Video & Transcript : 'prevailing wages' :
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/03/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #8 and #9
Transcript Highlights:
- have an increase that they haven't had in quite some time, bringing them up to a standard working wage
Summary:
The meeting was a caucus-style review of two packets of bills, with staff reading summaries and members briefly explaining several measures. Topics included appropriations for pregnancy resource centers, home- and community-based services for the elderly and people with disabilities, veteran specialty courts, child care grants and infrastructure, language acquisition services for deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers, ambulance service regulation, short-term rental rules, tourism improvement areas, manufactured home installer licensure, CPR/AED training in schools, veterans’ park fee exemptions, and multiple child welfare and family-court bills. Several Senate bills were also reviewed, including optometry standards, behavior analyst licensure transfer, virtual mental health hearings, and assisted-living residency rules.
Members speaking for bills emphasized themes such as supporting aging in place, improving rural ambulance access and reporting, protecting children in DCS cases, preventing poverty alone from being treated as neglect, and expanding access to health screenings and services. Other sponsors described measures to help veterans, strengthen school safety, and create local funding or improvement mechanisms for tourism and child care. Some bills were described as technical or administrative changes, such as post-nuptial agreement rules, tax lien procedures, and local government contract posting requirements.
No formal votes were taken in the transcript excerpt, but many bills were noted as being on the consent calendar or third-read consent calendar, while a few had been removed from consent or were not yet on a calendar. The meeting concluded after the final bill on the second packet, HB 4025, was summarized as creating a study committee on gasoline and petroleum refinery feasibility.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The result is high-wage jobs, new companies, and sustained innovation in communities both large and small
Summary:
The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, opening a public hearing on Senate Bill 6321, which would authorize up to $6 billion in state general obligation bonds over six years and create the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement within the Department of Commerce. Staff explained that the institute would oversee grants for scientific research and facilities, with the proposal requiring voter approval for the debt and institute creation. Senator Slatter, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to stabilize research funding in Washington in response to federal cuts and uncertainty, and noted it was modeled in part on similar efforts in California and Texas.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Representatives from Washington State University and the University of Washington described the state’s research enterprise as an economic engine and emphasized the importance of stable funding for jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. University of Washington witnesses said federal funding disruptions had reduced new NIH awards, cut student support, and threatened research programs in medicine, mental health, clean energy, forest resilience, and climate adaptation. Several early-career researchers and union members testified about personal impacts from grant terminations, furloughs, and delayed career transitions, arguing that the bill would help protect scientific work, workforce development, and public health outcomes in Washington.
After closing the hearing on SB 6321, the committee moved into executive session. It voted do pass on Substitute House Bill 2525 and sent it to the Rules Committee. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation, and then adjourned after thanking staff and members for their work during the session.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Human Services Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- low-income settings, and would you believe that a lot of them won't do, if they're being paid a low wage
Committee:
House A&B Human Services Subcommittee
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Our average wage is about $40 an hour, and our customers represent a wide range of income levels.
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- worked in low income, and would you believe that a lot of them won't do, if they're being paid a low wage
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2949, as amended by a PCS, which would relax child care staffing ratios in an effort to improve the economics of day care centers and expand availability. Representative Tedford said the bill came from an interim study on child care deserts and that he was open to further changes, including tightening the infant ratio back to 4:1 and possibly reducing the toddler ratio. Members raised concerns about safety, learning, and the lack of data on how the changes would affect staffing and children. After discussion, the committee vote ended 2-2, and the bill did not pass.
The committee then heard House Bill 3052, the Sir Major White Bullock Child Protection and Family Notification Act, which would require a more structured DHS response when there are repeat fentanyl-related births, including broader family notification and earlier involvement of extended family. Representative Stewart emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on fentanyl, did not criminalize mothers, and did not mandate automatic removal. Members discussed whether the bill should also address drug dealers or other drugs, but Stewart said separate legislation would address penalties for fentanyl suppliers. The bill passed unanimously, 5-0.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 3638, with a PCS, to create a summer EBT program and revolving fund to help provide food support for children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Vice Chair Guys said the program would supplement existing SNAP benefits and summer meal efforts, and would be funded through a mix of public and private sources. Members asked about overlap with food pantries and school meal programs, and about federal matching and administrative costs. The committee approved the bill 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all House bills were heard.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Session preview with House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) Feb 6th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- care, which is just exploding due in significant part to the war the federal government seems to be waging
Summary:
House DFL leader Stevenson said the tied House will require cooperation, noting the caucus has tried to model bipartisan work through co-chairs and that he has a good working relationship with Speaker Damuth. He highlighted the three new DFL special-election winners—Xp Lee, Shelley Buck, and Meg Luger-Nikolai—as bringing health, tribal leadership, nonprofit, labor, and education experience to the chamber.
