Video & Transcript Research : 'holidays'

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TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Local Government (Part II) Mar 24th, 2025

Local Government

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several bills by Senator Bettencourt focused on property tax and local government accountability. SB 32 would provide about $700 million in business tax relief by raising the business personal property exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 and continuing a 20% franchise tax credit for inventory taxes paid. Witnesses from NFIB, the Texas Retailers Association, and Texas Realtors supported the bill, saying business personal property and inventory taxes are burdensome and especially hard on small businesses. After no opposition testimony, SB 32 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1453, which would change how interest and sinking tax rates are calculated by using only the minimum debt service required under bond schedules, while still allowing a higher rate with a 60% governing body vote and a public explanation. A witness from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association supported the bill as a way to keep debt rates from rising as property values increase and to preserve tax relief. The bill was left pending after testimony. SB 1883 would tighten rules on local impact fees by requiring 60 days of public availability for capital improvement plans and land use assumptions, raising the approval threshold for adopting impact fees from a simple majority to two-thirds, limiting how often fees can be increased, and expanding notice requirements. Builders and developers testified in support, arguing that impact fees are often poorly reviewed, lack accountability, and are passed on to homebuyers, worsening housing affordability. Committee members discussed adding audit provisions and questioned the lack of city testimony. The bill was left pending with subcommittee action. SB 1452 would require a voter election to decide whether a municipal management district continues to exist, with dissolution if voters reject it; supporters said it would add accountability, while others noted some districts provide essential services and infrastructure. The committee heard testimony from district representatives and builders, then left SB 1452 pending before recessing.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Finance and Tax Apr 15th, 2025

