Video & Transcript Research : 'National Guard'
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On page 54, House Bill 362 by Representative Faulkner and others regarding the National Guard.
- Guard.
- <01:52:04.520>
Guard <01:52:04.960>people And it's a lot of National Guard people And - it's a lot of National Guard people that<01:52:06.320>
is <01:52:06.480>over <01:52:06.760 - House Bill number 233 by Representatives Oliver and others regarding the National Guard is referred to
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation.
During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed.
Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0.
The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/11/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- state national guard and um military state national guard and um military affiliates. affiliates
- the New Hampshire Army and Air National the New Hampshire Army and Air National Guard.
- First, uh the New Hampshire National First, uh the New Hampshire National Guard<01:14:17.440>
- <01:17:43.280>
Guard, National Guard, National Guard, New<01:17:44.960>Hampshire <01:17 - > New Hampshire Army National Guard and New Hampshire Army National Guard and the<01:17:47.440>
157
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 26th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
- NIST, which will come up, I think, in questions, is a national, actually subsidiary of the federal government
- local governments, but those standards to get the protection will be set by the state, pegged to the national
- National best practices, whether you're a local government, a hospital who, by the way, gets sued the
- Employees who are also members of the Florida State Guard narrows the instances for which service members
Keywords:
open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption, Florida Museum of Black History, cultural heritage, education, Board of Directors, local governance, cybersecurity, data breach, data privacy, information security, local government, county, municipality, vendor contracts, third-party service provider, liability shield
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety.
Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This is relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
- Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days.
- c><00:03:03.360>
Hawaii enlisted personnel of the Hawaii enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National - <00:03:04.080>
Guard <00:03:04.400>order <00:03:04.720>to <00:03:04.879>active - <00:03:05.200>
duty <00:03:05.440>for National Guard order to active duty for National
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Nov 10, 2025 @ 10:15 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- six others, and there's been state National Guard activated by President Trump in 15 states.
- six others, and there's been state National Guard activated by President Trump in 15 states.
- <00:17:58.160>
Guard <00:17:58.480>has Um we know that the National Guard has Um we - <00:18:06.799>
guard and um there's been state national guard and um there's been state national - Hawaii State National Guard if those are Hawaii State National Guard if those are considered<01:
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on findings from the deportation data project and possible policy responses to increased federal immigration enforcement in Hawaii. In opening remarks, the chair said the committee was concerned about changing federal executive orders, policies, and enforcement actions, and framed the issue as one involving due process and public safety. The chair and presenters described reports of ICE activity on multiple islands, including raids, courthouse presence, and fear in immigrant communities, and said the committee was considering whether state policies should be advanced more quickly.
Mandy Fernandez of the ACLU of Hawaii presented updated deportation data and argued that increased immigration enforcement is creating fear, reducing crime reporting, and potentially making state and local agencies extensions of the federal immigration agenda if they accept federal funding with conditions. She said the deportation data project, housed at UC Berkeley Law with UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, uses FOIA requests and its latest data runs through late July 2025. She reported 153 ICE arrests in Hawaii from January through July 2025, up from 41 in the same period in 2024; 96 removals, up from 15; a federal detention center average daily population of 91 in June 2025 versus 31 in June 2024; and 111 ICE detainers issued in Hawaii from September 2023 through July 2025, with 49 issued in 2025. She also cited an immigration court backlog of 1,144 pending cases as of August 2025 and noted that about one in five Hawaii residents were born outside the United States.
Haley Chang of the Office of the Public Defender said her office is seeing a marked increase in ICE presence around courthouses and more ICE contacts with clients, including reports of people being detained after court appearances or while on supervision. She emphasized that the office is not an immigration law office and that much of its information is anecdotal, but said the pattern appears new compared with prior years. In response to committee questions, she explained that ICE detainers are requests, not judicial warrants, and said local law enforcement is generally not required to honor them unless accompanied by a judicial warrant or other legal authority. She also said the public defender’s office had not yet seen new criminal charges arise solely from an ICE detention or failure to appear tied to immigration enforcement, though cases could be affected if defendants are removed from the criminal process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
CTE grants and scholarships 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Chinook helicopter mechanic.
- I'm also enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Chinook helicopter mechanic.
- National Guard as a Chinook helicopter<00:08:35.640>
mechanic. - So, I want to say thank you for your work in the National Guard.
