Video & Transcript : 'Saint Paul' :
Page 31 of 268
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Haji 481 by Representative Paul.
- Remarks, Representative Paul. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Paul, to move your amendment, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Paul has moved HAGE 481. Remarks, Representative Paul. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Thank you, Representative Paul, for bringing this amendment forward.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met on February 25 for executive action on three bills. House Bill 2306, a supplemental transportation appropriations bill for the 2025-27 biennium, was amended and advanced. The committee adopted a technical corrections amendment, a Fey amendment shifting King County Metro electrification funding from the South Annex Base project to the Central Campus Electrification Project, and rejected an Entenman amendment that would have moved $11 million for the 220 Corridor completion project from the 2027-29 biennium into the current biennium. Members discussed ferry vessel planning, maintenance and preservation, State Patrol staffing, and Climate Commitment Act investments before approving the bill 28-0 with one excused.
House Bill 2711, dealing with transportation resources and tax changes, was also amended and passed. The committee adopted a technical amendment, rejected an Orcutt amendment that would have restored trade-in deductions for the luxury vehicle and recreational vessel taxes, adopted a Paul amendment temporarily exempting motorhomes from the luxury vehicle tax in late 2026, and adopted a Fey amendment directing interest earned on two transportation accounts to remain in those accounts. The bill’s substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, change treatment of the luxury vehicle and vessel taxes, delay tow truck reimbursement provisions, and create a Preserve Washington Account. The committee approved the bill 27-1, with Representative Orcutt voting no without recommendation.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203, which would direct WSDOT and Fish and Wildlife to develop an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and create wildlife corridor and crossings accounts, was amended and passed. The committee adopted Hall’s amendment requiring consultation with landowners, agricultural producers, and community members before construction of wildlife crossings. Supporters said the bill would improve road safety and conservation and help position the state for federal and private funding, while opponents argued it could create expectations for new crossings without identified resources. The bill advanced 16-12, with several members voting no or no without recommendation. The chair then outlined upcoming committee meetings, possible floor deadlines for the budget bills, and noted there would be no caucuses that day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Targeting property tax refund program expansion 3/12/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your testimony,<00:04:38.760><c> Paul</c><00:04:39.000><c> Eger.
- When you're testimony, Paul Eger.
- Paul. To your area, Dr. Wiener. How has going to go?
- </c><00:10:06.760><c> Paul.</c> even on the east side of St. Paul. even on the east side of St.
- Paul.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Yes.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dylan Fernandes. Yes. Paul W. Mark? Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
- Paul Feeney votes yes.
- Paul Mark: Yes. Paul Mark? Michael O. Moore: Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor: Yes.
Summary:
The Senate first debated and advanced Senate Bill 2561, an act to promote student learning and mental health, centered on a statewide bell-to-bell restriction on student cell phone use in schools. Supporters argued the bill would reduce distraction, improve academic performance and mental health, and encourage social interaction, while preserving flexibility for districts and exceptions for emergencies, special education, health needs, and instructional uses. Several senators emphasized local control and the need for public input, and a number of amendments were considered: some were withdrawn, some were rejected, and others were adopted, including an amendment requiring consistent and necessary exceptions and another requiring public hearings and local public input. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 38-2.
The Senate also took up a conference committee report on a $259 million FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The report funded EMS costs, home care, the Healthy Incentives Program, DTA chip card technology, veterans benefits, the state police crime lab, the SSI state supplement, the Fair Housing Fund, and the National Guard, and included major indigent defense provisions: $40 million for 320 new CPCS staff attorneys, rate increases for private bar advocates, guardrails to reduce future work stoppages, and an independent review of the indigent defense system. Senators questioned the timing of the report, the inclusion of items not previously voted on by either branch, and the funding sources, including use of the transitional escrow fund and excess revenues. The report was accepted, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the supplemental budget was enacted.
In addition, the Senate passed other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District and a municipal roads and bridges financing bill, both by roll call vote. The chamber also enacted a health care protections bill, and it concurred in referrals on a governor’s municipal empowerment legislation. The session included a brief memorial tribute and adjournment in memory of Harry C. Christensen.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul R. Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Adam Gomez.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Yes. Robin K. Kennedy. Yes. Yes. Jason M. Lewis.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Rebecca L.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dena Fernandez. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Adam Gomez.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0.
