Video & Transcript : 'adoptive leave' :

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KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> out he had he had a SIDS event leaving out he had he had a SIDS event leaving him<00:04:11.239><
  • </c> guarantee that we could get our adoption guarantee that we could get our adoption because<00:05:
  • If I can add, Lady Chair, they adopted three children, or were in the process of adopting three children
  • If I can add, Lady Chair, they adopted three children, or were in the process of adopting three children
  • If I can add, Lady Chair, they adopted three children, or were in the process of adopting three children
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children held its first meeting of 2025, with the chair welcoming new members and Vice Chair Wilson. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 164, sponsored by Representative Wesley, which concerns an honorary adoption situation. The committee adopted a House committee substitute clarifying that any survivor benefits or inheritance would not go to honorary adoptive parents, and heard emotional testimony from Caitlyn Rollins about fostering and adopting a child who later died before a scheduled adoption date. Members discussed the bill’s purpose as providing closure and ensuring legal parentage is recognized in life and death, while also noting a possible drafting issue about whether all listed conditions must be met. The committee agreed to address that concern through a possible House floor amendment, and HB 164 passed favorably 16-0. The committee then heard House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Sam, and testimony from child welfare researcher Matthew Walden. The bill is intended to increase transparency in Kentucky’s child welfare system by making program data available to researchers while protecting privacy. With no questions from members, the bill passed the committee favorably by a 16-0 vote. Finally, the committee reviewed referred administrative regulations and considered agency amendment 490 related to adoption assistance and Title IV-E adoption assistance. CHFS representatives explained that the amendment removes a civil determination requirement from certain sections because the cabinet cannot make such determinations and already relies on substantiations and other safety checks. The committee approved the agency amendment by voice vote, then concluded its review of the remaining regulations without further action. The next meeting was announced for February 20, 2025, and the committee adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is out, and we will leave it open for add-on votes.
  • It is out and we will leave it open for add-on votes.
  • And with that, I will leave it to our members. And learning.
  • is getting half pay or reduced pay for their extended leave once they’ve exhausted their sick leave
  • Lowenthal, don't leave yet. So file item 16. Mr. Lowenthal, don't leave yet. One more.
Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 71 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The ayes have it; the order is adopted.
  • An act establishing a sick leave bank for Anest...
  • An act establishing a sick leave bank for Anest, An act establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C.
  • The emergency preamble is adopted.
  • Question now is on adoption of the order.
Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to preserve and advance Massachusetts competitiveness in discovery, research, and innovation, which was referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. The House also adopted a Rules Committee order extending the reporting deadline for the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy to December 3, 2025. Members then took up several local and special bills, including measures concerning the recall of elected officers in Sharon, wastewater treatment in Sandwich, a sick leave bank for Anna C. Contreras, an increased income limit for the Clause 41A senior tax deferral program in Ipswich, and Acton bills on checkout bag charges, police and fire residency limits, and the Acton Memorial Library. These bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also passed to engrossment bills recognizing Machado Joseph Disease Awareness Day, authorizing Waltham to establish a Millennium Fund for its public library, and authorizing Wellesley to dissolve its housing development corporation. The House then considered House No. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Water Center Water District. The bill received an emergency preamble, which was adopted by division, and the bill was then passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 29th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • The amendment is not adopted.
  • The amendment is not adopted.
  • I move Amendment Jeff 060 for adoption.
  • I move adoption of Amendment Jeff 057.
  • The amendment is not adopted.
Bills: HB2159 , HB2251 , HB2521
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Question now comes on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
  • The resolutions are adopted. Reports of a committee.
  • The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
  • Question comes on adoption of the order. Is there an objection?
  • The Chair hears none, and the order is adopted. Senator from Suffolk, Mr.
