Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 416 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- The members down below are counting on you to be the legislators of tomorrow.
- My amazing young legislators-to-be, welcome.
- In the YMCA Statewide Youth and Government Program, my amazing young legislators-to-be, welcome.
Summary:
The Assembly met for a floor session marked largely by ceremonial and procedural business. After a quorum call, the body opened with Valentine’s Day remarks, a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by guest introductions recognizing California YMCA Youth and Government participants from several delegations, including Glendora High School, Crenshaw YMCA, Wilmington YMCA, and Mid Valley YMCA.
On the daily file, most items were passed, retained, or continued without controversy. The only recorded vote was on the consent calendar, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; it was adopted 63-0. The chamber also approved a request to allow certain members to speak on adjournments in memory.
Several members then offered adjournment tributes: Assembly Member Gibson honored James Armstrong, a veteran and community leader in Carson and Watts; Assembly Member Rubio remembered actor-comedian Thomas Kent Carter (TK Carter); and Assembly Member Boerner honored Dave Hodges, founder of the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. The Assembly then announced there would be no session on President’s Day, with the next floor session scheduled for Tuesday, February 17 at 1 p.m., and adjourned accordingly.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- The members down below are counting on you to be the legislators of tomorrow.
- My amazing young legislators-to-be, welcome.
- In the YMCA Statewide Youth and Government Program, my amazing young legislators-to-be, welcome.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not something that should be managed legislatively.
- But it's not legislative mandating what...
- But it's not legislative mandating what kind of form you have to fill out on a patient.
- But, uh, I said this is just not something that should be legislatively managed.
- We don't mandate legislatively that if you're overweight, your doctor has to screen you for high blood
Committee:
Senate Healthcare
Keywords:
postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials, public health education, maternal health, depression screening, health care providers, physicians, nurses, Alabama Department of Public Health, medical liability, standard of care, retired physicians, volunteer medical care
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 25 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the past five years, I have been deeply honored to vote on legislation that has positively impacted
- Crighton for legislation to update Massachusetts student transportation to the Committee on the Judiciary
- Overall, this legislation would spend $1.8 billion, $1.3 billion of which is surplus funds from the Fair
- This legislation also takes components of the tax conformity legislation that the Governor filed earlier
- Today's legislation would eliminate over two-thirds of this fiscal liability.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF.
The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3.
The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Transcript Highlights:
- Just to add to that, I know that when this legislative body approved the appropriation for this new crime
- that hopefully would... ...several years, and we attempted to pass legislation that hopefully would
- I've got a couple of legislators with questions.
- So we were able, thanks to this legislative body and their support, we were able to pass legislation
- We were able to pass legislation that protects that.
Committee:
All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Summary:
The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program.
Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency.
The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Transcript Highlights:
- Just to add to that, I know that when this legislative body approved the appropriation for this new crime
- I've got a couple of legislators got a question.
- And with really due diligence and additional support from the legislators from the governor's office,
- So we were able, thanks to this legislative body and their support, we were able to pass legislation
- We were able to pass legislation that protects that.
Committee:
All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget 2nd Revised Apr 20th, 2026
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- No, the last time I can see this happened was during the right-to-work legislation.
- No, the last time I can see this happened was during the right-to-work legislation. Follow-up.
- So legislation that I've determined by seeking counsel to this, that it is allowable. until it passes
- So legislation that I've determined by seeking counsel to this, that it is allowable. ...to legislation
- ...the right-to-work piece of legislation.
Bills:
HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4059 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142
Keywords:
tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met and first took up House Bill 4063, adopting a committee substitute over objection by a 17-4 roll call vote. The bill, as explained by the Pro Tem, moves the election dates for House Bill 4440 and Joint Resolution 1024 to August 25, 2026. Members debated whether the measure violated the single-subject rule or was an attempt to revisit proposals that had previously failed, but the committee advanced it and it passed 16-6 after debate.
