Video & Transcript : 'Chapter 251' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- for accidental disability death benefits under Chapter 32, Section 9-1.
- created Retirement Plus; in 2011, with Chapter 176, you reshaped benefits again; and in 2022, with Chapter
- 70 as opposed to the CVTE, Chapter 74.
- Chapter 74, and as a result I have been barred from buying back those three years.
- institutional school teachers chapter with SEIU Local 509.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on a wide range of credible service and retirement-related bills, with testimony largely focused on allowing public employees to buy back prior service time or receive more appropriate retirement classifications. Bills discussed included retirement buyback for Joint Base Cape Cod firefighters (H. 4317), clarification of call firefighter buyback rights (H. 2883/S. 1915), veterans’ buyback (H. 2957), a Bridgewater State University police death-benefit/heart-law issue (filed by Rep. Gallagher), unpaid parental leave buyback for municipal employees (H. 2946), school nurse creditable service (H. 2887/S. 1787), former private/parochial school teacher buyback (S. 1900/H. 2873), Massport police retirement classification (S. 1888), contract employee buyback (H. 2795), Retirement Plus late entry (H. 2792), CVTE/teacher-related buyback issues (H. 2762), Peace Corps/AmeriCorps creditable service (H. 2927), and institutional school teacher retirement fairness (H. 2757). Several speakers also referenced related bills for teachers and nurses that had been heard previously or were filed in parallel in the other branch.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers argued that the measures would correct inequities, recognize prior public service, and help recruit and retain workers in hard-to-fill public jobs. Firefighters described the unique federal-to-state transition at Joint Base Cape Cod and said some members were left out of earlier buyback opportunities. Veterans, teachers, school nurses, correctional educators, and Massport police all described service requirements, administrative gaps, or outdated statutory language that they said unfairly limited retirement credit or placed them in the wrong retirement group. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals were fiscally responsible because employees would pay the cost of the buybacks, and some noted that similar bills had been filed repeatedly in prior sessions.
Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mostly about why certain employees had been excluded under current law or how the retirement provisions would work. No opposition testimony was presented. The hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified, with the chairs thanking participants for their service and the committee voting to adjourn.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Repealing Chapter 69, Title 18, Idaho Code, relating to the Idaho Anti-Cam Quarter Piracy Act; repealing
- Chapter 76, Title 18, Idaho Code, relating to the Tate Piracy Act; repealing Chapter 77, Title 18, Idaho
- an act relating to unauthorized workers, amending Title 44, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new chapter
- Amending Chapter 10, Idaho Code, by the addition of 104, Idaho Code, by the addition to Chapter 1040,
- Idaho Code, to provide for certain inspection requirements, amending Chapter 26, Title 54, Idaho Code
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- AND I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO FOUR CHAPTERS FROM MY DISTRICT.
- IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, FFA CHAPTERS IN NEW YORK HAVE GROWN In the last two years, FFA chapters in New
- Today, we have nearly 200 chapters and almost 14,000 members statewide.
- In my district alone, we now have eleven chapters, including three new ones added in recent years.
- TAKE EFFECT ON THE SAME DATE AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE CHAPTERS OF THE LAWS OF 2025.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership.
The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH.
The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Jan 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 120 requires JAPAC to certify rules prior to adoption.
- Chapter 120 requires JAPSI to certify rules prior to adoption.
- There is no provision in Chapter 120 for a rule to sunset.
- The sunset of one rule may affect all of the other rules within the chapter.
- The requirement that rules be amended or repealed pursuant to Chapter 120 ensures that confusion will
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met for its first meeting of the year, with roll call and member introductions followed by an orientation on the committee’s role in reviewing agency rulemaking. Staff explained that JAPAC/JAPSI oversees whether agency rules stay within statutory authority, reviews proposed and existing rules under Chapter 120, and can recommend objections when rules enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes. The committee also adopted its biennial rules of procedure by motion and roll-call vote.
The main substantive item was staff’s recommended objections to 32 existing Agency for Health Care Administration rules. Staff said the common issue was a sunset provision added to rules, which they argued is not authorized by Chapter 120 because rules may be amended or repealed only through formal rulemaking, not allowed to expire automatically. Staff noted the sunset language could create confusion and affect interrelated rules, and recommended formal objections. The chair reported that he and the vice chair had met with the agency, which agreed to work on compliance and amend the language.