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted several resolutions, including commendations for Newell Tillman’s 20 years of volunteer service in Westford and congratulations to the Flint Memorial Library on its 150th anniversary. The chamber also suspended Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 as needed to take up several House papers and petitions, referring petitions to the appropriate committees and advancing two House sick leave bank bills for Paul Stavoski and Enkita Gagendra Patel to third reading. The Senate then considered House No. 4263, a bill establishing a charter for the city of Medford. Senator Jalen offered and the Senate adopted an amendment replacing the bill text, after which the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed to be engrossed House No. 4323, establishing a sick leave bank for Alexander Schwartz of the Department of State Police. On final passage, the Senate enacted House No. 4364, authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, and sent it to the Governor for approval. The Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and dispense with printing a calendar. It then agreed to adjourn in memory of Lorraine Patricia Steele of Boston, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned accordingly.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 70 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:48 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The resolution is adopted. Mr. Tarr of Westport moved suspension of the rules.
  • Question now is on adoption of the order. All those in favor say aye; those opposed, nay.
  • The order is adopted. The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the order filed by Mr.
  • Question now is on adoption of the order. All those in favor say aye; those opposed, nay.
  • The order is adopted. Paper from the Senate: a petition.
Summary: The House began with ceremonial and procedural business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the National Asian Pacific American Caucus and several orders extending reporting deadlines for committees, all of which were adopted by suspension of the rules. The House also concurred with a Senate petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then took up several Ways and Means bills and local matters, including human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, teacher benefits under the Retirement Plus program, and land/easement measures for Westford, Wellesley, and Bourne. Most of these items were advanced to third reading after amendments were adopted. The House also moved through a series of local bills on the calendar, ordering multiple measures to third reading, including bills related to Watertown digital legal notices, Newton alarm divisions, Springfield property tax assessment, Natick’s charter, Beckett conservation commission membership, and Leicester stabilization funds. Later, the House considered and passed two major bills to be engrossed by roll call vote. H. 4361, relative to benefits for teachers, was supported by members who described it as a long-sought fix to Retirement Plus enrollment problems caused by unclear implementation and communication years ago; it passed 158-0. H. 4360, requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, also drew strong support from members and advocates emphasizing victim identification, hotel and motel staff training, and anti-trafficking enforcement; an amendment updating the training language was adopted, and the bill likewise passed 158-0. The House then recessed until the next day.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill reflects a widely adopted best practice for commercial filings.
  • The consent calendar has been adopted. We will leave the roll open for add-ons.
  • We'll leave the roll open for absent members. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • We will leave the roll for absent members. Moving on to AB 771.
  • We will continue to leave that roll open as well. That bill passes.
Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then proceeded with bill presentations and later formal votes once enough members arrived. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including how to submit written testimony and rules for witnesses and conduct. The agenda included AB 771, AB 1507 on the consent calendar, and AB 1166. AB 771 by Assemblymember Massetto was presented as a technical fix to California’s Uniform Commercial Code. Supporters said it would allow a mortgage or deed of trust to serve as a fixture filing without requiring an exact match to the debtor’s ID, reducing duplicate filings, fees, and administrative burdens. There was no formal opposition, and the committee voted due pass. AB 1507 was then adopted on the consent calendar with a due pass recommendation. AB 1166 by Chair Valencia addressed debt settlement protections for small business commercial financing recipients by extending existing California debt settlement standards from consumer loans to business loans. Supporters, including the Responsible Business Lending Coalition and several financing providers, said the bill would curb harmful practices and align incentives, while still allowing debt settlement services. Members asked about the private right of action and statutory damages, and the bill was approved due pass. The committee later reopened the rolls for absent members, recorded additional aye votes, and adjourned after completing the agenda.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

HOUSE CONVENES Apr 16th, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Leave for Representative Lundstrom. Is leave granted for Representative Robin Lundstrom?
  • Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Gazeway.
  • Is leave granted for Representative Gazzaway? Representative Ennett, what purpose? Leave.
  • Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Stephen Meeks.
  • Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Brandon Acre.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and several members granted leave. The chamber recognized guests and adopted the consent calendar resolutions without objection. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Schulz, was adopted 92-0 to authorize introduction of a non-appropriation bill increasing the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $600 to $675, with Schulz citing the Amendment 79 fund’s capacity and rising costs as reasons for acting now. On the budget calendar, the House passed House Bill 1014, the DHS Division of Provider Services, Quality Assurance appropriation, by 82-9 with the emergency clause. House Bill 1062, funding the DHS Tobacco Settlement Program for Medicaid-related and other specified services, passed 87-4 with the emergency clause after brief questions about whether it included AED funding and whether it used general revenue; the sponsor said it was settlement money and likely did not include AEDs. The House then took up a large batch of Senate appropriation bills, passing the grouped bills 92-0-1. Several Senate bills were considered separately. Senate Bills 9 and 11, both for the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, passed 77-8-6 and 79-7-6. Senate Bill 12, for the Arkansas Ethics Commission, passed 82-9. Senate Bill 17, for Arkansas Teacher Retirement, passed 93-0, Senate Bill 18, for the liquefied petroleum gas board, passed 90-1-1, and Senate Bill 37, for the Workers’ Compensation Commission, passed 80-11-1. Senate Bill 5, the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission appropriation, failed 71-14-8, and Senate Bill 56, for continuing education of local officials, failed 30-52-4. The House then adjourned until Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., with committee meetings announced for Tuesday morning and after adjournment.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 28th, 2025

Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So again, just trying to that they're leaving the state.
  • And it sounds like CARB has been adopting regulations for those...
  • I don't know if all the early adopters have already gotten into an EV.
  • I don't know if all the early adopters have already gotten into an EV.
  • And if these refineries leave, Cost of gas. And if these refineries leave, that's a lot of jobs.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on refinery closures, gasoline supply and prices, in-state oil production, and implementation of SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The chair emphasized that California needs a system-wide transition plan to manage the decline in fossil fuel demand while avoiding supply shocks and consumer harm, especially in light of Phillips 66’s planned refinery changes and Valero’s announced intent to close its Benicia refinery. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and CARB Chair Liane Randolph described the broader fuel transition: EV adoption is rising, gasoline demand is declining, and California’s refining system is increasingly tight and interconnected with imports, storage, pipelines, and marine terminals. Randolph reviewed CARB’s climate and air-quality programs, including the low-carbon fuel standard, and said California still has major ozone and particulate pollution problems even as emissions have fallen. Both agencies stressed that the state must balance climate goals, air quality, consumer protection, and investor confidence, and that additional refinery closures could increase price volatility and strain supply. DPMO Director Ty Milder presented new data on gasoline pricing, saying Californians have paid a “mystery gasoline surcharge” of about 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher branded gasoline markups and elevated industry margins concentrated among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show some refiners do well while others struggle, and that the market is highly concentrated. Committee members questioned whether the data proved manipulation or whether state regulations and declining supply were contributing to refinery exits and higher prices. Witnesses said no specific consumer-cost threshold is used in CARB’s economic analysis, and CEC officials said they have not yet implemented the new permissive tools because they are still evaluating whether the benefits outweigh the risks. No votes were taken.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 26th, 2026

Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:
  • The amendment is adopted, and we're back on the bill as amended.
  • The amendment is adopted.
  • The amendment is adopted.
  • The amendment is adopted.
  • Motion adopted, we are adjourned.
Bills: S7020 , S0308 , S0692 , S0474 , S0572 , S1106 , S1650 , S0350 , S1442 , S7032
Summary: The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Feb 27th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and an adult for a minor adoption and an adult for a minor adoption and an adult adoption to further
  • alone leave us alone cuz you know we'll alone leave us alone cuz you know we'll alone leave us alone
  • got a plan uhoh uhoh plan is we adopt got a plan uhoh uhoh plan is we adopt this amendment we adopt
  • and leave it at that say that and leave and leave it at that say that and leave and leave it at that
  • the light on for leave they going leave the light on for leave they going leave the light on for leave
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:36:09.600><c> Not</c><01:36:09.840><c> adopted.</c> The amendment is adopted. Not adopted.
