Video & Transcript : 'legislative' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 11th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm not really sure what we're doing with this legislation.
- It's just too unknown to legislate upon right now. For that reason, I'm going to know.
- It's just too unknown to legislate upon right now. For that reason, I'm going to know.
- This is a great piece of legislation.
- This is a great piece of legislation.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species.
Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses.
Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you to our legislative partners who adopted that legislation, and that is key to both of legislative
- Thank you to our legislative partners who adopted that legislation and that is key to Partners who adopted
- And we are following legislative guidance that was provided with the budget a year and a half ago.
- That means people in the community, legislators, and so on and so forth. We're all open.
- That means people in the community, legislators, and so on and so forth.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on October 17 with members attending in person and virtually. The commission approved the September 15 minutes and then heard a detailed presentation from DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakey on the correctional facilities portfolio, including the age and condition of DOC and sheriff facilities, deferred maintenance, ADA compliance, decarbonization mandates, and how capital funding is allocated. Bakey said the correctional portfolio includes 36 facilities, with average ages over 50 years, and described how older, rapidly built facilities from the tough-on-crime era now face significant maintenance and replacement needs. He also explained the distinction between catch-up deferred maintenance and ongoing keep-up needs, and noted that construction costs and code thresholds have made projects more expensive.
Commissioners and sheriffs asked about ADA requirements, aging and overcrowded facilities, hazardous materials, parts availability for obsolete systems, plumbing and health risks, and whether a newer, more modern correctional facility should be considered. Bakey said many projects trigger broader code upgrades, that some dormant facilities remain in the portfolio, and that health-care and correctional construction are among the most expensive building types. He outlined current funding, including annual deferred maintenance allocations for DOC and formula-based five-year commitments for sheriffs, plus a new competitive capital program for larger sheriff projects. He also explained the Designer Selection Board and “house doctor” process used to procure architects and engineers.
The commission then shifted to planning its next steps, focusing on public input. Members agreed the next meeting should likely be a public hearing or include public testimony, with possible input from people with lived experience and consideration of facility tours, especially of women’s facilities such as Framingham. Members emphasized the need to define the commission’s scope clearly so testimony stays focused on structural and consolidation issues rather than all correctional policy topics. The meeting ended with plans for the co-chairs to coordinate the public process and a motion to adjourn, which passed without opposition.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm assuming there might be legislation in other states.
- First of all, we exempted OGB out of this particular legislation.
- This legislation addresses...
- who have supported our legislation in the past.
- This legislation accomplishes three important objectives.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 5/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as you know, we just finished up this legislative session in a number of historical ways.
- That is probably one of the most singularly interesting pieces of legislation that we've seen become
- </c><00:15:55.440><c> and</c><00:15:55.560><c> elected</c> plan for legislators and elected plan for
- legislators and elected officials,<00:15:57.000><c> never</c><00:15:57.520><c> even</c><00:15:57.840>
- What I will say is Minnesotans overall are looking for their legislators to be able to work together
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study May 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I love following the legislative session year after year after year, and it's fun to watch.
- There was a lot of talk in legislative committees.
- It's aligning with previous legislation that was passed in 2025.
- AI technology has become rapidly. widespread and legislation has not caught up.
- To many legislators, that we're not part of the general PED milieu.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Absent any legislative intervention, however, that suite of supplementary audit flexibilities will be
- Alameda County refuses to regulate itself, and this legislation is of their own making.
- That obviously in the second year of a legislative cycle, it's a little bit more difficult to talk to
- Chair and members, my name is Vince Agruh, State Legislative Director with Sheet Metal Workers Local
- Metro and all the partners have done up to date, and they did this without a bill or legislation being
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- leadership and guts, for a better word, for seeing the horizon issue, whether it's ripe or not legislatively
- As a comprehensive piece of legislation, this bill tries to fill critical gaps that were brought to our
- I want to thank our chair for bringing forward this comprehensive and meaty piece of legislation.
- And I just really think we’re, as legislators, not doing our part by not thinking far enough ahead.
- We need to have it in an open dialogue in a legislative process where we can actually see how much is
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1315 by Senator Cabaldon, the “Drive My Car Act,” which was described as a forward-looking bill aimed at ensuring that owners of vehicles with advanced autonomous or software-driven features retain the right to drive their own cars. Cabaldon explained that, after discussions with stakeholders, the bill would likely be redirected out of the insurance space and into transportation to address concerns about mandatory software updates disabling human driving. Members broadly praised the concept as a timely response to emerging technology, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Transportation Committee, with members voting aye and the bill held on call until all votes were recorded.
The committee then took up SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, presented by the Insurance Commissioner and supported by the committee chair. The bill was framed as a comprehensive response to wildfire disaster claims problems, especially after the Los Angeles-area fires, and would require more accurate replacement-cost estimates, stronger optional extended replacement-cost coverage, improved building code upgrade coverage, faster claim payments, clearer adjuster communication, pre-disaster emergency response plans, and stronger penalties and restitution for unfair claims handling. Supporters, including United Policyholders, California Environmental Voters, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, AARP California, and consumer advocates, said the bill would help survivors avoid underinsurance, delays, and repeated trauma in the claims process.