No public testimony was offered. After brief committee discussion, including questions about timing, the chair said the agency would return with a compliance proposal at the next scheduled meeting, likely in February. The committee deferred further action on the 32 recommended objections until that meeting, and the meeting adjourned.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- And that’s Chapter 19, Laws of 1964. Moved by Senator Stec. Moved by Senator Stack. All.
- And that’s by Chapter 443 of the law.
- And after Chapter 6 to the laws in 2003. The law.
- And then, Chapter 6.29, the laws of 2005.
- And that’s on Chapter 534 in the Laws of 1999. Moved by Senator Hartman, Senator Dabo.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The committee took up a long list of bills and chapter amendments, largely under the Education Law, Insurance Law, General Business Law, Social Services Law, Election Law, Environmental Conservation Law, and related statutes. The transcript reflects repeated motions and seconds, with members generally voting in favor and no recorded opposition on most items. Bills reported included measures sponsored by Senators Prasad, Martinez, Krueger, Serrano, CUNY, Gianaris, Harckham, Fernandez, and others, along with several technical amendments to prior laws and chapter acts.
Among the topics referenced were education-related changes, insurance and business regulation, veterans services, housing finance, election law, labor and civil rights matters, mental hygiene and health provisions, retirement and social security, property tax and state finance updates, and amendments to older chapters and laws. The meeting also included reports on bills affecting vehicle and traffic law, military law, environmental conservation, and local or municipal law provisions. The transcript is noisy and repetitive, but the overall pattern is that the committee advanced a broad slate of legislation.
No substantive testimony or debate is captured in the transcript beyond the motions, seconds, and the repeated statement that bills were reported, often “in favor” or “all in favor.” The session concluded with the remaining items being reported and “all pieces of business for today being adjourned.”
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We wouldn't need Chapter 100. Where does the tax money from the Chapter 100 go?
- I had the Chapter 100 bill and said once a bill goes to Chapter 100, it stays there forever, and there's
- We'd have to grandfather in the ones that were already in Chapter 100, but we could eliminate Chapter
- First of all, I detest Chapter 100.
- First of all, I detest Chapter 100.
Committee:
House Utilities
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 1/16/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:13:47.760><c> chapter</c><00:13:48.040><c> 13</c><00:13:48.600><c> so</c><00:13:49.120><c> chapter
- </c><00:13:49.440><c> 13</c><00:13:50.079><c> will</c> aspect of chapter 13 so chapter 13 will aspect
- of chapter 13 so chapter 13 will classify<00:13:51.079><c> certain</c><00:13:51.399><c> kinds</c><00
- </c><00:16:00.160><c> 13</c><00:16:01.160><c> um</c><00:16:01.600><c> chapter</c> generally Beyond chapter
- 13 um chapter generally Beyond chapter 13 um chapter 13<00:16:02.240><c> of</c><00:16:02.360><c> course
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- of veterans, and 11 Chapter 33 Post 9-11, and 1 Chapter 31.
- I represent 110 chapters.
- So, you have 110 chapters. How many chapters are in the state of New Mexico?
- registered veterans at chapter.
- Depending on the chapter and the amount of money they receive per chapter and agency, it comes down to
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (6-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:40:44.880><c> 13A</c> drafting requirements of KRS chapter 13A drafting requirements of KRS chapter
- </c><00:41:40.079><c> 907</c> requirements of KRS chapter 13A. 907 requirements of KRS chapter 13A. 907
- </c><00:42:08.480><c> 907</c> requirements of KRS chapter 13A. 907 requirements of KRS chapter 13A. 907
- </c><00:42:38.160><c> 13A</c> drafting requirements of KRS chapter 13A drafting requirements of KRS chapter
- </c><00:43:06.720><c> 907</c><00:43:07.440><c> KR16025</c> chapter 13A. 907 KR16025 chapter 13A. 907
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then took up several administrative regulations. The first was an Office of the Attorney General regulation creating an online submission process for an annual certification report to replace prior quarterly notarized certification forms; there were no amendments or questions. The main discussion centered on Personnel Cabinet regulations 101 KAR 2:034, 2:102, 3:015, and 3:045, which include staff-suggested technical amendments and address state employee compensation and leave. The compensation provisions clarify salary and rehiring/demotion rules, increase critical position premiums from one to three, and update weekend premium and ACE award practices. The leave provisions would provide up to six weeks of paid leave per 10-year interval for birth, adoption, foster placement, or a serious health condition, and allow one paid adverse-weather day per year with supervisor approval. Staff explained that annual and sick leave already accrue and roll over, and that the new six-week benefit was intended as an additional enhancement tied to the 10-year and 20-year sick-leave milestones.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 28-261 and 26-260, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 26, Chapter 1, Article 7, Arizona
- Next bill, Senate Bill 1684, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
- Please read the first bill: Senate Bill 1094, an act amending Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 12, Arizona
- Section 2, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 377, Section 2, and repealing Laws 2018, Chapter 259, Section
- 3, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 277, Section 3, relating to traumatic event counseling.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 11:01 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The subcommittee that is creating the new chapter 16.
