Video & Transcript : 'prevailing wages' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Feb 18th, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- anticompetitive behaviors that resulted in higher prices, worse health outcomes, and concerns for workers' wages
- Legislators attempted to hold UPC accountable for its... ...concerns for workers' wages and conditions
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 1714, adopting an amendment that clarified the bill would not apply to hunting dogs or animals not under direct control of the hunter and would not affect a specified section of law. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass, with the roll call showing passage.
The committee then heard House Bill 317, which would authorize MU Health Care to collaborate with hospitals and providers in a 25-county area and seek state-action antitrust immunity for those transactions. The sponsor and MU Health Care testified that the bill is intended to help preserve rural hospitals and keep care local, citing multiple hospital closures in Missouri and examples from Alabama and other states. Supporters from MU Health Care, rural hospitals, and local business and health leaders described the bill as a way to stabilize struggling facilities, maintain emergency access, and protect rural economies.
Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and the Missouri Health Plan Association, warned that the bill could codify monopoly power, raise prices, and reduce competition, and argued that the language was too broad and not limited to distressed hospitals. Some committee members also raised concerns about antitrust immunity, facility fees, market share, and whether the bill should be tightened to ensure voluntary participation and clearer limits. No vote was taken on House Bill 317 before the hearing adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Feb 18th, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- anticompetitive behaviors that resulted in higher prices, worse health outcomes, and concerns for workers' wages
- Legislators attempted to hold UPMC accountable for its... ...concerns for workers' wages and conditions
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 14th, 2026 at 04:35 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to retain employees because housing costs are rising faster than wages.
- Too many working families earn too much to qualify. because housing costs are rising faster than wages
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what Kaiser has in my district: 1,100 union family good wage jobs, and I can tell you, I've toured
- That's what Kaiser has in my district, 1,100 union family good wage jobs, and I can tell you, I've toured
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- in the House Bill 2, there's an earmark for money for child care assistance program for that career wage
- of going and sweeping capital that hasn't been used, that's a battle that I don't think you want to wage
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
Keywords:
telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- either sponsor apprenticeships or contribute to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund based on wages
- of the employees. ...apprentice and training fund based on wages of the employees.
Summary:
The committee first received a detailed New Mexico DOT District 5 presentation from Rhonda Lopez. She reviewed District 5’s budget, staffing vacancies, completed and ongoing special appropriations from 2020 through 2025, active construction projects, maintenance work, STIP and local government funding, and equipment needs. Members asked about a guardrail issue near U.S. 64, the status of the 5% local match for Transportation Project Fund projects, and the New Mexico 371/Navajo Route 36 intersection; DOT said the match agreements were in place or waived where eligible, and that the Navajo Nation funding agreement was nearly finalized. The chair then moved the agenda to bills before finishing the remaining presentations later.
House Bill 270, dealing with contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on public works projects, was presented by Rep. Borrego as a follow-up to the 2024 workforce development and apprenticeship trust fund law. The bill would remove an exclusion for street, highway, bridge, road, utility, and maintenance contracts and require contributions unless a trade classification has no approved apprenticeship program. Associated Contractors and the Asphalt Pavement Association opposed the bill, arguing it would raise road project costs and duplicate existing training programs. Members raised concerns about notice, added costs, and whether contractors with existing programs would be paying twice. A motion to table failed on a tie vote, and a later motion to pass also failed on a tie vote, leaving the bill in committee and available for reconsideration.
Ranking Member Brown then presented House Bill 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund, with a planned distribution beginning in 2029, including a 5% use for federal matching funds. The bill would also dedicate a portion of the gross receipts tax on electricity and redirect part of the motor vehicle excise tax to grow the fund. Associated Contractors and the Asphalt Pavement Association supported the concept, saying it would help sustain DOT and address the state’s road maintenance gap. Members questioned the electricity tax component, its effect on ratepayers and data centers, the interaction with SB 2 and bond financing, and how projects would be prioritized. A motion to pass failed on a tie vote, and the ranking member suggested the bill could be reconsidered with an amendment removing the electricity portion.
The committee then heard a District 4 DOT presentation from assistant district engineer Cruz Sudoste, covering the district’s geography, budget, staffing, completed and active projects, STIP and local government programs, and equipment replacement needs. Members asked about school district uses of transportation project funds and the impact of aging equipment on repair costs. The presentation concluded without any vote or other action on the district report.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- authorizes the counties to require contractors to disclose information regarding their employees' wages
- employment status and deny, revoke, or suspend a building permit application for violating laws relating to wages
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. SB 2198 would direct DLIR to study a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award program and report back to the Legislature; DLIR supported it so long as it did not affect its supplemental budget request. SB 2140 would authorize counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations; DLIR and labor representatives supported it as an added accountability tool, while the committee discussed whether state law alone was sufficient and whether counties would still need to pass their own ordinances. SB 3055 would prohibit falsely impersonating a union representative; union and labor groups strongly supported it, and UPW said it was open to amendments to address concerns raised by OPA. SB 3090, SB 3091, and SB 3092 were emergency appropriation bills for public employment cost items tied to collective bargaining and temporary hazard pay or salary adjustments for various bargaining units; agencies and unions generally supported moving them forward, and B&F said the amounts were still being finalized because negotiations were ongoing.
