Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • So having seen what thoughtful policy can do right there in my hometown, I'm confident in our future
  • I mean, that's it for the cap-and-trade carbon emission reduction program that they are on.
  • There's farmers on the Karl Moyer program that provides essential grants, but you mentioned you're a
  • Just that I sort of came out of the conservation community and environmental communities.
  • We've launched the very first ever, as we can tell, in the country, clean air car share program with
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and two University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors appointees, along with reference of bills to two committees and floor acknowledgments. All of those items passed by voice or roll-call votes, mostly unanimously, with the Civil Rights Council appointment approved 3-2. The main portion of the meeting focused on the Air Resources Board appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Lock Dawson. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic realities. Members questioned them extensively about cap-and-trade/cap-and-invest, leakage and job losses, agricultural impacts, warehouse and truck traffic burdens, emergency vehicle and wildfire evacuation needs, low-carbon fuel standards, gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters from labor, environmental, local government, and industry groups spoke in support of both nominees. The committee approved Hopkins 4-0 with one member not voting, and Lock Dawson 5-0, sending both nominations to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestraw’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety/DTSC oversight board. He described his background in climate and regulatory negotiations and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and listening to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators asked about DTSC reform, the Moss Landing battery fire, community engagement in places like Hinkley/Herupah Valley, fee-setting and the generation-and-handling fee, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Exide cleanup, and the hazardous waste management plan. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his appointment 3-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to the full Senate for confirmation before adjourning.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Feb 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • school transportation, and including child daycare centers and early child education assistance programs
  • It adds family members generally, household members, intimate partners, the person's conservator, any
  • order or an extreme risk protection order, there are two parts to the order to surrender weapons: a future
  • They come to our program. They can get, and that's through a petition process.
  • My name is Kelly Canary, and I'm the managing attorney for the 7105 program at the Washington State Office
Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law

Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • let's put something into place to be as safe as we can possibly be regardless of what happens in the future
  • praised that the President and the Congress reformed the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation
  • lands in the West due to the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Conservation
Summary: The committee first considered HB 2908, which would require any approved U.S. constitutional amendment to be ratified by a bill passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, and would impose oaths, reporting duties, civil penalties, and felony liability on “faithless” constitutional convention delegates. The committee adopted a Fincham amendment changing recall to disqualification and giving the Senate President and House Speaker authority to determine disqualification. Supporters argued the measure would add guardrails against a runaway Article 5 convention, while opponents said the safeguards would be ineffective and could falsely reassure the public. The bill, as amended, passed 4-3. The committee then took up HCR 2047, a resolution recognizing Judea and Samaria as the proper terms for the West Bank and rejecting that label in official state communications. Supporters framed it as a matter of historical and biblical accuracy, while opponents argued it injected the state into foreign policy and raised First Amendment concerns. The resolution passed 4-3. The committee next heard HCM 2006, urging Congress to reform the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act and to reduce burdens on ranchers affected by Mexican gray wolves and related federal rules. The sponsor and supporters said wolf recovery goals had been exceeded and that ranchers were suffering livestock losses, while opponents said existing compensation already exists and that the memorial mischaracterized endangered species protections. The memorial passed 4-3. HB 4042, dealing with paternity actions in termination-of-parental-rights cases by requiring service of the mother within the 30-day timeframe, drew no testimony and passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also approved HCM 2005, which urges Congress to consider restricting foreign ownership of U.S. real property by communist or authoritarian governments; supporters said it was a national security and land-use issue, while opponents criticized the measure as discriminatory. It passed 4-3. HCM 2001, urging the President and Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and directing Arizona law enforcement to identify linked groups, drew testimony from civil rights advocates and community members who said the measure stigmatized Muslims and exceeded state authority; supporters said it was a legitimate federal-policy memorial. It passed 4-3. Finally, HCM 2002, urging Congress to review CAIR for possible terrorist designation, prompted extensive opposition testimony from CAIR representatives and supporters who described the organization’s civil-rights work and warned the memorial would fuel discrimination; supporters argued it was a proper federal request and a response to concerns about CAIR. The memorial passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jul 13th, 2026

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a program that I started three years ago that allows high school students to learn firsthand
  • An act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson, S-2895.