The committee then considered a series of appropriations and reappropriations, largely involving ARPA and interest funds. These included Senate Bills 1130 through 1134 and 1142, which redirected funds to the University Hospital Authority and Trust, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the State Department of Health for rural hospital rebuild efforts, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial Hospital capacity, and DHS-related projects including Boys & Girls Club and YWCA funding. All of these bills passed, with most receiving broad support and only a few dissenting votes.
Members also advanced several House bills: HB 4029 appropriated funds to the State Department of Health and the ALS fund; HB 4074 gave the Health Care Workforce Training Commission flexibility to close out ARPA projects and transfer funds among nursing-related programs; HB 4075 reappropriated water and wastewater funds within OWRB; HB 476 provided rural economic impact grant funding for water, wastewater, sewer, air park, industrial park, and broadband-related projects; HB 477 funded emergency response and relief grants with standard administrative language; HB 478 covered ARPA closeout costs for consultants and the grants management office; HB 428 extended a qualified equity investment tax deduction sunset; and HB 473 and HB 4073 pulled back ARPA funds for reappropriation and closeout. Most measures passed on strong roll-call votes, and the committee adjourned after HB 4073 passed 21-0.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Apr 15th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- It's modeled after recent legislation passed in Maine following similar tragedies.
- We've been working on this legislation for quite a while.
- So please remember her by passing this legislation.
- We've been working on this legislation for quite a while.
- The state of Maine has passed this legislation.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing with opening remarks from Senate Chair John Cronin and House Chair Dan Cahill, followed by member introductions and instructions on testimony time limits. The committee heard testimony on several bills, including S. 2743 addressing staged suicides, S. 2861 creating a special commission on school bus safety, and S. 3021 updating Massachusetts student transportation rules.
On S. 2743, advocates and family members described cases in which domestic violence deaths were allegedly misclassified as accidents or suicides, arguing the bill would improve training and require more careful investigation when there is a known history of abuse. Testimony emphasized the need for law enforcement, district attorneys, and medical examiners to recognize signs of coercive control and staged scenes. Committee members asked about current investigative practices and noted that sudden deaths are already reviewed by medical examiners and prosecutors, but that better training and awareness may still be needed.
On S. 2861, Amanda Taylor testified emotionally about her daughter Summer Steel, who died after being trapped in a school bus door, and urged adoption of anti-pinch sensor technology on future buses. Representative Sabadosa and a company representative said the technology already exists, is used in other transportation sectors, and could prevent similar tragedies; they noted estimated retrofit and prospective costs and pointed to Maine’s similar action. On S. 3021, Ever Driven and Chamber of Progress supported modernizing vehicle requirements for alternative student transportation, arguing that current rules are designed for full-size buses and make it harder for districts to serve homeless students, foster youth, and students with disabilities. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, and the committee voted to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
- This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
- There's still two more legislative years to extend the sunset if this legislature wants to do that.
- I do see the value in studying the issue, but again, I very strongly feel that we, the legislative body
- body should have I very strongly feel that we, the legislative body, should have a role in figuring
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard several bills focused on trade, affordability, and public finance. AB 2745 (Fong) would update California’s international trade and investment strategy, add a public advisory process, and allow regional trade hubs; supporters from the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and California Forward said it would help California compete globally and attract investment, while no opposition testified. AB 2366 (Avila Farías) would require state agencies to analyze cost-of-living impacts when adopting regulations and direct the LAO to develop guidance; supporters from the New California Coalition and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association argued it would improve transparency and help address affordability, while members noted concerns about implementation and unintended consequences.
The committee also heard AB 2243 (Haney), which creates a commission to study whether California should establish a state public bank and how it might be structured. Supporters from the California Public Banking Alliance, climate groups, and other organizations said a public bank could reduce borrowing costs and finance housing, climate, and small business needs; the California Bankers Association and credit unions opposed the bill, arguing it could compete with private banks, duplicate prior studies, and raise unresolved regulatory and cost issues. Several committee members said they would support the study concept but wanted the bill amended so any final decision would return to the Legislature, and the author agreed to clarify that point and remove language related to extending local public bank licensing timelines.
