Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
Page 227 of 500
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Mar 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just want to close on a happy note: we are moving.
- Some of these reactor designs actually can use some used fuel as primary fuel for their project.
- And after this, please stay in close touch with us and our team. We look forward to your questions.
- We're very closely monitoring what's going inside the cask. And we're not going to stop there.
- They've selected a site, which is surprisingly close to Zurich, a major population center.
Committee:
Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- As I close my testimony, I hope that you don't see a CEO of a nonprofit.
- So if you just really get close to them, that'd be great. Thanks.
- How close would he be to you? I don't know.
- I don't want him to be closed off in the shadows. That's all that I have.
- Our middle sister Susan is her primary caregiver. Nancy also has her...
Committee:
House Budget
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have three primary concerns with the bill.
- We have three primary concerns with the bill.
- Our intent is to A very close collaborative effort.
- And I'm going to—I have one question in the closing.
- And in closing, I'm so thankful that people care about kids.
Committee:
House House Education
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 253, as substituted, which would create a framework for full-time virtual/distance learning programs in New Mexico. Sponsors and agency witnesses said the bill is intended to preserve virtual options while adding approval, reporting, and compliance requirements, including definitions for distance learning programs, annual reporting, renewal every three to five years, and a pause on new programs while existing ones are grandfathered for a period. They also said the bill addresses budget concerns by limiting enrollment growth units and excluding distance-learning students from certain funding calculations, including rural population units, to prevent unexpected losses in the state equalization guarantee.
Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included district superintendents and education officials who said the bill is needed to protect school funding, improve accountability, and gather basic data that the state currently lacks. Opponents included parents, students, teachers, charter-school representatives, and business and advocacy voices who argued virtual education has been lifesaving for medically fragile, bullied, rural, neurodivergent, and working students, and that the bill’s caps, geographic limits, and approval authority would reduce school choice and could eliminate some programs. Several witnesses stressed that virtual charter schools such as Pecos Cyber Academy and New Mexico Connections would not be affected, while others said the bill still reaches too broadly.
Committee members raised extensive questions about the 10% enrollment cap, the adjacent-district requirement, the denial-and-appeal process, the treatment of charter schools versus district programs, and the effect on rural or small districts. Witnesses explained that the bill is meant to be temporary, with an interim study in 2026 to develop longer-term policy, but some members said they remained concerned about overreach and unintended consequences. No final vote or action on the bill was shown in the transcript excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Senator Bradley, you’re recognized to close. I’ll waive close, Madam Chair.
- Voice closed.
- Senator DiCeglie, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Or waive close. We have closed.
- Senator TIGLE, you recognize to close on the amendment. Or waive close. We have closed.
- Senator Burgess, you are recognized to close on the bill. Wave close.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I cycled through urgent care, primary care, gynecology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology.
- So my cholesterol spikes up and down, and that's what my primary care is telling me: it's my menopause
- It keeps the cervix closed.
- My primary care doctor was part of the women's health practice.
- How close to the brink of my life will I get until I am finally given treatment?
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill.
The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony.
Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 16, 2026
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- So, that stuff gets looked at more<00:15:34.000><c> closely,</c> more closely, more closely, but<00:15
- So we closed<02:52:44.000><c> up.</c> closed up. closed up.
- Monday, we're closed due to the landfill being closed.
- </c> when they're when they're closed. when they're when they're closed.
- So, I'll close with this.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/14/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So the problem is if we just want to most represent the vote of the people as close to it as possible
- So the problem is if we just want to most represent the vote of the people as close to it as possible
- I want it to reflect the will of the people as close as we can. This will do that.
- </c> opposed and with that we will close opposed and with that we will close public<00:22:07.640><c>
- We'll close the hearing on Senate Bill 16. We will move on to Senate Bill 45.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Go ahead and close the queue. We will report the bill to pass with 5 yeas and 4 nays.
- Close the queue and declare the vote.
- Closed cue and declare the vote.
