Video & Transcript Research : 'block groups'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-HOU, HOU Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Building Code Council to adopt, amend, or update the state building code to authorize point access block
- Building Code Council to adopt, amend, or update the state building code to authorize point access block
- However, the way this group handled it...
- <00:26:36.400>
very So I identify with that group very So I identify with that group very - authorize point access block authorize point access block construction<00:46:03.520>
for <
Summary:
The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda.
On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight.
The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Aug 14th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This group, the juniors, will be the first group who will now experience the IB course.
- And there are several national and international groups.
- Representative Block, sorry, actually I have a little prerogative.
- Thank you, Madam Chair and Representative Block for that question.
- Okay, we have a motion by Representative Block for the...
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gallery, I have a very special group, the Span Network.
- Gallery, I have a very special group, the Span Network.
- We yield the remainder of our time in this block.
- We yield back our time in this block.
- We yield back the remainder of our time in this block.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes.
Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Block. Senator Bergman. Senator Block. Senator Boone. Senator Boone. Senator Brantley.
- But will Senator Block please yield? Senator Block, do you yield? Mr. President, I do. Mr.
- Senator Block. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senator Block. Mr.
- Thank you, Senator Block.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Typically, the children are separated by age group.
- <00:11:12.760>
so um and these are mixed age groups so um and these are mixed age groups so - They're mixed-age groups with different ratios that are allowed for each of those.
- <00:19:59.039>
childcare offer a small Center or group childcare offer a small Center or group - <00:20:09.280>
or whether they are mixed age groups or whether they are mixed age groups or
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And without adding a bunch of people to the employment, we already have the DRA has a municipal group
- Got a brilliant group, I guess we'll just keep going. All right.
- Neglected and delinquent is funding that helps students in, like, group homes in New Hampshire.
- Neglected and delinquent is funding that helps students in, like, group homes in New Hampshire.
- see some gray uh sorry some green blocks see some gray uh sorry some green blocks and<01:28:29.159
Summary:
The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs.
A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education.
The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Bobby Block.
- I mean, I've actually read the sort of organizing document of the group.
- Bobby Block? Yes, you're recognized for a question. Hey, John. So, quick question.
- It is a religious flag for a group of people, right? It basically honors God.
- Bobby Block. Thank you. Bobby Block.
Summary:
The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes.
The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised.
SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages.
Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There’s no change of what you would see on one block to the next.
- That’s one way to not take your comments, just block you. That works too.
- That's one way to not take your comments, just block you. That works too.
- I'm with Gainesville for People, a volunteer housing advocacy group and local chapter of the national
- Yes in My Backyard move. is for people, a volunteer housing advocacy group and local chapter of the
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money.
Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Those programs are provided in group settings, so they're not individual education programs.
- And again, you know, with our mental health block grant...
- Are these grants or contracts with vendors or training specific groups? Yes. Okay. Sorry.
- I believe it's a formula for the block grant that's applied to all 50 states.
- It is driven by a block grant, and it is distributed.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS.
In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded.
In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves.
In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/09/26
Transcript Highlights:
- is a rendering of the new proposed hangar, which will be designed not only to fit our current F-16 Block
- is a rendering of the new proposed hangar, which will be designed not only to fit our current F-16 Block
- is a rendering of the new proposed hangar, which will be designed not only to fit our current F-16 Block
- The block below the scale in the diagram reflects the federal and state share for each type of facility
- Was made by two political groups, from President John F.
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans heard a Department of Military Affairs presentation on bonding, tuition benefits, and cyber response. The department requested $3.5 million in design funding for a new hangar at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, citing safety problems with the aging 1950s-era hangars and the need to improve the wing’s competitiveness for future federal military construction funding. It also sought $2.5 million for asset preservation at Army facilities statewide, emphasizing that state dollars are often matched by federal funds. A National Guard lieutenant also testified about the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, describing how it helped pay for her undergraduate and doctoral education and reduce student debt.
The committee also received an update on Minnesota National Guard cyber operations, including the response to the July 2025 ransomware attack on the City of Saint Paul. Testimony described the cyber coordination cell’s role in planning, interagency coordination, and support during the incident, including helping re-image about 500 computers and assisting with network recovery. Members heard that the Guard’s cyber teams conduct extensive partner engagement and are prepared to support state and local entities when civil resources are exhausted and the incident exceeds local capacity.
