Video & Transcript : 'James Capers Jr.' :
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Michael Gyo Jr., vice chair of the LGBTQ+ commission, he/him pronouns.
- Michael Cobb Jr. in opposition. Philip Steinbacher in support. Andrea Simpliciano in support.
- Michael Cobb in opposition.<00:21:06.480><c> Michael</c><00:21:06.799><c> Cobb</c><00:21:07.039><c> Jr
- Michael Cobb Jr. in opposition.
- .,</c><00:24:50.960><c> are</c> Um, Michael Goloyo Jr., are you still there?
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 666, the nomination of Rose Kea to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from business and community members, and Kea described her background as a real estate broker, small business owner, and nonprofit volunteer leader, saying her experience with workplace equity and women-owned businesses would help the commission. Senators questioned her about the connection between her background and the commission’s work, and about how she would respond to current threats to women’s rights; she said the commission should serve as a unifying and leading force for gender equity. The committee later voted to advise and consent, with the chair’s recommendation adopted.
The committee also considered SCR 128 and SR 107, which sought information on state lands leased to the federal government. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the resolutions as drafted, saying the AG does not maintain the lease inventory and that the request should instead go to the agencies that manage the land, such as DLNR, DOE, and DOT. The committee amended the measures to ask the AG to determine whether there are constitutional or other legal impediments to continued leasing or new leases, including whether nominal lease amounts violate law, and then passed both with amendments.
Next, the committee took up STR 153 and SR 123, which request the County of Maui to complete the transfer of the Hoie roads, including Hoie Road F, to resolve jurisdictional ambiguities. The judiciary administrator testified in support, and the measures were passed, with the committee adopting the chair’s recommendation. Finally, the committee heard STR 179 and SR 149 on reviewing the Hawaii Revised Statutes for gender-neutral language. The LGBTQ+ Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women supported the effort, though the women’s commission asked for more time and a set date to dissolve the work group. The committee amended the resolutions to assign the review to the Legislative Reference Bureau, with consultation from the LGBTQ+ Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, civil rights experts, and law-related organizations, and set interim and final reporting deadlines before passing the measures with amendments.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 6 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute for Joseph Joe Crowley, Jr
- Joseph Crowley Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
- Joseph Crowley, Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
Summary:
The House opened with routine proceedings, including the adoption of a resolution congratulating Anna Karaza on her 100th birthday after the rules were suspended. The chamber also received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to address federal tax changes in Massachusetts, which was referred to the Committee on Revenue. In addition, the House concurred in Senate petitions concerning student access to food and nutritional information and a celiac disease screening pilot program, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 for petitions including another celiac screening pilot program and a sick leave bank for a Department of Transitional Assistance employee.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several local bills for consideration, including measures involving Boston police age requirements, a bridge designation in New Bedford, tax deferrals in Wellesley, and a Westwood charter change. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave second readings and ordered several bills to a third reading, including Boston police age-waiver bills, the New Bedford bridge designation, and local bills for Wellesley and Westwood. The House then passed to be enacted two engrossed bills amending the Provincetown charter and establishing an appointed town clerk in Avon, and it also passed a Westwood alcohol license bill to be enacted.
The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Joseph Crowley Jr. of Woburn, honoring his long service to the community and school committee. Later, the chamber passed several bills to be engrossed, including Boston police age-waiver bills for Pierre Charles Darius and Kenny Gatow and a Plainville charter amendment. A Senate bill amending the Sandwich charter was also engrossed after the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Walsh. The House then recessed and later adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 6 Jan 22nd, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute for Joseph Joe Crowley, Jr
- Joseph Crowley Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
- Joseph Crowley Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly took up several routine matters. Members adopted a congratulatory resolution for Anna Karaza on her 100th birthday after suspending the rules. The Governor’s message on legislation to manage federal tax changes in Massachusetts, House No. 4975, was referred to the Committee on Revenue. The House also concurred in a Senate petition on a celiac disease screening pilot program, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended for that petition and for a separate sick leave bank bill for Sonia Felix.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several local bills for consideration, including bills on Boston police age requirements for Antonio Pires and Cheryl Malice, a bridge naming in New Bedford, a Wellesley tax deferral bill, and a Westwood charter bill. The House suspended Rule 7A as needed, gave second readings, and ordered the bills to third reading. It then passed to be enacted engrossed bills amending the Provincetown charter, establishing an appointed town clerk in Avon, and authorizing a Westwood alcohol license reissuance and new license.
