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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And to top it off, I'm a veteran of the Air Force, so I join the employee resource groups for veterans
- And to top it off, I'm a veteran of the Air Force, so I join the employee resource groups for veterans
- And to top it off, I'm a veteran of the Air Force, so I join the employee resource groups for veterans
- And to top it off, I'm a veteran of the Air Force, so I join the employee resource groups for veterans
- And to top it off, I'm a veteran of the Air Force, so I join the employee resource groups for veterans
Summary:
The August 2025 interim meeting of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, approval of the June meeting minutes, and welcoming a new member, Ivonne Smith, who noted her background in MWBE and DBE work. The chair also offered condolences to a member whose father recently passed away and explained that the committee had invited agency officials to answer questions raised at the prior meeting.
The first presentation was from Singer Buchanan of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, who described the state’s equal opportunity and contract compliance office and its certification programs for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and minority/women business enterprises. He outlined outreach efforts, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, UK, and transportation-related groups; explained that the programs are intended to expand market access rather than provide grants; and said the office has moved to an online application portal that has processed 227 new applications since December 2023. He reported 536 total vendors across the programs, including 29 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and said the office is considering website testimonials to improve outreach. Members asked about staffing, application assistance, and whether the state program conflicts with federal policy; Buchanan said the office has three staff members and that the program is state-funded and, based on legal advice, should continue under Kentucky law.
Tony Yusefi of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet then presented on the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. He explained the program’s legal basis under federal DOT regulations, its eligibility standards, and its purpose of creating a level playing field while helping firms grow and eventually compete without assistance. He described certification requirements, annual documentation, prompt-payment protections, commercially useful function reviews, good-faith effort requirements, and sanctions for violations. He also discussed barriers facing DBEs, including access to capital, bonding, insurance, training, and prequalification requirements, and noted that 50 firms were removed last month for noncompliance with annual documentation rules. Yusefi said the cabinet has expanded supportive services, including an online application platform, bid notifications, and a nine-class business development program; 95 DBEs are enrolled this year, and the bid-matching system reaches an average of 377 DBEs monthly.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Psilocybin therapeutic use program established 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And during my time at the VA, I was fortunate to work in teams who helped thousands of veterans.
- And during my time at the VA, I was fortunate to work in teams who helped thousands of veterans.
- Navy veteran, and a student at St. Catherine University pursuing a career in medicine.
- Thank you for the veterans for being here because I really feel for them.
- Thank you for the veterans for being here because I really feel for them.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As amended: Disabled veteran property tax changes.
- House Bill 285 improves and clarifies the disabled veteran property tax exemption to ensure that veterans
- in a property, it's only going to be based on one veteran.
- in a property, it's only going to be based on one veteran.
- Veterans Services assured us it shouldn't take that long.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled.
The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it.
House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a disabled Vietnam veteran and I'm also the pastor of Tutvan State Veterans Church in Huntsville.
- in the state veterans homes.
- in the state veterans homes.
- And it's just—pardon me—but sometimes these veterans have to me, but sometimes these veterans have to
- Senator Albrin,... our veterans' homes, Senator Albrin, I believe our veterans' homes are general fund
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation Education
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, tax credits, qualified donations, Alabama Department of Revenue, HB273, Hunger-Free Campus Act, hunger free campus, food insecurity, college hunger, student hunger, campus pantry, food pantry, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, basic needs, student food assistance, meal vouchers, meal credits, food vouchers
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/17/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor say aye. increase both the veterans credit and increase both the veterans credit and
- for our New Hampshire veterans.
- People don't understand that there's a difference between the combat veterans, all veterans, disabled
- </c> sort out the ones that have veteran sort out the ones that have veteran impact.<00:54:42.000><c>
- </c> We've got all these veterans credits. We've got all these veterans credits.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , the surviving spouse of such veteran referred to the committee of ways and means.
- ' benefits. claim, refer to the subcommittee of defense of veterans affairs.
- Veterans Affairs, HB 4790 by Spiller relating to including certain veteran-owned businesses within the
- Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- or for the Committee of Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Zach Johnson is a Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and a disabled veteran.
- Zach then moved to the county veteran service field, where he was a County Veteran Service Officer in
- </c> Zach Johnson is a Marine Corps veteran Zach Johnson is a Marine Corps veteran Purple<00:48:39.160
- </c> deed as a diva helping disabled veterans deed as a diva helping disabled veterans find<00:48:55.920
- was a County Veteran service where he was a County Veteran service officer<00:49:24.720><c> in</c><00
Committee:
Senate Labor
TX
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/13/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- > actually</c><01:56:51.239><c> and</c> a veteran a couple veterans actually and a veteran a couple veterans
- We need to support our veterans.
- As for the difference of 100% disabled veterans, there are schedular veterans and there are TDIU veterans
- We need to support our veterans.