Three bills were then heard and advanced. Senate File 4075, as amended, would implement recommendations from the task force on Special Guerrilla Unit and regular forces veterans from the Secret War in Laos, including eligibility and benefit changes; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill to the full committee. Senate File 3956, as amended, would clarify that the Department of Veterans Affairs may partner with veteran-serving organizations using nonmonetary resources to address food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention; it was also referred onward. Senate File 4056, as amended, would add veteran or military status as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; testimony supported the change, including concerns about service members losing educational opportunities while on state active duty, and the bill was passed to the full committee.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services May 20th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- the, yes, uh, so back there we have Doctor Rachel Mercer Garcia, who is the um analyst for the CYFD block
- And perhaps block grants. I don't think any of those changes should try to take us by surprise.
- Representative Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- I mean, it could be, uh, an agency bill, it could be a, um, uh, Group bill, a labor bill or whatever.
- Let's see who I had someone else, but I was it you Representative Block?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Block. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Madam Chair, Senator Fevella.
- I started this work in 2021 with a year-long working group of eight other legislators, but I knew.
- I really appreciate the last comments of Senator Block.
- Senator Block for a second time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Senator Block? Aye. Senator Brantley? Yes. Senator Gallegos? Yes. Senator Lopez is excused.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- That's three to four times their peer group.
- When they block the camera like that, you know that you're in for something.
- The camera couldn't see it because he was blocking the camera, and then I got shocked for lying.
- At a chain restaurant in the Seaport, I was with a group that included several children.
- We still have two groups of people to testify.
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid hearing on a range of bills affecting children, families, disability rights, homelessness, and social services. Early testimony focused on H.215, which would support children experiencing homelessness by speeding access to child care vouchers and early intervention screenings. Boston officials, Horizons for Homeless Children, Head Start, pediatric and early education advocates, and families described delays in child care and early intervention, the developmental risks of homelessness, and the need for automatic referrals and faster access to services. Testimony also supported H.216, which would improve emergency housing assistance by restoring presumptive eligibility, reducing documentation barriers, extending shelter stays from six to nine months, and creating an ombudsperson; providers and legal advocates said current rules leave families sleeping in cars or outside and create unnecessary administrative hurdles.
The committee also heard strong support for H.210, which would repeal the “Learn Fair” school attendance sanction that cuts cash assistance to families when children miss school. Advocates from legal aid, education, and anti-poverty organizations argued the policy is punitive, burdensome, and ineffective, disproportionately affecting low-income, disabled, and Hispanic/Latino families. Several speakers said chronic absenteeism should be addressed through supports such as family outreach, wraparound services, and school engagement rather than benefit cuts. Legislators and school officials from Salem also testified that their districts reduced absenteeism through supportive strategies, not sanctions.
Additional testimony addressed children’s vision bills H.202 and H.166, with optometrists and researchers urging better screening, data systems, and treatment access to close achievement gaps caused by untreated vision problems. Senator Lovely also presented S.2714, proposing a study of discrimination in public accommodations for people with service animals. Later, testimony on H.279 supported changing social work licensure rules to remove exam requirements that speakers said disproportionately exclude multilingual candidates and candidates of color. The hearing also included testimony on bills related to the Judge Rotenberg Center and electric shock devices, with disability rights advocates opposing continued use of the devices and urging the committee to reject licensing or authorization for them. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gallery, I have a very special group, the Span Network.
- We yield the remainder of our time in this block.
- We yield back our time in this block.
- This group also paid people based on the number of petition gathered.
- Speaker, we yield back the remainder of our time in this block.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Walton County Deputy Will May, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for April 3, 2025 was adopted, and CS/HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, with several companion Senate bills substituted and passed: SB 36 (Florida statutes adoption act), SB 42 (general reviser’s bill), SB 40 (deleting inoperative statutory provisions), and SB 38 (renaming references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations). All of those passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The House also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to electronically send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection order documents. Members discussed whether judges needed to direct transmission and whether there were fail-safes if clerks did not comply. HB 615, on electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, was amended to strengthen tenant protections and passed 108-0. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements, and HB 1145 on workforce education also passed, with HB 1145 receiving 100 yeas and 4 nays. HB 649, removing the paper supervised protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists, passed 77-30 after structured debate.