  • The amendment is adopted. Not adopted. I'm<01:36:10.400><c> sorry.
  • The amendment is not adopted. I'm sorry. The amendment is not adopted.
  • The amendment is adopted.
  • The amendment is adopted.
Bills: SB4465 , HB7147 , HB2424 , HB7567
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 3rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And you're leaving...
  • Do you move adoption? Move adoption. Yes, of course.
  • Resolutions are adopted.
  • The motion is adopted.
  • Motion is adopted. Any objection? Hearing none, motion is adopted.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-09 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All those in favor of the adoption amendment say yay. Opposed no, show the amendment adopted.
  • Show the amendment adopted. Show the amendment adopted.
  • Show the amendment adopted. Show the amendment adopted. Read the next amendment.
  • Show the motion adopted.
  • Show the motion adopted.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Nevada Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move to adopt the amendment. You've heard the motion.
  • I move to adopt the amendment. You've heard the motion.
  • I move to adopt the amendment. I object.
  • I move to adopt Amendment No. 961 to AB 243. Senator Neal.
  • Resolution is adopted and ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 8th, 2026

Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Kelly has moved for the adoption of the amendment ending in 0.02H.
  • It has been distributed, and she moves for its adoption.
  • You have adopted the amendment.
  • I would leave that to the school district. Thank you.
  • , but they get to adopt their own standards.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3532 and House Bill 3483, which were combined by amendment into a House Committee Substitute. Representative Kelly explained the amendment corrected a clerical error and merged the two bill strings; members discussed removing the phrase “public school” so the measure would apply more broadly. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, then voted the combined House Committee Substitute do pass by a 16-0 roll call vote, sending it next to the Rules Committee and then potentially to the House floor. The committee then heard House Bill 2965, sponsored by Representative Bosley, which would require Missouri students to complete one unit each of Black history and Black literature before graduation, with standards and model curriculum developed by the State Board of Education. Bosley argued the bill would provide a fuller and more accurate account of American history, improve student engagement and outcomes, and empower all students. Supporters from the NAACP and committee members praised the goal, but several members raised concerns about making the courses graduation requirements, the burden on transfer students, and whether the bill should instead be tied to existing social studies credits or broader K-12 standards. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2126 and 2197, presented together as similar measures on building-level administrator evaluations. The sponsors said the bills would require annual evaluations of principals and other building administrators, set a March 1 timeline for renewal or nonrenewal decisions, and allow administrators with at least five consecutive years to request written reasons if their contracts are not renewed. Committee members and witnesses generally supported regular evaluations and timely notice, but several questioned whether the bills were too restrictive on reasons for nonrenewal and whether the language created a kind of tenure-like protection. Supporters from principals’ groups, Missouri NEA, and Missouri State Teachers Association backed the bills, emphasizing fairness, feedback, and professional growth. The hearing concluded without a vote on these two bills.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2025

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • The rapid pace... ...manufacturers have in Florida is the adoption of new technology.
  • Where is your investment in adoption?
  • Where is your investment in adoption?
  • Leave empty. Those are 53-foot trailers.
  • Without objection, seeing none, the motion is adopted. We're adjourned.
Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.
TX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've seen a few local jurisdictions adopt and think about adopting other...
  • Hearing none, the motion is adopted. Questions? Any questions?
  • And leave this bill pending at this time.
  • At this time, we will close public testimony and leave this bill pending.
  • Close public testimony and leave Senate Bill 1318.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 4th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of absence be granted for absent leaves of absence be granted for absent leaves of absence be granted
  • standing committee on rules begs leave standing committee on rules begs leave to report that it has
  • question for the body now is adopted question for the body now is adopted question for the body now
  • it is adopted thank you m Clerk opposed it is adopted thank you m Clerk opposed it is adopted thank
  • Nays okay the amendment is adopted now the the amendment is adopted now the the amendment is adopted