On policy, Stevenson said DFLers want to push back against certain federal immigration enforcement tactics, including masked officers and warrantless entries, and tied the issue to the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. He also said the caucus will pursue gun restrictions such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, while acknowledging that Republican leadership would need to allow a floor vote for any bill to advance. He added that DFLers are open to and will lead on fraud prevention, especially in programs serving vulnerable Minnesotans, and said those who steal public funds should face prison.
Looking ahead to the second year of the biennium, Stevenson said he hopes for a large bonding bill focused on statewide infrastructure needs, but warned he will not support using bonding as leverage for unrelated policy concessions. He also said affordability will be a major focus, especially food, energy, housing, and health care costs, and argued Minnesota should try to counter rising premiums and hold insurers and pharmaceutical companies accountable.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 30th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- federal Constitution, and a number of statutory provisions, including law against discrimination and wage
Committee:
House Civil Rights & Judiciary
Keywords:
Uniform Commercial Code, business filings, legal filings, commercial transactions, UCC compliance, attorney general, legal authority, state powers, judiciary, civil rights, condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, probate, estate administration, inheritance, heir finder, heir locator
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- local businesses capitalize on those tourists and bring in tax dollars to our state and create family-wage
Keywords:
tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- law of general application at the detention center in Tacoma and say that they had to pay minimum wages
Summary:
Senate and House Democratic leaders used the meeting to preview several bills they expect to move quickly, while framing much of their agenda as a response to federal ICE actions and broader concerns about public safety and accountability. They said the Senate will pass a bill banning law-enforcement masking, with the stated goal of requiring identification and transparency for officers, and that the House will likely take it up after House-of-Origin cutoff. They also said a bill restricting Flock automated license plate readers will move from rules to the floor, and they discussed a separate proposal to bar people hired as ICE agents under Trump’s second term from later serving in Washington law enforcement, though leaders said they had not yet reviewed its details.
The leaders repeatedly criticized ICE and said the state must do what it can to protect residents, especially immigrants, while also defending Washington’s law enforcement training and accountability systems. They said the bill on face coverings is aimed at federal agents, though they also argued it is a general standard for all law enforcement and may serve to “enunciate” a norm even if its legal scope is tested in court. They also discussed concerns about fraud and misuse of funds in state programs, saying Washington has checks and balances and that accountability measures are appropriate, while cautioning against baseless claims.
On budget and policy matters, they said a Senate bill to restore Washington College Grant and Washington Promise scholarship funding would be considered in the operating budget process, but it was too early to know what reductions could be reversed. They expressed openness to a House bill limiting non-emergency charity care to Washington residents, citing border-community strain and examples from eastern Washington hospitals. They also said they were still evaluating a House bill on camping enforcement tied to shelter availability and a tort-liability measure, noting that any savings would likely come from reduced litigation costs rather than caps on damages.
Other topics included a possible income tax proposal, which leaders said could be introduced as soon as Friday or next week with offsets included or outlined; House Bill 1607 on a beverage container recycling/deposit system, which they said could reach executive action soon; and a floor vote expected on the BAC bill the next day. They also said they were not inclined to hear the recently arrived voter initiatives in committee, describing them as likely headed to the ballot instead.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- number of people. 8,300 Texans generate more than $1.3 billion in annual sales in the state and have a wage
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
hydraulic fracturing, sales tax exemption, oil and gas, environmental impact, water reuse, justice, judicial council, centers of excellence, court operations, recognition program, franchise tax, retail trade, tax classification, business regulation, economic impact, SB 2873, Texas Tax Code, electronic filing, e-filing, tax reports
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- bill is premature given the fact that we are still awaiting a Supreme Court decision in FDA versus Wages
Committee:
House Judiciary
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm curious as to the difference in wages for the incoming and outgoing nurses.