The House also observed a moment of silence for Joseph Crowley Jr. of Woburn, honoring his long service to the community and school committee. Later, the chamber passed several bills to be engrossed, including Boston police age-waiver bills for Pierre Charles Darius and Kenny Gatow, a Plainville charter amendment, and a Sandwich charter bill. The Sandwich bill was amended on the floor by Representative Walsh before being engrossed. The House then recessed and later adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 6 Jan 22nd, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute for Joseph Joe Crowley, Jr
- Joseph Crowley Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
- Joseph Crowley Jr. was a man of faith, integrity, and kindness.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1844 updates the judges' retirement system 2, or JRS 2, to allow judges to designate a non-spouse
- AB 1844 updates the judges' retirement system 2, or JRS 2, to allow judges to designate a non-spouse
- Under current law, JRS 2 judges may generally designate only a spouse or registered domestic partner
- AB 1844 ensures fair and consistent treatment of judges and aligns JRS 2 with every other public retirement
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral.
On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption.
The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 2 (1-7-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolution 20, resolution adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Leonard Len Marian Spalding Jr
- 00:06:33.440><c> Len</c><00:06:33.919><c> Marian</c><00:06:34.479><c> Spalding</c><00:06:35.120><c> Jr
- </c><00:06:35.840><c> Senator</c> Leonard Len Marian Spalding Jr.
- Senator Leonard Len Marian Spalding Jr.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution is honoring Lieutenant Colonel Harry... honoring Lieutenant Colonel Harry Thaddius Stewart Jr
- Senate Resolution honoring the life of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Thaddius Stewart Jr.
- Thaddius Stewart Jr.
- by the Senate of the Legislature of Alabama, that the death of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Fus Stewart Jr
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a panel with James Mackie, Ethan Reese, and Jason. Hello, thank you for having us.
- My name is James Mackey. I am the Associate Director for Government Relations.
- My name is Pace McConkey Jr., and I'm the policy manager of the Lewis D.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have James from Bike Delaware here as an expert witness, if there happen to be any questions that I
- I want to recognize my constituent James from Bike Delaware in the chamber. Welcome to the chamber.
- advertisement contained several minor factual inaccuracies, such as the number of times that Martin Luther King Jr
Summary:
The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout.
Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage.
The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-17 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Jackson has for decades been a national spokesperson for African Americans
- than 25 members from across the state, led by Executive Director Jessica Cox and Board Chair Aaron James
- than 25 members from across the state, led by Executive Director Jessica Cox and Board Chair Aaron James
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session (Part 2 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask that the Assembly adjourn in memory of Robert Greer Park, Jr., known affectionately as Bob.
- Over the past three years, James has presided over our caucus.
- just because nobody else wanted to do it, but it's because we have a great deal of respect for what James
Summary:
The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting.
The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal.
Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session (Part 2 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask that the Assembly adjourn in memory of Robert Greer Park, Jr., known affectionately as Bob.
- Over the past three years, James has presided over our caucus.
- just because nobody else wanted to do it, but it's because we have a great deal of respect for what James
Summary:
The meeting began with procedural announcements, a vote change on SB 414, and adoption of the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range. Members also agreed to take several Senate messages up without reference to file. A point of order was raised urging members to respect staff by arriving on time after a late-night session.
