Transcript Highlights:

• American, 13% Hispanic, 21% Asian, 35% white, 2% American Indian, and 8% identify as two or more races
• <00:04:37.720><c> American</c><00:04:38.560><c> 133%</c><00:04:39.680><c> Hispanic</c><00:04:40.720><
• c> 21%</c><00:04:41.720><c> Asian</c> African American 133% Hispanic 21% Asian African American 133%
• Hispanic 21% Asian 35%<00:04:43.479><c> white</c><00:04:44.000><c> 2%</c><00:04:44.639><c> American</
• African lions African penguins including African lions African penguins the<00:09:06.959><c> wood</c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• of America Incorporated is a premier organization dedicated to the fulfillment of empowerment of African-American
• empowerment</c><00:46:52.240><c> of</c> fulfillment of empowerment of fulfillment of empowerment of African-American
• </c><00:46:54.640><c> Through</c><00:46:54.880><c> its</c><00:46:55.200><c> own</c> African-American
• Through its own African-American youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a right of passage really in African-American culture.
• This is a right of passage really<00:11:27.680><c> in</c><00:11:27.920><c> African-American</c><00:11
• </c> really in African-American culture. really in African-American culture.

Bills: HB42 , SB246 , SB38 , SB194 , SB183 , SB253 , SB160

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: unclaimed vehicles, towing, Department of Revenue, notification requirements, abandoned vehicles, real estate, residential property, single-family home, homeowner protection, property solicitation, unsolicited offer, wholesaling, real estate wholesaling, assignment contract, equitable interest, investment property, house flipping, predatory real estate practices, title cloud, deceptive trade practices

Transcript Highlights:

• Caleb Cystrong, African-American, 23 years old, single, around the West Point area, called his mom, said
• Caleb Cystrong,<00:04:41.040><c> African-American,</c><00:04:41.840><c> 23</c><00:04:42.320><c> years
• </c> Cystrong, African-American, 23 years Cystrong, African-American, 23 years old,<00:04:43.120><c>

Summary: The meeting focused on veteran suicide and mental health challenges affecting Mississippi National Guard soldiers, with Colonel Chris Cookie describing recent losses in the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. He said that in roughly 50 days, from late September to mid-December 2025, three soldiers died by suicide, and that the unit had seen 50 to 60 suicidal ideations over the past year. He emphasized that suicide is a threat he cannot “defeat” through military training alone, and that warning signs are often hard to detect compared with battlefield threats. Cookie identified the biggest gap as the period between drill weekends and annual training, when soldiers are back home and less connected to leadership. He said the unit does well when soldiers are together at drill or Camp Shelby, where behavioral health support is available, but struggles to reach them in between. He urged the state to create preventive and responsive support that leaders in traditional status could activate quickly, and he strongly supported expanded chaplain access because chaplains are trained in behavioral and mental health issues and may be easier for soldiers to approach without stigma. Committee members discussed possible solutions, including a statewide chaplain rotation or on-call system, community-based support networks, and a 24/7 hotline staffed by Mississippi veterans. They also discussed legislation to have the state cover TRICARE costs for Guardsmen and to use TANF funds for related support services. Members said a draft bill was being prepared for public review, with committee reporting deadlines approaching on February 3, and that they would circulate the bill once it received a number and was posted online. The meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Ahmaud Holmes, and I'm the president and CEO of the California African-American Chamber of
• Commerce, which is the largest statewide chamber helping African-American small businesses continue
• We're concerned about the proposed regulations that will cause great hardships on the African-American
• The ADMT regulations would impact small businesses, such as the pandemic had our businesses in the African-American

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're heavy East African, heavy Somali, heavy West African, heavy Hispanic Latino.
• African, heavy Somali, heavy<00:26:32.960><c> West</c><00:26:33.200><c> African,</c><00:26:33.840><c>
• This moment demands that we listen to our Black and African-American brothers and sisters who have long
• demands that we listen to our<01:10:00.320><c> black</c><01:10:00.560><c> and</c><01:10:00.800><c> African-American
• </c><01:10:01.440><c> brothers</c> our black and African-American brothers our black and African-American