- So, I want to say thank you for your work in the National Guard.
Summary:
House File 1791 was presented as a scholarship/grant program for students in postsecondary technical or career programs offered through their high schools. Representative Scott and Representative Lawrence described it as a way to help students transition into careers or further education by covering costs such as tools, boots, books, and other work-related expenses. The chair noted the bill would be laid over, with limited time for testimony because of a full agenda.
Testimony strongly supported the bill. Steve Collina of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association said manufacturing is a major Minnesota industry and that the bill fills a gap by supporting K-12 career pathways; he emphasized the proposal would not cost the state or taxpayers. Trevor Quennell, a Centennial High School graduate now at Dunwoody College, said the bill would have eased the burden of buying expensive tools and balancing work, school, and transportation. Eric Trost, an instructor at St. Francis High School, explained that Saints Manufacturing is a student-run, elective business-style program that teaches estimating, quoting, logistics, welding, machining, and employability skills, and he said the grant portion is especially important because many students go directly into the workforce.
Naomi Brasky, a St. Francis student and Army National Guard enlistee, said the program has given her real-world problem-solving and communication experience and that grants would help cover costs not included in tuition. Members responded positively, with one noting broader trends away from four-year college and calling the bill common sense. In closing, Representative Lorentzen credited instructor Eric Trost for originating the idea and thanked an audience member, Mr. Yost, for supporting the program. The chair then laid House File 1791 over.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF1959 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the estimated cost for a pension offset for National Guard order to state active duty, and that
- That's the estimated cost for a pension offset for National Guard order to state active duty, and that
- These are from Representative Olsen's proposal to provide members of the National Guard with a pension
- These are from Representative Olsen's proposal to provide members of the National Guard with a pension
- <00:09:13.600>
Guard provide members of the National Guard provide members of the National
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/17/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- It says guard dogs.
- >
livestock <05:14:32.240>guard <05:14:32.560>dogs most guard dogs, livestock guard - add in guarding crops?
- need to add in guarding crops? need to add in guarding crops?
- Um, the guarding the crops. am by now. Um, the guarding the crops.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The building is to be primarily occupied and used by the New Hampshire Army National Guard, subject to
- The building is to be primarily occupied and used by the New Hampshire Army National Guard, subject to
- The building is to be primarily occupied and used by the New Hampshire Army National Guard, subject to
- <00:11:40.639>
conditions National Guard subject to the conditions National Guard subject - so what are we National Guard all right so what are we trying<00:13:15.240>
to <00:13:15.399><
Summary:
The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met in organizational session and first elected Representative John Cluder as clerk. A nomination of Senator Mark Makoni as vice chair was made but not voted on because he was absent; it was carried over to the next meeting. The committee also reviewed its guidelines and procedures, including how it handles property-disposal requests, late items, and informational materials, and then approved the November 12, 2024 minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent.
The committee then considered several state property and lease requests. It approved a 50-year, $1-per-year ground lease for about 5.66 acres at Berlin Regional Airport in Milan for a New Hampshire Army National Guard hangar/support facility, after hearing that the project is federally funded, intended for training and search-and-rescue support, and would have no permanent full-time staffing. The committee also approved a 30-year lease for the Department of Justice to move the chief medical examiner’s offices, morgue, and autopsy suite to 279 Pleasant Street in Concord, with testimony that the current Concord Hospital space is inadequate and that the new site would double body-storage capacity.
Several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation property items were approved as well. Safety received approval for a 10-year lease, with renewal options, for the State Police aircraft hangar at 91 Airport Road in Concord. Transportation was authorized to continue disposal efforts for remnant parcels in Concord, Conway, Lisbon, Effingham, and Mount Vernon, with testimony explaining market conditions, appraisals, access limits, and easements; members asked questions about access and buildability, but each item was approved. During the Berlin lease item, the committee was told the FAA objects to any lease longer than 50 years at that airport, so the request was revised from 55 years to 50 years on the record before approval.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you say 500 FTEs, what was the maximum number of state guards, or National Guardsmen, that you
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- What was the maximum number of state guards, or National Guardsman that you had?
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- We were able to pick up some of the housing left behind by when the National Guard departed.