A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill adds a $1 million bond requirement after 25% of required signatures are collected, requires petition handlers to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, imposes background checks and training for paid circulators, shortens petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increases penalties, adds signature revocation notices, and creates additional criminal penalties and enforcement provisions. Supporters argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make citizen-led amendments much harder to qualify. Numerous amendments were offered, including proposals to remove sensitive personal information from petition forms, soften deadlines and penalties, change validation thresholds, and alter the estimating conference process; most failed, though one amendment clarifying who pays for background checks was adopted. The transcript ends during continued debate on an amendment to strike most of the bill and prohibit public funds from being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/06/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Madam President, I rise to introduce a special group of...
- >> MADAM PRESIDENT, I RISE TO INTRODUCE A SPECIAL GROUP OF Madam President, I would like to recognize
- I rise to recognize a group of state champions: our 2026 New York State boys Division II state champion
- I RISE TO RECOGNIZE A GROUP OF STATE CHAMPIONS.
- about the members in the correctional facility about the inability to take vacation time, where it is blocked
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, approved the journal, and welcomed several guest groups, including Saugerties student government officers, the Marlboro High School boys bowling state champions, a civics group, a National Guard/9-11 responder advocate, family members honoring Salvador Vizcarrondo Jr., architecture professionals, correctional officers and employees, and small business representatives. Members also offered resolutions recognizing Architecture Week, Correctional Officers and Employees Week, and Small Business Week, along with tributes to community leaders and student achievements.
The chamber then took up a series of bills on the non-controversial calendar, passing measures on education leave for incarcerated people, utility interconnection study, property tax exemption, alcohol regulation, executive law, school drill requirements, victim sentencing rights, public health, public officers, public authorities, election law, environmental conservation, veterans/homeland security, labor, and other topics. Several bills were laid aside. Some measures drew brief explanations of vote, including concerns about school safety drills, correctional staffing and safety, and a victims’ rights bill that one senator said mirrored an earlier version he had carried.
The most extended debate centered on the 21st Century Antitrust Act (Calendar 879), with supporters arguing it would modernize antitrust enforcement against dominant firms, especially big tech, and opponents warning it would create vague standards, invite private lawsuits, and harm small and rural businesses. Another debated bill (Calendar 818) would restrict sharing of utility consumption data with police; supporters framed it as a privacy measure requiring normal legal process, while opponents said it would hinder law enforcement while still allowing state regulators access. Both bills were ultimately restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- out of the uh right out of the blocks. out of the uh right out of the blocks.
- So, um, the Environmental Working Group, which is an advocacy group located in Washington, DC, keeps
- So, um, the Environmental Working Group, which is an advocacy group located in Washington, DC, keeps
- <04:10:57.279>
the delete it, but I also can say block the delete it, but I also can say block - It's blocked. >> I'm not, because I went through it. >> It's blocked. >> It might on your situation.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank goodness a federal judge just days ago blocked Musk's access to this data, but Republicans and
- <03:06:59.960>
burdensome block burdensome block burdensome regulations<03:07:02.120>this< - other states sued and the judges blocked other states sued and the judges blocked Elon<05:11:56.360
- law when you hear certain leftist groups law when you hear certain leftist groups and<05:26:44.680
- The math provides us the opportunity to build the building blocks to actually produce a solution.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So what you see there is a grouping around...
- Representative Block, thank you for the question. It's a difficult question to answer.
- Chairman, Representative Block, my view is that we are a permitting agency.
- Chairman, Representative Block.
- Thank you, Senator Steinborn and Representative Block.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Sadly, I walked three blocks, but Markeiski Mason, California, I'm a voter, strong support.
- California and the California Clean Money Group, thank you, in strong support.
- Patchwin, Oakland, Montclair Presbyterian Church Democracy Study Group, strong support.
- But far more often, big money in politics is blocking legislation.
- We've blocked the local government from saying, we think we can do it.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Emergency Board 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, the Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a request in block from two state agencies for
- recommends that the Emergency Board approve the submission of the four federal grant applications in block
- recommends that the Emergency Board approve the submission of the four federal grant applications in block
- Subcommittee recommends that the Emergency Board approve the request to apply for federal grants in block
- In this particular case, 10 years and counting, this group is not helpful.
Summary:
The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment.
A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed.
The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections.
In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.