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• BARNEY BISHOP REPRESENTING THE GUARDIANS OF AMERICAN HISTORY WHICH IS TO WAIVE IN SUPPORT.
• I AM HERE WITH AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE, A QUAKER FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION.
• OVER 400 YEARS AGO THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN LANDED IN THE CONTINENT AND IN STATES AMERICA.
• THE STATUES DAMPEN THE SUFFERING VIOLENCE CARRIED OUT AGAINST AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND CONTINUES TO THIS
• AND BE SO ASHAMED TO SIT HERE AND LISTEN TO THE BILL AFTER ALL OF THESE TESTIMONY FROM THESE BLACK AFRICAN-AMERICAN

Transcript Highlights:

• proposed on the session detailed tracking sheet, page 8, which actually shows all of the councils—African-American
• But yet your budget shows that the average increases go from 16% for African-American or African heritage
• the</c><02:26:51.040><c> councils</c> shows the all of the councils shows the all of the councils African-American
• African-American African-American um<02:26:53.520><c> Latino</c><02:26:54.240><c> Asian</c><02:26:54.640
• 22%</c> African-American or African heritage 22% African-American or African heritage 22% increase<02

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And why we have to pass a law codifying one line, the New American, the New Americans division.
• So that could be a new American. It could be an American.
• This states in the definition New Americans is anyone who resides within our borders who is not an American
• those folks don't want to be Americans.
• It says New Americans.

Bills: HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• It was disrespectful to elect the first African American president in these United States of America
• American in this country.
• Americans, but to every race that is not white.
• We are not just talking about Black Americans.
• For the American experiment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another big project that we were able to complete was updating and publishing the African American Travel
• American experience at a plantation, which is one of the challenges.
• The African American experience at a plantation is one of the challenges that we have.
• Cole, I wanted to hear some more about the African American visitors guide.
• Americans in the history of Texas.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African-American college educated women.
• 46.240><c> by</c> Greek letter organization established by Greek letter organization established by African-American
• </c> African-American college educated women. African-American college educated women.
• Anthony Reid of Dallas, Texas, AKA is often held as America's premier Greek letter organization for African-American
• Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. >> Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures. The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed. Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Presiding, I am from the American Urology Association. We show you for HB 6. Yes, sir.
• providing prostate cancer screenings for men who are at high risk for prostate cancer, including African-American
• American.
• Prostate cancer is higher in African-American men, who have a twofold higher risk of prostate cancer
• I show you as James Gray, representing the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network.

Bills: HB712 , HB722 , HB946 , HB1687 , HB1809 , HB1899 , HB2528 , HB2583 , HB2741 , HB2750 , HB3021 , HB3150 , HB3265 , HB3658 , HB3812 , HB3960 , HB4392 , HB4432

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• And I was the only African-American person that was on that team. I was a little afraid.
• And I was the only<01:01:57.440><c> African-American</c><01:01:58.400><c> person</c><01:01:58.640><c>
• African-American person that was on that<01:01:59.440><c> team.
• </c><01:21:51.040><c> citizens</c><01:21:51.600><c> being</c> into African-American citizens being into
• African-American citizens being able<01:21:52.000><c> to</c><01:21:52.239><c> vote</c><01:21:53.520>

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 34 senators present. The chamber then received a House message referring House Bill 1 on primary elections to the Committee on County and Municipal Government, and moved to Senate Bill 1, also dealing with primary elections and tied to ongoing court action over Alabama’s legislative maps. Senator Elliott explained SB 1 as a prospective measure meant to set up a special election if federal courts lift injunctions on the state Senate districts, while opponents argued the bill was being rushed and could disrupt voters, candidates, absentee voters, and election administration. Much of the debate focused on whether the bill would effectively change election rules too close to an election and whether it conflicted with a 2022 statewide amendment requiring election-related changes to take effect at least six months before a general election. Supporters said the bill simply preserves the legislature’s enacted maps and responds to recent court rulings, while opponents said it could disenfranchise voters, especially military, elderly, absentee, rural, and Black voters, and that the underlying litigation and federal Voting Rights Act issues remained unresolved. Several members also referenced a Brennan Center report and broader concerns about racial turnout gaps and minority representation in Alabama. Senator Coleman offered an amendment to give the state discretion rather than mandate a special election, arguing it would better align with the current court order; the Senate rejected it on a roll call vote, 8 yeas to 25 nays. Senator Vivian Figures then offered a notice-focused amendment requiring adequate public notice before any election changes, arguing that voters need time to learn new dates, polling places, deadlines, and ballot information; that amendment also failed on a roll call vote, with the clerk announcing it did not pass. The transcript ends with further discussion beginning after the failed amendment votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an aside, the 18th-century Cross Keys settlement, this old African-American settlement, met its ultimate
• And approximately 70 homes were built, and almost all of them were sold to African-American GIs that
• built and almost all of them were sold built and almost all of them were sold to<00:36:43.040><c> African-American
• </c><00:36:44.000><c> GIs</c><00:36:44.480><c> that</c><00:36:44.720><c> were</c> to African-American
• GIs that were to African-American GIs that were returning<00:36:45.359><c> from</c><00:36:45.680><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500
• Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day.
• And whereas more than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma and melanoma rates have doubled since
• Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arkadelphia where he has exemplified service, leadership,
• Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arkadelphia where he has exemplified service, leadership,