Finance and Tax

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill provides the following sales tax holidays: a 17-day disaster preparedness tax holiday from May
  • This holiday has school supplies under $50 and computers under $1,500; a 10-day skilled worker tax holiday
  • The bill provides the following sales tax holidays: a 17-day disaster preparedness tax holiday from May
  • The bill provides the following sales tax holidays: a 17-day disaster preparedness tax holiday from May
  • And so that is the essence behind the tax holiday.
Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first heard SB 674, which would allow county property appraisers, like tax collectors already can, to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses if approved in their Department of Revenue budget. Support came from property appraiser representatives, who said the bill would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property used on agricultural land, along with an amendment clarifying the exemption’s scope and allowing the Legislature to set conditions by general law. Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the joint resolution favorably. Members also took up CS for SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval of local discretionary taxes when they expire; an amendment changed the bill to require expiration dates and tied reapproval to tax expiration rather than a fixed eight-year cycle. Local government and tourism groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, transportation surtaxes, beaches funding, and long-term financing, while supporters argued voters should periodically affirm local taxes. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill SB 1512, both dealing with a homestead-style property tax benefit for certain long-term leased residential properties. After multiple amendments narrowed the proposal substantially, limiting it to one qualifying property and then to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominium units, counties and cities still opposed the measures as a tax shift to other taxpayers. The sponsor said the changes reduced the scope and fiscal impact, and both measures were reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions, multiple tax holidays, motor vehicle fee reductions, a property tax study, rural investment tax credits, a freeze on local communications services tax rates, and other tax changes, with an estimated $2.1 billion revenue reduction. Testimony was mixed: property appraisers supported the property tax study, while many public commenters opposed the firearm and ammunition tax holiday and urged inclusion of gun safes and locks instead. County, city, tourism, and lodging representatives raised concerns about tourist development tax limits and other local revenue impacts, while supporters emphasized tax relief and the study’s value. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7034 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Finance and Tax Apr 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill provides the following sales tax holidays: a 17-day disaster preparedness tax holiday from May
  • This holiday has school supplies under $50.
  • Why the sales tax holiday for such a prolonged period?
  • And so that is the essence behind the tax holiday. It is to...
  • And so that is the essence behind the tax holiday.
Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee considered several tax-related measures. SB 674, allowing county property appraisers to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval, was supported by property appraisers and reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 318, as amended, would create a tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land used in agricultural production or agritourism; the amendment clarified the property’s location and allowed the Legislature to define conditions, and the resolution was reported favorably with support from Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber. The committee also advanced C.S. for SB 1664, as amended, which requires locally approved discretionary taxes to be reauthorized by voters when they expire and sets rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds. Local government and tourism-related groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, beach funding, transportation surtaxes, and long-term planning, while supporters argued voters should periodically reaffirm taxes; the bill was reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, were both amended to sharply narrow a proposed long-term lease property tax exemption to one qualifying property and to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominiums; counties and cities opposed the measures as tax shifts, but both were reported favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions for certain clothing and bullion, multiple tax holidays, a temporary motor vehicle fee reduction, a property tax study, corporate and insurance tax credit changes, a communications services tax freeze, and other tax provisions, with staff estimating $2.1 billion in total revenue reduction. Testimony included support for studying property taxes and strong opposition to the firearm and ammunition tax holiday from students and advocacy groups, who argued it was unsafe and inappropriate; others urged adding combined reporting or removing tourist development tax changes. After debate, the committee reported the package favorably and also approved a motion to submit it as a committee bill. The meeting ended after Senator Bernard recorded an affirmative vote on tab 5 and the committee adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I support the Miranda amendment to rename the holiday. ...to rename the holiday in honor of not
  • This is not a new holiday.
  • holiday, knowing now that this holiday is intended to honor farm workers and has always been intended
  • The bill is clearly about repealing a holiday. The bill is clearly about repealing a holiday.
  • We have 20 other holidays that are not legal holidays, but that we remember or proclaim and celebrate
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several ceremonial introductions and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, recognition of guests tied to Pre-born Day of Rights, a proclamation honoring Carmen Green Smith’s retirement, and a memorial resolution for Brad Brower. The chamber also heard a Game and Fish outdoor expo announcement and welcomed student visitors and other guests in the gallery. The main legislative action centered on House Bill 2072 and House Bill 2307 in Committee of the Whole. SB 1396 was the subject of an unsuccessful motion to suspend the rules and move it immediately to third reading; that motion failed 12-16. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal, drew extensive debate over a Miranda floor amendment to rename the day as Farm Worker Day and preserve the farm worker movement’s recognition. The Miranda amendment failed 12-15, a subsequent committee amendment was adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out as amended and later passed on third reading. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility/restoration process, was amended with an Angus floor amendment addressing funding, bed capacity, a sunset, and a study committee. The bill passed the Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading 27-2, with several members explaining support as a public safety measure and others noting remaining concerns. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and expenses, also received a technical floor amendment and passed as amended on third reading 18-11, without the emergency clause. The Senate also adopted HCR 2053, a death resolution for Brad Brower, with a moment of silence and unanimous adoption. At the end of the meeting, the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and the chamber recorded the final passage of HB 2307 and HB 2874 and the passage of HB 2072 as amended.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Finance and Tax Apr 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • THE BILL PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SALES TAX HOLIDAYS.
  • THIS HOLIDAY HAS SUPPLIES UNDER $30 AND COMPUTERS UNDER $1500.
  • WHY THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY FOR SUCH A PROLONGED PERIOD?
  • SO THAT'S A ESSENCE BEHIND THE TAX HOLIDAY.
  • HOWEVER, THESE HOLIDAYS ARE TARGETED AND PURPOSE DRIVEN.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eid al-Adha as state holidays in California.
  • I remember more than just a holiday.
  • If naming holidays in statute is a standard, the list also includes holidays from Christianity, Judaism
  • for a holiday credit to observe a holiday or ceremony of their religion, culture, and heritage, contingent
  • It's not supposed to be a religious holiday anymore.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • First of all, there's holiday pay of time and a half for workers on 11 state holidays.
  • —11 holidays listed on the page.
  • She said she was curious how the 11 holidays were selected because the federal holidays are different
  • though it is a federal holiday.
  • <01:18:21.560> for holidays for holidays for example<01:18:23.719> uh<01:18:23.880>
Bills: HF23, HF1355
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Honoring this as a state holiday would help restore this lost history and educate the keiki of the state
  • If we can honor Statehood Day and American Independence Day as state or federal holidays, we can honor
  • If we can honor Statehood Day and American Independence Day as state or federal holidays, we can honor
  • If we can honor Statehood Day and American Independence Day as state or federal holidays, we can honor
  • If we can honor Statehood Day and American Independence Day as state or federal holidays, we can honor
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on February 13 and heard testimony on three measures before taking up decision-making. On SB 1410, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a practical way to require counties to timely respond when DHHL seeks transfer of infrastructure or facilities, and the chair later recommended passage without amendment. The committee adopted that recommendation, with Senator Ihara excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 1549, which would help fund the Kahili Homestead community’s planned multi-service center and park improvements. DHHL supported the measure, and community witnesses described a 16-year planning process, prior grant and developer funding, completed phase-one park work, and the need for state bonding to complete phase two. Members asked about community engagement, fundraising, and whether the design included features such as a lāʻau garden, Hōlua mound, imu hall, craft pavilion, and space for Native Hawaiian games and lua practice. The chair recommended passage of SB 1549 unamended, and the committee adopted the recommendation. The committee also considered SB 903, described as a housekeeping bill to create a vehicle for continued funding of OHA after the current working group sunsets. The chair recommended passage with amendments incorporating the contents of proposed Senate Draft 1 and recommittal to the Hawaiian Affairs committee, and that recommendation was adopted. The meeting then shifted to a joint hearing with Transportation and Culture and the Arts on SB 614, relating to Hawaiian Independence Day, and SB 1051, relating to Hawaiian History Month. Testimony on SB 614 was largely supportive, emphasizing cultural recognition and education, though one witness from Hawaii Sovereignty Studies opposed it; the Office of Collective Bargaining said it did not yet know the cost. SB 1051 also drew support, with testimony stressing the importance of teaching the history of the overthrow and Hawaiian sovereignty. Both bills were advanced with amendments, including technical changes and effective dates, and both committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Municipal and County Government (01/23/2025)

Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • have a local holiday on one of the RSA 288:15 named holidays.
  • have a local holiday on one of the RSA 288:15 named holidays.
  • have a local holiday on one of the RSA 288:15 named holidays.
  • have a local holiday on one of the RSA 288:15 named holidays.
  • have a local holiday on one of the RSA 288:15 named holidays.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CAA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 10:30AM HST

Culture & Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • As we know, with federal and state holidays, the endorphins in the air lead to an increase in special
  • by creating Lunar New Year as a holiday by creating Lunar New Year as a holiday um<00:16:12.199>
  • It establishes Lunar New Year as a state holiday.
  • 554 relating to state holidays 554 relating to state holidays designating<00:25:32.919> the
  • a new state holiday a new state holiday so<00:25:59.039> the<00:25:59.159> amendment
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several measures related to cultural recognition and arts policy. HB 531 would authorize special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, and HB 458 would designate Brother Joseph Dutton Day; both received support testimony, including from the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Joseph Dutton Guild, and both were advanced. HB 345 would establish ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to help protect alkaline pool systems, with support from DLNR and multiple community and environmental groups, and it was also advanced. HB 194, relating to Maritime Day, received limited testimony and was moved forward with amendments to align the observance with National Maritime Day on May 22. The committee also heard HB 554, which originally would have established Lunar New Year as a state holiday. Testimony in support emphasized cultural recognition and community benefits, but the chair explained that creating a new state holiday would cost about $9 million, so the bill was amended to make Lunar New Year a day of recognition rather than a state holiday. The committee noted several supporters, including youth testimony, and advanced the measure with amendments. HB 957, relating to Lāʻau Day, similarly drew broad written support; the committee amended it to designate the first Friday of May rather than May 1 and advanced it. In each case, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations without opposition or reservations. The hearing concluded with HB 925, a short-form bill that would allow the state to levy a 1% tax on concert ticket sales to support arts access statewide; the committee recommended passing the bill with amendments and recommitting it for future public hearings, and that recommendation was adopted.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Mar 19th, 2025

Fiscal Responsibility

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 165 adds Juneteenth as a state holiday and HB 165 adds Juneteenth as a state holiday and makes duplicative
  • You know what I learned is it's a federal holiday. It's a federal holiday in Dothan.
  • It's a city holiday in Dothan, and it's a county holiday in Houston County and Henry County.
  • The only one that's not a state holiday is now your fiscal responsibility holiday.
  • Holidays.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Human Services Finance and Policy Committee hears HF500 2/27/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:07:15.160> pay<00:07:15.759> mandate to comply with the holiday pay mandate to
  • comply with the holiday pay mandate there<00:07:16.960> is<00:07:17.160> written<00:07:
  • It's amazing how many people have already got paid holidays on Martin Luther King Jr.
  • , which is big because we do not close, so other people can have a holiday off.
  • close so other people can have a holiday close so other people can have a holiday off<00:26:09.919
Bills: HF1419, HF500
Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • the legal holiday.
  • the legal holiday.
  • If it truly is a holiday, then it is a holiday. If not, then don’t call it a holiday.
  • And when we look at the other holidays that we take off, I'm also a parent.
  • I've heard them. the Jewish holidays. Not every school district does.
Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-01-07 - 3:00PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It can be difficult for members and attorneys to reach each other over the December holidays.
  • <00:15:42.959> So other over the December holidays. So other over the December holidays.
  • Our attorneys would also like to take time off during the holidays to be with their families.
  • <00:16:13.759> Our holiday season. And guess what? Our holiday season. And guess what?
  • to be with their off during the holidays to be with their families. families. families.
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tony Miklas, who used the Aesop fable about “belling the cat” to emphasize practical wisdom and the need to consider how legislation will actually be implemented by agencies, towns, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and courts. The chamber then welcomed Representative Valerie Taylor of Mendon, who had been appointed to represent Rutland 11 and took the oath of office; she was escorted to her seat and appointed to the House Health Care Committee. Representative Feltus of Lyndon was also appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee. Members suspended the rules to introduce 19 House bills by number only, with several referrals announced, including multiple bills sent to Judiciary, Health Care, Government Operations and Military Affairs, Human Services, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, and Environment. The House also referred a petition concerning school security to the Education Committee. In addition, the chamber adopted two joint Senate resolutions in concurrence: JRS 29, setting the weekend adjournment schedule for January 9, 2026, and JRS 31, setting the town meeting adjournment schedule for late February and early March 2026. The House also concurred in moving H.541, relating to interference with voters and election officials, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Judiciary. The main action item was House Resolution 10, which amended House rules on bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium. The Rules Committee explained that the resolution would move the bill drafting request deadline to December 5, the draft-change deadline to January 15, and the bill approval deadline for introduction to January 31, citing the need for more time for legal review, better coordination between members and Legislative Council, and reduced staff burnout during the holiday and early-session period. The House adopted the resolution. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming Appropriations budget workshops, a new Creative Sector Caucus, and a Climate Solutions Caucus meeting, followed by adjournment until January 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.