Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventeen - Monday, February 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We ask these things by the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, and the House
- It was signed into law by Governor Parson. Many of the... Further discussion. Gentlemen from Taney.
- It was signed into law by Governor Parson. Many of the...
- It was signed into law by Governor Parson. Many of the members were here at that time period.
- This bill simply removes the sunset on a bill that the previous governor signed. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 5, 2026 by roll call vote, 134-2. During personal privilege remarks, a member recognized Bridget Williams, the first Black woman to lead the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City, in honor of Black History Month.
The chamber then took up several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551, a large anti-trafficking package addressing sex trafficking, grooming, sextortion, terminology changes from “child pornography” to “child sexual abuse material,” a statewide anti-trafficking council, training requirements, expungement for some trafficking victims, and related criminal penalties, was debated at length over constitutional concerns but ultimately passed third reading 148-2. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1757, which helps school districts identify gifted students by the end of third grade, passed 142-8. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375, a workers’ compensation reform measure clarifying the burden of proof and compensability standards, passed 86-62 after supporters said it would streamline claims and opponents called it unnecessary.
House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1788, regulating recurring political donations and increasing transparency, passed 134-16. House Bill 1628, a cleanup bill updating higher education and workforce development statutes and repealing outdated provisions including the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant, passed unanimously 153-0. The House also perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, a package centered on removing the sunset from the SAFE Act and continuing Missouri’s restrictions on gender-related medical treatment for minors; debate was sharply divided, with supporters citing child protection and opponents arguing it harms transgender youth and intrudes on parental and medical decision-making. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until February 10, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jan 27th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- If this bill is implemented with care, partnership, and accountability, we have the power to change and
- And, you know, what's followed suit is that I was also really disappointed to see the governor has also
- And, you know, what's followed suit is that I was also really disappointed to see the governor has also
- is really important because it applies to all of our insurers and it applies to the decision the governor
- That's not been the premise from the governor nor from the private insurers.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item.
The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations.
Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Samuel Clemens High School, 6A school, and shirts to collaborate with their culinary program, a powerful
- And then I realize it's because then-Governor George W. Bush has gotten on the elevator with me.
- The governor himself promised on record that we would fully fund both the ESA program and public schools
- For the last two sessions, public school funding has been held hostage by Governor Abbott because he
- And then it's also very, very difficult to get 181 legislators and a lieutenant governor and a governor
Bills:
HB2
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Keywords:
disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management
Summary:
The Senate Education K-16 Committee met to consider HB 2, the major school finance bill, with the chair explaining that the committee substitute would provide about $8 billion in new public education funding. The bill was described as including permanent teacher compensation increases, expanded teacher incentive allotment funding, support for early literacy and numeracy, teacher certification and residency pathways, special education funding, career and technical education, school safety dollars, and facilities support for charter schools. The committee adopted the committee substitute without objection after roll was called and a quorum was present.
Members questioned the bill’s structure, especially the balance between across-the-board teacher pay and the teacher incentive allotment, the treatment of uncertified teachers, and differences in requirements between traditional public schools and charter schools. Senator Menendez and Senator West raised concerns about equity, charter-school parity, facilities funding, inflation, and whether the bill should include more support for fine arts and extracurricular programs. The chair responded that the bill was designed to direct most new money to traditional public schools while also preserving flexibility and that charter-school and public-school alignment would need further work.
Invited witnesses Dr. Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acri testified in support of the bill, emphasizing that the Teacher Incentive Allotment helps recruit and retain teachers in rural districts and supports mentorship and certification pathways. Public witnesses also supported the bill but urged more funding for fine arts, local flexibility, and full restoration of House-proposed funding levels. Dr. Josh Jones supported year-long teacher residencies, Dr. Philip Morgan asked for more local control and restoration of fine arts funding, Rich Saina supported the bill but warned about hold-harmless reductions, and Dr. Greg Poole supported the bill while asking for flexibility for high-performing districts that already pay high salaries. After the invited testimony and some public testimony, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair so members could attend the Senate floor.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It is the largest and highest powered magnetic lab in the world.