Summary: The Senate took up several matters, beginning with House amendments to Senate No. 2903, an act honoring Blue Star Families. After suspending the rules, the Senate adopted a further amendment and concurred in the House amendment as amended. The bill later received final passage and was enacted. The Senate also enacted two local bills: S-2628, regulating alcohol license issuance in Bolton, and S-2895, further regulating amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson. The chamber adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines. The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure was granted until July 20, 2026, to report on Senate Doc. 3090 concerning consumer connected devices, and the Committee on Revenue received the same extension for Senate Docs. 1947 and 1971 on revenue matters. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 in several petition matters, allowing them to proceed in committee. Several bills were advanced on the calendar and passed to be engrossed, including Senate No. 116 updating the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board, Senate No. 564 designating the Honorable Harold P. Norton Jr. Promenade in Clinton, Senate No. 2570 changing the membership of the Ware River Watershed Advisory Committee, and House No. 2250 dissolving the Watley Water District. The Senate also ordered Senate No. 3137, relating to Mystic River public access and climate resiliency, to a third reading. The session included recognition of visiting high school interns and guests, and it adjourned in memory of David Joseph Gilmartin after adopting a motion to do so.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The ProStart program, we... Education. The ProStart program, we zeroed that out.
  • We added $100,000 to the facility grant program under the... grant program under the arts.
  • This is a pre-k after-school program and education program run through the Y in Birmingham.
  • , the Re-Engage program.
  • Then on line 357, the Resource Conservation Development Program.
Bills: SB113 , SB114 , SB305 , SB111 , HB600 , SB112 , SB150 , SB109 , SB122
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/29/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • education, constitutional literacy, and public engagement among young Americans through educational programming
  • headquartered in Arizona, has grown into a national organization that hosts events, debates, and training programs
  • And I admire what he did for our conservative movements to keep out forces that wanted to drag us down
  • They are also encouraged to proactively seek out materials, programs, and exhibits that represent the
Summary: The House opened with prayer led by Erica Kirk and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a proclamation sponsored by Representatives Teresa Martinez and Matt Gress recognizing Charlie Kirk on National Freedom Day. Several members then gave personal remarks honoring Kirk’s civic engagement, First Amendment advocacy, and legacy, and the chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, visiting students from Carl Hayden High School, and guests from Arizona agriculture and local government. The House then moved through Committee of the Whole action on several bills. In the first committee of the whole, HB 2091, HB 2104, and HB 2105 received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2016 and HB 2022 were retained on the calendar. In the second committee of the whole, members debated HB 2008, with supporters saying it would prevent public money from funding politically biased or sectarian library-related institutions and opponents calling it part of a broader effort to censor and defund libraries; the bill received a 33-23 do-pass recommendation. HB 2046, HB 2116, and HB 2132 also received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2142 was retained. On third reading, HB 2148, a bill amending Title 41 to add provisions relating to federal monies, passed the House by a vote of 33-25 with two not voting and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred several bills to engrossing, announced committee meetings and bill referrals, and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/29/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • education, constitutional literacy, and public engagement among young Americans through educational programming
  • headquartered in Arizona, has grown into a national organization that hosts events, debates, and training programs
  • And I admire what he did for our conservative movement to keep out forces that wanted to drag us down
  • They are also encouraged to proactively seek out materials, programs, and exhibits that represent the
Keywords: 1182, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Working Group on Omnibus Taxes Bill - Part 2 - 05/21/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • tax 4D, the airport property, the issues with grazing, the market, the floriculture issues, the conservation
  • tax 4D, the airport property, the issues with grazing, the market, the floriculture issues, the conservation
  • um market, the floraulture issues, the um market, the floraulture issues, the<00:19:00.799><c> conservation
  • </c><00:19:01.520><c> easement</c><00:19:01.919><c> of</c><00:19:02.160><c> Senator</c> the conservation
  • easement of Senator the conservation easement of Senator Dibbles, Dibbles, Dibbles, um<00:19:04.760>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 4th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You all know about the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. 1706 expands the program to remove
  • is legal under this future bill.
