that I would like to point to is that vast majorities of Republicans and Democrats
- 47.920><c> and</c> that vast majorities of Republicans and that vast majorities of Republicans and Democrats
- :49.240><c> there</c><00:57:49.359><c> is</c><00:57:49.599><c> too</c><00:57:49.799><c> much</c> Democrats
- believe there is too much Democrats believe there is too much legislation<00:57:50.799><c> being</c>
Bills:
HF1233
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- HOAs and CICs can enhance community connections, improve housing affordability, and foster democratic
- We meet all together, Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and we hash through every single question
- all together discuss it we meet all together Republicans<01:20:05.560><c> and</c><01:20:05.840><c> Democrats
- </c><01:20:06.520><c> House</c><01:20:06.760><c> and</c> Republicans and Democrats House and Republicans
- and Democrats House and Senate<01:20:07.920><c> and</c><01:20:08.199><c> we</c><01:20:08.600><c> we<
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I will also note for the record that our Democrat colleagues have still not joined us.
- While many will be quick to point their finger at the Republican caucus, Michelle calls out the Democratic
- ><01:08:12.799><c> calls</c><01:08:13.119><c> out</c><01:08:13.520><c> the</c><01:08:13.720><c> Democratic
- </c> caucus Michelle calls out the Democratic caucus Michelle calls out the Democratic Party<01:08:14.640
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Management Aug 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Hogue, the Democratic Caucus in the Senate did have discussion about who was interested in serving
- Dakota has an opportunity to speak clearly about our principles, our relationship, and our important democratic
- Israel is a democratic nation that has faced terrorism and war and has the right to defend its citizens
- across the state and I've spoken to many of your constituents all over the state, not Republican, Democrat
Committee:
Joint Legislative Management
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a core part of democratic life.
- about applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behavior not expected or demanded of other democratic
- : delegitimization, demonization, and the application... ...of double standards to the one tiny democratic
- We are experiencing a rapid erosion of all our civil liberties and democratic institutions.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law.
On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-LAB Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- support from the Energy Justice Network, Zero Waste Hawaii, BPI, the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic
- 09:57.160><c> the</c> BPI, the Environmental Caucus of the BPI, the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic
- <01:09:57.680><c> Party</c><01:09:57.920><c> of</c><01:09:58.040><c> Hawaii,</c> Democratic Party of
- Hawaii, Democratic Party of Hawaii, uh<01:10:00.240><c> and</c><01:10:00.880><c> 11</c><01:10:01.560>
Bills:
SB3326
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Keywords:
renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes.
The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We all, both Democrats and Republicans, should be encouraging students to take part in the democratic
- I don't care whether you're Democrat or Republican.
- In the East Gallery, we have an intern in the Democratic caucus office who's been helping us with communications
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections.
The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4.
The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued.
The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- recognized with the Woman of Achievement Award, Top 10 Best Legislators by the Missouri Times, and the Democratic
- recognized with the Woman of Achievement Award, 10 best legislators by the Missouri Times, and the Democratic
- How often do you get Republicans and Democrats voting together on a good bill like that?
- That’s not a Democrat and Republican thing.