The main floor debate centered on SB 237, a major oil and gas measure. Supporters said it would help stabilize fuel supply and prices, address refinery closures, strengthen offshore pipeline safety, clarify Kern County oil permitting, and allow possible suspension of the summer gasoline blend. Opponents argued it was a giveaway to big oil and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. The Assembly then passed SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package that would reduce ratepayer costs, strengthen the wildfire fund, and speed utility infrastructure and clean energy permitting; it passed 58-0. SB 840, the cap-and-invest reauthorization and spending framework, drew the most divided debate, with supporters emphasizing climate policy, transit, housing, and community investments, and opponents calling it a tax increase and slush fund; it passed 54-15 on the urgency and 54-15 on the measure. AB 1207, the Assembly’s cap-and-invest reauthorization bill, also passed, 55-10 on both urgency and the measure.
Members also approved SB 352 to make the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and require more reporting on air quality and AB 825 to create a Westwide electricity market, which supporters said would lower costs, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; AB 825 passed 67-2. AB 8, a cannabinoids bill with Senate amendments, was concurred in 66-0, and AB 383, a firearms cleanup bill, was concurred in 66-0. The session ended with immediate transmittals of the major measures to the Senate or Governor as applicable.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Aug 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a fifth generation New Mexican and third-generation owner of James Hamilton Construction, headquartered
- James Hamilton Construction has built tens of thousands of miles of roadway, bridges, airports, earthwork
- And I started a property and casualty business about 12 years ago, and my son Michael Jr.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Mallory Dimmett, Tracy Dean, Marley Fuller, Carlton Ward Jr., and Jason Luritzen.
- in Orange County, Harris Rosen Way in Orange County, Harry Frisch Street in Duval County, Senator James
- Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway, Geraldine Thompson Way, Harris Rosen Way, Harry Frisch Street, Senator James
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions and moments of silence recognizing recent tragedies and public figures, including students affected by the FSU shooting, John Thrasher, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, and conservation and youth groups visiting the chamber. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim and Senate Resolution 1892 recognizing Florida Wildlife Corridor Week.
The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, passing several bills with little or no opposition. Measures approved included child care and early learning provider regulation updates (SB 738, 37-0), false reporting/swatting penalties and cost recovery (SB 726, 38-0), health care billing and collection protections/medical debt (SB 656, 38-0), hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren (SB 650, 38-0), young adult housing support for foster and homeless students (SB 584, 38-0), the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program disclosure bill (SB 508, 37-1), trust fund interest for court-approved purposes after a debated amendment (SB 498, 28-10), transportation and traffic-safety changes including school bus camera hearings and micromobility rules (SB 462, 37-0), public records exemptions for AHCA investigators and JQC/appellate court clerks (SB 342, 34-4; SB 302, 35-3; SB 300, 35-3), municipal water and sewer utility rate fairness for Miami Gardens/North Miami Beach (SB 202/HB 11, 36-2), motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonation (SB 44/HB 253, 36-0), trespass at large-scale ticketed events and law-enforcement-controlled sites (SB 1828/HB 1447, 35-1), patient refund of overpayments (SB 1808, 37-0), stem cell therapy standards (SB 1768, 37-0), insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives (SB 1736/HB 1567, 38-0), and pre-arranged transportation services/rideshare impersonation (SB 1696/HB 1525, 37-0). Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, and education.
Debate centered most heavily on the trust fund interest bill, with supporters arguing it would stabilize funding and better reflect market rates, and opponents warning it would sharply reduce legal aid funding and hurt access to justice. The transportation bill also drew extensive questions and amendments, including removal of a speed-limit increase, changes to school bus infraction hearing procedures, micromobility regulation, and flood-wake enforcement. The municipal water bill prompted constitutional and fairness concerns, while the public records bills were defended as necessary to protect investigators and court personnel from doxing and harassment. Most measures ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support, though the scholarship disclosure bill and trust fund interest bill drew the most visible dissent.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Holmes Jr., Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. stand to testify on behalf of the University
- James Crawford III. president of TSU to stand and testify on behalf of the Texas Southern University.