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent the meeting recognizing a series of resolutions honoring public health awareness, community service, and athletic and academic achievements. House Resolution 1021 designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is highly preventable, and benefits from early detection. House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton upon his retirement after 50 years of service to the City of Arkadelphia, and House Resolution 1022 congratulated the Rolling Razorbacks on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, with MVP Jeff Glassbrenner and Coach Jared Johnson recognized on the floor. The chamber then adopted or considered multiple school-sports resolutions, including House Resolution 1033 honoring the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 5A state championship, and House Resolutions 1028 through 1032 recognizing Rogers High School teams for championships in girls cross-country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf. House Resolutions 1040 and 1041 honored Mountain Home High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for sweeping the 2025 Class 5A titles, and House Resolution 1044 recognized Mount St. Mary Academy’s Bell’s golf team for its third straight Class 6A championship. Additional resolutions recognized the Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir for its first Best in Class showing at the state choir festival, Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University for his retirement after a highly successful women’s basketball career, Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and the North Little Rock Lady Charging Wildcats girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 6A state title. No substantive legislation was debated; the meeting consisted primarily of ceremonial presentations, brief remarks, and requests for favorable votes or title-only readings, and it ended with the House announcing it would reconvene at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• My fellow Black Caucus members have shared stories of great achievements of Africans and African Americans
• and African Americans throughout this month's Black History series.
• American citizens of the past and present.
• And I think that that is unfair because it's American history.
• And I think that we should be able to have those same protections for our African-American scholars.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 108-1 roll call vote, and several points of personal privilege. Members observed moments of silence for fallen Christian County deputies and for Paul Jones, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The chamber also recognized Black History Month, with remarks on African American history and the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity. Numerous special guests were introduced, including University of Missouri Truman School students, community and food advocates, local families, St. Louis Public Schools visitors, and other constituents. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, which would extend existing school free-expression protections to political and ideological speech in K-12 public schools, while preserving guardrails against disruption, bullying, and unlawful conduct. Supporters said students should not lose First Amendment rights at school and that the bill would protect all viewpoints equally; opponents warned the language was too broad and could protect hateful or extremist speech, create confusion for schools, and undermine student safety. After extended debate, the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. Members also advanced House Bill 2274, creating the Missouri Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to ease teacher certification reciprocity across states and help recruit teachers, including military spouses. Supporters said it would improve staffing and retention; one member objected to the fiscal note, while others noted the compact’s governing structure and potential benefits. The House likewise adopted an amendment and advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, which would exempt consignment auctions from sales tax and also include certain durable medical equipment language; debate centered on fiscal impact, fairness, and whether the bill would benefit the sponsor’s profession. Finally, House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill, was introduced and explained as standardizing retail tobacco rules under state law while preserving existing local ordinances and local tobacco-21 policies; discussion began with concerns about local control and the scope of grandfathered ordinances.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now more than ever we need an ambassador advocating for American producers, American companies, American
• I will uphold American values, represent American interests, and support strong partnerships with our
• people, and to... protect the American taxpayer.
• interests and trapping African nations into debt traps.
• greatness, American leadership, American dynamism, the American spirit, as well as the United States

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the only African American.
• It took about a century; the first African American elected to Congress came from South Carolina, but
• for me and reflects the significant contributions that Korean Americans and Asian American and Pacific
• The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities make to our state.
• The Asian American community is very vibrant.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the bill makes exceptions for certain groups, it excludes African, Latin, Native American, Asian
• While the bill makes exceptions for certain groups, it excludes African, Latin, Native American, Asian
• While the bill makes exceptions for certain groups, it excludes African, Latin, Native American, Asian
• While the bill makes exceptions for certain groups, it excludes African, Latin, Native American, Asian
• Michael Lynn said the bill excludes African, Latin, Native American, Asian, LGBTQ, women, and immigrant

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.