Transcript Highlights:

• incredible delegation come over from Montgomery County to visit and be a part of the legislative process
• around the world, whether it's sitting at a lunch counter fighting for equal rights. rights or protesting
• Munger's automated ginning process in 1884 to the nation's first... first high-volume instrument cotton
• Under his leadership, the church became the center for students' engagement. and non-violent protests

Bills: SJR3, SB5, SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842, SB971, SB790, SB767, SB480, SB1066

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Bills: SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB413, SB427, SB499, SB583, SB621, SB673, SB840, SB850, SB854, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB 15

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• On the ground, my colleagues are reporting serious concerns of due process violations.
• Now, let me talk a little bit about process. We are going to take opposition first.
• I was just wondering, is there a process in place? Has that been talked about?
• And being a part of this process, being a part of this system makes us enablers.
• So in theory, protests about this very issue that happened today.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what's the process? Mr.
• Senator Miranda, due process is done when they're arrested and processed and turned over to federal law
• That would be the due process clause.
• So due process has nothing to do with this bill. Okay, Mr.
• Due process is always given. And with that, I vote aye. Aye.

Bills: SB1152, SB1156, SB1157, SB1213, SB1232, SB1268

Keywords: immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met and approved the January 26, 2026 minutes, then took up several bills related to veterans, immigration, and border security. SB 1268 was described as an emergency cleanup measure clarifying that a 100% service-connected disabled veteran’s primary residence is fully exempt from property tax, including when jointly owned with a spouse; county assessors supported it as needed to fix ambiguous language before the 2026 tax year, and it passed 7-0. SB 1152 would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until asylum is granted; supporters framed it as limiting state spending on pending cases, while opponents argued it was redundant, could encourage racial profiling, and conflicted with humanitarian and economic considerations. It passed 4-3. SB 1156 would appropriate $20 million to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs involving unauthorized persons; supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden, while opponents said the money should go elsewhere and that the state was already spending heavily on border issues. It passed 4-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• Producers of nuts, dairy, and processed fruits and vegetables suffered the biggest losses during the
• that our trade partners... ...commensurate penalties and protests that our trade partners are going
• I mean, through the budget process, for example. The Legislature certainly could request that.
• And, quite frankly, honest with business owners about what those processes look like.
• It's a very lengthy process to get approval in California.

Summary: The committee held an information hearing on California’s economy and household affordability, with the first panel focusing on inflation, housing, energy, wages, and the likely effects of new federal tariff policy. PPIC’s Sarah Bone said Californians remain deeply pessimistic about the economy, with inflation the main driver of concern; she noted prices are still about 23% higher than in January 2020, with especially large increases in food, energy, and housing costs. LAO’s Brian Euler emphasized that housing is the largest household expense and pointed to insurance, electricity, gasoline, and health care as other major cost pressures, urging the Legislature to review whether existing policies are actually reducing costs and to consider studies of why recent housing laws have not produced more units. UC Davis economist Catherine Russ warned that tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and potentially broader imports could raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and hurt California exporters, farmers, and small businesses; she suggested monitoring prices, strengthening food assistance, and preparing transition support for affected workers and producers. Members pressed the panelists for concrete, near-term policy ideas, especially on housing and tariffs. Questions centered on whether accessory dwelling units are making a meaningful dent in affordability, how to improve implementation of pro-housing laws at the local level, and how to measure the impact of tariffs on consumers, health care, and agriculture. Panelists said ADUs help but are limited, that state laws can be undermined by local implementation and litigation, and that tariff effects may show up quickly in prices and later in hiring and investment. Several members stressed that the tariff issue is not a minor disruption for constituents and asked for more data on consumer impacts, food aid needs, and crop-specific farm losses. The second panel shifted to regional economic development and small business support. Go-Biz’s Derek Kirk described California Jobs First and the state economic blueprint as a first-in-decades, regionally informed strategy to create good-paying jobs, support key sectors, and align workforce and business development across 13 regions. The California Association for Local Economic Development’s Gerbach Sahota argued that local governments need practical tools, stable policy, and stronger partnerships with the state, while warning that prosperity is not always perceived as shared and that rural communities can be left behind. He urged the Legislature to use hearings, local input, and existing funding streams more effectively, including for recovery and infrastructure. David Fitzgerald of the Small Business Development Centers said California’s SBDC network serves hundreds of thousands of clients, many of them women and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, and has generated billions in economic impact, capital access, revenue, and jobs. He said the biggest gaps are outreach to the state’s many self-employed businesses with no employees, better labor data on those workers, and more flexible support for direct services. Committee members then asked what small businesses need most in the face of inflation and tariff shocks, including lower licensing costs and other relief, and the discussion continued on how to better target state support to businesses and households under pressure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate your interest and participation in the legislative process.
• Uh, today we're going to have a bit of a two-part process to get the bill into the form Senator Westlin
• And Senator, I know you've had people protesting at your home and I think I've told you I don't agree
• And Senator, I know you've had people protesting at your home and I think I've told you I don't agree
• <00:32:39.760> at know you've had people protesting at know you've had people protesting at