The committee also took up consent items AB 2048 (Calderon), AB 2583 (Hoover), and ACR 129 (Haney), which were approved without opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted AB 2366 out on a 7-0 basis to Judiciary, AB 2745 out on a 7-0 basis to Appropriations, and AB 2243 out on a 7-0 basis to Finance, with the consent calendar also approved.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Apr 14th, 2026
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
- This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
- There's still two more legislative years to extend the sunset if this legislature wants to do that, but
- There's still two more legislative years to extend the sunset if this legislature wants to do that, but
- , should have... ...very strongly feel that we, the legislative body, should have a role in figuring
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Josh Hawley has also brought a piece of legislation forward on a national level.
- So that's why we picked those two to go after in this legislation. Follow-up: Thank you.
- Do they come under this legislation? Representative Crane: Mr.
- A lot of times federal legislation will draw it at 50 employees.
- A lot of times federal legislation will draw it at 50 employees.
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 5 minutes without objection. It then took up House Bill 945, the AI Medical Services Act, presented by Dr. Tim Frost. He described the bill as a framework for autonomous and supervised clinical AI to address Idaho health care shortages, with licensing through a new autonomous medical practice board, human oversight requirements, disclosure to patients, reporting and auditing provisions, and a sandbox period for new systems. Members asked about scope, oversight, board appointments, and safety concerns, and the committee voted to hold HB 945 in committee subject to call of the chair.
House Bill 947, sponsored by Representative Crane, proposed limiting purchases of single-family homes by REITs and hedge funds in order to preserve starter-home ownership for Idaho families. Crane said the bill was aimed at large institutional investors and not small Idaho businesses, and noted that a prior foreign ownership provision had been removed. Members raised questions about supply and demand, whether similar laws exist in other states, and possible unintended consequences; the bill was also held in committee subject to call of the chair.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1247, which would require E-Verify for state and local governments and for private employers with more than 150 employees that contract with the state for over $100,000, beginning January 1, 2027. Supporters said it would create a uniform verification standard for taxpayer-funded work and rely on existing federal infrastructure, while critics questioned the employee threshold, rulemaking authority, and whether the bill should be further refined. A motion to hold the bill failed, a motion to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation also failed, and the committee ultimately voted 13-5 to send SB 1247 to general orders.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- Following legislation. Mr. Chairman. That's in for us. For a comment? Go ahead, please.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
- Real health transformation, that's in the legislative budget book.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and first considered a trailer appropriation for House Bill 730, which changes how SNAP eligibility is determined. The committee heard that the bill would require $351,000 one-time from the General Fund for system changes in the Division of Welfare. One member argued the change was unnecessary because Idaho already has a low SNAP error rate and uses existing verification systems, but the motion passed in both chambers and received a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then took up trailer actions for House Bill 898, moving the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Members discussed whether the move was requested by the governor and whether it would improve coordination and permitting efficiency; supporters said it would streamline federal review and the historical society director supported the move. The committee approved reducing the Historical Society budget by 12 FTP and $1,699,700, then approved adding the same staffing and funding to SMEC, and also adopted language exempting SMEC from certain transfer restrictions.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 128, creating the Idaho High Need Students Fund for extraordinary special education costs. The analyst explained that the recommended one-time $5 million dedicated fund appropriation would also require a $5 million cash transfer, and that increasing special education spending could raise the state’s federal maintenance-of-effort obligation. The committee approved the $5 million appropriation and two transfers: $1 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund and $4 million from the driver training account, all with do-pass recommendations.
Finally, the committee revisited the Department of Fish and Game budget. After discussion of habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, fisheries inflation, wolf depredation, communications, OITS replacements, and replacement items, a substitute motion that would have funded a larger package failed in the House, and the original motion passed instead. The committee approved a reduced Fish and Game budget package and adopted language directing the $200,000 wolf depredation enhancement specifically to wolf trapping. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the next day’s agenda and timing, including pending items such as rural health transformation and state police-related legislation.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Idaho State Police estimated a fiscal impact of $63,000 annually for the legislation.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- I'm a budget policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- I move for fiscal year 2026 for the legislative, the one-time addition of...