- As for the difference of 100% disabled veterans, there are schedular veterans and there are TDIU veterans
Committee:
House Municipal and County Government
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Feb 3rd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces will now come to order.
- She represents the Veterans Mental Health Council. Ms.
- We want to build confidence in veterans because that transition, We want to build confidence in veterans
- Veteran America. How many of you guys have heard of Ms. Veteran America? Want to tell us about it?
- Veteran America. Ms. Veteran America works with a company incorporated called Final Salute.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Veteran entrepreneurs are powerful economic engines and job creators.
- This ensures veterans have the resources they need to thrive.
- As an Air Force veteran and vice ranking member on the Veterans Affairs Committee, it is crucial that
- we support our veterans in every possible way.
- Our veterans deserve better. Debbie and her family deserve better.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislative proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of Sandy Corps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
- , and whereas the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was founded to advocate for veterans
- , their families, and the broader community, and whereas the veteran's veterans, the veterans, and whereas
- the veteran, service to veterans, their families, and the broader community, and whereas the veterans
- Absolutely nothing more special than a veteran has come forward to me. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the 4-H pledge led by the Yuma County 4-H Ambassadors, followed by recognition of guests for National Ag Day, World Hearing Day, a visiting doctor of the day, food truck business owners, and members of Sandy Corps VFW Post 1433 for its 100th anniversary. Senators also presented proclamations honoring World Hearing Day and the VFW post’s century of service. The chamber then handled routine business, including a temporary committee appointment and the reading of messages and committee reports into the journal.
The floor then took up a series of third-reading bills, mostly transportation and public safety appropriations. SB 1062, 1063, 1064, 1065, 1088, 1154, 1156, 1157, 1204, 1207, 1245, 1250, 1455, 1457, and 1461 all passed, with several members explaining votes in support of road projects, tribal road needs, veteran services, border security, or workforce health care training, while opponents argued many appropriations should come from other funding sources or were unnecessary, especially the public safety and border-related measures. SB 1798 also passed with bipartisan support after senators praised it as a FAFSA awareness and student opportunity measure.
One bill failed: SB 1019, relating to bottled water systems and water fluoridation, was defeated 14-11 after extended debate over public health benefits versus concerns about fluoridation safety and informed consent. After the votes, HB 2110 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and referred to Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. The Senate then announced committee meetings for March 23 and adjourned until Monday, March 23, 2026, at noon.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So concurrently in the veterans.
- for veterans and their families.
- veteran services, please. Thank you for veteran services, please.
- c> Med</c><00:54:17.280><c> Veteran</c><00:54:17.760><c> Mental</c> Bill 1913, Veteran Med Veteran Mental
- Bill 1913, Veteran Med Veteran Mental Health<00:54:18.319><c> Services</c><00:54:18.800><c> like</c>
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
cannabis, marijuana, Hawaii Cannabis Law, legalization, decriminalization, adult use, hemp, taxation, social equity, public health, primary care, health insurance, health carrier, insurance commissioner, Med-QUEST, Medicaid managed care, provider reimbursement, downcoding, prior authorization, utilization review
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1864, which would require health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services for people undergoing medically necessary treatment, drew broad support from SHIPA, the Department of Health, HMSA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and others. Testifiers emphasized that fertility preservation is routine coverage on the mainland and important for patients facing infertility from cancer or other treatment; one patient described incurring more than $20,000 in costs. The Insurance Division flagged possible Affordable Care Act issues, a potential conflict in the bill’s language about using patient history to determine limits, and a mismatch with state medical-necessity standards. Committee discussion also focused on whether the bill should apply to all women of childbearing age rather than a narrower age-based category.
HB 2305 would require nutrition and metabolic education as part of physicians’ continuing medical education. The Hawaii Medical Board opposed the measure, arguing that CME should remain flexible and tailored to each physician’s specialty and warning that topic-specific mandates can expand over time. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, saying it would help the state’s rural health transformation application and could improve federal funding prospects, though the exact impact was unclear. Members questioned whether nutrition is already covered in medical training and whether the requirement should be limited to primary care physicians; the board said Hawaii currently has no topic-specific CME mandates and that physicians can already choose relevant courses.