- We have new numbered sections of this chapter, so we'll start with the first one, 16.1.
- The next section of this new chapter is 16.108.204, line 15, starting on line 15.
- Chapter-wide, received or receipt changed to deposit or deposited.
- provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Bills:
SB2156
Committee:
House Government and Veterans Affairs
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review HB 2156, which reorganizes North Dakota campaign finance disclosure law by repealing Chapter 16.1 and moving the provisions into a new Chapter 16.2 with mostly technical cross-reference updates. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State’s office walked through the bill section by section, explaining that most language is carried over from current law, with some cleanup to definitions, reporting requirements, public access rules, and filing procedures. The committee discussed how the new chapter would apply to candidates, candidate committees, political committees, political parties, ballot measure groups, and conduits.
Several substantive issues were raised and adjusted during the discussion. Members questioned the open-records language for expenditures and contributions over $250, the use of “deposit” versus “receipt” as the reporting trigger, and whether the 48-hour supplemental reporting deadline should be changed to three calendar days; the group ultimately favored keeping 48 hours and using “deposit” consistently. They also clarified reporting dates, including changing one special-election deadline from 40 days to 39 days, and confirmed that balances of campaign funds would be reported but not made publicly available. The Secretary of State’s office also explained that the bill would make late fees public and that the chapter-wide penalty for willful violations remains a Class A misdemeanor.
The main policy change debated at length was the late-filing fee schedule. Members expressed concern that the existing penalties were too low to deter intentional non-filers, and after discussion the committee agreed to increase the final late fee from $100 to $500 while keeping the new public posting of delinquent filers. The committee also reviewed an inflation-adjustment provision for reporting thresholds and the “ultimate true source of funds” language, which was described as existing law being carried into the new chapter. The meeting ended with the understanding that additional drafting changes would be made and that the bill would be ready for further committee action later in the week.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- do in several of the chapters throughout... several of the chapters throughout the code, which is a
- Chapter four updates and simplifies the process. Does chapter four start...?
- I don't have the chapters tabbed in. What do you say chapter four does...?
- What do you say chapter four does? Chapter four deals with Alabama professional corporations.
- That's one of the things that's also in this chapter, which is in several of these chapters.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 27, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> with chapter with chapter 343<00:48:11.040><c> um</c><00:48:11.240><c> but</c><00:48:11.440><c>
- </c><01:31:55.960><c> it</c> if it were to pass in this chapter it if it were to pass in this chapter
- </c><01:32:19.560><c> in</c> activities um within this chapter in activities um within this chapter in
- </c><01:32:45.760><c> yeah</c> um so um in this chapter yeah um so um in this chapter yeah it's<01:32
- </c><01:38:55.480><c> an</c> some may require a chapter an some may require a chapter an environmental
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal.
On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking.
On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> just referenced in addition to chapter just referenced in addition to chapter 12<01:18:29.159><c
- Chapter 207C, and while this is Representative Robbins' bill, only has Chapter 12.
- They both are rooted in Chapter 12.
- So Chapter 12 is the chapter.
- So if it was just Chapter 12 and only Chapter 12, then we’d actually maybe have a good argument, but
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The changes in Chapter 325 tighten definitions and standards so that only properly regulated licensees
- The heart of the bill is a set of 28 new sections enacted in Chapter 379.
- Together, these chapter-by-chapter and page-by-page reforms position Missouri to better withstand disasters
- Together these chapter-by-chapter and page-by-page reforms position Missouri to better withstand disasters
- Respect to Chapter 380 mutual companies. They're different from 379 insurance companies.
