Video & Transcript Research : 'Capitol view'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Jun 1st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Trying to squash one point of view over another in this bill. That's exactly right.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • At the very least, I'm inclined toward the view that the air needs to be cleared on that sort of thing
  • I'll start with the one that I view as most critical, which is address confirmation.
  • convenient and more expedited there's a few central provisions in this bill I'll start with the one that I view
  • And if you want to, there's a wonderful display in the Old Capitol Museum in regards to the Buffalo Soldiers
  • Representative Givens, this cesspool remediation act does not involve bulldozing the Capitol, does it
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The meeting covered a long list of House bills, mostly on third-read consent calendars, spanning appropriations, elections, education, public safety, water, taxation, and criminal law. Early discussion focused on HB 2148, which would give the legislature authority to appropriate non-custodial federal funds, described by the sponsor as a transparency measure. Other measures discussed included HB 2091 on insurance-related assessment limits, HB 2122 on reciprocity for BTR-related professions, HB 2138 clarifying firefighter workers’ compensation coverage, and HB 2008 barring public school libraries from using public money to pay library professional associations. HB 2110, removed from consent, would allow school governing body members to pray at meetings, with members noting Supreme Court precedent supporting such prayer. Several bills addressed school safety and parental rights. HB 2142 would create a School Safety Center at the Arizona Department of Education and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with supporters citing an audit and lack of oversight. HB 2249 would expand the Parents’ Bill of Rights to require notice if a school employee facilitates social transitioning of a minor and to provide broader access to educational records, with penalties discussed for violations. HB 2074 would add mandatory reporting for anyone in a medical facility who knows a partial-birth abortion is occurring, and HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy based on a confirmed pregnancy test and related DNA testing provisions. The committee also took up election-related measures. HB 2022 would make permanent changes tied to the federal Electoral Count Act, including moving Arizona’s primary earlier to preserve military and overseas voting access, while keeping petition dates valid and preserving existing deadlines for candidates. HCM 2001 urged federal designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and HCM 2002 supported a separate congressional effort involving CARE and related federal review and designation processes; members debated the distinction between direct designation and a request for federal investigation. HCR 2001 proposed a constitutional amendment to limit voting to U.S. citizens, require government ID to register, prohibit foreign contributions, and end early voting by the Friday before an election. Water, land use, and tax bills were also reviewed. Measures included HB 2024 on snowpack augmentation as a water supply development project, HB 2029 and HB 2030 tightening how Water Conservation Grant Fund money is used, HB 2053 appropriating $100,000 for updated stormwater recharge mapping, HB 2096 expanding revolving fund uses to address cesspools, HB 2097 capping groundwater withdrawal in irrigation non-expansion areas, and HB 2116 funding potential Colorado River litigation. On the tax side, HB 2016 would remove late-filing penalties when no tax is due, HB 2104 and HB 2105 would protect agricultural property owners from repeated reclassification and require notice of inspections, and HB 2289 would update truth-in-taxation examples to reflect higher home values. The committee also heard bills on criminal penalties and other matters, including HB 2043 on felony murder involving an unborn child, HB 2045 on discharging a weapon near a vehicle, HB 2131 and HB 2132 on weapons trafficking and fentanyl penalties, and HB 2062 authorizing a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 29th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • all of you have noticed the drastic reduction on San Jose... ...into a boulevard just east of the Capitol
  • A few years ago, lanes were removed from Congress Avenue south of the Capitol.
  • innocent human drivers, and this bill must accompany any other AV bill that passes this session, in our view
  • Visiting your local county tax office to receive the new plate is viewed as a very negative experience
  • Home delivery these days is viewed as the minimum expectation of the modern online shopping customer.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a kind of knee-jerk reaction here at the Capitol, I've noticed over the 15 years I've been here
  • That is their sole job: Watch Me Grow, Child View, Daycare WebWatch.
  • Although, the Child View website is childview.com, not childviewinc.com.
  • One day we walked over to the Capitol to get some food.
  • The view for this whole committee this whole session...
Bills: HF2436
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 22nd, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • You may do so at any Senate kiosk around the Capitol. The electronic registration system is open.
  • At any Senate kiosk around the Capitol, the electronic registration system is open.
  • I've been a realtor for more than 20 years, and I'm the proud managing broker and owner of City View
Bills: SB23, SJR85
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Your location here is right down the street from the Capitol, isn't that correct?
