Video & Transcript : 'legislative' :

Page 219 of 500
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:36 am

House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • change to come back for a legislative state.
  • And In addition to that, 17 states have pending or proposed similar legislation.
  • So we're excited to present this legislation to you. Thank you. Thank you.
  • Not legislation.
  • That's just one problem with this legislation.
Keywords: 996, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Feb 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the 28th legislative district. And Chair Dhingra is absolutely correct.
  • I represent the 28th legislative district. And Chair Dinger is absolutely correct.
  • Chair Dhingra, members, I'm Michael McKinley, 28th Legislative District. I'm for SB 5962.
  • He passed away at 12:30 a.m. the first day of this legislative session.
  • Thank you, legislators, for your attention to these really important issues.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any questions for staff on this legislation?
  • Are there any questions for staff on this legislation?
  • In respect to this legislation, that has resulted in a loss of resources through the U.S.
  • Whether that is in other legislation happening in this space, this—you know, guys.
  • The legislation before you helps address that challenge.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • that impacts health care and facility regulation work at the Department of Health. ...of legislation
  • Concerning the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Task Force. Luke, thanks again. Mr.
  • It renames it to the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force.
  • I'm asking for your support in reviewing and sponsoring this legislation.
  • That means more than legislation. It means shifting culture.
Summary: The committee began with a work session on recommendations from the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group. Tisha Kirshbaum of the Health Care Authority described the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan, a prenatal-to-25 system-of-care framework meant to reduce fragmentation, improve coordination across multiple state agencies, and expand early, community-based behavioral health supports. Members asked about duplication among agencies, simplification of the system, and upstream services such as community health workers, school-based supports, and crisis access. The committee then heard House Bill 2429, which would direct the governor and state agencies to align with the Washington Thriving plan, create an executive coordination officer and leadership council, extend the work group, and require broader alignment by state, tribal, local, and nonprofit entities. The bill received strong support from the governor’s office, the Health Care Authority, parents, youth, providers, and advocates, while a few testifiers raised concerns about government overreach, cost, or the need to address non-psychiatric causes of distress. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2364, which renames and expands the Legislative Executive Work First Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force into the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force and updates the related advisory council to align with the state’s 10-year plan to dismantle poverty. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill reflects the evolution of the poverty-reduction effort and adds agencies such as the Department of Revenue, Health Care Authority, and Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Testimony from DSHS and advocates was uniformly supportive, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration and the need to update statute to match current work. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2171 on supporting foster youth. The bill would create an endangered foster youth alert system, require county rapid-response protocols, establish a foster youth empowerment account, create an oversight board through the Ombuds office, and expand training for foster parents and child welfare workers. The prime sponsor and several advocates described the bill as a response to lived experience and a way to improve accountability and long-term support. DCYF said it supports the intent but raised legal and cost concerns, and some youth advocates warned that public alerts could increase risk or trauma for youth who run away from unsafe placements. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2314, which would create a pilot allowing certain community-based clients with developmental disabilities to receive dental care at residential habilitation centers. Supporters said the bill would use existing dental capacity to address severe access gaps and long waits in the community, while opponents from disability advocacy groups argued it would pull people back into institutional settings instead of building community-based dental capacity. Testimony on the bill was mixed, and no final committee action was taken in the transcript.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Bateman from the 22nd Legislative District.
  • Senator Bateman from the 22nd Legislative District.
  • Retailers strongly support the goal of the legislation.
  • For the record, I'm Michelle Short, State Senator for the 7th Legislative District.
  • I don't really know this draft legislation.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment & Energy Jan 12th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Environment & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I serve the 22nd Legislative District, which you all are sitting in right now.
  • David Hackney, representing the 11th Legislative District, South King County.
  • Legislative District, which covers parts of Klickitat, Yakima County, Benton, and Franklin.
  • Hi, Representative Chris Stearns, 47th Legislative District, Kent, Auburn, and Covington.
  • We work with legislators and coalition partners across the country to pass this legislation.
Bills: HB2272, HB2285, HB2296
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, within that piece of legislation, there was the establishment of a 10-person statewide CTE task
  • It has earned, I think, the respect of legislators, certainly of schools.
  • It has earned, I think, the respect of legislators, certainly of schools.
  • Legislative modifications: there were two bills that modified it.
  • Yes, from one of our veteran legislators.
Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight Dec 3rd, 2025

Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Washington State Legislative Assembly Days.
  • Nicole Macri, House Rep., 43rd Legislative District, Seattle.
  • Hello, Lisa Callan, Fifth Legislative District, House.
  • I don't think we have a legislative need at this point.