  • Could those programs be challenged... ...programming designed with preference or reference to protected
  • You mentioned, like, a city grant program.
  • as an after-school program that is strictly a STEM program for girls.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0. The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Health and Welfare May 19th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • But every future one should be prevented.
  • Is eligible for the program or not, that happens pretty quickly.
  • That's the way to do it, and that's the way to bring up future generations.
  • We already have strong programs and partners in place.
  • It would align existing programs.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 145, which would require adult residential care providers, especially assisted living centers, to have generators or other backup power arrangements and to submit preparedness plans to LDH. After technical amendments and testimony from the sponsor, LDH, and the assisted living industry clarifying the bill’s scope and cost concerns, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. It then took up SB 433, which would require Medicaid coverage of medically necessary FDA-approved weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications, subject to appropriations and fiscally sustainable coverage criteria; the bill was reported favorably after discussion of current Medicaid coverage and costs. The committee also approved SB 52, which requires better coordination between DCFS and LDH so SNAP and Medicaid benefits can follow children more quickly when they are removed from or returned to a home. Technical amendments changed reporting deadlines and required written notice, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 4 on public water fluoridation was amended to allow local governments or voters to opt out through a petition and election process, with support from the Louisiana Dental Association and others after compromise language was adopted; it was reported favorably with amendments. SB 152, which would prohibit the sale of cultured or lab-grown food products for human consumption, was also reported favorably with amendments after brief testimony in support and opposition. The committee next approved SCR 37, which asks the Surgeon General to review Louisiana’s informed consent laws and report back on any gaps, after discussion that the existing medical disclosure panel had not met since 2018. It then considered SB 194, a public assistance bill aligning Louisiana Medicaid and SNAP rules with recent federal changes on non-citizen eligibility and tightening Medicaid’s reasonable opportunity period for citizenship verification. After extensive debate over immigration, emergency care, and whether the bill could harm eligible applicants or rural hospitals, the committee adopted an amendment allowing LDH discretion for emergency health care services and reported the bill favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, HCR 113 created a task force to study gestational carrier agreements and assisted reproductive regulation; after debate over surrogacy, ethics, and referral to Civil Law, the committee rejected the referral motion and then reported the resolution favorably, and the meeting moved on to SB 333 on child-in-need-of-care proceedings and legal representation funding.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Certainly, when our program starts, we don't know what it's going to cost.
  • that will cover more than the costs of this program to oversee.
  • I do think that there are several programs in here that I think not only the programs, but the way it
  • I do think that there are several programs in here that I think not only the programs, but the way it
  • I know there are other programs, as Mr. Lee had suggested.
Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 518 on low-impact camping areas. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for small rural camping operations on private land, expand outdoor access, and support rural economies, while opponents from campground associations and counties warned it could undermine existing regulation, create enforcement problems, and allow advertising of unpermitted sites. Members raised concerns about fire safety and local control, but the bill was ultimately passed as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee then approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General. Supporters said mobile home residents need stronger enforcement against egregious park-owner violations, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, costly, and should remain subject to a sunset. After discussion of the program’s surplus and enforcement role, the bill passed 9-1. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and broadens eligibility for affordable units to students, faculty, and staff, also drew strong support from student advocates and housing groups and respectful opposition from the League of California Cities over local control and height limits; it passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, would require stronger emergency preparedness measures in mobile home parks, including accessible exits, working fire hydrants, and gas shutoff access, with a fee increase to fund enforcement. Supporters framed it as a life-safety measure in disaster-prone areas, while opponents argued the bill duplicates existing requirements and imposes an unnecessary fee increase. The committee voted 6-1 to send it to Appropriations, with the bill left on call. The consent calendar, including several other housing and local government bills, was approved 8-0. The committee also heard AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee protections for applicants enforcing state housing laws against public agencies; supporters said it would improve compliance, while special districts opposed the bill as overly broad and unclear. Members discussed indemnification and timing issues, and the bill was advanced with amendments to Judiciary.
VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Mar 5th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill authorizes retired sworn officers, registered special conservators of the peace, and technicians
  • What this bill does is require those people who are administering the program to be properly trained
  • Who are administering these programs to be properly trained because there's no training at all right
  • I would guess that if a person challenges it, then the person administering the program would show up
  • The person administering the program would then look at that to see, hey, this car goes through, has
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • member_3738) and Schiff's (member_3508) bill directing SBA to publish its reports on the disaster loan program
  • data of employees and the millions of small business owners and homeowners who have utilized SBA programs
  • . of small business owners and homeowners who have utilized SBA programs.
  • The bill, as amended, gives SBA the flexibility to conserve funding when the disaster accounts run low
  • bill is common sense legislation that requires the SBA to publish its report on the Disaster Loan Program
Bills: SB298 , SB300 , SB371
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 01/29/25

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hydropower is a key energy resource as we develop our system toward a carbon-free future while keeping
  • </c> option to select for an SMR as a future option to select for an SMR as a future energy<01:25:35.400
  • My name is Rachel Stucky, executive director of the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum.
  • Technologies, we can create a clean energy future that works for every community in our state.
  • </c> Legacy that will burden future Legacy that will burden future Generations<01:46:32.119><c> as</c
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Rules - 02/09/2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 672, by Senator Hinchey, in act by Environmental Conservation Law, moved by Senator Lanza
  • Enacts by the Environmental Conservation Law, moved by Senator Mayer, Senator Conner? All in favor?
Committee: Senate Rules
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Rules met and considered several bills for reporting. Senate Bill 672, sponsored by Senator Hinchey and relating to the Environmental Conservation Law, was moved and seconded and then reported out of committee. Senate Bill 1180, sponsored by Senator Gianaris and involving an act by Senator Fernandez and Senator Mayer, was also reported. The committee likewise reported Senate Bill 1618, sponsored by Senator Rivera and relating to the Public Health Law, after a motion and second. Senate Bill 972, sponsored by Senator Hark and amending the Environmental Conservation Law, was also moved, seconded, and reported. In each case, the chair asked for objections, none were raised, and the votes were unanimous. Overall, all bills taken up in the meeting were reported without opposition, and the record indicates that all votes were in agreement.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, Senator Rothfuss, it was out of sort of a conservative approach and interpretation that may
  • sort</c><00:10:04.480><c> of</c><00:10:04.640><c> a</c><00:10:05.680><c> a</c><00:10:06.000><c> conservative
  • </c><00:10:06.560><c> approach</c><00:10:07.360><c> and</c> um sort of a a conservative approach and
  • um sort of a a conservative approach and interpretation<00:10:08.480><c> that</c><00:10:09.200><c> may
  • Uh, the $43,000 is for IT programming that we're going to need to do in order to administer this. >>
Bills: SF0102 , SF0123 , SF0021 , SF0099
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-05 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Relating to tax credit programs, the bill extends the child care tax credit program championed by Representative
  • My hope and expectation is that future members of this body My hope and expectation is that future members
  • Florida Educational Leadership Program, led by Dr.
  • This is looking at a clean future.
  • It is a voluntary specialty court program.
