Video & Transcript : 'Jimmy Carter' :
Page 32 of 123
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Pamela Carter. Representative Pamela Carter. Mr. Speaker, I rise to explain my vote.
- Representative Carter, how do you vote? Yes. Representative Carter votes aye.
- Representative Neal Carter, pro tem. Mr. Speaker, I rise to explain my vote. Please proceed.
- Representative Neal Carter. With your permission, the Representative Neal Carter.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Capital Investment Cmte hears St. Paul bonding requests for sports facility upgrades 3/20/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Carter, I believe you are going to start the presentation off.
- I'm Melvin Carter, proud mayor of the city of St.
- I believe you are going Che mayor Carter I believe you are going to<00:20:39.000><c> start</c><00:20
- a proud mayor today um I'm Melvin Carter a proud mayor of<00:21:03.320><c> the</c><00:21:03.400><c>
- Mayor Carter, I believe we're flexible where that's concerned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Thomas Kent Carter, who was known as TK.
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Thomas Kent Carter, who was known as TK.
- In the 1990s, Carter starred as Iceman in "Ski Patrol" and earned a voice role in 1996's "Space Jam."
- Members, I ask that we adjourn in memory of TK Carter. Thank you, Assembly Member Rubio.
Summary:
The Assembly met for a floor session marked largely by ceremonial and procedural business. After a quorum call, the body opened with Valentine’s Day remarks, a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by guest introductions recognizing California YMCA Youth and Government participants from several delegations, including Glendora High School, Crenshaw YMCA, Wilmington YMCA, and Mid Valley YMCA.
On the daily file, most items were passed, retained, or continued without controversy. The only recorded vote was on the consent calendar, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; it was adopted 63-0. The chamber also approved a request to allow certain members to speak on adjournments in memory.
Several members then offered adjournment tributes: Assembly Member Gibson honored James Armstrong, a veteran and community leader in Carson and Watts; Assembly Member Rubio remembered actor-comedian Thomas Kent Carter (TK Carter); and Assembly Member Boerner honored Dave Hodges, founder of the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. The Assembly then announced there would be no session on President’s Day, with the next floor session scheduled for Tuesday, February 17 at 1 p.m., and adjourned accordingly.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Thomas Kent Carter, who was known as TK.
- TK was a veteran comedian-actor who had memorable roles in the things TK, or Thomas Kent Carter, was
- In the 1990s, Carter starred as Iceman in Ski Patrol and earned a voice role in the 1996 film Space Jam
- Members, I ask that we adjourn in memory of TK Carter. Thank you, Assembly Member Rubio.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Pamela Carter: Mr. Speaker, I rise to explain my vote. Please proceed.
- Representative Pamela Carter votes aye. Have you all voted? Have y'all voted?
- The Chair recognizes Representative Neal Carter. Mr.
- The Chair recognized Representative Neal Carter. Mr.
- The Chair recognized Representative Neal Carter. Mr.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jane Peterson, and a University of Arizona presentation featuring meteorites and space-related materials. The chamber also adopted a proclamation honoring Mama Luisa’s Italian restaurant for 70 years of family ownership and service. After routine committee and Senate message announcements, the House moved into third reading and floor action on a large number of bills.
Several bills passed on third reading, including HB 2041 on child neglect, HB 2128, HB 2251 on midwifery, HB 2342 on planned communities/HOAs, HB 2402 on emergency medical services, HB 2403 appropriating money to AHCCCS, HB 2615 on parenting time, HB 2641 on firefighting foam, HB 2673 on incarcerated persons and mental illness, HB 2700 creating a Technology First Study Committee, HB 2951 on subscription cancellation/consumer protections, HB 2991 on minors’ access to technology content, and HB 4070 on human trafficking. Members’ comments reflected support for maternal care, consumer protection, parental controls, public safety, and services for incarcerated people with mental illness, while some members raised concerns about licensing, overbreadth, or unresolved amendments. HB 4018 on county officers failed on a 26-24 vote.
The House then reconsidered and sent HB 4018 back to third reading, but a subsequent motion challenging the chair’s ruling on whether a division had been called failed. The chamber also entered additional Committee of the Whole sessions to amend and recommend passage of HB 2136 and HB 2923, both of which were reported out as amended. In later Committee of the Whole work, the House recommended passage of HB 2188, HB 2239, HB 2437, HB 2445, HB 2502, HB 2620 as amended, HB 2931 as amended, HB 4004, and HB 4064, with some bills retained on the calendar and several measures referred to engrossing. The transcript ended while the House was continuing through consent-calendar and additional Committee of the Whole proceedings.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/04/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, the first person in the room between the two Carters was Pam Carter, so HB 2666.
- Okay, sponsor, Representative Pam Carter. Hello, Representative Pam Carter, District 4.