The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill.
In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul R. Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Adam Gómez.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Michael O.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Rebecca L.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dylan Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Adam Gómez.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda, yes. Mark C. Montigny, yes. Michael O. Moore, yes. Patrick M.
Summary:
The Senate resumed consideration of An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and took up a series of amendments focused on farm taxation, land preservation, permitting, renewable energy, marketing, and labor standards. Amendment 5, offered by Senator Tarr, would allow local option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years; it was supported by Senator Comerford and adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Amendment 20, offered by Senator Mark, created a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to improve marketing and promotion of agricultural goods, and it was also adopted. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but rejected, including proposals on APR criteria, a one-stop permitting and grants portal, foreign ownership tracking in the farmland registry, horse-riding instruction licensure, higher solar/agrovoltaics caps on farmland, farm stand waiver flexibility, notice before conversion of registered farmland, and a health and wellness amendment.
A major point of debate was Amendment 41, offered by Senator Gomez, which sought to extend wage and hour protections to agricultural laborers, including raising the subminimum wage, adding overtime, paid breaks, and paid time off. Senator Gomez described the measure as a correction to racist historical exclusions, and Senator Eldridge and Senator Comerford spoke in support of stronger worker protections and continued negotiations. The sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment, saying talks with stakeholders and Senate leadership would continue. The chamber also heard a brief recognition for youth mentoring guests and later adopted a study amendment from Senator Fattman directing an assessment of the need for a Central Massachusetts agricultural school; that amendment passed 37-0.
After the agricultural bill was amended by the Senate Ways and Means amendment and ordered to a third reading, the Senate passed the bill, An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts (S. 3029), to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then adopted several committee extension orders, including extensions for the Revenue Committee and the Financial Services Committee, with some discussion about the number and scope of bills covered. The chamber also passed a local bill designating the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass in Sandwich and another local alcohol licensing bill for Topsfield. The session ended with recognitions for community and youth groups, a motion to adjourn in memory of Mark K. Harris, and adjournment to the following day at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul R. Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C.
- Paul Arfini. Yes. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Yes. Robin K. Kennedy. Yes. Yes. Jason M. Lewis.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Olivera. Yes. Rebecca L. Rauch.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Yes. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Yes.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul? Representative Paul votes aye. Penner? Penner votes nay, do not pass.
- Paul votes aye. Representative Paul votes aye. Penner votes nay, do not pass.
- Representative Paul. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Paul. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Paul? Representative Paul votes aye. Penner?
- Paul? Aye. Representative Paul votes aye. Penner? Representative Penner votes aye. Shavers? Aye.
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
LGBT Aging Commission Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- If I may, Adriana, it's Paul. Hi, I'm driving, but I can hear you.
- Thank you so much for lifting that up, Paul.
- I do want to just kind of add on to what Paul said about diversity.
- And Paul, if you can, I'm curious.
- Paul, I saw you on mute. Would you like to share as well? Yes.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote.
The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights.
The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Plastic bottle excise tax proposed 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Regional Water Services. St.
- Paul and 13 of our surrounding cities.
- Paul and 13 of our surrounding cities.
- Paul issue. St.
- Paul issue. St.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Paul.
- Good afternoon, Chair Paul and members of the committee.
- Thank you, Chair Paul and members of the committee.
- Good afternoon, Chair Paul and members of the committee.
- Thank you, Chair Paul and members of the committee.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken.
HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing.
HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote.
HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul R. Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Adam Gómez.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes.
- Senator Paul R. Feeney? No. Senator Dylan A. Fernandes? No. Senator Barry R. Finegold? No.
- Senator Paul W. Mark. Thank you. Senator Paul W. Mark. Senator Liz Miranda? No.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Jason M. Lewis. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Pavel M. Payano. Yes. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate first adopted three congratulatory resolutions recognizing the retirements of Dolores Hayes, Lisa Audet, and Kate Fitzpatrick. It then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 to refer a sick leave bank bill for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee to the Committee on Public Service and referring House petitions to their respective committees. The chamber also adopted a conference report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 session after remarks from Senators Creem, Tarr, Lovely, and Fattman emphasizing transparency, public access, recorded votes, longer notice for hearings and conference reports, remote participation, and periodic review of the rules. The report was accepted by a 40-0 roll call.