  • And the other theme is, and I know this is probably hard for legislators, having been a legislative staffer
Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • legislation to authorize a person to purchase ivermectin at a pharmacy; legislation relating to a groundwater
  • So, members, I'm really grateful for this piece of legislation.
  • So that is what is in this legislation. Is there any amendments? No. I move passage.
  • We're going to adjourn in a few minutes to start a new legislative day.
  • Darby moves to excuse those members on this legislative day who were excused on the previous legislative
Bills: HB1, HB2, HB3, HB5, HB20, HB22
Summary: The House convened in special session with a gubernatorial proclamation adding subjects related to penalties for legislators who absent themselves, ivermectin access, and groundwater study authority. The chamber also handled routine motions, committee scheduling, and first-reading referrals before moving to the main floor calendar focused largely on disaster response and public safety legislation. The central theme throughout the day was the July 4 flooding and related tragedies, with repeated references to families of victims and the need for stronger preparedness and prevention measures. House Bill 1, on youth camp emergency plans and preparedness, was the most emotional and heavily amended measure. Members adopted changes requiring annual emergency plans for resident youth camps, staff training, parent notification, evacuation maps, floodplain-related disclosures, restrictions on sleeping quarters in flood-prone areas, and funding for enforcement. One proposed amendment to require air conditioning or heat in sleeping quarters failed, while another amendment on floodplain restrictions passed after debate over floodplain versus floodway language. HB 1 ultimately passed the House 136-1 on second reading and later 135-1 on final passage. Senate Bill 2 / House Bill 2 on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery also advanced after extensive discussion. The bill creates training for justices of the peace in mass-fatality events, establishes an emergency manager licensing system, sets local succession procedures, creates a statewide volunteer management system, authorizes drone interdiction in disaster zones, expands disaster loan eligibility, and adds review and planning provisions for certain infrastructure and weather-related issues. Members debated the scope of the training, drone impacts on press coverage, volunteer registration, and infrastructure-related amendments; some proposals were adopted and others tabled or withdrawn. SB 2 passed the House 130-4 on third reading and later 132-4 on final passage. The House also passed House Bill 3 creating the Texas Interoperability Council and a grant program for emergency communications equipment, House Bill 20 addressing disaster-related scams and fraudulent charitable solicitations, House Bill 22 expanding allowable uses of the broadband infrastructure fund for emergency communications, and Senate Bill 5 providing supplemental appropriations for disaster relief, including funds for local warning systems and weather monitoring. Each of these bills passed overwhelmingly, with only one or a few dissenting votes, and members repeatedly emphasized the need to improve coordination, communications, funding, and fraud prevention in the wake of recent disasters.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • A bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general and over 260 state legislators have sent letters
  • For you to consider for the 2026 legislative session.
  • For the record, Omar Santana Gomez, legislative director for the Office of Equity.
  • To help ensure that the Digital Equity Forum legislative report reflects community needs, the Office
  • But as you all know, as legislators, there's a lot to that.
Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
  • I rise as the chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and a member of the California Legislative
  • I rise on behalf of the California Latino Caucus and as a proud member of the California Legislative
  • As legislators, we hold a unique responsibility.
  • By commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day in our chamber, in our chambers, and through our legislative
Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added. After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1. The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Also in our Center for Healthcare Quality is our public policy and legislative branch.
  • Will Owens, Analyst with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
  • So, I'm going to move along to the Legislative Analyst's Office.
  • We have CDPH, the Department of Finance, and the Legislative Analyst's Office.
  • My name is Maral Farsi, Deputy Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs.
Keywords: 988, house, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> to</c> legislation includes safeguards to legislation includes safeguards to ensure<01:01:07.200
  • </c> that all members have five legislative that all members have five legislative days<02:18:08.559>
  • 09.439><c> a</c> His legislation ensures there's a His legislation ensures there's a permanent<02:20:
  • /c><02:26:39.040><c> that</c> embarrassed about the legislation that embarrassed about the legislation
  • Uh, this legislation is common Act.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/26/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> governance that these legislative governance that these legislative changes<00:19:01.520><c> and
  • My recommendation in legislation.
  • </c> legislation. Thank you. legislation. Thank you. Representative<00:30:41.400><c> Hudson.
  • </c> for the legislative record. for the legislative record.
  • </c> this is part of what the legislative this is part of what the legislative process<02:03:32.920><
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 29th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to today's oversight hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Thank you, Mr.
  • That was legislation that was adopted in AB 2057.
  • The one I'm looking at from the legislative perspective is recommendation number eight, and this has
  • That was legislation that was adopted in AB 2057.
