Video & Transcript : 'James Capers Jr.' :
Page 37 of 254
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:06.880><c> here</c><00:10:07.840><c> and</c> I pray for the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr
- I PRAY FOR THE SPIRIT OF MARTIN LUTHER<00:11:06.000><c> KING</c><00:11:06.360><c> JR.
- COME</c><00:11:07.720><c> OVER</c><00:11:07.960><c> THIS</c><00:11:08.240><c> BODY</c> LUTHER KING JR
- TO COME OVER THIS BODY LUTHER KING JR.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- James Gagleano, a friend, a fellow West Point graduate and veteran, and a true public servant to the
- Most recently, as mayor of the village of Cornwall on Hudson, James put his decades of experience in
- I rise today to honor the life of my constituent, Sergeant Jose Duenez, Jr.
- Speaker, we are gathered here today to honor the lives of Staff Sergeants Jose Dues Jr., Evan F.
- Now it is my privilege to yield to the honorable James Clyburn from the state of South Carolina.
Keywords:
HIV/AIDS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Black health, public health, HIV testing, HIV prevention, PrEP, antiretroviral therapy, viral suppression, U=U, undetectable equals untransmittable, AIDS, Minority AIDS Initiative, community health centers, culturally competent care, health disparities, racial disparities, health equity, Black Americans, African Americans
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Herring jr. I'm the mayor of the city of Coralville.
- the third, Raymond Howard Jr. Come on up, sir. Dr. Laura Presley. I saw her sitting out there.
- James Jackson, James Speeger, James Jackson, James Speeger. James Spieger, is it you?
- I've got a James Speeger and a James Jackson. Okay? Scratch the other guy.
- My name is James Jackson, I am from Boverti, but I have Heart in Houston as well and other areas.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Then he joined the legal team of Martin Luther King, Jr., and went on to become his confidant.
- Then he joined the legal team of Martin Luther King, Jr., and went on to become his confidant, his strategist
- In January this year, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, I was able to join him.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So tab 8 which is Senate Bill. 28 on the relief of Darlene and you're on your bill and Jr by the South
- Martin is a a bill to provide 6.1 million dollars in relief for Darlene and reveal her minor daughter Jr
- The Sea Jr suffered a catastrophic entered injury shortly before her delivery to Memorial West Hospital
- Unfortunately, Jr suffered a devastating neurological injury due to the lack of oxygen in the period
- of couple trust injuries as well as 3 Million. 2 inner ear of couple trust created exclusively for Jr
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee, my name is Billy Murphy, or William Murphy, Jr.
- James Gaines, the chief economist at the Texas Real Estate Center, now retired, said MUDs have been crucial
- Hillwood was founded in 1988 by Ross Perot Jr., and Hillwood Communities has been developing master-planned
Committee:
House Land & Resource Management
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Michael Goo Jr., president of Private Work Hawaiʻi, he/him pronouns.
- Michael Goo Jr., president of Private Work Hawaiʻi, he/him pronouns.
- James Brow, administrator for Hāima.
Committee:
Senate Ways and Means
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 422, relating to school impact fees. The Education Committee recommended passage with amendments, and Ways and Means concurred. The amendments would repeal the construction fee component of the school impact fee while retaining the land impact fee and in-lieu fee requirements, remove related statutory language, exempt certain developments from school impact fees, raise the unit threshold for satisfying the land component to 100 units, require the School Facilities Authority to adopt rules and policies, and require a report to the Legislature on the effect of repealing the construction portion of the fee. The measure was also given a sunset date of June 30, 2029, with the committee report to note that the changes are intended to test the efficiency and efficacy of the fee structure and could be made permanent if the report supports that outcome. The committees adopted the recommendation, with one senator initially voting no and then changing to yes after the amendments were explained.
The meeting also included a separate hearing on House Bill 1155, concerning procurement for Department of Transportation projects and construction manager/general contractor procurement. DOT testified that it supported the concept but wanted to narrow the bill, saying the current language was too broad and that the goal was to allow more innovative procurement while preserving selection safeguards. The State Procurement Office said it supported the bill’s language but was willing to work with DOT on alternative wording. Several construction-related organizations, including subcontractors, iron workers, elevator constructors, and building trades representatives, opposed the bill, arguing that exemptions from the procurement code would weaken protections such as retainage, equality, and prompt payment and could invite favoritism or corruption. In response to those concerns, the chair proposed amendments limiting the exemption to DOT, narrowing the qualifying contracts, adding a two-year sunset, requiring a report after the first year, and clarifying that project management could not be procured under the section. The amended recommendation passed, though several members voted with reservations.
A separate item, House Bill 476, was briefly called up at the end of the agenda, with a recommendation to pass with amendments to increase a rate from 7.25% to 8%, but discussion was not completed in the portion of the transcript 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 Lovell, Boomer, Jr.
- Marvin Lavelle Boomer, Jr. Assemblymember Dixon, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Larry Downs Jr., speaking against. Good morning, sir. You're recognized for two minutes.