The committee also heard SB 2761, which would bar social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts if the platform knows the user is under 16. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, while CCIA and Meta opposed the bill, raising constitutional and First Amendment concerns and arguing that blanket bans could push teens to less regulated spaces online. Meta also said the bill’s carveouts were too narrow and would leave major platforms outside the scope of the restriction.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2198 with amendments, SB 2140 as is, SB 3055 with amendments adding a specific intent-to-deceive standard, SB 3090 with amendments, SB 3091 with amendments, SB 3092 with amendments, and SB 2761 with amendments adopting DCCA’s changes and noting potential First Amendment issues in the committee report. For the appropriation bills, the committee changed the effective date to January 1, 2077 as a placeholder. All recommendations were adopted, with reservations noted on SB 2761 from Senators Moriwaki, Fevella, and Ihara.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The economic damages in that case—lost wages, medical expenses, and others—were $19 million.
- The economic damages and that lost wages, medical expenses, and others, were $19 million.
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults.
Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability.
After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Sep 2nd, 2025
Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not sure if David Jones is online, but Wage increases are not keeping up with all the inflationary
- have all these contingency plans and models in place so that you can rising faster, of course, than wages
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Building a grocery store doesn't address the root causes of hunger, like low wages and high food costs
- Well, is this bill looking to solve this equity and pay people for livable wages? Yeah, exactly.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations.
SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.
SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- uniquely positioned to help close this gap. by providing technical education and training for high-wage
- proven model that will help close the skills gap, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to high-wage
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These are the people who put in long hours, provide excellent service, and earn their income not from wages
- All of these dedicated people deserve recognition for their skills and deserve real living wages.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing.
The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense.
The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, as stated previously, the cost of living in Texas has continued to rise, while wages have been
- During the same period, the median annual wage for social workers only changed around five percent.
Bills:
HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158
Committee:
House Intergovernmental Affairs
Keywords:
housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Ethics and Elections Mar 10th, 2025
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails.
- Motion prevails. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart: Thank you. Oops. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- </c><01:17:40.480><c> Motion</c><01:17:40.840><c> prevails.</c> Opposed, nay. Motion prevails.
- Motion prevails.
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I still think it's an important enough piece of work that I'm hoping to prevail upon my leadership to
- I still think it's an important enough piece of work that I'm hoping to prevail upon my leadership to
- I still think it's an important enough piece of work that I'm hoping to prevail upon my leadership to
- I still think it's an important enough piece of work that I'm hoping to prevail upon my leadership to
- I still think it's an important enough piece of work that I'm hoping to prevail upon my leadership to
Committee:
Senate Transportation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails and the minutes of April 8th, 2026 are approved.
- The motion does prevail.
- The<00:03:29.280><c> motion</c><00:03:30.040><c> does</c><00:03:30.320><c> prevail.
- </c><00:03:30.880><c> The</c><00:03:31.040><c> amendment</c> The motion does prevail.
- The amendment The motion does prevail.
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords:
residential pools, swimming classes, certification, private business, health safety, health care, prior authorization, managed care, medical assistance, mental health, substance use treatment, chronic conditions, health insurance, insulin, healthcare access, pharmacy regulations, patient assistance, affordable medication, healthcare, pharmacy
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So there is a chance that we can prevail, but a lot of it has to do with the rule of law.
- So, you know, the hope is that we're prevailing in courts yet again.
- ><00:55:49.440><c> is</c><00:55:49.839><c> that</c><00:55:50.079><c> we're</c><00:55:51.040><c> prevailing
- </c><00:55:51.680><c> courts</c> hope is is that we're prevailing courts hope is is that we're prevailing
Summary:
The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis.
Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails. We now have Senate File 2688 before us. Senator Dibble.
- The motion prevails. Thank you very much.
- Oppose say no.<00:56:23.520><c> The</c><00:56:23.760><c> motion</c><00:56:24.079><c> prevails.
- The motion prevails. Thank you very no. The motion prevails. Thank you very much. much. much.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/19/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Nicole Freeman said that is why they inserted this requirement for a candidate who does not prevail,
- <01:15:15.679><c> not</c> a party in the this uh who does not a party in the this uh who does not Prevail
- 17.320><c> someone</c><01:15:17.679><c> who</c><01:15:17.880><c> the</c><01:15:18.040><c> judge</c> Prevail
- as well as someone who the judge Prevail as well as someone who the judge rules<01:15:19.480><c> um<
- Motion prevails. In the interest of time, I'll just present this bill from here.