  • The one I'm looking at from the legislative perspective is recommendation number eight, and this has
Summary: The committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit examining California’s community college transfer process and whether streamlining it could improve access to bachelor’s degrees. Opening remarks from legislators emphasized that California’s transfer system is central to equity and workforce development, but that only about one in five transfer-intending community college students complete a transfer within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to confusion created by differing requirements across the UC, CSU, and community college systems, including limits and inconsistencies in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), TAG, and major-specific prerequisites. State Auditor’s staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU systemwide enroll more transfer students than the Master Plan target, individual campuses and high-demand STEM programs often do not. The audit identified barriers including unclear and varying course requirements, limited counseling and education plans, insufficient counselor staffing at some campuses, and weak equity plans. It also found that many students never even apply because they do not accumulate enough units or cannot navigate the process. The auditor described examples where transfer students with strong preparation were denied at selective campuses and noted that articulation alignment across systems remains limited. Representatives from UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges responded that transfer remains a top priority and described ongoing reforms. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus-level capacity and program differences limit how much can be standardized from the system office. CSU said it admits more than 90% of eligible transfer applicants, is expanding transfer planning tools and direct outreach, and is implementing SB 640’s Transfer Success Pathway Program. Community Colleges said transfer reform must focus on clearer credit mobility, more consistent articulation, and broader ADT adoption. Members pressed the systems on inconsistent major requirements, the need for better coordination, and whether campuses are fully prioritizing transfer students; no votes were taken during the hearing.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • As is customary, we will take legislators and other elected officials out of turn.
  • Yeah, I’d like to thank my colleague Representative Schwartz for this legislation.
  • One more legislator, I think, and then we will go back to folks in the room.
  • Please advance this legislation. Thank you. I'm welcome Senator Rausch back to chair.
  • It is possible to legislate, is it possible to legislate that 23 cities and towns participate in the
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations May 5th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation, the 51 number that Rep.
  • This legislation, the 51 number that Rep.
  • And we are not part-time legislators, John.
  • This salary that legislators make was $16,000 in 1980. That's what it was.
  • This does not apply to current legislators.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations May 5th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation, the 51 number that Rep.
  • This legislation, the 51 number that Rep.
  • And we are not part-time legislators, John.
  • This salary that legislators make was $16,000 in 1980. That's what it was.
  • This does not apply to current legislators.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • EBMUD sponsored legislation dealing with water supply planning.
  • The 2001 Show Me the Water legislation recognized the importance of these two efforts.
  • So this policy has important statewide implications, especially in the legislation.
  • I kind of believe with my legislation, no actually means maybe.
  • I kind of believe with my legislation, no actually means maybe.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-13 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm not alleging that you don't have a right to file legislation as a senator.
  • That is what you told me when I asked you if you intended to file legislation to do this in this legislative
  • So my question... ...you intended to file legislation to do this in this legislative session.
  • It was clear because I didn't file any legislation. I filed an amendment.
  • Or I'm reminded from a legislative affairs director, you weren't in support of this bill.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions, then moved to House messages and special order business. The chamber concurred in amendments and passed Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations, CS/CS/HB 1389 on the Live Local affordable housing package, and CS/CS/HB 1451 on utility services. The utility bill’s House amendment shortened the phase-out of certain surcharges tied to bond covenants and advanced reporting deadlines for municipal utilities. The Senate also passed CS/CS/HB 1279, the education bill, after substituting it for SB 7038 and adopting an amendment that combined agreed-upon provisions on student health and safety, early learning, math, virtual instruction, career and technical education, school choice, university accountability, tuition protections, and financial aid. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 7036, SB 208, SB 1260, and SB 7034. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 484, the data centers bill. Senators discussed the House amendment’s changes to ratepayer protections, the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure-agreement prohibition, the 12-month confidentiality period, and a required OPAGA study. Supporters emphasized stronger language preventing data center costs from being shifted to residential and commercial ratepayers, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, local notice, and the possibility that communities could be kept unaware of projects for up to a year. After debate, the Senate concurred in the House amendment and passed the bill. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations, where debate centered on a proposed Fontainebleau Hotel water park project in Miami Beach and a series of amendments. One amendment to remove the project-specific language failed, while other amendments were adopted, including a sunset provision and a change related to compost facility permitting. A broader amendment dealing with Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary was also adopted, preserving the existing supermajority threshold for changes. The most contentious proposal was an amendment by Senator Martin creating a process for property owners to challenge rural boundary designations and seek compensation or removal from the designation without going to court; senators debated property rights, local planning, and the impact on Orange and Seminole counties, and the discussion included sharp exchanges before the transcript ended during debate on that amendment.