- Larry Downs Jr., Plumbing LLC, because FICO matters. Good to see you again, Senator.
- Thank you much, Larry Downs, Jr. I'm really against any more stuff. Y'all know that.
- RFK Jr. may like this bill.
- Larry Downs Jr. Larry Downs Jr. for. Janina Perez against. Michelle Falado against. Dr.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote.
The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Larry Downs, Jr., speaking against. Good morning, sir. You're recognized for two minutes.
- Larry Downs Jr., Plumbing LLC, because FICO matters. Good to see you again, Senator.
- Larry Downs, Jr. I'm really against any more stuff. Y'all know that.
- RFK Jr. may like this bill.
- Larry Downs Jr. Larry Downs Jr., for. Janina Perez, against. Michelle Falado, Dr.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Larry Downs, Jr., speaking against. Good morning, sir. You're recognized for two minutes.
- Larry Downs, Jr., Plumbing LLC, because FICO matters. Good to see you again, Senator.
- Larry Downs, Jr. I'm really against any more stuff. Y'all know that.
- RFK Jr. may like this bill. ...allergist. Please vote no on this bill.
- Larry Downs Jr. Larry Downs Jr., for. Janina Perez, against. Michelle Falado, Dr.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Acoba Jr., who sat on the ICA at the time.
- Acoba Jr., who sat on the ICA at the time.
- Acoba Jr., who sat on the ICA at the time.
- The judge's husband, James; their sons, McConey in the gallery, and Pono, who is watching from college
- , their sons, McConey in the James, their sons, McConey in the gallery,<00:19:12.480><c> and</c><00:19
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A close friend of longtime Pawling resident James Earl Jones, Sheriff Anderson's voice was a mixture
Bills:
HR432 , HR312 , HR311 , HR310 , HR309 , HR308 , HB1676 , SB356 , HR1372 , HB2175 , HB1461 , HB2466 , SB2283 , HB1830 , HR1009 , HR1008 , HR323 , HB5131 , HB4503 , HR573 , HB2916 , HB2306 , HB2290 , HB2389 , HB2388 , HB3857 , HB2293 , HR655 , HB4285 , HR1276 , HB2302
Keywords:
federal labor relations, executive order, labor management, federal oversight, government reform, wildlife conservation, Pittman-Robertson, state plans, environment, approval process, Secretary of the Interior, Secure Rural Schools, reauthorization, federal land payments, county payments, state payments, payments in lieu of taxes, PILT, rural counties, forest counties
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- any liability for insider trading or prediction markets like Kalshi or Polymarket that Donald Trump Jr
- </c><03:07:04.640><c> or</c><03:07:04.960><c> any</c> Market that Donald Trump Jr. or any Market that
- </c><03:07:26.160><c> or</c><03:07:26.399><c> any</c> no bid contracts Donald Trump Jr. or any no bid
- The Israeli bomb targeted her family's car, killing her alongside her brother Tony, her father James,
- Tony, her father James, and her who<07:50:35.600><c> was</c><07:50:35.760><c> a</c><07:50:35.920><c>
Keywords:
War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, troop withdrawal, U.S. Armed Forces, military deployment, foreign policy, congressional war powers, executive authority, Middle East, troop removal, concurrent resolution, defense policy, overseas deployment, Ukraine, support, foreign affairs, military aid, international relations, War Powers, military action
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 20 March, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 39:17.720><c> June</c><00:39:18.000><c> 30th,</c> Senate Nomination No. 57, Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr
- Senate Nomination No. 58, Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr., Tupelo, Mississippi, State Personnel Board, to
- Hollis<00:39:39.640><c> Raymond</c><00:39:40.080><c> Ray</c><00:39:40.280><c> Smith</c><00:39:40.680><c> Jr
- .,</c><00:39:41.480><c> Tupelo,</c> Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr., Tupelo, Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark Luna, Jr., Lubbock, Clayton A. Ripley, Austin, Stephanie L. Robinson, McKinney.
- This bill relates to the designation of a TxDOT building in Starr County at the Eddie Garcia Jr.
- Memorial, honoring Eddie Garcia Jr., who worked more than 30 years as an engineer with TxDOT.