Opposition came from several insurance and industry groups, including APCIA, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies, the Civil Justice Association of California, and the California Building Industry Association. They argued the bill remained too broad, would raise premiums, reduce flexibility, and could worsen availability in an already fragile market, especially because of mandatory coverage expansions and faster payout requirements. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about cost, optional versus mandatory provisions, contents coverage, ALE limits, building code upgrades, and rate-setting timelines. The committee ultimately passed SB 876 as amended to the Judiciary Committee on a due pass motion, with one no vote from Vice Chair Niello and the remaining recorded members voting aye; the bill was held open briefly to add a missing vote before the committee adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Apr 7th, 2026
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we can't legislate to put these genies back in the bottle.
- And so they would be a part of this legislation.
- Thank you for taking time to hear and discuss this legislation.
- This legislation seeks to address a long-standing issue.
- This legislation seeks to address a long-standing issue. Cultural significance.
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard two bills. House Bill 3221, sponsored by Rep. Castile, would bar state funds from supporting higher education degree programs that the federal government designates as low-earning, with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education reviewing the federal list and reporting impacts. The sponsor framed it as taxpayer accountability and return on investment, while many committee members and witnesses argued it was premature, lacked data, and could harm essential but lower-paid fields such as education, social work, early childhood education, counseling, and the arts. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal policy and affect only a small number of programs; opponents warned it could discourage universities from offering needed programs and would not account for long-term career outcomes or transferable skills. No vote was taken, and the sponsor said the bill was still a work in progress.
Testimony in support of HB 3221 came from a lobbyist for FGA Action and others who said federal law is already moving in this direction and cited a small number of affected programs. Opposition came from representatives of independent colleges, community colleges, and other witnesses who said the federal rules are still being developed, the earnings test is based on a limited snapshot, and some low-wage programs serve important workforce needs or lead to later advancement. Several members asked for more information on the federal list, the number and demographics of affected students, and possible unintended consequences for rural schools and workforce development.
The committee then heard House Bill 3416, sponsored by Rep. Bosley, which would create the Strengthening HBCUs Fund and direct a portion of gaming and classroom trust revenues to Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University for capital improvements and related support. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address historic underfunding of HBCUs and align Missouri with similar efforts in other states and at the federal level. Lincoln University President John Mosley testified in support, describing recent growth, major campus projects, and the need for additional infrastructure funding without increasing debt. Committee members asked about the funding amounts, whether Lincoln receives any special state support, and how the money would be distributed. No opposition testimony was heard, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3416 hearing without taking a vote.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That I would say steps out of my wheelhouse as a legislator.
- And that if it's or incumbent upon me as a legislator to outline those procedures.
- Being that this legislation is originating here in the Senate.
- To their ears when it comes to the content that we are claiming for this piece of legislation.
- And this just moves this one to rules, which are overseen by the legislative process.
Bills:
SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Ireland relations, Ireland, Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day, Choctaw Nation, Choctaw famine relief, Irish-American, cultural resolution, concurrent resolution, ceremonial resolution, economic development, trade commission, international relations, Tulsa IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens, Oklahoma City St. Patrick's Parade, Irish ancestry, Senate of Ireland, Aubrey McCarthy, Phil Thompson
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- But as we see in Montana or Arizona, this type of legislation could cause numbers to remain stagnant.
- But as we see in Montana or Arizona, this type of legislation could cause numbers to remain stagnant.
- We simply need more time to bring that legislation forward.
- In this case, DOPL proposed this legislation and would also be responsible for enforcing it if enacted
- We've had a lot of dialogue with our board, our legislative committee, on this issue.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We just want to go on record in favor of this legislation.
- We just want to go on record in favor of this legislation.
- And so with that, we are very much in support of this legislation and happy to take any questions.
- We believe that this legislation presents a unique opportunity to grow Missouri's film industry.
- We just want to go on record in support of the legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Expenditure Review Commission annual report 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Carlos Wka with the Legislative Budget Office. >> Good morning, Madam Chair
- discussed, we're going to provide an overview of the Tax Expenditure Review Commission's annual legislative
- discussed, we're going to provide an overview of the Tax Expenditure Review Commission's annual legislative
- And then every year the commission must provide a legislative report summarizing its activities in that
- In some states, legislative offices are responsible to conduct tax expenditure evaluations.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Civil Judiciary REVISION 2: HB4094 and HB3407 - Added Feb 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, we were just made aware of this piece of legislation in the last day or so.
- If this legislation were to pass, the...
- Again, if somebody else wants to run legislation, And they are vetted. This is a starting point.
- Again, if somebody else wants to run legislation, that'll be fine with me.
- Trooper escort is available, particularly for the legislators.