- Pamela Carter,... Rebecca Baker with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
- Pamela Carter, Representative Carter, did a great job explaining why we’re here.
- Neal Carter. Bless you.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard and advanced several House bills dealing with criminal law, victims’ rights, and court fees. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain requirement from weapons and explosives trafficking and make trafficking three or more weapons or explosives in one offense ineligible for probation, pardon, commutation, or early release until the sentence is served; it passed 6-1. HB 2132 lowered the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjusted related sentencing language; supporters said it would help law enforcement and prosecutors, while opponents argued it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current enforcement; it passed 4-3. HB 2223 requires sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name if granted; it passed 6-1.
The committee also passed HB 2411, which creates the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering an abortion-inducing drug with intent to cause an abortion, as a class 2 felony. Supporters described cases of covert or forced abortion drug use and said existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents argued current assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and that the bill is unnecessary. HB 2043, which adds unborn children to the felony-murder statute, also passed 4-3 after testimony from prosecutors and advocates on both sides; supporters called it a cleanup measure, while opponents warned it advances fetal personhood and could have broader reproductive-health consequences. HB 2046, requiring victims to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review proceedings for certain sex offenders, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from a victim’s family and county prosecutors.
The committee then approved HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when the offender is an adult and knew or should have known the victim’s age. Finally, HB 2265, which eliminates court-imposed fees and assessments on criminal defendants for public defense, jury trials, and appeals, passed 7-0 despite county opposition over lost revenue and shifting costs to taxpayers. The last bill, HB 2133, would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify the age and consent of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions like AI-generated images similarly to existing revenge-porn laws; it drew support from adult-industry representatives on some implementation issues but also significant constitutional and privacy concerns, and the committee adopted an amendment before passing the bill as amended.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Pamela Carter, Lupe Contreras, Marquez, how do you vote?
- Representative Pingerelli, Marquez, Pamela Carter. Pamela Carter, how do you vote?
- The Chair will recognize Representative Pamela Carter. Representative Pamela Carter.
- The Chair understands the request that Representative Carter please maintain to the bill and the language
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of guests, including Maricopa Community Colleges representatives, Club America students, and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jane Lyons. A proclamation was read honoring Maryvale High School’s Mariachi Las Panthers de Oro, with Representative Abeytia praising the students, director Mike Dominguez, and the program’s cultural and leadership impact.
The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole consideration of several Senate bills. SB 1011, SB 1170, SB 1400, SB 1456, SB 1476, SB 1511, and SB 1805 were advanced, with amendments adopted on SB 1400, SB 1456, SB 1511, and SB 1805. Debate centered on SB 1476, which would strengthen child neglect laws regarding exposure to dangerous controlled substances, and SB 1511, which dealt with CDL licensing and immigration status; opponents argued both were unnecessary or harmful, while supporters said they addressed public safety and trucking concerns. SB 1519 was retained on the calendar.
The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and took up third reading votes, passing SB 1121, SB 1137, SB 1206, SB 1477, and SB 1786. In a second Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1043, SB 1095, SB 1316, SB 1421, SB 1649, and SB 1711, with SB 1401 amended and moved forward. SB 1095 drew extended debate over gender-affirming care for minors, with supporters framing it as child protection and opponents warning it would override parents and doctors and harm transgender youth; SB 1316 concerned a rural health transformation fund; SB 1421 drew objections over banking, identification, and immigration-related burdens; and SB 1711 focused on school resources for recognizing inappropriate contact. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placed several bills on third reading, deferred some bills for engrossing, and then recessed and adjourned until the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Pamela Carter, Lupe Contreras, Marquez, how do you vote?
- Representative Pingerelli, Marquez, Pamela Carter. Pamela Carter, how do you vote?
- The Chair will recognize Representative Pamela Carter. Representative Pamela Carter.
- The Chair understands the request that Representative Carter please maintain to the bill and the language
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 007 Jan 21st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representatives Bacon, Barron, Boesenecker, Bottoms, Bradfield, Bradley, Brooks, Brown, Caldwell, Camacho, Carter
- Representative Carter. >> Representative Mabrey.
- Representative Michael Carter. His birthday was over the weekend.
- Representative<00:37:45.680><c> Michael</c><00:37:46.000><c> Carter.
- </c><00:37:46.400><c> His</c> Representative Michael Carter. His Representative Michael Carter.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , if you could join us, Mayor Carter.
- And then we’ll give you plenty of time after Mayor Carter leaves.
- Mayor Carter: That was the point of doing that Guinsler study that I referenced.
- Mayor Carter, Mr. Chair, what have you learned from the businesses on why they are not returning?
- Thank you, Mayor Carter, and I just have some strong allies. That's what I have, I guess.
