Video & Transcript : 'black mangrove' :
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Beckham Black, Cameron Smith. Christopher Hunt Junior.
- HR Number 794 by Reynolds, recognizing April 8th, 2025 as Black Lawyers and Students Day at the state
- Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 8th, 2025 as Black Lawyers and Students Day at the Texas Capitol
- the pioneering spirit of Barbara Jordan herself, the first Southern black woman elected to the US House
- And as I sort of said before, there need to be more black lawyers.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus... Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- He knew that when Black and Brown communities unite, we can tear down systems built to divide us.
- In the 1960s and '70s, Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Black
- He was a key player on the national championship-winning team and served as chair of the Black Student
- He was a key player on the national championship-winning team and served as chair of the Black Student
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode.
On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 24, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Black, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Black? Usada? No. Cheney? Yes. Campbell? Ricko? Thank you. Campbell, yes. Greco, yes. Grow, yes.
- Black? Yes. Busada? Yes. Campbell? Yes. Cheney? Yes. Rico? Yes. Campbell. Yes. Cheney. Yes. Rico.
- Black? Yes. Campbell? Yes. Cheney? Yes. Graco? Yes. Grow? Yes. Art? Johnson? Grow? Yes. Hart? Yes.
- Black? Yes. Lusata? Yes. Hart? Yes. Ken Cart Johnson? Mello? Yes. Overdorf? Yes, ma'am. Renando?
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda of health care and public health bills. The first major item was HB 649, which would remove the paper supervision protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and allow autonomous practice. The sponsor and supporters argued it would improve access, especially in rural areas, address workforce shortages, and reduce costs, while opponents from the medical community raised patient safety concerns and argued it would weaken physician oversight. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a vote of 18-7.
The committee then unanimously advanced several other measures. HB 259, creating a special observance for fentanyl awareness and education, passed 23-0. HB 791, which codifies infant safety devices as an option for surrendering newborns and amends safe-haven law, passed as amended 25-0. HB 355, allowing schools to use FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than only naloxone, passed 26-0. HB 1119, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric readiness policies, training, coordination, and assessment requirements, also passed 26-0 after two amendments. HB 431, changing the date for level-two background screening of athletic coaches to July 1, 2026, passed 26-0.
Later, the committee approved CS for HB 907, the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases or “Sunshine Genetics Act,” which would establish an opt-in newborn genome sequencing program at FSU and a statewide consortium for rare disease research; supporters emphasized earlier diagnosis and cost savings, and the bill passed 25-0. CS for HB 519, aligning state law with federal law on controlled substances for paramedics, passed 25-0. Finally, CS for HB 723, requiring the Department of Health to provide early-detection materials for type 1 diabetes to families of young schoolchildren, passed as amended 26-0. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As our nation celebrates Black History Month, I rise to honor Staten Island's own Black Angels.
- </c><00:32:44.960><c> History</c> on a new role at the dbo Black History on a new role at the dbo Black
- </c><00:35:27.040><c> women</c> friends an organization of black women friends an organization of black
- </c> working tirelessly to recognize black working tirelessly to recognize black history<00:35:44.119
- </c> arrest the regime has given the Black arrest the regime has given the Black Sea<02:08:04.400><c>
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 4th, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representatives Walsh Moore, Amato, Black, Brown, Falkner, Fowler, Gallick, Hales, Meirath, Mosley, Reuter
- Black? Aye. Brown? Faulkner? Aye. Gallick? Hales? No. Meirath? Aye. Mosley? No. Reuter? Aye.
- Representative Black? To inquire, Madam Chair. Please proceed. Thank you. I'm not sure.
- Representative Black: Thank you, gentlemen. I am confused.
- Representative Black: Thank you, gentlemen.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1087 from Senator Joe Nicola, which would update limited driving privileges and create a process to suspend licenses after repeated failures to appear or pay for minor moving traffic violations. Nicola said the bill was intended to improve public safety and municipal court compliance without restoring the pre-2015 system of fines and fees. Supporters, including officials from Independence, O’Fallon, and the Missouri Municipal League, argued that municipal court reform had sharply reduced citations and increased failure-to-appear rates, leaving courts with too little leverage to ensure compliance and creating safety problems for repeat offenders. They said the bill would preserve discretion, protect work and basic travel needs, and help law enforcement and courts address chronic noncompliance. Opponents, including the State Public Advocate, argued the bill would restore a cash-cow system, burden low-income residents, and create harsh consequences for missed notices or address problems. The hearing closed without a vote on SB 1087.