The committee also heard strong support for HB 1597, which would establish an Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Hawaii. Supporters from the university, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and others said the center could attract federal research dollars, expand clinical trials, and help address the state’s high Alzheimer’s-related health costs. HB 2159, which appropriates funds for health care workforce development, also received broad support from the University of Hawaii, health systems, and advocacy groups, with no opposition noted. Finally, HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices, drew support from the Department of Health, youth advocates, and public health groups citing youth addiction, environmental waste, and fire hazards; the department said a separate bill, HB 1573, would be more comprehensive and better defined for enforcement and penalties. The committee ended with HB 1913, creating a veteran services mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center, which was supported by veteran services officials and others who said veterans need better navigation and coordination for behavioral health care.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
- Members, we're going to slip forward and go to Tab 2, and we're going to talk about SB 1594, veteran
- Senate Bill 1594 would ensure that veterans' benefits that are accessed by a foster care agency are not
- This year it's SB 1182, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development
- And for veterans transitioning into civilian life, entrepreneurship can be a path to independence.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and considered two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would require veterans’ benefits accessed on behalf of foster youth to be preserved for the minor’s future use, specifically for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care rather than being used to reimburse care costs. The bill had no amendments, received one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then took up SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. A strike-all amendment was adopted that added limited information-sharing between agencies, changed verification procedures, converted part of the tax benefit into a capped $100,000 annual exemption for five years, broadened fee waivers to some existing businesses, and kept annual reporting requirements. The amended bill was then reported favorably.
The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees: Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser. No one requested separate votes, and the committee recommended confirmation of all three by a single roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members offered extended praise and thanks to Chair Wright for his long service and leadership, and the chair announced the meeting was adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010, and I'm a veteran, a combat veteran of
- Department of Veterans Affairs, and you've heard some of these numbers, approximately 17 to 22 veterans
- Recently, the VA has conducted controlled studies within veteran populations, comparing veterans who
- We'll push the veterans out front, and we'll legalize marijuana for all of us because we're the veterans
- Okay, so foreign doctors and veteran doctors...
Bills:
HB 44 , HB 2200 , HB 1612 , HB 2747 , HB 2038 , HB 3717 , HB 1431 , HB 3800 , HB 3801 , HB 3560 , HB 3246
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care
Summary:
The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll take up Senate Bill 116 on veterans by Senator Burgess.
- It's the Senate Veterans Package. I'm proud to be the sponsor of it.
- We're also completing ties between Veterans Florida and FDVA to require Veterans Florida and FDVA to
- for those veterans.
- We've done so much for veterans.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 116, the Senate Veterans Package, which would reduce the number of Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, expand FDVA health survey and coordination efforts, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot program, fix statutory references, improve coordination between Veterans Florida and FDVA, and require FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities for veterans and their families. An amendment was adopted to appropriate $300,000 for the suicide prevention training pilot and $50,000 for the health survey. The bill was supported in debate, especially for the adult day care provision, and CS/SB 116 was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 294 by Senator Harrell, which would exclude specified cardiac conditions—such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias—from the list of chronic health conditions that may be managed under collaborative pharmacy practice agreements. Senator Harrell argued that these complex conditions require direct physician involvement and that pharmacists should not be making medication changes for severe cardiac patients based on protocols alone. Senator Rouson asked why heart conditions had been included previously, and Vice Chair Davis asked about fiscal impact; Harrell said there would be no state cost, though patients might face additional out-of-pocket expenses, which she said could be offset by avoiding more serious complications.
Public testimony on SB 294 was divided. The Florida Pharmacy Association opposed the bill, arguing that collaborative practice agreements are voluntary, physician-controlled, and already include safeguards, and that pharmacists are highly trained to help manage chronic conditions and improve access and outcomes. A cardiologist with the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, warning that cardiac patients are complex and that pharmacists may make dangerous decisions without the full clinical picture. Senator Burton also supported the bill, saying the original collaborative practice framework was not intended to let pharmacists diagnose or treat serious cardiac disease. SB 294 was then reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, Senators Rodriguez and Garcia asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 116, and the committee adjourned without further business.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment is about veterans.
- Veterans need to be honored more than just posts on social media during Memorial Day and Veterans Day
- So you see different programs that are offered for veterans' spouses so that veteran spouses can reacclimate
- Gant, just because, you know, I think everyone would know as a military veteran, I support all veteran
- Veterans are found.
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:37 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Disabled veteran property tax changes. Chairman Delacruz.
- This is Frank Smith, chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus.
- 285 improves and clarifies the disabled veteran property tax exemption to ensure that veterans can more
- only going to be based on one veteran.
- Veterans Services assured us it shouldn't take that long.
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- positions for veterans to be on here positions for veterans to be on here positions for veterans to
- okay a regular veteran that's veteran okay a regular veteran that's veteran okay a regular veteran that's
- the number of veterans who has reported number of veterans who has reported number of veterans who has
- mental health there veterans veterans mental health there veterans veterans mental health there veterans
- services for veterans and identify those services for veterans and identify those services for veterans
Bills:
SB 2
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And taking care of our veterans is exactly what this bill does.
- in their existing list of resources for veterans to ensure that our veterans know they have access to
- This proposal claims veterans are being denied health care.
- Look at what our veterans actually face.
- I can tell you there are a lot of services for veterans.
Committee:
Senate Health