- And so I'm just curious as to what's the difference in the wage, or is there a difference?
- There is a difference in wage between an 18A and an agency, but basically what this modification is,
- Um there is a difference in wage<00:29:29.600><c> between</c><00:29:30.080><c> an</c><00:29:30.399><c
- :29:31.120><c> an</c><00:29:31.360><c> agency</c><00:29:32.159><c> but</c><00:29:33.039><c> uh</c> wage
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting.
The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings.
Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- is helping clients advance their careers through on-site career pathways that help increase their wages
- 00:25:03.240><c> help</c><00:25:03.720><c> increase</c><00:25:04.200><c> their</c><00:25:04.360><c> wages
- </c><00:25:04.960><c> and</c> help help increase their wages and help help increase their wages and sustain
- They are vital for people to advance their wages, which we all want, so that students can advance into
- nursing degrees, into other degrees, so that they then can get a higher wage and support their family
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/24/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> [clears throat] To do that and to pay a competitive wage to these nurses, we rely on commercial
- levels, and those nurses will leave, understandably so, to get the wage that they have earned at that
- so,</c><01:18:29.320><c> to</c><01:18:29.600><c> get</c><01:18:29.840><c> the</c><01:18:30.000><c> wage
- </c><01:18:30.400><c> that</c> understandably so, to get the wage that understandably so, to get the
- wage that they<01:18:30.719><c> have</c><01:18:31.000><c> earned</c><01:18:31.360><c> at</c><01:18:31.520
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But you know the department really, you know, Chapter 89 really [clears throat] talks about wages and
- But you know the department really, you know, Chapter 89 really [clears throat] talks about wages and
- But you know the department really, you know, Chapter 89 really [clears throat] talks about wages and
- But you know the department really, you know, Chapter 89 really [clears throat] talks about wages and
- an</c> and receive reimbursement for an and receive reimbursement for an intern's<00:58:07.520><c> wages
Bills:
HB1977 , HB1764 , HB1934 , HB2533 , HB1790 , HB2181 , HB1870 , HB2140 , HB2468 , HB2358 , HB1588 , HB1688 , HB1986 , HB2030 , HB2195 , HB1949 , HB1695 , HB1950 , HB2094 , HB2115 , HB2297 , HB2336 , HB2416 , HB2049
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- challenge to the executive order, granted preliminary relief, finding that we were nearly certain to prevail
- 00:29:50.720><c> nearly</c><00:29:51.039><c> certain</c><00:29:51.360><c> to</c><00:29:51.600><c> prevail
- </c> we were nearly certain to prevail we were nearly certain to prevail because<00:29:52.320><c> the
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety.
Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA.
The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct - Part 1 - 05/05/25
Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion prevails.
- Motion prevails. prevails. prevails.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It was brought by Miss Peters in South Dakota and Wayfair, and the state won and prevailed.
- Wayfair and um the state the state won Wayfair and um the state the state won and<01:15:26.920><c> prevailed
- 28.000><c> Um</c><01:15:28.960><c> and</c><01:15:29.280><c> we</c><01:15:29.600><c> have</c> and prevailed
- Um and we have and prevailed.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/19/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- There being six yes and five no votes, the motion prevails. Thank you, Senator Kunish.
- votes,<00:48:25.760><c> the</c><00:48:26.400><c> motion</c> votes, the motion votes, the motion prevails
- </c> prevails. Thank you, Senator Kunish. prevails. Thank you, Senator Kunish.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion does prevail, and Senate File 1567 is passed and referred to the Committee on Commerce and
- opposed I I any opposed the<01:12:55.840><c> motion</c><01:12:56.159><c> does</c><01:12:56.440><c> prevail
- </c><01:12:57.000><c> and</c><01:12:57.159><c> a</c><01:12:57.320><c> senate</c> the motion does prevail
- and a senate the motion does prevail and a senate file<01:12:58.159><c> 1567</c><01:12:59.159><c> is
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services