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to be circulating a letter to my colleagues that would, in fact, protest to the president the
• The referral and approval process should be streamlined.
• He would wait six to eight weeks for the referral to be processed to see a community care provider.
• This can be an agonizing process for some, particularly those who struggle to tell their story.
• And so I call on my colleagues to join in protesting and opposing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any misuse of force should be addressed through established legal and judicial processes.
• in a constitutional process.
• <00:18:38.720> in reviewed and constitutionally process in reviewed and constitutionally process
• in a<00:18:39.120> constitutional<00:18:39.760> process.
• <00:18:41.679> I a constitutional process. Sorry. I a constitutional process. Sorry.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Pro Tem, the legislative process has many ups and downs. It seems like it mostly has downs.
• of the process, the bill was dead.
• The whole process has made it a better bill.
• And so really it's just like was mentioned, the process has been grueling.
• Really, it's just, like was mentioned, the process has been grueling.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They learn not only about what we do by watching us on the floor and I explained about the process, but
• THEY LEARN NOT ONLY ABOUT WHAT WE DO BY WATCHINGOUSEN THE FLOOR AND I EXPLAINED ABOUT THE PROCESS BUT
• and then to continue that protest until it went all the way to the Supreme Court.
• That's the way due process works.
• That's the way due process works.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• The remedy for failed process is that the individual gets the process.
• process.
• The remedy for failed process process.
• <01:09:04.640> to of process is to redo the process to of process is to redo the process to
• <02:09:08.880> process<02:09:09.360> of going through the process process of going

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I protest that motion. Request a roll-call vote. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Nilo, with your protest.
• Unfortunately, this year's process has fallen short of that standard.
• That said, I think our current budgetary process is helpful but still needs quite a bit of work.
• That said, I think our current budgetary process is helpful but still needs quite a bit of work.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the Senate journals and adopted floor amendments. Members voted on motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and to suspend Joint Rule 62A so the budget committee could hear budget-related bills with shortened notice; both motions passed by roll call. The chamber then moved through the Daily File, including several second-reading bills and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments were confirmed: Julie Lee and Ann Patterson to the Delta Stewardship Council, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christopher Clark to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators also took up Senate Joint Resolution 17, which urges Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam; the resolution passed unanimously. The Senate then considered AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, with extensive debate on the state’s fiscal condition and major budget priorities. Supporters said the budget is balanced, maintains reserves, reduces the structural deficit, and protects funding for child care, Medi-Cal, distressed hospitals, in-home supportive services, housing, higher education, and transit. Opponents argued it relies on future tax increases, leaves a structural deficit, and does not adequately address affordability, public safety, or repayment of unemployment insurance debt. After debate, AB 109 passed 28-9, and the chamber later approved the consent calendar items 81 through 86. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Honorable Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie. The Senate announced its next floor session would be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I may ask, what process have you gone through so far with the EEA?
• The process, you just follow the process. It's not that bad. You work with the...
• The process, if you just follow the process, it's not that bad. You work with the state, the towns.
• Lawrence and Newburyport, and downstream, are in a similar process.
• Not have as long a life as the microfilm that they process.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we have a lot of protests here at the state capital, and I suspect if working folks didn't
• jobs and families and live in the rural areas and have to travel all the way in here, if we had a protest
• You know, uh we have a lot<00:58:06.559> of<00:58:06.720> protests<00:58:07.280> here
• <00:58:07.599> at<00:58:07.839> the<00:58:08.000> state lot of protests here
• at the state lot of protests here at the state capital. capital. capital.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the February 13, 2026 journal, and then took up several resolutions and bills. Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026 as Colorado FFA Day, was laid over until that date. On the consent calendar, Senate Bill 74, concerning the penalty for claiming an excessive amount in a public construction performance bond dispute, passed third reading unanimously, 30-0. The chamber then passed Senate Bill 16, which prohibits the discharge of pre-production plastic materials, on third reading and final passage by a vote of 19-11. Senate Bill 34, expanding participation by members of the AARIA Board of Directors advisory committees, also passed 19-11. On second reading, the Committee of the Whole considered Senate Bill 11, dealing with search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, and Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants; the committee adopted the report, with SB 11 amended and SB 76 passed and ordered engrossed. The general order calendar was then laid over until February 18, 2026. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Resolution 001, which urges CDOT to prioritize road improvement projects in Morgan County. Supporters argued that Morgan County’s state highways are in poor condition, citing assessments showing 70% of the county’s highway miles have low drivability life and stressing the importance of safe roads for agriculture and commerce. Opponents said the resolution resembled a district-specific funding request and argued transportation dollars should be allocated through existing statewide and regional processes rather than by legislative resolution. Despite the debate, the discussion centered on the broader need to improve road maintenance and transportation safety across rural Colorado.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the other other us on the process in the other other body?
• It is to take advantage the process.
• Uh but we've got a through the process.
• Your civic duty to protest.
• to get out and protest. to get out and protest.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, as Representative Davis alluded to, around some of the counter protesters who created a disruption
• <00:24:31.240> of<00:24:31.360> the<00:24:31.440> counter<00:24:31.760> protesters
• around some of the counter protesters around some of the counter protesters who<00:24:33.080>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They were not a part of a protest and they found themselves in a car full of tear gas with airbags deployed
• > a<00:08:40.320> part<00:08:40.399> of<00:08:40.560> a<00:08:40.719> protest
• <00:08:41.680> and They were not a part of a protest and They were not a part of a protest