- I'm James Crawford, I'm privileged to be President of Texas Southern University.
Committee:
House Higher Education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Hi, my name is Lisa Matus, mother of Richard Matus Jr.
- My name is James Fontaine.
- My name is James Fontaine.
- James King with the L.A. Baker Center for Human Rights. James King with the L.A.
- Kevin James here from the city attorney's office.
Committee:
House Public Safety
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS, Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- James Wallace, in opposition, also. Are you present? Yes. Okay, please proceed.
- James Raiden Raymond in support. Corey Harden in support. consecutive. consecutive.
- James Raiden Raymond in in support.
- James Island, City and in support.
- James Barros, Hawaii HIE, in support. James Barros, Hawaii HIE, in support.
Summary:
The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections.
The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript.
The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr. was an educator at Castlemont High School with deep passions for community
- Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr.
- Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr. We're at Californian, Dr. Marvin Lovell Boomer Jr. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request.
The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Up next we have Albert Chi Jr. of Island Energy Services in support.
- /c><00:18:30.280><c> have</c><00:18:30.799><c> Albert</c><00:18:31.799><c> Chi</c><00:18:32.320><c> Jr
- </c><00:18:32.640><c> of</c><00:18:32.760><c> Island</c> up next we have Albert Chi Jr of Island up next
- we have Albert Chi Jr of Island Energy<00:18:33.640><c> Services</c><00:18:34.120><c> and</c> support
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on April 1 and first took up HR 63 HD1 and HCR 70 HD1, which urge the Department of Transportation to facilitate and accelerate adoption of sustainable aviation fuels to help decarbonize Hawaii’s transportation sector and meet climate goals. Testimony was mixed: supporters included representatives of Island Energy Services, Par Hawaii, Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, Life of the Land, and the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, who said aviation emissions are a major challenge for Hawaii and that further research and development of renewable fuels is needed. Opponents, including the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and Energy Justice Network, argued the resolutions would undermine the state’s greenhouse-gas reduction commitments, rely on non-carbon-free fuels, and could create land, water, and biosecurity concerns. One member, Rep. Moroka, said his concern was the word “accelerate” because of potential damage from improperly stored biofuels. The committee voted to pass HR 63 HD1 and HCR 70 HD1, with Rep. Moroka voting no and the remaining voting members in favor.
The committee then heard HR 136 and HCR 142, which urge the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display kākau art in all neighbor island airports. The only noted testimony was written comments from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and there was no additional oral testimony or discussion. The committee voted to move the measures out as is, and the recommendation was adopted without opposition.
The meeting adjourned after both sets of measures were approved.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- talking about critical incidents, obviously this year in DCYF, and there's a lot of conversations around JR
- We need to be working on programs both inside our JR facilities for men and women to do as much as we
- We have some additional money for the block grant for our JR residents that are getting out and trying
- We have additional staffing in our JR facilities to help ease those concerns around overcrowding.
- something that's kind of on my list of things to hear about: how those investments are doing in our JR
Summary:
The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 1873 would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income, with copays waived to the extent allowed by federal law. The prime sponsor and student testifiers argued that child care costs and limited stipends force student parents to choose between education and family responsibilities, while some members raised questions about program cost, uptake, and return on investment.
The committee also heard HB 2600, which would require DSHS to update the Supported Living Cost Report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving compensation for direct support professionals. Supporters, including SEIU-affiliated workers, said the bill would increase transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline caregivers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed, that the bill would add administrative burden, and that recent rate increases have already been passed through to wages and benefits.
In executive session, the committee considered three Senate bills. It adopted a striking technical amendment and voted 9-1 to report out SSB 5911, which protects funds for youth in extended foster care and raises the threshold for protected accounts. It then voted 10-0 to report out SSB 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more people with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations. Finally, it voted 7-3 to report out SSB 6184, which updates Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, including expanding eligibility for emerging adults up to age 21. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion focused on future work on critical incidents, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities data, homelessness, child care, and facility tours.