  • What have you done to earn the wrath of politicians here at the Capitol and TPP, and the billionaires
  • Individuals that, you know, maybe tried to give their political views about one thing or another.
  • An agenda or prescribed view of what it does, and this bill does do a lot, okay?
  • Each member of the committee is able to view the comments as they are posted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • equation and simply allowing pharmacists to do this through... ...rules at the pharmacy board, in my view
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CAA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST

Culture & Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the artist in residence at the Capitol Modern, right across the street.
  • Go visit the state Capitol or the Capitol Modern.
  • 27:39.040> the Go visit the state capital or the the Go visit the state capital or the the Capitol
  • :39.800> We<00:27:39.880> have<00:27:40.000> an<00:27:40.080> amazing Capitol
  • We have an amazing Capitol Modern.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure. The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 2/19/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • we appreciate your interest in participation in the legislative process. ...to ensure everyone can view
  • Security vulnerabilities remain for buildings on the Capitol complex.
  • The government the Capitol complex.
  • This project cost Capitol building.
  • Would also complete the space reconfigurations for the return to office on the Capitol Complex.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Every time that this issue is raised to light in this Capitol, it sends chills down my spine.
  • to it for members of this committee, but also for members and staff who are watching over in the Capitol
  • to it for members of this committee, but also for members and staff who are watching over in the Capitol
  • and the swing speech. committee, but also for members and staff who are watching over in the Capitol
  • stuff that needs to be changed in that regard, that you're talking about changing the way the state views
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis in California, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for sustained funding, better coordination, and recognition that foster care, jurisdictional gaps, and public safety systems are all connected to the crisis. Members and tribal leaders described the issue as longstanding and systemic, and several speakers noted progress in recent years, including the Feather Alert, state grant funding, DOJ coordination, and MMIP summits, while stressing that much more remains to be done. The first panel featured tribal leaders from Southern, Central, and Northern California who described how overlapping tribal, county, state, and federal jurisdictions delay investigations and leave families without answers. They called for real-time regional response agreements, better data sharing and transparency, stronger tribal law enforcement capacity, and ongoing rather than one-time funding. Several leaders shared personal stories of missing or murdered relatives and said the state must treat tribal cases with the same urgency as others. Committee members asked about next steps, including training for law enforcement on Public Law 280, improving local relationships, and ensuring tribal courts and protection orders are not overlooked. The second panel focused on strengthening systems and services. The California Highway Patrol commissioner reported that Feather Alert implementation has improved after prior criticism, with more alerts activated and a higher recovery rate, and said CHP has expanded outreach, training, and tribal liaison work. The Department of Justice’s Office of Native American Affairs described work under AB 3099 and AB 1334, including a Public Law 280 advisory council, improved crime reporting, a tribal police pilot program, and outreach on Feather Alert and other resources. A Coyote Valley council member described a local MMIP program that supports prevention and family outreach. Members and panelists also discussed the need for better training, clearer jurisdictional authority, and stronger support for tribal justice systems. The final panel addressed foster youth and the MMIP crisis, arguing that Native children in foster care are at heightened risk of going missing or being exploited. Speakers said Native children are disproportionately represented in foster care, that many MMIP cases begin with child welfare system failures, and that social workers and attorneys often do not know or use Feather Alert procedures quickly enough. They urged stronger ICWA implementation, culturally grounded prevention and healing services, housing and mental health support, and immediate coordination among tribes, families, and agencies when a child is missing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We're convening the Committee on Water, Land, and Culture and the Arts here in the Senate State Capitol
  • Because at one time we had some instabilities as well, but it's okay now from your point of view, not
  • Because at one time we had some instabilities as well, but it's okay now from your point of view, not
  • because at one time we had there was some instabilities as well, but it's okay now on your point of view
  • reconvening the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts on our 1:00 p.m. agenda here in State Capitol
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition. In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable. The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary C May 19th, 2026

Judiciary C

Transcript Highlights:
  • bearing with me during what was an extremely wrong moment on domestic violence awareness day at the Capitol
  • Faith House was in this building that day for Capitol Day, and for the first time I spoke about them
  • The state capitol is currently undergoing construction and cleaning that makes it difficult for many