- And a lot of Tallahassee locals have highest powered magnetic lab in the world.
- and advising the governor and legislature on criminal justice.
- Governor and Legislature on criminal justice.
- I had a meeting that I couldn't leave with the governor.
Summary:
The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate.
The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Governor: there are none.
- Messages from the Governor: there are none. Messages from the Senate: there are none.
- support Second Chance Month, and I think we all should be, but I hope we remember that we also have the power
- Their work has ranged from highlighting the power of rehabilitation to promoting behavioral health access
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill does not take the power— Thank you.
- This bill does not take the power from the county and give it to the city.
- This bill does not take the power from the county and give it to the city.
- But let's say you had a head of state, a president, a governor on vacation.
- The governor, this bill passes, signing the law, the governor flies down to my district, has a press
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0.
The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process.
Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, the parole board is made up of seven men and women appointed by the governor.
- And that the governor looked forward to working with the House to accomplish that goal.
- I represented Governor Perry in the grand jury process here in Austin. That was a tragedy.
- It was all based on Governor Perry's, one of his spokespersons, press people, made a statement to the
- More importantly, you know, Governor Perry, he can survive that. It wrecked people's lives.
Bills:
HB200
Committee:
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Keywords:
HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Residents during an extended power outage.
- . if they have power loss.
- Safety because of the Texas power backup power packages program to underline again. $1.8 billion in grants
- source sufficient enough to operate all equipment powered by normal power or electricity for 72 hours
- When we're talking about power outages.
Bills:
HB741 , HB 1199 , HB2070 , HB2402 , HB2542 , HB2665 , HB2789 , HB3096 , HB3396 , HB3595 , HB3747 , HB4116 , HB4127
Committee:
House Human Services
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I've now been doing this for 29 years, and I've seen a lot of governors: Governor Gary Locke, Governor
- Gregoire, Governor Inslee, and now Governor Ferguson.
- I've now been doing this for 29 years, and I've seen a lot of governors, Governor Gary Locke, Governor
- Gregoire, Governor Inslee, and now Governor Ferguson.
- was was Governor Gary Locke in 2000.
Bills:
SB6005
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Substitute Senate Bill 6034 establishes the office as a cabinet agency of the governor.
- Before November 1 of each year, the office must submit to the governor and the legislature a written
- Honor before November 1st of each year, the office must submit to the governor and the legislature a
- This is governor-request legislation. Thanks for the opportunity.
- They react Board Certified Surgeons issued a powerful position statement in February of 2026.
Bills:
SB5420 , SB5877 , SB5868 , SB5109 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Senators Tan Parker, Brent Hagenbuch, and Adam Hinojosa Jan 29th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- unfortunately, is flourishing in this country and in Texas, and we've got to do everything in our power
- sex trafficking team reached out to me, they wanted to get a group of people together because the governor
- They wanted to get a group of people together because the governor wanted to understand if there was
- We've got a lieutenant governor that talks about this publicly.
- We've got a governor that talks about boys and young men being human trafficked.
Summary:
Texas senators, representatives, the Texas Trucking Association, DPS, and Bob’s House of Hope held a Capitol press event focused on human trafficking awareness, with an emphasis on the often-overlooked trafficking of boys and young men. Speakers said Texas remains among the worst states for stopping trafficking and argued that public awareness must expand beyond the common assumption that victims are only girls and women. Several participants described trafficking as modern-day slavery and stressed that it affects people across all backgrounds, including in border and highway communities.
The event highlighted a new awareness campaign in partnership with the trucking industry, including decals and posters to be placed on trucks statewide to encourage drivers and the public to “see something, say something.” Texas Trucking Association leaders said the industry’s large statewide footprint gives it a major role in spotting suspicious activity and educating drivers. Bob Williams of Bob’s House of Hope said his organization opened the first U.S. safe house for sex-trafficked boys and young men and cited studies suggesting boys may make up a substantial share of trafficking victims, though the problem is underreported.