- Then K through 12's primary goal is that we're funding concurrent enrollment.
- Closed cue to car the vote. Represented with a vote of 8 yeas and 2 nays.
Committee:
House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Keywords:
education funding, concurrent enrollment, school aid, Oklahoma State Regents, permanent school funds, higher education, revolving fund, court reporters, salaries, legislation, employment compensation, state administration, Oklahoma, community development, infrastructure, economic development, local government, financing, pooled finance, Oklahoma Emission Reduction
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Sirois: Waive close. >> Chair Canady: Having closed, Kendall please call the roll. >> Rep.
- Tendrich, you are recognized to close on CS for HB 615. >> Rep.
- Like I said, it depends on your primary care doctor.
- Seeing none, you are recognized to close on HB 1147.
- Having waived close, Kendall, please call the roll.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0.
The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, that closes the hearing on House Bill 68, and we have to wait until 9:30 for the next bill
- The educator's primary duty is clear: to make decisions that are above all in the best interests of the
- The educator's primary duty is clear: to make decisions that are above all in the best interests of the
- The educator's primary duty is clear: to make decisions that are above all in the best interests of the
- </c> addition to fulfilling its primary addition to fulfilling its primary charge<01:08:58.400><c> uh
Committee:
Senate Education
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:37:08.800><c> confirmation</c> guard when there's a close confirmation guard when there's a close
- What that has done from my perspective is now we work extremely close, right?
- What that has done from my perspective is now we work extremely close, right?
- </c> on so we work ETS works very closely on so we work ETS works very closely with<00:58:07.599><c>
- </c><01:31:52.320><c> all</c> control its voting process so close all control its voting process so close
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees.
A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion.
Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
Transcript Highlights:
- In closing, I ask that you consider the gravity of this bill and the potential to save lives.
- It includes addiction treatment, harm reduction, primary care, social work, nursing, and psychiatry.
- It includes addiction treatment, harm reduction, primary care, social work, nursing, and psychiatry.
- At this point, it is all closely held. Thank you. Please, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
- Have a close. Please, please. Were you identical twins? No. We do not look similar at all, right?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research.
A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use.
Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Just in closing real quick, then. Okay. All right. Just in closing, real quick, then. Please.
- Members, in closing... Members, in closing, I will tell you this is an important issue.
- You have any closing comments, ranking member?
- And so that was the primary concern.
- And so that was the primary concern.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of bills and resolutions, many of them on property, local government, and memorial topics. HB 2079, authorizing a memorial for journalist Don Bolles at Wesley Bolin Plaza, passed unanimously after sponsor testimony about the 50th anniversary of his assassination and the memorial’s no-cost nature. HB 2080, as amended, advanced 7-0 on deed and title fraud prevention measures, including photo ID requirements, notarization and deed-filing safeguards, an assessor alert program, and a felony penalty for knowingly submitting false or forged real-property claims. HB 464, which moves the petition process for municipal improvement districts earlier in the process, passed 5-2 after testimony from Camp Verde, the Yavapai Apache Nation, developers, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns; opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want, while supporters said it improves transparency and financing certainty. HB 2048, a proposed constitutional referral to withhold pay from state elected officials if the budget is not enacted by April 30, passed 4-3, with supporters saying it would create accountability and opponents saying broader process reforms are needed first.
The committee also heard HB 2324, which would allow municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county-owned buildings inside city limits to be exempt from separate state fire code inspections when conditions are met. County and state fire officials supported the concept, saying it would resolve conflicting statutes and formalize intergovernmental agreements, and the bill passed 7-0. HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, also passed unanimously, with the sponsor noting her service in both chambers and her work on veterans and health care issues.
HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund for underserved and low-income communities, drew extensive testimony from rural parents, child care advocates, and early childhood experts describing child care deserts, workforce losses, and safety concerns with unregulated care. Supporters said the bill would fund the facilities and infrastructure needed to expand regulated child care, especially in rural Arizona; the committee approved it 5-1 with one member present and one not voting. Members also discussed HB 2375, a historic-preservation-related middle housing bill, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown; testimony reflected a sharp divide between preservation advocates supporting exemptions for historic districts and housing advocates warning the bill could worsen exclusion and housing shortages.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the chair of our real estate and land use department at Larkin Hoffman, where my primary practice
- ><c> is</c><00:02:23.680><c> zoning</c><00:02:24.080><c> and</c> where my primary practice is zoning
- and where my primary practice is zoning and development.<00:02:25.280><c> Uh</c><00:02:25.520><c> but
- They also allow projects to more closely align with Met Council goals such as promoting walkability,
- They also allow projects to more closely align with Met Council goals such as promoting walkability,
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Bartleman, you are recognized to close. Thank you, Mr.
- Representative Gant, you're recognized to close.
- If they close stations, lives can be lost.
- Thank you, and with that I close.
- And with that, I close on the last bill, hopefully, of my House career.
Summary:
The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations.
Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times.
The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this cultural district is in very close proximity to the venues for the Olympics.
- That is a big part of why we work so closely with the labor agency, right?
- The program closed within days due to oversubscription, underscoring the urgent statewide need.
- It's the state's strongest deal-closing measure.
- So many small arts organizations are closing, and in December we were literally on the verge.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only.
The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds.
Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Since 2022, Go-Biz and our partners at the labor agency have worked very closely on this to make sure
- And this cultural district is in very close proximity to the venues for the Olympics.
- That is a big part in why we work so closely with the labor agency, right?
- It's the state's strongest deal-closing measure.
- So many small arts organizations are closing, and in December we were literally on the verge.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational.
The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further.
Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?
- Clerk will close the roll, tally the vote: Ayes 41, noes 17. The measure passes.
- Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 52, noes 0. Consent calendar is adopted.
- Though they may not know Rod personally, his legacy will live on as the name of San Jose's primary train
Summary:
The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250.
The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17.
The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?
- Clerk will close the roll, tally the vote: 41 ayes, 17 noes. The measure passes.
- Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 52, noes 0. Consent calendar is adopted.
- Though they may not know Rod personally, his legacy will live on as the name of San Jose's primary train
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/05/2026 - Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be used for $500,000 for state costs for the 2026 primary and general election.
- if it's coming out of some separate fund within the Secretary of State's office, I'd like to keep a close
- I'd like to keep a close eye on that. The request is not unreasonable.
Committee:
Joint Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee approved the minutes from its January 29, 2026 meeting and then took up a request involving surplus funds from the FY 2026 special election appropriation for the vacant U.S. Congressional District 7 seat. JLBC staff explained that the election cost less than expected, leaving $2.49 million available for transfer to the Secretary of State’s operating budget. The proposed use included $500,000 for 2026 primary and general election costs, $240,000 for physical security at Secretary of State events from March through June 2026, and $1.7 million for county-related expenses, including the state’s share of the voter registration database. Staff said the Secretary of State had originally requested more, but the proposal excluded some amounts for prior security costs and future database replacement planning.
Committee members questioned the physical security spending, asking what it covered and whether it was for personnel, hardware, or other measures. The Secretary of State’s representative said the details were sensitive for security reasons, but described it as a mix of physical presence, preventative measures, and security-related equipment at public events. Members also raised concerns about the state’s voter rolls, DOJ litigation, and the cost of ongoing legal disputes, asking for more information on meetings and litigation expenses. The representative said the office was in communication with federal officials and that the transfer itself would not be used for litigation.
The Vice Chair moved a favorable review of the item with three provisions: monthly expenditure reporting to JLBC staff beginning April 15, 2026 through December 2026; a prohibition on using the transferred funds for litigation; and a prohibition on using the funds for contracts with individuals. The discussion also noted that the committee’s review is advisory and does not necessarily prevent the agency from spending funds, though members said future budget decisions could take the agency’s actions into account.