Committee:
House Insurance and Banking
Summary:
The Insurance Committee held public hearings on House Bill 3328 and House Bill 2324. HB 3328, sponsored by Rep. Castile, is a broad homeowners insurance package that would redirect insurance dedicated fund money into a Missouri Stronger Homes Fund, create a Missouri Disaster Mediation Act for disaster-related claims, update public adjuster regulation, strengthen fraud provisions, add consumer notices, and establish roof-hardening grant programs. The sponsor and the Department of Commerce and Insurance said the bill is still being revised in a committee substitute, especially on public adjuster language and fortified roof standards. Committee members asked about the dedicated fund, mediation benchmarks, the role of public adjusters, and how the program would affect disaster recovery in places like St. Louis.
Testimony on HB 3328 was mixed. The Department of Commerce and Insurance and several insurance industry groups supported the bill’s consumer protections, mitigation funding, mediation process, fraud language, and assignment-of-benefits ban, but said the public adjuster fee cap would likely be removed and that the bill needs technical changes for mutual insurers and roofing standards. Public adjusters testified in opposition to the cap as written, saying their fees are typically 10-15% and are disclosed in contracts, and that they were working with the sponsor on revisions. A shingle manufacturer also opposed the fortified roof language as drafted because some of its products may not fit the current standard. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 3328.
The committee next heard HB 2324, sponsored by Rep. Lucas, which would restrict the sharing or sale of vehicle driving data and was described by the sponsor as a privacy bill aimed at stopping companies like OnStar from selling driving data to insurers. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and NAMIC said the bill would not actually target OnStar, but would instead interfere with voluntary telematics-based discount programs used by insurers, potentially raising premiums and creating administrative burdens. They also noted existing federal and state rules already govern insurer data use and that the bill could create a mismatch between risk and pricing. The hearing on HB 2324 was then closed, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Read the next bill, please: House Bill 2861, an act amending Title 25, Chapter 2, Article 1, Arizona
- House Bill 2289, an act amending Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to
- Let's do the next bill on the calendar, please: House Bill 2289, an act amending Title 6, Chapter 2,
- Let's do the next bill on the calendar, please: House Bill 2289, an act amending Title 6, Chapter 2,
- House Bill 2861, an act amending Section 25-201, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 25, Chapter
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a light April Fools proclamation directing the sergeant-at-arms to wear a silk top hat for the day. The chamber then agreed to the House request to adjourn from April 2 to April 7, and messages from the House were received, including transmission of some bills to the Governor. The body also briefly recognized visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society and the nominee to lead the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered several bills. On the first calendar, it advanced HB 2120 on property tax exemptions and disability determinations, HB 2174 on insurance business and modeling data, HB 2289 on truth-in-taxation bond notices, HB 2861 on marital/postnuptial agreements, and HB 2903 on banks and financial institutions. On the second calendar, it advanced HB 208 on school libraries, HB 2040 on public educational institutions and adoption information, HB 2075 on school employee contracts, HB 2203 on public school reporting requirements, HB 2255 on school employee training, HB 2383 on school property leases and housing development, and HB 2903 again as amended. Several floor amendments were debated, including a successful hostile amendment to HB 2075 that was later rejected, and committee amendments to other bills were adopted.
The Senate then took third-reading votes on multiple bills. HB 257, HB 2131, HB 2223, HB 2264, HB 2857, HB 2120, HB 2174, HB 2289, HB 2861, HB 2903, HB 2008, HB 2040, HB 2075, HB 2203, HB 2255, and HB 2383 all passed, with recorded roll-call votes and several members explaining their opposition or support. HB 2255 passed with the required three-quarters vote. The chamber also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the bills as appropriate.
Before adjournment, Senator Miranda read a proclamation recognizing Farm Workers Day, and Senator Tothley offered a statement and moment of silence in memory of Passion Swartz, urging review of turquoise alert practices. The Senate then voted to adjourn until Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, this<00:42:24.880><c> chapter</c><00:42:25.520><c> we</c><00:42:25.760><c> get</c> this chapter
- </c> that's at the beginning of the chapter. that's at the beginning of the chapter.
- And then chapter 507 because we have two definitions. We're now in chapter 507.
- We're now in chapter 507. definitions. We're now in chapter 507.