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, income tax, tax brackets, tax adjustments, Minnesota, tax policy, underutilized buildings, adaptive reuse, building conversion, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, vacant property, vacancy reduction, refundable tax credit, income tax credit, grant in lieu of credit
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Carter? Representative Carter? Representative Di Los Santos? Nay.
- Representative Carter... Representative Dela Santos: nay. Representative Garcia: nay.
- Representative Carter: Aye. Representative De La Santos: ? Representative Garcia: ?
- Representative Carter: aye. Representative... ...No. Representative Carter.
- Representative Carter: Aye. Senator Sunderation: No. Representative Carter: Aye.
Committee:
Joint Legislative Council
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement #1
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Carter? Present. Chairman Marshall? Present.
- Vice Chair Carter? Aye. Chairman Marshall.
- Vice Chair Carter? Aye. Chairman Marshall. All right. Okay.
- Chair, Vice Chairwoman Carter, and members.
- Vice Chair Carter? Aye. Chairman Marshall? Aye. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority in their jurisdictions. Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while some members objected to language describing sheriffs as having “supreme constitutional authority,” calling it overly broad or tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation on an 8-3 vote.
Members then considered HB 2811, which expands obstructing governmental operations to cover interference with a lawful arrest when violence or force is used. The sponsor said the bill closes a gap and should make such conduct a felony, while an opposing attorney argued existing statutes already cover much of the conduct and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. Despite concerns about the drafting and interaction of subsections, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 4129, a proposed DPS-run mental health and wellness program for law enforcement funded with $15 million; the sponsor described it as confidential counseling and support for officers, but several members said it duplicated existing services and was too costly, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the bill before a vote.
The committee next took up HB 2270, which would expand protections for county seals and office insignia to include logos and other identifiers, and give sheriffs exclusive rights over posse names and dissolution. Sheriffs and county representatives said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of official names and to avoid litigation after disputes over posse identities; some members raised First Amendment and vagueness concerns about broad language such as “could imply” affiliation. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, a $20 million appropriation for border-related law enforcement support, drew strong support from sheriffs and county law enforcement groups who said the funds help with drug interdiction and border-related crime, and strong opposition from speakers who argued the money should go to schools, housing, health care, and other needs; it passed 7-5.
Finally, the committee heard HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserve organizations. MCSO and county officials said it was meant to clarify existing authority and protect public safety operations, while an opponent warned it could expand posse use into immigration enforcement and increase militarization. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, also passed after a chairman’s amendment removed one voiding provision. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund funded by forfeited digital assets and redirected investment deposits.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/18/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the committee, Mayor Carter.
- Mayor Carter mentioned the Carter Work Project.
- It was not named after him; it was named after President Carter and Mrs. Carter.
- </c><00:31:31.440><c> mentioned</c><00:31:31.919><c> the</c> Mayor Carter mentioned the Carter Work Project
- It was not named after him; it was named after President Carter and Mrs. Carter.
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Carter G.
- Carter G.
- Carter G.
- CARTER G.
- But in 1926, Carter Woodson...
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #13
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, Representative Carter, so 1037 is focused specifically on the internet connectivity, and
- Madam Whip, Representative Carter, SB 1037 is focused specifically on the internet connectivity and then
- Madam Whip, Representative Carter, not in Senate Bill 1568.
- Representative Carter? Yes, I do. Any further discussion? Representative Carter? Yes, I do.
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials, mostly on consent calendars, covering housing, elections, health care, public safety, land use, transportation, and water. Several measures focused on housing and local government regulation, including limits on municipal interference with home design standards, restrictions on alleged “malicious delays” in permitting, and rules on exactions. Election-related bills addressed internet access for voting equipment, timekeeping requirements for election systems, primary election timing, precinct committeeman vacancies, and other election administration changes. Other topics included liquor law updates, assisted living facility rules, deed and title fraud prevention, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming public spaces, and a bill restricting gender transition procedures for minors.
Health and human services bills drew discussion on behavioral health technician definitions and AHCCCS/DHS coordination, Medicaid billing during facility ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic physicians administering IV antibiotics and similar drugs, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and reporting requirements for dialysis social workers. In public safety and judiciary, members considered bills on probation for dangerous crimes against children, sex offender registration limitations, victim restitution costs, unlawful alerting, increased penalties for unlawful flight, and a new offense for motor fuel theft. One member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee, saying it would become a long-running study committee, while supporters said the committee had produced useful recommendations.