The Senate then took up the bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth, Senate No. 2538, commonly described as Shield Act 2.0. Senator Friedman and others argued the bill was needed to protect reproductive and gender-affirming care from out-of-state and federal interference, to limit disclosure of sensitive information, to create a state-level EMTALA-style protection for emergency care and active labor, and to strengthen privacy and licensing protections for providers and institutions. Senators Cyr, Lovely, and Fattman also spoke in support, framing the bill as a response to recent federal and state threats and as an extension of Massachusetts’ prior shield-law work.
The chamber considered numerous amendments. Several were rejected, including amendments by Senators Finegold and Keenan and multiple Tarr amendments on topics such as medical records, consistency with existing law, and public health data collection. Some amendments were adopted, including a Montigny amendment on health-connected data disclosure, a Brownsberger amendment further protecting privacy for reproductive and gender-affirming care, a Rauch amendment clarifying protections for patients in active labor, a Tarr amendment removing an exemption for data from personal tracking devices, and a Rodrigues corrective amendment. After the amendments, the Ways and Means substitute was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and it then passed to be engrossed by a 37-3 roll call.
At the end of the session, the Senate adopted a memorial adjournment in honor of former Senate Majority Leader Louis P. Bertinazi. The Governor also filed a message submitting a bill to build resilience for Massachusetts communities, authorizing future capital spending for energy and environmental affairs, which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 1 p.m. and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/26/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:24:56.480><c> And</c><00:24:56.720><c> I</c> Paul 8 Paul II Catholic School.
- And I Paul 8 Paul II Catholic School.
- Paul to expand the city's city of St.
- </c><00:59:08.480><c> Paul</c><00:59:08.720><c> public</c> PBC XLG St. Paul public PBC XLG St.
- Paul.
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul teachers, other plans?
- Paul teachers, other plans?
- Paul Teachers Fund.
- Paul Teachers Fund. Um TRA and the St. Paul Teachers Fund.
- </c><01:15:39.560><c> Paul</c> have to take care of the St. Paul have to take care of the St.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul resident. It is St. EMS not a St. Paul resident. It is St.
- Paul. They're my buildings. And I of St. Paul. They're my buildings.
- Paul.
- Paul.
- Paul.
Committee:
House Taxes
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:
- Next up we have a panel: Paul Jakes from the PFFM, and Michael Riley from the Massachusetts Association
- For the record, my name is Paul Jakes, legislative agent for the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
- Paul Jakes from the PFFM, Michael Riley from the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement
- Members of the committee and staff, for the record, my name is Paul Jakes, legislative agent for the
- As Paul had said, my name is Michael Riley.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill.
Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity.
Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul.
- Paul. And thank you.
- Paul.
- Paul. Uh, and I think part to praise St. Paul.
- Paul and Denver and ...
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/06/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul PHA.
- Paul PHA.
- Paul.
- Paul.
- Paul.
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul, Minnesota, Thursday, February 13, 2025.
- I rise today in honor of Officer Matthew Ruge, Officer Paul Elmstrand, and firefighter-paramedic Adam
- in honor of Officer Matthew<00:11:35.120><c> rugi</c><00:11:36.120><c> officer</c><00:11:36.560><c> Paul
- </c><00:11:37.279><c> elmr</c><00:11:38.279><c> and</c> Matthew rugi officer Paul elmr and Matthew rugi
- Matthew, Paul, and Adam are remembered as beloved sons and brothers, and Paul and Adam as husbands and
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 1st, 2025
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Senator Paul, I don't know if you want to start or if you want to finish eating and have Senator
- Senator Paul. Senator Ramos is excused. Senator Share. Senator Wirth. Senator Bergman.
- Go for it, Senator Paul. Thanks.
- Senator Paul: You're on number 303. Thanks, Madam Chair, committee members.
- Two bills in 15 minutes, Senator Paul. Right on, thank you very much.
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- opening prayer to be given today by President Ben Smith, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- In the East Gallery, we have members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are here
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors.
The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding.
Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.