- </c> the victims is defined in this chapter the victims is defined in this chapter determined<01:05:25.440
Summary:
The subcommittee work session focused on SB 148 and competing amendments dealing with forfeiture and civil recovery in murder cases. Members compared the “Lynn” and “Burge” amendments and narrowed the remaining disputes to two issues: whether the bill should apply only to first-degree murder or also to second-degree murder and related federal offenses, and whether any civil action could be brought before criminal charges or conviction. The group concluded that the pre-conviction approach created serious practical and constitutional problems, including Fifth Amendment concerns and uncertainty over how a civil case would proceed while a criminal investigation was pending.
The discussion then shifted toward limiting the bill to post-conviction remedies. Members agreed that the Department of Justice pre-charge stay language should be removed, that the bill should not try to define “victim” in a way that included the person convicted of the murder, and that the definition should be revised to mean the estate of the victim or the victim’s immediate family, excluding the convicted person. They also agreed to delete language about “after right to appeal has been exhausted,” to correct a typo on page one, and to remove a section dealing with pre-conviction probate-style procedures and third-party notice issues.
The committee also discussed how to handle third parties such as insurers, publishers, and innocent purchasers. Members concluded that third parties acting in good faith should not be liable if they make payments or transfer property without notice, but if they receive notice they should not disburse funds. They noted that existing post-conviction civil recovery language already allows victims to sue within three years, making the earlier pre-conviction mechanism unnecessary. The meeting ended with the members saying they had reached a deal on the revised language and would bring the updated amendment forward for further processing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- chapter of which I am happy to be a member Of.
- And that chapter is named the Buffalo Alumni Chapter, and it was established, bringing a second chapter
- More about my home chapter that I'm so proud of.
- We have two chapters, East Brooklyn and Brooklyn Alumni.
- We have two chapters, East Brooklyn and Brooklyn Alumni.
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.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2875, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, relating to local regulation prohibition
- House Bill 2176, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
- House Bill 2177, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, and adding Sections 36-2903.18 and
- House Bill 2010, an act amending Title 44, Chapter 24, Chapter 10, and Local 5-A-1-7-8-4, relating to
- House Bill 2875, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 12, Article 8; Section 9-5501; Title 11, Chapter 2,
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized guests including participants in the Southern Arizona Water Leadership Institute and the Doctor of the Day, and then moved through a series of procedural actions, committee reports, and Committee of the Whole calendars. The chamber considered several House bills dealing mainly with water policy, air quality, local regulation and airport buffers, timeshare sales, advertising/digital goods refunds, elections, probation, radiologic technologies, firefighters, health care, property tax, state agencies, tourism, employment relationships, motor vehicle warranties, the State Fire Marshal, education, and retirement system provisions. Several floor and committee amendments were adopted, including amendments to HB 2428, HB 2875, HB 2877, HB 2029, and HB 2010; one amendment to HB 2029 failed on a 13-14 vote.
On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2006, HB 2050, HB 246, HB 262, HB 2089, HB 2090, HB 292, HB 298, HB 2122, HB 2126, HB 2138, HB 2176, HB 2177, HB 2173, HB 2178, HB 2179, HB 2258, HB 2310, HB 2323, HB 2324, HB 2395, HB 2010, HB 2029, HB 2132, HB 2261, HB 2428, HB 2875, and HB 2877, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous or near-unanimous support to more divided outcomes on HB 2026, HB 2132, HB 2261, and HB 2877. HB 2026 drew criticism over assured water supply and commingling concerns, while HB 2029’s statewide water-conservation analysis amendment was defended as a responsible use of public funds. HB 2177 drew supportive explanations from senators noting its importance for tribal waiver-related services.
The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1092, SB 1430, and SB 1479, then adopted final readings on those measures. SB 1092, dealing with dangerous crimes against children probation, passed 18-10 after debate over judicial discretion and sentencing policy; SB 1430 passed unanimously; and SB 1479 passed 20-1. The session concluded with the Senate adjourning until April 8, 2026, at 10 a.m.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 19th, 2026 at 08:53 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent the Alamo chapter. And is Mr.
- What chapter resolutions are you referring to? So, Mr.
- So, I'm a member of the Tohatchee Chapter on the Navajo Nation.
- And that's when we had. the chapters have delegates take on more than one chapter to represent.
- And we We have individual chapters, and then we have districts.