- designation of a Texas Department of Transportation building in Starr County as the Eduardo "Eddie" Garcia Jr
- designation of a Texas Department of Transportation building in Starr County as the Eduardo "Eddie" Garcia Jr
Bills:
SB111 , SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB261 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB510 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB876 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1373 , SB1400 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1581 , SB1586 , SB1608 , SB1698 , SB1730 , SB1835 , SB1858 , SB1903 , SB1946 , SB1950 , SB1986 , SB2017 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2058 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2260 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2403 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2460 , SB2519 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2611 , SB2619 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2655 , SB2681 , SB2688 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2764 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2878 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2955 , SB2959 , SB2972 , SB2995 , SB3037 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR2 , HJR99 , HB26 , HB29 , HB136 , HB166 , HB206 , HB353 , HB451 , HB517 , HB1399 , HB1672 , HB2000 , HB2198 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3248 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SCR48 , SB375 , SB410 , SB672 , SB777 , SB1373 , SB1454 , SB1586 , SB1704 , SB1854 , SB1856 , SB2165 , SB2203 , SB2342 , SB2367 , SB2452 , SB2501 , SB2520 , SB2521 , SB2538 , SB2539 , SB2703 , SB2835 , SB2903 , SB2926 , SB2959 , SB2965 , SB3029 , HB22 , HB1392 , HB3093 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB705 , SB748 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2637 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB 1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB 109 , HB3096 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB 1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to adjourn in memory of John Wesley Finney, Jr., a beloved California resident and devoted
- I joined the family and friends of John Wesley Finney, Jr. in celebrating and revering the accomplishments
- Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian, John Finney, Jr
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- joint Rule 61 waivers for the following Senate bills: 453, 886, 931, 1057, 1079, 1098, 1119, and a JR
- SB 1079, SB 1098, SB 1119, and a JR 61 waiver for Senate bills that have chaptering-out amendments.
Committee:
House Rules
Summary:
The Rules Committee met briefly, called the roll, and confirmed a quorum. The committee’s agenda consisted of eight items involving Joint Rule 61 waivers for several Senate bills: SB 453, SB 886, SB 931, SB 1057, SB 1079, SB 1098, SB 1119, and SB 1387, along with a JR 61 waiver related to chaptering-out amendments.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the waivers. On the roll call vote, several members voted aye, while others were noted as not voting. The motion passed, and the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/13/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And at the time I told the story that Chris Davis Jr. and I were police officers together for about 20
- AND AT THE TIME I TOLD THE STORY THAT CHRIS DAVIS JR.
- journey is going to go for my good friend, my former brother in the police department, Chris Davis Jr
- journey is going to go for my good friend, my former brother in the police department, Chris Davis Jr
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine business, approved the prior journal, and received several motions to discharge identical Assembly bills from committee and substitute corresponding Senate bills. Members also offered brief recognitions for visitors, including Yemeni American community advocates and Cheri Davis, who was honored for her Alzheimer’s advocacy and support work. The chamber then took up several previously adopted resolutions, including Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Period Poverty Awareness Week, and Nurses Week, with senators speaking in support of each measure’s purpose and importance.
The body then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing a wide range of measures on education, public health, correction law, environmental conservation, municipal law, agriculture, and consumer protection. Notable floor discussion included Senator Ramos explaining her support for a bill requiring salons and similar businesses to display multilingual domestic violence resource information, and Senator Gianaris and Senator Borrello debating a bill to prohibit electronic shelf labeling in stores over concerns about surveillance, dynamic pricing, and impacts on brick-and-mortar retailers. Senator May and Senator Skoufis also spoke on an environmental conservation bill concerning American eel management, with May supporting the species protections and Skoufis objecting to the bill’s structure.
Most bills were adopted by wide margins, though several drew recorded negative votes. The Senate passed the domestic violence information bill, the electronic shelf-labeling bill, and multiple other measures, including bills on eviction notice procedures, surrogate court procedure, and environmental conservation. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until the next day at 11:00 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've looked at a lot of JR issues and child care issues, but it's time to look at protecting our children
- We've looked at a lot of JR issues and child care issues, but it's time to look at protecting our children
- We've looked at a lot of JR issues and child care issues, but it's time to look at protecting our children
- We've looked at a lot of JR issues and child care issues, but it's time to look at protecting our children
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on three bills. SB 6212, sponsored by Sen. Nobles, would create a Department of Commerce pilot program providing monthly cash benefits to families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, with a control group and a final report to the Legislature on whether to expand the program statewide. Supporters said the pilot could reduce child poverty, improve family stability, and provide evidence on the effects of direct cash assistance; the sponsor acknowledged the bill would be expensive and said funding would need to be worked out. No vote was taken.
SB 6186, sponsored by Sen. Warnick, would direct DSHS to seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy and sweetened beverages, with annual reapplication if needed. The bill’s preliminary fiscal note was described as significant, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments, including possibly limiting the proposal to Sun Bucks. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed from anti-hunger advocates, public health experts, economists, SNAP educators, and individuals with lived experience, who argued the restrictions would be costly, hard to administer, stigmatizing, and unlikely to improve nutrition; one supporter said the measure would promote healthier choices and reduce long-term health costs. No action was taken.
SB 6707, also by Sen. Warnick, would have WSIPP study DCYF’s screening tools and risk assessment processes for child welfare referrals and their effects on outcomes such as services, removals, re-referrals, and fatalities. DCYF said it supports evaluating its risk assessment tool but is already working with Chapin Hall on a similar redesign and pilot of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale, and asked how the bill would avoid duplicating that work. Sen. Warnick said the bill was intended to examine child welfare outcomes more broadly. The committee heard testimony but took no vote, and the chair announced amendments for Wednesday’s executive session are due by noon the next day before adjourning.