Keywords: 998, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two service members killed in the Middle East, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members adopted the special order report and then began taking up the special order calendar. The first major measure was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which included a hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday, a back-to-school holiday moved earlier in the summer, property tax changes for mobile home parks and other exemptions, reductions in pari-mutuel taxes and fees, extensions and expansions of several tax credit programs, vacation-rental tax collection changes, and a full decoupling from federal tax changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill drew questions about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution, housing and home-hardening provisions, and family tax relief, while opponents objected to the firearm-related tax break. HB 7031 passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, which updates business development rules, board membership, and creates a strategic spaceport hub designation. CS/CS HB 639/CS SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened financial and nonprofit requirements for plate sponsors. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed after debate on pharmacy benefit manager reforms requiring equal reimbursement, prohibiting forced losses on drugs, and allowing consolidated appeals. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed with an amendment clarifying fingerprinting provisions, and CS/CS HB 527 passed with a human-review requirement for insurance claim denials so AI cannot be the sole basis for denying or reducing claims. Additional bills approved included CS HB 1449, which limits use of the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program when a claim is already in the federal process and, by amendment, narrows the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims of $50,000 or less; CS HB 93, requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers, which passed overwhelmingly after emotional bipartisan praise for the sponsor’s multi-session effort; and CS HB 1217, which prohibits governmental entities from adopting net-zero greenhouse gas policies, after Democrats argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts and Republicans argued it protects energy reliability and affordability. The House also passed CS/CS HB 1461 establishing a framework for licensing and regulating advanced nuclear reactors, with supporters framing it as a step toward reliable, affordable, cleaner energy. Later, CS HB 1229 on residential homes for medically or technologically dependent children was explained as creating a licensure program for medically complex children’s homes and was rolled over for final passage as the transcript ended.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The program was embraced by this committee. We greatly thank this committee for that.
  • The evaluation was done of the doctor's program. The ongoing monitoring is done.
  • With the amendments that have been added to 13307, we think that model of the doctor's program has been
  • Not only for them to have a good future, but also to serve our community.
  • This program helps small businesses stay operational and provides a bridge to licensure.
Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jul 12 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • that talk about the Child Care Tax Credit Program for two years.
  • Those programs continue as we go forward.
  • at 565, the third year to implement that program.
  • Those are important programs.
  • We created more winners and more losers in these programs.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/11/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Among them was my father, who was assemblyman and chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee at
  • Their contributions continue to shape the identity, strength, and future of our great state and great
  • THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE IDENTITY, STRENGTH -- STRENGTH AND FUTURE OF OUR GREAT STATE
  • York State has been built by immigrants and enriched by diversity and guided by the hope of a better future
  • direct the Department of Financial Services to direct a study on the banking development district program
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened with routine business, including approval of the prior journal and several messages from the Assembly to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills. The chamber then took up a budget extender, Senate Print 10262/Assembly Bill 11295, which would appropriate $2.9 billion to keep state government operating through May 14 while budget negotiations continued. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in reaching a full budget and criticized the lack of clarity on major policy issues, conference committees, school aid timing, and a proposed $1 billion utility ratepayer relief plan, arguing the state’s spending and affordability problems were worsening. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were in the final stretch and that the extender was necessary to maintain government operations. The extender passed 59-1 after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. The Senate also considered a major election-law bill, Senate Print 88A, providing for automatic voter registration and pre-registration through DMV, Medicaid, and NYCHA-related transactions. Senator Walczyk’s proposed amendment to require voter ID was ruled nongermane, and his appeal was rejected. The bill prompted extended debate over whether the process would protect against non-citizen registration or instead remove barriers for eligible voters. Supporters, including Senator Gianaris, said it would streamline registration and help eligible but unregistered New Yorkers participate; Senator Zellner said it would strengthen the process. Opponents, including Senators Walczyk, Borrello, Helming, Rhoads, and Martins, warned it would shift responsibility away from bipartisan boards of elections, create administrative errors, and risk improper registration. The bill ultimately passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar, with senators explaining votes along party lines. The chamber also adopted or advanced several resolutions and recognized guests. Senator Gallivan’s Police Week resolution drew remarks honoring fallen officers and law enforcement families, with Senators Chan, Rolison, Weik, Ryan, and Myrie speaking in support. Senator Sepúlveda’s resolution commemorating Dominicans in Albany was also discussed, with praise for the Dominican community’s contributions to New York and supportive remarks from Senator Chan. In addition, the Senate heard introductions for guests from Allen A.M.E. Church and the creators of the documentary “Teenage Wasteland.”