The committee then moved into executive session and reconsidered House Bill 2288, ultimately voting to reconsider and then voting the bill due pass by a 10-5 margin. The committee also adopted a substitute and passed House Bill 3006 due pass by 13-1, passed House Bill 2289 due pass by 10-3 with one present, and passed House Bill 2906 due pass by 13-1 after adopting an amendment and rolling it into a substitute. Members discussed procedural issues about quorum and the reconsideration motion during the HB 2288 vote.
Later, the committee heard House Bill 3491 from Representative Don Mayhew, which would codify English-language proficiency requirements for commercial driver’s license holders and impose penalties on drivers and motor carriers when those requirements are violated. Mayhew and a Lincoln County prosecutor described a recent Highway 61 incident involving a Minnesota CDL holder who could not communicate in English, could not identify his location, and was taken out of service after a Highway Patrol proficiency test. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal rules in state statute, improve safety, and hold both drivers and carriers accountable. Some members questioned whether the bill was redundant with federal law, whether it would be enforceable before an accident, and whether the language was too broad, especially the phrase about conversing with the general public. The prosecutor said the current tools are mostly reactive and that the bill would help remove dangerous drivers and penalize carriers, but no final action was taken on HB 3491 in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Happy Black History Month. With that being said, Huey P.
- and brown people for surveillance, investigation, and prosecution. ...and unjustly target Black and
- I believe Black Lives Matter. I believe that marginalized community members need our care the most.
- And, you know, I'm proud to sit here as a Black woman, Democrat.
- something like Black History Month?
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for CS for HB 1471, which would bar Florida courts from enforcing foreign or religious law that conflicts with the U.S. or Florida Constitution, create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations, and prohibit public funds from supporting such organizations. The sponsor said the bill protects constitutional supremacy, due process, and taxpayer dollars, while opponents argued it was vague, targeted religion, and could be used to suppress dissent and protected speech. Members debated whether a conviction was required, who would make designations, and what consequences would follow; an amendment changing student expulsion language from “may” to “shall” was adopted. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the bill passed 16-4 and was reported favorably with amendment.
The committee then heard CS for CS for HB 1071, an education bill covering parental opt-outs for certain health instruction, required instruction on embryology, fetal development, and HIV/AIDS, math plan requirements, student-led organizations, epinephrine access, instructional material review, safe-school officer options, and chronic absenteeism reporting. The sponsor framed it as a parental rights, academics, accountability, and safety measure, while opponents said parts of the bill would restrict sex education, chill student organizations, and undermine DEI-related activities and LGBTQ student groups. Several amendments were offered by the ranking member to remove or soften the provisions restricting funding for DEI and social/political activism, but those amendments failed.
The committee adopted a Trabulsy amendment requiring districts to publicize virtual instruction options, and another amendment clarifying reading-coach language and safe-school officer options, as well as an amendment giving publishers an appeals process if removed for noncompliant materials. A final Trabulsy amendment requiring annual reporting of chronic absenteeism by grade level was also adopted. Public testimony on the bill remained sharply divided, with supporters emphasizing embryology, parental rights, and school safety, and opponents warning about censorship, reduced reproductive health education, and harm to student expression. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on HB 1071, before final committee action on the bill is shown.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you to the Black Caucus of Maryland who helped arrange today.
- So, um, thank you to the Black Caucus for helping to coordinate and set up the arrangements.
- Thank you to the um Black Caucus well.
- </c><00:22:51.440><c> And</c><00:22:51.600><c> she</c> prominent black history figure.
- And she prominent black history figure.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- It appears as though when you got the first report about the discipline being harsher on Black attorneys
- Black male attorneys and white male attorneys. Yes. As a result of that, some studies were done.
- In particular, larger numbers of complaints against Black male lawyers.
- It unfortunately reminds me of our criminal justice system as well, where we say we have more Blacks
- “But it was one of the bigger black eyes.” “I agree with that.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 17 (1-30-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution 70, resolution honoring the 22nd Black History Celebration and recognizing that Black
- Resolution honoring the 22nd<00:29:54.799><c> Black</c><00:29:55.120><c> History</c><00:29:55.600><c>
- Celebration</c><00:29:56.559><c> and</c> 22nd Black History Celebration and 22nd Black History Celebration
- and recognizing<00:29:57.600><c> that</c><00:29:58.000><c> black</c><00:29:58.320><c> history</c><00
- :29:58.960><c> is</c> recognizing that black history is recognizing that black history is American<00
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Vice Chair Black: HERE. >> Ranking Member Nixon: HERE. >> Rep. Albert: HERE. >> Rep.
- REPRESENTATIVE BLACK YOU ARE RECOGNIZED IN DEBATE. >> THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR, THANK YOU REPRESENTATIVE
- >>Chair Trabulsy: THANK YOU, REPRESENTATIVE BLACK YOU MAY CONTINUE.
- >>Vice Chair Black: YES. >>Rep. Boyles: YES. >>Rep. Gossett-Seidman: YES. >>Rep. Holcomb: YES.
- >>Vice Chair Black: YES. >>Rep. Boyles: YES. >>Rep. Gossett-Seidman: YES. >>Rep. Holcomb: YES.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 16th, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Oehlerking, Representatives Walsh Moore, present; Amato, Black, Brown, Faulkner, here; Fowler
- Black? Aye. Brown... Amato? Aye. Black? Aye. Brown? Faulkner? Aye. Fowler? Gallic? Hales? No.
- Black? Aye. Brown? Falkner? Aye. Fowler? Gallick? Hales? Aye. Meirath? Mosley? Aye. Aye. Mosley?
- Black? Aye. Brown? Falkner? Aye. Fowler? Gallick? Hales? Aye. Meirath? Mosley? Aye. Gallick, Hales?
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senator Manka Dhingra Press Conference Feb 13th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- There's over 100,000 missing Black women and girls, and most people cannot name one.
- There was a study published by the Urban League that was highlighted by the Black and Missing Foundation
- By the Urban League that was highlighted by the Black and Missing Foundation, that did an interview with
- And they asked, why did they target Black women and girls?
- experiencer, this is something that is near and dear to my heart because there was over 100,000 missing black
Summary:
Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra opened a press conference focused on survivor-centered policies and funding for victim services, saying the state should continue supporting survivors despite a difficult budget climate and reduced federal support. She highlighted prior state actions such as extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault, restricting firearms for abusers, protecting survivors from discrimination, easing access to protection orders, and addressing female genital mutilation, while emphasizing the need to fund services that are trauma-informed and victim-centered.
Much of the event focused on the request to restore about $21.38 million in victim services funding. Colleen McIngles of the King County Children’s Justice Center warned that without the funding, programs statewide would close, eliminating forensic interviewers, advocates, and coordinated response teams. Kate Garvey of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center said agencies have already laid off staff and are triaging clients, and that the money would only maintain existing services. Several speakers tied the need for funding to broader public safety and survivor support, including references to federal VOCA cuts and the national reckoning over the Epstein case.
Legislators also discussed several bills. Sen. T’wina Nobles described SB 5169, which would reduce the need for child victims and witnesses to repeatedly relive trauma in court. Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Roger Goodman discussed HB 1591, which would provide mitigating treatment, resentencing options, and possible vacatur for survivors whose criminal conduct was connected to coercion or abuse. Rep. Chris Stearns and Sen. Tina Orwall discussed court-process reforms in SB 6017 and related efforts to prevent retraumatization of sexual assault survivors, along with recognition of female genital mutilation as sexual assault. Rep. Lauren Davis shared her personal experience with domestic violence and argued that cuts to system-based victim advocacy have left many survivors without support. The press conference also celebrated unanimous Senate passage of the Ebony Alert bill, which advocates said is needed to improve responses to missing Black women and girls; speakers urged the House to pass it next.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 28th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My understanding, well, it's actually black and brown women, but particularly black women, black trans
- Victims were black trans women. In 2023, it was about 16 black trans women.
- And if this bill forces black trans women to use a space...
- Can't go against the Blacks because we don't want to seem racist.
- It creates a special danger for black trans.
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- There were no Black people, there were no people of color.
- Because on top of all of that, I am a Black male in America.
- Black people are a federally protected group.
- We were so used to the marginalization and the dehumanization of Black men and Black women that there
- Black, you came under that program and participated.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met at 10:07 a.m. and approved the minutes from its February 9 meeting. The commission said it would accept Department of Correction testimony in writing because of a scheduling issue, and then spent most of the hearing hearing from people with lived experience in county and state correctional settings. Members repeatedly reminded witnesses to keep remarks to about three minutes and focused the discussion on correctional consolidation, collaboration, programming, and reentry.
Testimony from multiple sheriff’s offices was broadly supportive of county-based programming, treatment, education, and reentry services. Witnesses from Hampshire, Barnstable, Hampden, and Franklin counties described access to GED and college courses, vocational training, recovery meetings, therapeutic groups, housing and ID assistance, work release, and reentry centers. Several said these programs helped them gain sobriety, employment, family reunification, and parole readiness. Hampden County witnesses emphasized immediate reentry planning and individualized case management; Franklin County witnesses praised respectful treatment and an accessible off-site reentry center; Barnstable witnesses highlighted the women’s therapeutic treatment program, creative writing, and the Bridge Center; Hampshire witnesses described the Bridge House, work release, and transition supports.
Several witnesses contrasted those experiences with what they described as limited or delayed programming in DOC facilities, especially for people serving longer sentences or with restrictive classifications. One witness said DOC programming was hard to access because shorter sentences and offense labels affected eligibility; another described overcrowding, little counseling, and no reentry planning in state prison. A juvenile lifer testified that classification barriers and lack of tailored programming left him feeling unprepared, and another witness said DOC’s handling of classification hearings and records was unfair and opaque. Some speakers also raised concerns about mental health care and visitation policies, especially at Framingham, where one witness said suicidal thoughts were met with inadequate responses and another said family visitation was denied without clear explanation. Commissioners asked follow-up questions about DOC access, step-down opportunities, family support, and whether more transitional housing or acclimation time before release would help. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That includes Black English when we speak about language justice.
- Debray Sanders of Black California United for Early Care and Education.
- Debray Sanders of Black California, United for early care and education.
- Can I respond to the question of the Black populations? And so... Oh, yes. Yeah.
- Can I respond to the question about the Black populations? Yes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There were no Black people, there were no people of color.
- Because on top of all of that, I am a black male in America.
- Black people are a federally protected group.
- We were so used to the marginalization and dehumanization of Black men and Black women that there really
- It was just Black and Latino cultural groups that only existed at that time.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met to approve prior minutes and then heard extensive testimony focused on reentry, programming, and the differences between Department of Correction facilities and county sheriff programs. Much of the testimony came from incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people describing how county facilities offered education, treatment, work release, identification documents, housing help, and reentry planning that they said were often unavailable or harder to access in state DOC settings. Several witnesses emphasized that these programs helped them obtain sobriety, employment, family reunification, and parole readiness, while others said they needed more time, mentoring, or transitional support before release to make the most of those services.
Witnesses from Hampshire, Barnstable, Hampden, and Franklin counties described specific programs such as high school/GED completion, college courses, culinary arts, vocational training, recovery groups, therapeutic treatment, and community-based reentry centers. Many said staff treated them with dignity and that the facilities’ culture encouraged accountability and personal change. A few witnesses also noted that some programs were not a fit for their needs, especially for people without substance-use issues or for those whose mental health needs were not adequately addressed. One Barnstable witness said she returned to custody within 48 hours of release because she was not mentally prepared for reentry, and another from Framingham said mental health support was insufficient and visitation restrictions worsened her experience.
Commissioners asked follow-up questions about DOC access to programming, classification barriers, reentry preparation, and visitation policies. Several witnesses said DOC programming was limited by sentence length, classification status, or program waitlists, and that some people were steered into programs that did not match their needs. A number of commissioners and the sheriff present responded by stressing the importance of wraparound services, individualized planning, and hiring formerly incarcerated staff. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But you brought up Black Duck, and Black Duck is famous in the tax committee, or in my mind, in the tax
- But when we look at Black Duck, um, you know, they have, uh, Mr.
- </c> their citizens so in the case of black their citizens so in the case of black duck<00:58:52.200>
- Black Duck Drakes, got it all. Maroon and Hornets, Mr. Chair, I love that. Crimson.
- Black Duck Drakes, got it all. Maroon and Hornets, Mr. Chair, I love that. Crimson. Mr.
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, if you're Black or Brown or LGBTQ+ kid living in a rural part of the state, I can guarantee you
- She pointed to two boys, about two-and-a-half or three years old, one white and one Black.
- She said her Black son, when he saw the book—the child character in the book is African American and
- The students and open-minded parents, especially Black and Muslim families, were disappointed.
- Black, brown, Indigenous, and Muslim authors are often advocates for justice.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue.
A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts.
Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Doris Bunty, who passed away in 2021, upheld many firsts: the first Black woman in the Massachusetts
- She was the first African American administrator of the Boston Housing Authority, the first Black woman
- She paved the way for women in leadership, particularly me as a Black woman in the legislature.
- She paved the way for women in leadership, particularly me as a black woman in the legislature.
- John's Congregational Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, which is one of the oldest Black churches
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education.
Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
- was established to address the pressing needs of Black constituents and to counter barriers to full
- This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
- was established to address the pressing needs of Black constituents and to counter barriers to full
- Legislation and public policy affecting Black communities and other underserved populations.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment.
A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery.
In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.