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:20.280>
Guard <00:17:20.919>this relating to the Air National Guard this relating - Harris yes a National Guard okay uh and Harris yes a National Guard okay uh and testimony<00:18:
- <00:18:18.000>
Guard <00:18:18.240>to allows the Hawaii Air National Guard to allows - next up relating to Hawaii National next up relating to Hawaii National Guard<00:19:00.960>
House - active Hawaii National Guard ordered to active Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty<00:19
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure.
House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt.
The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Guard Bureau to examine the present allocations to the Florida National Guard and allow an increase
- United States, urging Congress to compel the National Guard Bureau to examine the present allocations
- to the Florida National Guard and allow an increase in its force structure.
- Senate Memorial 1186 urges Congress to compel the United States National Guard Bureau to examine the
- resource allocations of the Florida National Guard and allow an increase of its force structure.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed.
The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1).
A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- between the House and Senate versions of Senate Bill 2138 and House Draft 1, relating to the Hawaii National
- Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.
- relating<00:02:31.160>
to <00:02:31.360>the <00:02:31.480>Hawaii <00:02:31.760>National - <00:02:32.200>
Guard relating to the Hawaii National Guard relating to the Hawaii National - Guard State<00:02:32.920>
Tuition <00:02:33.360>Assistance <00:02:34.040>Program.
Bills:
HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32
Keywords:
vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We called in the National Guard. We tried private companies to come in and assist us.
- And when they got there ended up kicking a guard straight off the bat.
- members, or even kicking a guard in the shin.
- He's spitting out the foul substance from his mouth and it hits the guard.
- Not all of these assaults are just violent offenders beating up guards.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guard service.
- we had to change our security guards we had to change our security guards service<00:53:10.960><
- , And so having the security guards, And so having the security guards, especially<00:54:27.440><
- That was a national movement.
- Um, what I national board process.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/31/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- national grid. national grid.
- actively guarding livestock? actively guarding livestock?
- Oh, guarding agricultural crops.
- and crops so that you're guarding and crops so that you're guarding<01:54:23.760>
agricultural guarding agricultural crops. guarding agricultural crops. >> I'm<01:54:26.719>sorry.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Guard.
- You know, we certainly support our Washington National Guard, which is located in Camp Murray.
- A couple years ago, we worked on a recruitment and retention strategy for our Washington National Guard
- Strategy for our Washington National Guard.
- And certainly at a time where we need our Washington National Guard more than ever, we want to make sure
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Guard. 181st Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard.
- Guard.
- I'm proud that Massachusetts, not only the birthplace of the National Guard, the birthplace of the United
- I just want to mention that just outside the chamber, the 215th Army National Guard will be performing
- Just outside the chamber, the 215th Army National Guard will be performing.
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction.
In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures.
No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 112 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
- Guard within the Commonwealth.
- the Commonwealth, House No. 3438; and an act relative to notice of activation of the Massachusetts National
- Guard within the Commonwealth, House No. 4664.
- Guard within the Relative to notice of activation of the Massachusetts National Guard within the Commonwealth
Summary:
The House first took up several Committee on Rules reports extending committee reporting deadlines on current House documents. Extensions were adopted for the Committees on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Workforce Development, Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, and Municipalities and Regional Government, with the rules suspended where needed and the orders adopted by voice vote.
The Committee on Steering and Policy then recommended five bills for House consideration: House Nos. 1068, 1641, 3417, 3438, and 4664. After suspension of Rule 7A, the House ordered all five bills to a third reading. The chamber also took up House No. 4624, establishing a sick leave bank for Jean McCarran of the Registry of Motor Vehicles; the emergency preamble was adopted by a recorded count, and the bill later passed to be enacted.
The House also passed to be enacted several local bills, including measures extending residency requirements for certain Newton police and fire personnel, authorizing investments for the Richmond Free Public Library, and increasing the residency limit for Acton police and fire personnel. In addition, the House concurred in Senate amendments to the Lynn charter bill (House No. 4149), passed the Greenfield charter bill (House No. 4379) to be engrossed, and passed the Ludlow unpaid bill measure (House No. 4589) to be engrossed. The session ended with an order to adjourn and the House adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- As the people of Minnesota were saying, "Governor Walz, call out the National Guard."
- President, to bring in the National Guard and he ignored their calls.
- President, to bring in the National Guard and he ignored their calls.
- President, to bring in the National President, to bring in the National Guard<00:55:11.920>
and - >
Guard, <00:55:19.119>saying He dismissed the National Guard, saying He dismissed the