The caucus also heard land, agriculture, energy, water, and transportation measures, including creation of a foreign entity land review commission, restrictions on transporting Mexican gray wolf pups with state resources, water reuse and banking provisions, solar installation disclosures and roof inspections, a larger revolving fund loan cap, and several congressional memorials. Transportation items included roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military property signage, a towing and impound study committee, and photo enforcement penalties. Public safety bills included extending traumatic event counseling programs and requiring state data sharing with the federal government regarding unauthorized aliens. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; members mostly asked clarifying questions and several sponsors explained the intent and practical effects of their bills.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 12 January, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Blunt, Senator Boy, Senator Brumfield, Senator Brian, Senator Butler, Senator Carter, Senator
- one Senate to adjourn in memory of Miss Sandra Newman Mahoney in regards Senator Seymour, Delano, Carter
- Senator Sandra Newman Mahoney in regards Senator Seymour,<00:13:32.000><c> Delano,</c><00:13:32.959><c> Carter
- </c> Seymour, Delano, Carter, and Thompson. Seymour, Delano, Carter, and Thompson.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Aug 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- Jimmy Clark, and we're working with him to get the documentation back to him that we had been missing
- Jimmy Clark, and we're working with him to get the documentation back to him that we had been missing
Summary:
The committee adopted the minutes from its June 4 meeting and then received a series of updates on delinquent municipal and water/sewer reports. Staff reported that three entities had forfeited a combined just under $126,000 in state turnback under Act 453 of 2023 for failure to file required reports, and that several other cities and utilities remained delinquent or were moving toward compliance. The committee also heard that Fargo would be placed on the 50% turnback escrow process for continued noncompliance, while Ulm, Montrose, and several other entities were removed from or deferred in the process after making progress or providing responses. Boxite remained the only private city report still outstanding among one group of filings, and the committee filed or deferred reports as recommended by staff throughout the meeting.
Several local officials appeared to explain repeat audit findings and corrective actions. The mayor of Falk described efforts to catch up on audits and said the city had enough money on hand to pay for them, though the committee emphasized that the city had already lost turnback funds under the statute. Lead Hill’s recorder-treasurer said the town had implemented new procedures, including electronic payment ordinances, fixed asset records, and improved receipt and reconciliation practices, but the committee still started the 60-day clock on the report. St. Joe’s new mayor and recorder-treasurer said the town had made substantial progress, so staff withdrew its earlier recommendation to start the clock. Marion County’s treasurer said computer conversion problems were being corrected, and the committee deferred the report until the county judge and sheriff could appear.
The committee then reviewed a long list of county, municipal, and utility audit findings, many of them repeat issues involving missing documentation, weak bank reconciliation controls, improper disbursements, and failure to follow municipal accounting law. Notable matters included Cotton Plant’s large unpaid payroll tax liabilities and deficit fund balance, Jefferson County’s procurement and contract issues and an unresolved $305,000 solar panel payment, Wabaseka’s long-running payroll tax delinquency and deficit, and multiple private water and sewer reports involving missing receipts, unsupported payments, or uncollateralized cash balances. Many reports were filed without objection, some were deferred for later response, and several findings involving possible misuse of public funds or improper payments were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General’s office.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 44 Morning Session Apr 21st, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, if you'll turn your attention to the South Gallery, I have with me little Jimmy Grego.
- Jimmy Grego, welcome to the People's House and see how we do work here. Glad you can make it today.
Bills:
HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships.
Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week.
On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Jimmy Matthews. I was temporarily serving as the EMA director for about a year and a half.
- </c><00:20:53.840><c> Jimmy</c> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee:
Joint Technology
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Jimmy Van Ruff. I was still... Thank you. I am Jimmy Fan, a resident of San Jose.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 220, which would require the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to submit an earlier governance reform report to the Legislature in light of Measure G, including consideration of the new countywide executive and future board changes. Senator Allen argued the bill was only a vehicle to prompt a locally driven discussion before 2028, while Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and several committee members opposed it as premature and unnecessary because local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After debate over local control and timing, the committee voted 3-2 to send SB 220 to Senate Appropriations, with the bill left on call for absent members.
The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require wayside detector systems on freight rail lines at specified intervals, with exceptions for some short-line railroads, and would require railroad response plans to be submitted to the CPUC. Supporters, including rail unions and labor groups, said the bill was a needed response to the East Palestine derailment and other safety risks, while opponents from freight railroads, passenger rail operators, business groups, and agricultural interests warned it could raise costs, slow freight and passenger service, and create a disincentive to invest in faster track. Members questioned the cost, implementation timeline, preemption issues, and possible impacts on passenger rail and the supply chain. The committee approved SB 667 on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations, with the bill also left on call.
Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which would designate a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. The Assembly Member author and community witnesses described the designation as a recognition of San Jose’s large Vietnamese American community and its history as refugees and contributors to the region. Numerous supporters from the community, local government, and the public testified in favor, and there was no opposition. Members praised the cultural significance and noted connections to other Vietnamese communities, including Westminster. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 10 votes, and sent to Appropriations.