Summary:
The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee considered several trailer appropriations and related language items. It approved $200,000 ongoing for the Idaho Department of Correction tied to House Bill 684, which allows sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconders from out of state, and approved $63,000 ongoing for the Idaho State Police under Senate Bill 1226 to cover DNA sample and thumbprint collection for certain misdemeanor offenses. The committee also reconsidered the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor, and passed an amended FY 2027 budget with a $235,800 general fund increase, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer from operating to personnel, and a 2% base reduction.
A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs in the Department of Health and Welfare using one-time Millennium Income Fund and opioid settlement dollars. Analysts outlined options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospital, and early serious mental illness programs. The committee first rejected a broader restoration package, then approved a narrower FY 2027 package restoring only assertive community treatment and peer support services with $4.619 million from the Millennium Fund, $5.555 million from the opioid settlement fund, and $20.525 million in federal funds. It also approved $250,000 from the opioid settlement fund for peer support services in mental health courts and adopted language directing the department to identify savings for future funding needs, though a broader language motion failed.
The committee then approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for the Legislature to hire a consultant for the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated work already being done by the Department of Health and Welfare’s consultant. Members also discussed that the one-time behavioral health funding would only carry programs through FY 2027 and may require general fund support later. The committee adjourned after announcing it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle year-end transfers, remaining trailer bills, and other pending budget items.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Kathy Jefferson, Deputy Director, Office of Research, CDCR; Caitlin O'Neill, Legislative Analyst's
- Caitlin O'Neill with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- And I think that there's more work that we can do as legislators on that front. Thank you.
- Caitlin O'Neill, Legislative Analyst's Office. Patrick Plant, Department of Finance.
- One has been declared by legislation to be excess to state needs.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety heard updates on CDCR’s population projections and the preliminary fiscal impacts of Proposition 36. CDCR said its fall 2025 projections show continued declines in the institution and parole populations through June 2030, while noting Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but remain uncertain. The LAO said the administration’s Prop. 36 estimates may be somewhat low because they were based on only six months of implementation data, and the Department of Finance agreed the methodology is still developing. Committee members asked about the offenses driving admissions and the sentence-length impacts, and CDCR identified the main qualifying offenses and enhancements it is tracking. No votes were taken.
The committee then discussed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave cashouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said vacancy reductions and prison closures have reduced the salary savings historically used to cover these costs. The LAO supported the funding only on a limited-term basis and urged more oversight and reporting on CDCR’s structural shortfall, while the Department of Finance argued ongoing funding is needed because leave liabilities are mandatory and salary savings are less stable. Members raised concerns about transparency, asked about leave buyback practices and accrued leave balances, and requested more information before the May Revision.
Members also heard CDCR’s proposals for $10 million for the final two statewide video surveillance projects and $15.2 million for Fire Watch coverage and related fire alarm work. The LAO supported the Fire Watch request as a one-time health and safety cost, while CDCR explained the aging prison infrastructure and the need for interim safety measures while longer-term replacement planning is developed. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s proposal to close the California Rehabilitation Center, which would produce a net General Fund reduction of $99.6 million in 2026-27 and ongoing savings of more than $150 million starting in 2027-28. CDCR said the closure is driven by sustained population declines and will include retention and realignment funding; the LAO recommended approval. Public comment focused on county funding for Prop. 36 implementation, opposition to using Prop. 36 as a reason to keep prisons open, and support for community-based rehabilitation programs. The hearing adjourned without any votes.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we will be going into the 13th order and trying to pick up as much legislation as we can.
- Although it may only apply to one business currently, it is a general piece of legislation.
- One of the things that this legislation will do is provide the opportunity for a new boutique industry
- I appreciate the sponsor bringing forward this legislation.
- But it seems to me that there are certain pieces of language in this legislation, like it has to be..