Lawmakers and DPS officials said the state should continue giving law enforcement more tools to combat trafficking and praised the partnership with private industry and victim services. No formal vote or legislative action was taken at the event; the main action was the launch of the awareness campaign and the public rollout of the truck decals, with participants posing for photos with the first truck carrying the new messaging.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also directs the legislature and governor to ratify any approved constitutional amendment.
- to pass legislation: there is a bill, a majority of both chambers votes for it, it's sent to the governor
- , and the governor signs it.
- And I just can't, I can never vote to violate the separation of powers. And I just can't.
- I can never vote to violate the separation of powers.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2908, which would impose criminal penalties on faithless Arizona Article 5 constitutional convention delegates, require delegates to take an oath, and direct legislative and gubernatorial ratification of any approved amendment. The sponsor argued the bill adds guardrails to any future convention, while Common Cause Arizona opposed it, saying it would not meaningfully reduce the risk of a runaway convention and that any punishment scheme would be difficult to enforce. After discussion, the committee approved HB 2908 on a 5-2 vote for a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up HB 2608, a military transitional housing grant program with a $7 million General Fund appropriation in FY 2027 and changes to the military transitional housing fund. Testimony from Vets to Gov and the sponsor emphasized veteran-led management, new construction rather than motel/hotel use, and the need for housing support for transitioning service members. Several members raised concerns about similarities to prior versions and unresolved language changes, and the bill was ultimately laid on the table by vote.
Next, the committee considered HB 2805, which creates a secure online portal for nomination petitions for local governing board candidates and sets related Secretary of State responsibilities. An amendment was adopted to require candidates to designate party alignment or lack thereof for portal purposes and to limit Secretary of State modification of the act. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would modernize petitioning and reflect the partisan reality of local races, while some members raised concerns about school board implications and nonpartisan races. HB 2805, as amended, passed the committee on a 5-2 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2775, which would bar state entities from using state assets or money to implement or enforce international organization rules, taxes, or policies, with an amendment adding restrictions on Arizona public universities’ foreign-funded agreements and creating Board of Regents oversight. Members and the sponsor discussed concerns about foreign adversary funding, especially from Chinese entities, and debated whether the oversight mechanism should be created by rule or statute. The committee decided to hold HB 2775 for further work on the language, and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that the governor has already signed Senate Bill 2, which assesses some fees, or what they call
- Some of those, you know, they're all going to need some source of power.
- And I'm... power.
- My question is, we know, and I was co-sponsor of SB 2, which the governor has already signed, and there
- My question is, we know, and I was co-sponsor of SB2, which the governor has already signed, and there
Summary:
The committee first received a detailed New Mexico DOT District 5 presentation from Rhonda Lopez. She reviewed District 5’s budget, staffing vacancies, completed and ongoing special appropriations from 2020 through 2025, active construction projects, maintenance work, STIP and local government funding, and equipment needs. Members asked about a guardrail issue near U.S. 64, the status of the 5% local match for Transportation Project Fund projects, and the New Mexico 371/Navajo Route 36 intersection; DOT said the match agreements were in place or waived where eligible, and that the Navajo Nation funding agreement was nearly finalized. The chair then moved the agenda to bills before finishing the remaining presentations later.
House Bill 270, dealing with contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on public works projects, was presented by Rep. Borrego as a follow-up to the 2024 workforce development and apprenticeship trust fund law. The bill would remove an exclusion for street, highway, bridge, road, utility, and maintenance contracts and require contributions unless a trade classification has no approved apprenticeship program. Associated Contractors and the Asphalt Pavement Association opposed the bill, arguing it would raise road project costs and duplicate existing training programs. Members raised concerns about notice, added costs, and whether contractors with existing programs would be paying twice. A motion to table failed on a tie vote, and a later motion to pass also failed on a tie vote, leaving the bill in committee and available for reconsideration.
