Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hear House File 110 on the first side of things.
• We're going to hear House File 110 on the first side of things.
• Good morning, and happy to be back here and to present the first bill in the workforce.
• “Since our first direct appropriations, HAP has served nearly 3,000 Hmong in workforce programs.
• </c> can afford those going forward so first can afford those going forward so first good<01:07:25.559

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• Time's expired in your first<01:14:44.880><c> hour.</c> first hour. first hour.
• </c> that was the first sign. that was the first sign.
• First place I went, first county, first town was Tuskegee in Monum County.
• </c><04:40:58.000><c> county,</c><04:40:58.480><c> first</c> First place I went, first county, first
• First place I went, first county, first town<04:40:59.680><c> was</c><04:41:00.000><c> Tuskegee</c><04

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called. The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal. Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's all grade students with them.
• >> Adopt it first, Mr. Speaker. >> I didn't understand you. >> Okay.
• I've been up here a long time, and this is the first time too long sometimes.
• For the first time that I can remember, I didn't have one or two senators come to me.
• For the first tell you what happened.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first line of the spreadsheet says MDE non-general fund, nonfederal fund administrative funds.
• So the first spreadsheet you saw, that was in thousands. This spreadsheet is just in dollars.
• So the first spreadsheet you saw, that was in thousands. This spreadsheet is just in dollars.
• She said kids need to learn how to read, and over half of their kids are not reading at grade level.
• At this point, right now it looks like we will at least have our first bill hearing next week.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um first chapter. Thank you. All righty.
• That's my first question, and then I have a follow-up.
• That's my first question and then that.
• c> will</c><00:57:50.559><c> withstand</c> legally that first will withstand legally that first will
• </c> informal survey of my seventh grade informal survey of my seventh grade son's<01:03:16.319><c> class

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a, first of all, it's a California first bill dealing with everything that we've seen with
• And America first, and when it comes to wine, it's California first, because 80% of the wine grapes in
• and a California first mentality.
• This is not making California first. The wine says America first.
• First, I want you to know, I hear you, and I'm going... ...to, you know, first I want you to know, I

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures. AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the first question is, again, there’s no cap on it.
• They finished eighth grade, and that was it.
• Okay, so that was a first.
• All right, first up is Amber Hillman. Amber Hillman. Mr.
• Senator Cowan, okay, first... Senator Gowan. Okay, first up is Amber Hillman. Mr. Chairman. Mr.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a series of bills, many dealing with cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042 would allow certain state retirement and treasury funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency; SB 1043 would let state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments; SB 1044 and SCR 1003 would exempt virtual currency from property tax, with SB 1044 contingent on voter approval of the referral. All four measures advanced on 4-3 votes, with Democratic members largely opposing them as risky, speculative, and favoring wealthy crypto interests. The committee also considered SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new tax interpretation or application that would adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if a hearing is held. Supporters framed it as transparency and good governance, while opponents worried about added red tape and administrative burden. The bill passed 4-3. Another major item, SB 1142, would opt Arizona into a new federal scholarship tax credit program administered through certified scholarship-granting organizations; supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for public, charter, private, and homeschool students, while opponents argued it would deepen inequities, lack accountability, and divert resources from public schools. That bill also passed 4-3. A lengthy discussion followed on the Department of Revenue’s press release about tax conformity and the governor’s executive order. DOR explained that the forms were issued assuming conformity with federal changes, including the standard deduction and certain below-the-line adjustments, and said taxpayers generally should file on time but may need amended returns if the Legislature later changes the law. Members pressed DOR on the cost and clarity of the guidance, with estimates that widespread amendments could cost the department about $20 million. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on real property conveyances before recording; county assessors said it would reduce deed-fraud risk and fix recording gaps. County officials from Maricopa and Mohave supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's kind of the first bullet, the first bill, chapter 39. Any questions, committee, so far?
• </c><00:10:22.680><c> the</c><00:10:22.760><c> first</c> that's kind of the first the first that's kind
• of the first the first bullet<00:10:23.680><c> uh</c><00:10:23.720><c> the</c><00:10:23.840><c> first
• </c><00:43:31.840><c> place</c> the first place the first place when<00:43:33.400><c> when</c><00:43:
• You would put her first.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But freedom of our first amendment.
• When I first took office in 2007, I promised the people that I would take care of home first.
• government</c> first over foreign government first over foreign government competitors.<02:18:08.319>
• </c><02:37:54.720><c> This</c> happening in the first place. This happening in the first place.
• I yield back. in the first place. in the first place.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the state must finish the job with the process it started in Jobs First.
• Okay, first, we'll invite anyone to...
• Okay, first, we'll invite anyone to...
• That first panel blew me away.
• And I think 787, there's great first steps.

Summary: The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation held a hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing competitiveness. In opening remarks, the chair and Senator Wahab emphasized manufacturing’s role in good jobs, climate leadership, and regional economic growth, while noting barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, energy costs, permitting delays, and the loss of manufacturing jobs over time. They highlighted California Jobs First, workforce development, and the need to keep innovation and manufacturing in-state rather than losing scale-up opportunities to other states. The first panel featured California Forward and the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy, along with an industry representative. Witnesses argued that California needs a durable, regionally based economic development system with ongoing funding, stronger state coordination, and sector-specific industrial roadmaps. They focused on advanced manufacturing and clean industry, especially batteries, bioeconomy, offshore wind, and heat pumps, and said industrial policy should help bridge the “missing middle” between research and commercial production. The industry witness stressed that power reliability, time to power, and coordinated utility engagement are decisive in site selection, and that California must better align utilities, state agencies, universities, and labs to compete for major projects. Senator Niello raised concerns about California’s business climate, including regulations, labor laws, energy reliability, K–12 education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate policy. Panelists responded that California can compete by improving coordination, packaging existing state resources, and targeting strategic industries rather than racing to the bottom on taxes or wages. The second panel, from labor organizations, supported a worker-led industrial policy with strong labor and environmental standards, public financing, procurement, and targeted support for manufacturing firms. They cited examples such as union apprenticeship pathways, revolving loan funds, and programs with labor standards, and argued that manufacturing jobs can support both climate goals and middle-class employment. The final panel began with Fremont city officials, who described Fremont as the state’s leading manufacturing city and a model of intentional local policy. They said the city has protected industrial land, streamlined support for manufacturers, and doubled its manufacturing technician workforce over the past decade. The hearing concluded with discussion of how state and local governments can better coordinate to attract and retain manufacturing investment, with members and witnesses agreeing that California has strong assets but needs more proactive, integrated economic development tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I'd like to invite up our first panel. With that, I'd like to invite up our first panel.
• First, the state must finish the job with the process it started in Jobs First.
• Okay, first, we'll invite anyone to...
• That first panel blew me away.
• And I think 787, there's great first steps.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first... The first is a body alarm system.
• The first part...
• It was one of our first, well, not first, one of our first successful Salesforce implementations.
• The first of which is cyber The first of which is cyber security enhancements, and the second is the
• So safety is our first priority there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we call up our first individual to testify, I'm going to pass the gavel and Our first individual
• So just a quick housekeeping: if this is your first time here, first time testifying, your name will
• Kids learn to read in first grade, and by third grade they are reading to learn.
• The court said there was not a First Amendment violation—I repeat, not a First Amendment violation—since
• And the First Amendment to the U.S.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:27.760><c> two</c> conversation at least in my first two conversation at least in my first
• ,</c> youngest child entered the sixth grade, youngest child entered the sixth grade, she<00:59:18.960
• Um first of all as far as Okay.
• </c> the first rule is press the button. the first rule is press the button.
• </c><02:33:15.439><c> and</c> could have the conversation first and could have the conversation first

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I first met Charlotte, it was 2013. Her first film on medical marijuana was called We.
• But the first...
• So, right there, my primary product that I sell is extraction-grade... Grade CBD biomass.
• My first word was "tractor."
• In 2025, the first U.S.

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But first and foremost, you know, the block captain program...
• They might have needed a grading permit for a new access point.
• They might have needed a grading permit for a new access point.
• Well, first I want to say right back at you, thank you. Thank you.
• Well, first I want to say right back at you, thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First and foremost, thanks Senator Miranda for all of her work in advocacy.
• So first, I just want to say thank you.
• This is my first meeting here. I am at the Department of Public Health.
• First is, yes, we are That.
• First is, yes, we are Okay. So a couple of things.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• First we have, in person, Jeff Richards from CPCS.
• This is not the first time this has happened.
• I'll first share words from Reverend Jamie from the First Parish in Bedford.
• Jamie, whom I quoted first.
• They're going to put their children first.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, senators are going to take up tab three.
• Senator Sharief first, and Senator Pizzo. Oh, Senator Hill. It was...
• My first question really about the policy...
• So first and foremost, thank you for that.
• So I think it's important first to go back.

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:38.160><c> First,</c><00:40:38.480><c> I</c> a no vote on this amendment.
• First, I a no vote on this amendment.
• That's a constant in a sixth-grade classroom. I can attest.
• </c> that's a constant in a sixth grade that's a constant in a sixth grade classroom.<01:02:21.119><c
• </c> first. We're well on our way right now. first. We're well on our way right now.

Keywords: 981, all