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a piece of legislation that would pair with 501 that we voted on yesterday in the full House,
- districts, where there's 25,000 or more registered... ...in districts, legislative districts, where
- So it's legislative intent, and it's spelling out exactly with definitions what everything means.
- And you do have permission from that chairman to hear this legislation, okay. All right, perfect.
- And that is similar to many other areas of legislation that we have passed in this body.
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The House State Affairs Committee heard and introduced several RSs and one bill, with most of the discussion focused on election administration, agency structure, business privacy, and parental notification around gender-related issues. RS 332-31 would require in-person canvassers to be qualified electors and wear name badges, with exceptions for volunteers, campaign workers, and phone banking. RS 333-75 would lower the threshold for ballot name rotation from political entities with more than 100,000 voters to those with more than 25,000 voters. RS 334-29 would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the energy and minerals coordinating agency, and members asked for more information later about preserving each agency’s mission. RS 334-38 would allow LLC filers to use an Idaho commercial registered agent address instead of a home address, while still requiring the residential address and consent from the registered agent. All four RSs were moved to introduction and approved by voice vote.
The committee then considered RS 3349, a revised version of a bill restricting what the sponsor described as social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge. The sponsor said the changes narrowed the civil cause of action and shifted any recovered funds to the state general fund, but members raised concerns about the breadth of terms like “appearance,” “dress,” and “social transition,” possible conflicts with confidentiality duties for educators and health providers, and the risk of litigation. Despite those concerns, the motion to introduce the RS passed, with Representatives Church and Haas recorded as voting no.
House Bill 548, a Fourth Amendment bill, was then debated and sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The bill would require reasonable suspicion before law enforcement can stop and board a boat on the water, while still allowing safety and related inspections at boat launches. Supporters said it protects constitutional rights without preventing inspections, and the motion passed by voice vote. Finally, RS 33-408 was returned to sponsor at the sponsor’s request, and the committee ended by thanking its page and adjourning for the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, this cohort's going to have the opportunity Political and legislative process for decades.
- The joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and
- Terence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. relief.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, this cohort's going to have the opportunity Political and legislative process for decades.
- The joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. relief.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote.
At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, this cohort's going to have the opportunity Political and legislative process for decades.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR-72 on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. relief.
- Terrence's commitment transformed into legislative action. He was a very talented organizer.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is the legislation that Mr.
- I've gotten conflicting news and reports from our staff with the Legislative Finance Committee.
- So if I could have our esteemed economist Jennifer from the Legislative Finance Committee...
- And it is my prerogative as the chair to follow the direction of our Legislative Finance Committee.
- So understand that the typical process in this committee would be to table the legislation.
Summary:
The committee began with roll call, noting several members present and others absent, and then announced that HB 338 had been rolled. The first bill taken up was HB 332, a committee substitute authorizing or reauthorizing 376 previously approved capital projects, with changes that could extend reversion dates, alter purposes, or change administering agencies. After no public comment, members asked about the reauthorization period, project listings, and how HB 332 would interact with HB 247, which had been passed earlier in the session. The committee clarified that HB 332’s projects would be grandfathered in and that the standard extension is two years. The committee then voted 12-0 to do pass the committee substitute and do not pass the original HB 332.
The committee next heard SB 55, which would increase a state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% while keeping the existing $30 million cap and sunset date. Legislative Finance Committee staff explained that the credit had been scored at about $9 million in recent years, so the bill would create an estimated $21 million general fund impact. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would help New Mexico’s solar industry after the federal credit changed, preserve jobs, support small businesses, farmers, tribal communities, and lower-income households, and promote clean energy. Public testimony was strongly in favor, including from industry representatives, tribal advocates, and individual homeowners, while no opposition testified.
Committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, whether the credit should be part of the tax package, and whether an income test should be added. Some members also described consumer-protection concerns involving solar contracts, liens, and misunderstandings about credits and installation costs. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stand alone but acknowledged the fiscal issue and said it could be considered in the tax package. The committee ultimately voted 11-1 to table SB 55, with members noting it could be revisited later in the session.