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: At this meeting, Senator Matt Klein and a group of Minnesota physicians and medical organizations described what they said was escalating ICE activity in and around hospitals and clinics, and argued it is deterring patients from seeking care and interfering with medical work. Speakers from emergency medicine, pediatrics, the Minnesota Medical Association, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine said patients are avoiding appointments, missing follow-up care, and in some cases suffering serious harm because of fear of detention or family separation. They emphasized that emergency departments and other health care settings should remain safe spaces where care is based on medical need, not immigration status. Several speakers gave examples they said showed actual patient harm, including missed prenatal and pediatric visits, delayed treatment leading to sepsis, perforated colon, burst appendix, and a patient with cancer who was detained and moved without medications. Pediatric and OB/GYN speakers focused on trauma to children and families, including fear of bringing children to appointments, requests for home births, and patients refusing transfer for higher-level care. Family medicine and emergency physicians also said staff morale is low, some workers are afraid to come in, and the situation is affecting diverse health care teams across the state. The discussion also touched on legal and policy questions. Speakers said they have tried calling police, hospital administration, and security to remove ICE agents from private patient areas, but reported that agents refused to leave. They said ICE may be allowed in public spaces but should not be in patient rooms or during private exams, and suggested there may be a role for legislation to codify best practices for law enforcement interactions in health care settings. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions from reporters, and calls for collaboration and for ICE to stop enforcement activity in health care settings.

Transcript Highlights:

• on public safety: after last week, some of the House members were meeting in committee here and protesters
• meeting but more importantly<00:25:11.520> the<00:25:12.159> the<00:25:12.279> protesters
• <00:25:13.240> went importantly the the protesters went importantly the the protesters went

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press conference to roll out their “Minnesotans First” agenda, framing it as a response to Democratic control and arguing that recent budgets and policies have increased costs for families and businesses. They said the agenda centers on balancing the budget without tax increases, reducing mandates, lowering costs, and limiting government growth. Specific proposals mentioned included addressing inflation and energy costs, reinsurance and housing issues, child care tax changes, repealing or reducing certain taxes and fees, and creating a government efficiency board. Several senators outlined issue-specific priorities. On spending and taxes, Karin Housley criticized the state’s budget growth, said Republicans would not support a budget that raises taxes, and objected to shifting costs to counties and school districts. On fraud and accountability, Jordan Rasmusson said Minnesota has a fraud problem and backed a statewide Office of Inspector General, stronger legislative auditor powers, and tighter anti-fraud oversight of grants and agencies. On public safety, Michael Kreun called for repealing what he described as soft-on-crime laws and for tougher penalties on violent and repeat offenders. On education, Julia Coleman said Republicans want to pause mandates, increase local control, adjust funding to address disparities, and improve school safety. In the question-and-answer portion, leaders said some items could attract bipartisan support, especially anti-fraud measures such as an Inspector General office and strengthening the legislative auditor. They also discussed concerns about the governor’s budget, including proposed shifts in human services costs, nursing home and disability waiver funding, and benefits for undocumented immigrants. The group said it would continue working under the Senate’s power-sharing agreement for now, though they acknowledged uncertainty about whether it would remain in place for the rest of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got some members who are running a little bit late because of protest traffic.
• And I think there are a couple of other protest areas throughout the city, and I think that's what's
• Participating firsthand in federal and state regulatory processes revealed inefficiencies in the the
• national monuments or the review process for protected landscapes for energy or mineral potential?
• It relates to finding ways to streamline the permitting processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it, it, it's a process that never works.
• Uh, That bill did create a process to file complaints.
• Protest after protest with like 10 days, 20 days to answer while elected officials, uh, election officials
• In fact, it has already processed.
• But we could have processes where, and we do have processes, for instance, if you're talking about for

Bills: HB311

Keywords: flood hazards, recreational vehicles, temporary dwelling structures, Texas Water Development Board, flood safety standards, emergency management