Ranking Member Brown then presented House Bill 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund, with a planned distribution beginning in 2029, including a 5% use for federal matching funds. The bill would also dedicate a portion of the gross receipts tax on electricity and redirect part of the motor vehicle excise tax to grow the fund. Associated Contractors and the Asphalt Pavement Association supported the concept, saying it would help sustain DOT and address the state’s road maintenance gap. Members questioned the electricity tax component, its effect on ratepayers and data centers, the interaction with SB 2 and bond financing, and how projects would be prioritized. A motion to pass failed on a tie vote, and the ranking member suggested the bill could be reconsidered with an amendment removing the electricity portion.
The committee then heard a District 4 DOT presentation from assistant district engineer Cruz Sudoste, covering the district’s geography, budget, staffing, completed and active projects, STIP and local government programs, and equipment replacement needs. Members asked about school district uses of transportation project funds and the impact of aging equipment on repair costs. The presentation concluded without any vote or other action on the district report.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:00 am
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're hearing from the governor in his State of the State that he wants to multiply that by eight
- Washington State Governor Dan Evans welcomed the first 34 refugees to our state on May 20, 1975.
- When putting a name and a face to our underwater neighbors inspires something powerful, connection, which
- Language is powerful, and this simple but significant change will have a large impact on how we see and
- to happen, if you don't want to cooperate with the federal government, is you need to talk to the governor
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're hearing from the governor in his State of the State that he wants to multiply that by eight
- Washington State Governor Dan Evans welcomed the first 34 refugees to our state.
- When putting a name and a face to our underwater neighbors inspires something powerful: connection, which
- Language is powerful, and this simple but significant change will have a large impact on how we see and
- happen, and if you don't want to cooperate with the federal government, you need to talk to the governor
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 1364 would raise from $5,000 to $15,000 the gross revenue thresholds for charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a gambling license, and would also raise related local tax thresholds; supporters said it is an inflation adjustment that helps volunteer nonprofits, while no opposition was heard before the hearing closed. HB 2632 would replace most uses of “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” with exceptions for federal-law requirements and non-human uses; the sponsor described it as a dignity and accuracy measure rooted in refugee experience, while supporters and opponents debated whether it is respectful and clearer or instead unnecessary and potentially confusing. HB 2447 would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark; testimony from the sponsor, children, marine advocates, and scientists emphasized education, conservation, Puget Sound ecology, and local pride, and the hearing closed without opposition testimony. HB 2637 would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data; supporters framed it as privacy and safety protection, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
In executive session, the committee took action on three bills. HB 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions for concealed pistol licenses and permit-to-purchase firearm applications, was reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2401, establishing the Boys and Men’s Commission, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote, with some members supporting the concept but expressing concern about funding. HB 2574, which addresses removal of deceased candidates for nonpartisan office from ballots and related vote-count procedures, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote after members discussed the need to clarify election procedures in rare cases. The committee deferred action on HB 2520.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, Governor Hobbs proclaimed March 18th as Health Workforce Wellbeing Day of Awareness in Arizona,
- Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Proclamation.
- Now, therefore, I, Katie Hobbs, governor of the state of Arizona, do hereby proclaim March 18, 2016,
- Now, therefore, I, Katie Hobbs, governor of the state of Arizona, do hereby proclaim March 18, 2016,
- set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arizona, signed Katie Hobbs, Governor
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, electronic roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Health Workforce Wellbeing Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The President also made temporary committee appointments for the day and announced the day’s calendar of bills and committee referrals.
The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several measures. Senate Bill 1014, relating to health insurance, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1016, on employment practices and religious exemptions, also passed 17-9 after debate about workplace safety and public health. Senate Bill 1050, concerning state parks and veteran access, passed 19-9, with supporters citing benefits for disabled and retired veterans and opponents warning about impacts on park fees. Senate Bill 1054, relating to referendum power and emergency measures, passed 16-10 amid debate over local emergency authority. Senate Bill 1177, relating to public monies and health care services, passed 17-9 after sharp partisan debate over transgender-related medical restrictions. Senate Bill 1194, also on health care services and vaccination-related medical decisions, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1398, relating to AHCCCS, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1751, relating to capital punishment, passed 16-9.