  • Their perspective shapes how I would view both justice and accountability.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary C met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first deferred House Bill 276 at the sponsor’s request. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, largely focused on criminal justice, domestic violence, victims’ rights, probation/parole, and critical infrastructure protections. HB 160, by Rep. Knox, would increase the penalty for domestic abuse battery and battery of a dating partner involving strangulation from three to six years, with at least one year without probation or suspension; it drew strong support from prosecutors and domestic violence advocates and was reported favorably. HB 769, by Rep. Boyd, would create a 24- to 72-hour cooling-off hold in domestic violence cases, with an amendment to make the hold concurrent with other detention periods and to avoid stacking with existing law; it was reported with amendments. The committee also reported favorably HB 1234, which creates mandatory jail time for fleeing the scene after striking a person and failing to render aid, and HB 158, which restores custodial inpatient treatment as an option for probationers and increases the allowable treatment period from 90 to 180 days. HB 169, allowing courts or the parole board to assess extradition costs against absconders based on ability to pay, was also reported favorably. HB 251, requiring notice to a victim or designated family member before resentencing or final conviction hearings, drew support from the Attorney General’s office and opposition from the ACLU, which argued that victim involvement at that stage could be inconsistent with post-conviction standards; it was nevertheless reported favorably. Additional measures advanced included HB 289, which removes a redundant 24-hour delay between denial of a new trial motion and sentencing; HB 394, extending the conditional parole period from nine months to 24 months to allow completion of required programming; and HB 330, increasing penalties and restitution for vandalizing churches and graves, which was supported by the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HB 429, expanding critical infrastructure protections to oil and natural gas facilities and related operations and increasing penalties for unauthorized entry, drone activity, and cyber interference, was reported with amendments after discussion about harmonizing the definition with another bill and ensuring coverage of water-related facilities. The committee also approved the minutes from the prior meeting before adjourning.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Civil Law and Procedure May 5th, 2026

Civil Law and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to the Capitol. Good morning, Chair Muscarello and esteemed committee members.
  • Welcome to the Capitol. this legislation. Thank you, Ms. Phillips. Welcome to the Capitol.
  • come a long time ago, and we don’t all think about it, but for your courage to be here today and in view
Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And we also view the revenue situation as pretty precarious.
  • I think, in our view, having it in a reserve that you can, in our traditional...
  • This is a really important approach from my point of view.
  • This is a really important approach from my point of view. I've been working.
  • It is an iconic spot in San Francisco Bay, amazing views.
Summary: The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (9:30AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • LEGISLATIVE AND COMMITTEE STAFF, SERGEANT AT ARMS, SECRETARY'S OFFICE, FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE TEAMS, CAPITOL
  • FROM MY POINT OF VIEW THEY HAVE BEEN UNPREDICTABLE AND SURPRISING. ENERGETIC AND QUICK.
  • YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT I VIEW THE TERM MISSION DIFFERENTLY AFTER OUR CONVERSATIONS AND TIMES TOGETHER.
  • IN MY PERSONAL VIEW I AM A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
Keywords: 998, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And then, of course, later, if a map is considered, we'll have public hearings here at the Capitol.
  • You cannot view the hearing from the waiting room, so you should.
  • Continue to view the live stream available on the Senate website via the link that is visible in the
  • In your view, being from El Paso, can you describe to the community?
  • Next hearing, which you said would be in person and here at the Capitol.
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 26, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,<00:19:23.679> being<00:19:23.919> a move from just viewing, being a move from just
  • We um security in the Capitol building.
  • We um security in the Capitol patroller.
  • Yeah, if you, um, we do have a policy in the Capitol against that.
  • Yeah, if you, um, we do have a policy in the Capitol against that.
Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is, as I would view it, fundamentally an investment in future generations of California.
  • someone with three little, occasionally well-behaved boys who's thinking a lot about the future, I view
  • honor to welcome the inaugural cohort of Assembly District 13th Young Leadership Program to the state Capitol
  • I'm so excited to welcome some very special guests at the Capitol today as chair of the Assembly Select
  • Welcome to the Capitol. We're going to be.
Keywords: 988, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA-HWN, WLA-HOU, WLA Public Hearings 04-17-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing on our 1:01 p.m. agenda here in State Capitol
  • We're convening the Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts here in State Capitol, Conference
  • In my building, the waterfront views are 20% more expensive than the mountain views.
  • recommitting the committee on water, land, culture, and the arts on our 1:15 p.m. agenda here in State Capitol
Bills: HCR31
Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/19/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Capitol, and make sure that African American voices are heard.
  • Capitol, and make sure that African American voices are heard.
  • Capitol, and make sure that African American voices are heard.
  • Capitol, and make sure that African American voices are heard.
  • Capitol, and make sure that African American voices are heard.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.