Bills:
HB1453, HB2933, HB2941, HB2945, HB2959, HB3087, HB3094, HB3297, HB3298, HB3319, HB3321, HB3386, HB3453, HB3471, HB3505, HB3510, HB3544, HB3549, HB3652, HB3727, HB3791, HB3845, HB3906, HB4119, HB4125, HB4126, HB4198, HB4236, HB4425, HB4343, HB4094, HB3407
Keywords:
foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, abortion
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Three - Wednesday, February 18 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a big piece of legislation.
- And, gentlemen, last year when this bill was moving through the legislative process, did we not both
- Is there an off-ramp or a way to get rid of these gray machines in your legislation?
- I do not think it's, you know, as far as good legislation. Thank you. Then join them.
- I do not think it's, you know, as far as good legislation. Thank you.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests and student groups at the Capitol, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university groups, nursing students, and several legislative interns. The chamber also handled a point of order about an unauthorized prop in the room, which was removed.
The first major bill taken up was House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction calculations. Supporters argued it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits and provide fairness to taxpayers, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. After debate, the House passed HB 1766 by a vote of 94-50. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming measure that would criminalize illegal gaming machines, create a regulated framework for video lottery terminals, give local governments an opt-out, and expand enforcement authority for the Attorney General and prosecutors. Members debated whether the bill was a needed enforcement tool or an inappropriate expansion of gambling, with concerns raised about addiction, local control, revenue distribution, and whether the bill should have gone to Fiscal Review. A motion to refer the bill to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill itself passed 83-66 with one present.
The chamber next took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provided just over $3 billion in additional authority, including tax refund authority, disaster relief, St. Louis tornado recovery funding, and major MoDOT funding, along with other smaller items. Members from both parties supported the bill, while also noting concerns about reliance on supplementals and the need to budget more accurately in the future. The House adopted an amendment reducing some general revenue authority, then adopted the bill and perfected and printed it. The meeting ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The original legislative intent and deadline was January 2023.
- The original legislative intent and deadline was January 2023.
- Is there anything that we can do additionally, legislatively or otherwise?
- Additionally, insurance... legislatively wise or otherwise.
- About legislation in terms of streamlining interveners.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- My involvement, just as maybe a little bit more background and why I'm involved with this legislation
- So as Braden already spoke to, these two pieces of legislation work together.
- I asked that it be redirected back to this committee so we could take these two pieces of legislation
- That's the nature of legislators, and that's the nature of how these things unfold.
- Thank you, legislators, for your support of this program.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank the sponsor and RLD for working with the industry on this legislation.
- And RLD for working with the industry on this legislation. We have worked well together.
- And then if we did mandate this piece of legislation.
- of legislation that dealt with basic training or resources.
- As policymakers and legislators, we need to do what we need to do.
Keywords:
cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation lifts standards without expanding government.
- This legislation lifts standards without expanding government.
- Actually, I've given the PSC some tasks as a legislator and worked on water policy.
- And we all believe in that, even as legislators.
- Senator, our LAD, I will note, is very on top of the legislation.
Keywords:
animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably.
The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation lifts standards without expanding government.
- This legislation lifts standards without expanding government.
- Actually, I've given the PSC some tasks as a legislator and working on water policy.
- And we all believe in that, even as legislators.
- Senator, our LAD, I will note, is very on top of the legislation.
Keywords:
animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am also grateful to be here with you legislative leaders because there is nothing like working with
- legislators.
- Most of my career has been focused on working with legislators.
- I know legislators will find us agencies whether we like it or not.
- I know legislators will find us agencies, whether we like it or not, but I am here to say I not only
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee first held a public hearing on the gubernatorial appointment of Angela Ramirez to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. Ramirez described her background in public service and said her priorities would include improving technology, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening relationships with labor, tribes, and community organizations, and protecting DSHS programs and clients during uncertain budget and federal conditions. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck also spoke in support of her confirmation, and members raised questions about needed improvements at DSHS.
The committee then moved into executive session on six bills. On SB 6062, dealing with juvenile rehabilitation, midpoint reviews, bed capacity, and transfers between DCYF and DOC facilities, all six proposed Christian amendments failed and the committee advanced the Wilson substitute to Ways and Means. On SB 6308, concerning shelter care conditions for children under five in dependency cases, the committee rejected four Christian amendments and adopted a Wilson amendment clarifying that the bill does not supersede the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act; the bill then advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6319, addressing community-based referrals for high-risk families with children under four and parental opioid use, the committee rejected three Christian amendments and adopted a technical Wilson amendment; the substitute then advanced to Ways and Means.
The committee also considered SB 6286, which would authorize Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities and create a repair account funded by fines for inspection violations. All Christian amendments and one Warnick amendment failed, and the proposed substitute was advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6080, regarding contracts and conditions for jails holding people in federal custody, all Christian amendments failed and the substitute was advanced to Rules. Finally, on SB 6184, an agency-request bill making technical and program updates, the committee adopted the bill with one amendment and sent it forward subject to signatures. The committee recessed partway through the agenda, returned to vote on the first six bills, and announced that remaining bills and the gubernatorial appointment would be taken up the next day.