The Senate also passed SCR 1049, a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment on capital punishment, by a 16-9 vote. Throughout the floor debate, members offered explanations of vote focused on public health, religious liberty, veterans’ benefits, emergency powers, transgender rights, vaccination policy, and the death penalty. The Senate then announced a Health and Human Services Committee meeting for the following day and adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Confronting Fraud, Waste and Abuse Jan 27th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor has released his intentions and ideas behind stopping fraud, waste, and abuse, so there's
- ><00:04:55.440><c> new</c><00:04:55.720><c> office</c><00:04:56.280><c> the</c><00:04:56.400><c> governor
- </c><00:04:56.960><c> has</c> create this new office the governor has create this new office the governor
- something that both parties can work on and want to work on, and so I'm so happy to hear that the governor
- I would say that I am excited about a balanced power in the Legislature.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor had his experts that he listened to, and he had to make a projection earlier than that.
- The governor had his experts that he listened to, and he had to make a projection earlier than we did
- So the committee came in kind of between the governor and those higher estimates.
- So in 2027, the governor did budget in that governor's rec column.
- But, you know, the Constitution gives the Senate confirmation power for a reason.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
Senate State Affairs began with a budget update from Senator Groh and Keith Bybee of Legislative Services. They discussed Idaho’s revenue outlook, tax conformity uncertainty, and structural balance concerns, noting that revised revenue forecasts were lower than expected due to softness in sales tax, income tax, and corporate tax collections. Bybee reviewed general fund growth trends, major budget drivers such as Medicaid, public schools, corrections, and other state-directed spending, and said the state still has substantial cash reserves but only a relatively small projected bottom-line cushion. Several senators asked about per-capita spending, population growth, Medicaid growth, and the effect of prior education appropriations. No budget votes were taken during this portion, but members emphasized caution and the need for a larger ending balance.
The committee then considered the gubernatorial reappointment of Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights. Zamora described her background in Idaho, her long service in the courts and on the commission, and her interest in continuing to serve. Senators asked about the commission’s caseload, with Zamora saying disability-related matters are common and that she did not recall immigration cases coming before the commission recently. The committee also unanimously approved the gubernatorial appointment of David Dean to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board.
Next, the committee heard and approved a pending rule from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission on pole attachments, implementing House Bill 180A. The administrator explained that the rule was developed through negotiated rulemaking with utilities and attaching entities and sets standardized timelines, non-discriminatory access requirements, make-ready work procedures, and dispute resolution processes to support broadband expansion. After questions about stakeholder input, including landowners, the committee voted to approve the rule docket.
Finally, the committee took up three RS requests from Senator Brian Lenney: RS 3-2874 to eliminate the personal voter affidavit process, RS 3-2868 to repeal obsolete code related to the Idaho Women’s Commission, and RS 3-2970 to impose a 12-month moratorium on reappointing a gubernatorial appointee rejected by the Senate. All three RSs were introduced by committee vote, with some members noting possible future questions about the wording and effective date of the appointment moratorium. The meeting adjourned after a brief recognition of visiting county officials from Caribou County.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- INFRASTRUCTURE HAD FULL POWER RESTORATION TO 307,000 CUSTOMERS WITHIN FOUR DAYS.
- INFRASTRUCTURE, WE HAD FULL POWER RESTORATION OF 1.2 MILLION CUSTOMERS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AND 90 PERCENT
- WERE OUT THERE RESTORING THE POWER INFRASTRUCTURE.
- WE DEPLOYED OVER 700 PERSONNEL AND FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE I HAD FULL POWER RESTORATION OF 3.4 MILLION
- WE GET THE POWER BACK ON, NO PROBLEM. WE CAN DO IT WELL.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And the governor is recommending a 2 million amount for this grant.
- And the I guess the governor is And the I guess the governor is recommending<00:03:51.920><c> a</c><00
- We should do everything in our power to make sure every one of our kids knows they can read and feels
- Um, what the governor has proposed?
- And turning to that capital budget request for this year, the governor and the lieutenant governor have
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment