Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Election Code'
Page 202 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I will say Texas has had mandatory pharmaceutical price reporting since 2019.
- Texas isn't trying to set drug prices. Texas has no appetite for price controls.
- has stopped doing business with the state of Texas or has withdrawn from the state of Texas.
- Chairman, and I know you brought up Texas, sir, but that came up last night in our conversation.
- So I will work with you, and we'll take a more in-depth look at what Texas does.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and took up several insurance and health care-related bills. SB 192, a dental reimbursement bill, was amended to allow dentists to opt in electronically to credit-card payment methods and to clarify applicability and effective date; it was reported as amended. SB 84 would require prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 under current clinical guidelines and prohibit cost-sharing; supporters from the American Cancer Society said Louisiana has a high incidence of prostate cancer and that out-of-pocket costs deter early screening. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill as amended. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network participation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, drew support from nursing and hospital groups and was reported favorably. SB 169, a cleanup bill on biomarker testing, was also amended and reported.
The committee spent substantial time on SB 401, which creates a temporary prescription drug affordability board to review pricing data on selected drugs and report findings to the legislature. Supporters said the board would improve transparency and help lawmakers understand drug pricing trends; opponents raised concerns about confidentiality, market effects, and the lack of a defined policy outcome beyond reporting. Amendments narrowed the scope, added confidentiality protections, and removed opposition cards, and the bill was reported as amended. SB 387, a major PBM reform bill tied to SB 401, would change PBM compensation, rebate handling, formulary practices, audits, and appeals, while excluding ERISA plans after discussion and amendment. Supporters argued it would curb spread pricing and other practices that raise costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA warned it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums or disrupt city, school board, and small-group plans. After extensive debate and a roll call, SB 387 was reported with amendments by a 10-4 vote.
The committee also considered SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and public adjusters to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments limiting the requirement to individual licenses and removing one statutory reference, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the need for transparency in drug pricing and PBM practices, the role of ERISA and non-ERISA plans, and potential impacts on public employers and consumers.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I will say Texas has had mandatory pharmaceutical price reporting since 2019.
- Texas isn't trying to set drug prices. Texas has no appetite for price controls.
- has stopped doing business with the state of Texas or has withdrawn from the state of Texas.
- Chairman, and I know you brought up Texas, sir, but that came up last night in our conversation.
- So I will work with you, and we'll take a more in-depth look at what Texas does.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and considered several insurance- and health care-related bills. SB 192, concerning dental reimbursement and payment methods, was amended to clarify opt-in for electronic acceptance and then reported as amended. SB 84, which expands prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 and bars cost-sharing, was also amended and reported as amended after testimony from the American Cancer Society supporting earlier detection and reduced out-of-pocket barriers. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network access for certified registered nurse anesthetists, was reported favorably with broad support from nurse anesthetists, hospitals, and related groups. SB 169, a biomarker testing cleanup bill, was amended to clarify legislative intent and reported as amended.
The committee spent substantial time on two major drug-pricing bills. SB 401 would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to study selected prescription drug prices, collect manufacturer and related pricing data, and report findings to the legislature; amendments narrowed the scope, addressed confidentiality, and delayed implementation. Supporters said it would provide transparency similar to Texas and help lawmakers understand drug pricing, while opponents warned about government overreach and confidentiality concerns. SB 387, the companion PBM reform bill, would restrict PBM compensation to flat fees and performance bonuses, require rebate pass-throughs, limit formulary practices, expand audit and reporting requirements, and create enforcement mechanisms; it was amended to delay implementation, refine definitions, and address ERISA-related concerns. Supporters argued it would curb PBM abuses and lower drug costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA said it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums. After a roll call vote, SB 387 was reported with amendments.
The committee also took up SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and appraisers to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments narrowing the requirement to individual claims and public adjusters, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about unintended consequences, especially for cities, school boards, and other non-ERISA plans, and sponsors said they would continue working on the drug-pricing bills before floor consideration.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I do ask unanimous consent that the dress code for the New Mexico State Senate be adjusted
- as a crucial part of their learning experience. ...communities are here today to meet with their elected
- and many of those students are with us here today learning directly from their chamber and their elected
- I'd like you to meet Sloan Johnson from Texas.
- And talk about being respected by peers, she is the president-elect of the Greater Albuquerque Medical
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials and Senate Environmental Quality Dec 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And it doesn't matter what the code you're in. It doesn't matter what city you're in.
- Basically, the top gun of the fire department of Austin, Texas, flew down here to take samples using
- As soon as they got elected, July 22nd, the chair, Tara Lassen-Riemer, who represents this area, and
- time we would go visit the scientists at the hotspot or go, you know, take tours for the media, our elected
- Something I didn't mention, but I will, is important: part of my five-point sewage plan, when I first got elected
Summary:
The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement.
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts.
Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution.
Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety
Bills:
HB33, HB35, HB274, HB56, HB287, SB229, SB201, SB216, HB33, HB35, HB274, HB56, HB287, SB229, SB201, SB216
Keywords:
HB33, Alabama, ALEA, driver license, driver's license, learner permit, learner's permit, school attendance, truancy, high school diploma, GED, dropout, student withdrawal, enrollment verification, disciplinary points, homeless student, job training, youth employment, minor parent, public safety
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 9999 reassigned to Government, Labor, and Elections. >> Hear no objection.
- >> Government, Labor, and Elections. >> Government, Labor, and Elections.
- The first step of this walk for peace took place four months ago in Fort Worth, Texas.
- The first step of this walk for peace took place four months ago in Fort Worth, Texas.
- <01:34:35.199>
And months ago in Fort Worth, Texas. And months ago in Fort Worth, Texas.
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted a congratulatory House resolution honoring the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Maryland Class 2A state championship. The House also journalized Baltimore City 2026 bond/loan authorization resolutions and moved a series of introductory House bills and bond initiatives through first reading and committee referral without objection.
On the special order calendar, House Bill 28, concerning higher education/private career schools advertising, received a favorable report and was ordered printed for third reading. House Bill 226, creating a Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations structure, was also reported favorably as amended. Two floor amendments were adopted to that bill: one clarifying that any affiliated foundation may only raise funds or provide support and may not run programs or set policy, and another restoring conflict-of-interest and ethics protections, including limits on family members and public ethics application requirements. A later amendment to HB 226 was rejected by a recorded vote of 95 in the negative, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The most extended debate centered on House Bill 229, which increases the Maryland Transportation Authority’s revenue bond limit from $4 billion to $5 billion to help finance the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. One amendment sought to prohibit toll increases without General Assembly approval; its sponsor argued the added borrowing would likely lead to future toll hikes and that elected representatives should vote on them. The floor leader opposed the amendment, saying it would weaken MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority, harm its bond rating, and increase financing costs, while noting the bill is intended to cover bridge reconstruction costs and federal reimbursement timing. After debate, the amendment failed on a recorded vote, and HB 229 was ordered printed for third reading.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 23 Afternoon Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to have passed. Mr.
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to and constituting the House, the bill is declared
- Having received a majority of those elected to and constituting the House, I declare the bill to have
- That's her in the north side of the gallery over here, and her mom is in from Texas.
- Having received a majority vote of those elected to the House, the bill is declared passed.
Bills:
HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678
Keywords:
administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- other states have already passed similar legislation, including Utah, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas
- other states have already passed similar legislation, including Utah, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas
- And just last Idaho, Nevada, and Texas.
- ><00:47:54.800>
liens <00:47:55.600>related <00:47:56.680>to <00:47:56.840>code - citations, or liens related to code citations, or liens related to code enforcement<00:47:58.000
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- the producing wells wherever it may be in the country where it's in the northeast, out West Midwest, Texas
- or blue boxes with black lettering, different storage points along the Gulf Coast, ultimately from Texas
- It goes from South Texas into Florida all the way down to South Florida, down both coasts of Florida.
- So everything has to come from the Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama areas.
- We own a combined heat and power plant produces enough elect energy supply about 50% of the load and
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation ensures the right to a secret or private ballot election on union representation for
- and to make the choice that is actually the one set forth by the NLRB, which is a secret ballot election
- Lastly, the bill analysis points out that Texas passed a narrower version of this bill in 2025, and a
- Florida's bill is even more expansive than the Texas version.
- If Texas couldn't survive judicial scrutiny, Florida is walking into the same legal dilemma.
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking
Summary:
The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote.
The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:35 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it borders Mexico and El Paso, Texas, as well as Mexico. State.
- Texas does things in its own way and, in some ways, very impressively.
- Also, though, some things about Texas are not so great.
- Tribes are exempted from the community solar program. but they can participate upon election of that,
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, and other materials from the Massachusetts Port Authority, and an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, an Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- -19 state and local recovery funds to arrange for a group of Venezuelan. migrants to be flown from Texas
- legislation. that would change where illegal immigrants were sent and not have them sent in mass numbers to Texas
- Now, at the time I filed that legislation, the elected officials in and around Martha's Vineyard had
- The fact that I represent Texas and our state has seen firsthand the suffering that Democrat open border
Keywords:
oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices
Summary:
The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/22/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- police officer in the state of Texas police officer in the state of Texas which<01:23:06.880>
- As I've stated, in Texas we did not have any problem.
- <01:32:10.920>
because and you run and you get elected because and you run and you get elected - They are formed by holding an election and can be dissolved by holding an election, just like this past
- <02:20:16.560>
process circumvents the whole election process circumvents the whole election
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This would be work similar to what was done in Texas, and it spread through the whole state, and that
- This would be work similar to what was done in Texas, and it spread through the whole state, and that
- code with three coding learned how to code with three coding languages<00:37:34.480>
learned <00 - I always tell folks there's need everywhere, in every zip code in this state.
- I always tell folks there's need everywhere, in every zip code in this state.
Keywords:
workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So the Texas system is complicated in that it's an opt-out system.
- Texas being one of them.
- Even in Texas. ODG when necessary.
- It is the guideline—ODG, rather—is the guideline that Texas uses.
- I'm not sure what you mean by a Texas style.
Keywords:
employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- only applies to elections related to the issuance of school district bonds.
- . ...relating to elections.
- Election workers are often temporary, underpaid, and working long hours.
- Election workers are often temporary, underpaid, and working long hours.
- Election workers are often temporary, underpaid, and working long hours.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections...
- House Bill 2320, relating to Title 15, Article 5, school bond elections, and related provisions.
- only applies to elections related to the issuance of school district bonds.
- Election workers are often temporary, underpaid, and working long hours.
- Election workers are often temporary, underpaid, and working long hours.
Summary:
The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations.
The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.
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:
- public officials who intend to testify on a panel will not be taken out of turn, so if we call up an elected
- I see no elected officials. So we're going to get right started.
- I see no elected officials, so we're going to go to H. 1974 and S. 1143, An Act Relative to Privileged
- Another judge in Texas was stalked in her home for months. Finally, the...
- Another judge in Texas was stalked at her home for months.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn.
On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees.
The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It passed when I was running for re-election in 1985 for the Santa Cruz City Council.
- The price of gas in Texas, the biggest lower 48 producer in the entire country, has gone up by 39%.
- The price of gas in Texas, the biggest lower 48 producer in the entire country, has gone up by 39%.
- Texas is suffering even more than us, despite their pro-oil policies, their anti-climate policies.
- Texas is suffering even more than us, despite their pro-oil policies, their anti-climate policies.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a floor introduction honoring the YMCA’s 175th anniversary. Members then handled routine business, including reading second-reading items and confirming three gubernatorial appointments: Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. All three appointments were later confirmed by roll call votes.
The chamber then debated and passed several resolutions. SJR 12, opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California’s coast, drew extended debate over energy security, gas prices, climate policy, and offshore drilling; it ultimately passed 26-0. SCR 118, urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and stronger transparency for survivors, passed 27-0. SR 99, recognizing California Agriculture Day and highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, water needs, and food production, passed 36-0. SCR 100, designating April 16, 2026 as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness on child sexual abuse, passed 36-0 after emotional testimony about abuse prevention, mandated reporters, and survivor support.
The Senate also adopted the second-day consent calendar without objection, covering multiple bills and resolutions. Committee announcements followed for several budget subcommittees meeting later that day. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of Rob Trice, remembered for his service and leadership in food systems and philanthropy, and Alwyn Ben Holman, honored as a pioneering Black firefighter and San Diego’s first Black deputy fire chief. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, April 27, 2026, and noted that Monday would be Denim Day.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Education Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Education Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- On the other side of this, we saw that Houston Independent School District in Texas has a very robust
- And then, even though it's not in code, just to give a more robust review of the books, we did count
- So you've spent a lot of time creating code, and we've also put that into rules.
- This is really like I've been to many school board meetings where school board elected school board members
- and overturned and also some of the challenges where, you know, books have been found to violate the code