Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
Page 425 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We've used them in citrus for many years, but through the research at the University of Florida, IFAS
- But through the research at the University of Florida, IFAS, we've learned new use patterns that help
- the University of Florida that are upwards of 18 to 24 months old, that are looking phenomenally good
- the more novel things that has come out in the last few weeks that the University of Florida has been
- University of Florida's, you know, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the water management
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture heard an update on the Florida citrus industry from Matt Joyner of Florida Citrus Mutual and Shannon Shepp of the Department of Citrus. Both described the industry’s steep decline over the past two decades due to citrus greening (HLB), hurricanes, freezes, and aging groves, but emphasized ongoing recovery efforts through research, replanting, and new therapies. They highlighted promising tools such as plant growth regulators, protective screens and covers, direct oxytetracycline application, CRISPR-based breeding, and the CRAFT program, which has expanded to more than 10,000 acres of solid-set plantings and over 20,000 acres including resets. Members discussed disaster relief, property tax pressures, grower participation, and the need for assessment relief and other state support. No votes were taken on the citrus presentation.
Shepp also outlined the Department of Citrus’s marketing and research role, noting strong consumer demand for Florida orange juice, global advertising efforts, and clinical research tied to health messaging. She said the industry remains a major economic contributor, with thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact, and that the department is working to maintain demand while growers replant and reset groves. Senators asked about the CRAFT program, new grower participation, and how advertising and state policy could help sustain the industry.
The committee then received a performance review of the Opa-locka Soil and Water Conservation Districts from David Jahossky of Malden and Jenkins. The review found wide variation among the 49 districts studied, with many lacking recurring revenue, staffing, proper meeting notices, records retention, formal performance goals, and timely financial reports. The report identified nearly 400 recommendations and noted that some districts had already dissolved or were considering dissolution. Senators questioned whether the districts were duplicative of other agencies and whether they still served a useful purpose; the presenter said there was overlap and collaboration but no duplication. A public commenter from Jefferson County argued that local boards still provide trusted, community-based support for producers and help connect them to cost-share and best management practice programs. The chair indicated the review would inform possible legislation to improve or restructure the districts, and the committee adjourned without taking a vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So I had the privilege of having one of three of the JPs that overlap my district, which are Ms.
- I rise for a point of personal privilege, introduction of three groups of guests. Please.
- He is a faculty member of the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr.
- And, of course, I always say go Sun Devils to Arizona State University, who has a new medical school.
- of rules.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- On the enforcement side, we've seen some of that play out, whether it's Harvard or the University of
- research institutions, including the University of Massachusetts, who I see on this call.
- this commission kind of grew out of that.
- If it's a model that works, I think they're still kind of working on some of the challenges, some of
- It's run out of our office. It is part of, it's one of the big things that MOD does.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-03-25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You'll see the largest portion of the budget consists of special revenue funds, and a good example of
- Also, you mentioned the University of Minnesota and the AIS research.
- The Research Center at the University of Minnesota has been historically funded more through one-time
- of local entities through grants, the DNR's capacity, as well as the University of Minnesota.
- Of those keys are also made of the same material.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- June of 2025 will be the first year that the universal screening data will be submitted by districts
- part of it.
- picture of some of the impacts in the area of schools.
- So into the start of fiscal 2026, the end of fiscal 2026, it's kind of split between two summers, but
- That was one of the bases of...
Committee:
House Education Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- , as well as as the fire chief of the City of South San Francisco.
- Laura Bennett on behalf of the Lost Version Chamber of Commerce in support.
- And I'm happy to go into some of the details of these lessened requirements of SB 811 in the Q&A.
- Thousands of gallons of flammable methyl methacrylate, or MMA, Thousands of gallons of flammable methyl
- the end of life.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine risk management, credit, and rural business views on the agricultural economy, focusing on views from the field. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- National Crop Insurance Services Board of Directors. a member of the American Association of Crop Insurance
- Cedric Rowe is a first-generation farmer from Albany, Georgia and a graduate of Fort Valley State University
- , one of our 1890 universities, land-grant institutions and an HBCU.
- One of those barriers of course is access to credit.
- of the community.
Keywords:
farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management
Summary:
The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Title of the bill will be the title of the act.
- Title of the bill will be the title of the act.
- Or being at one of the labs at the Allen Institute, at the University of Washington, one of the elite
- , which trains a lot of our teachers in this state, and go get that... ...to Central Washington University
- It says that ICE cannot come inside the non-public areas of public schools, colleges and universities
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 19th, 2025 at 09:11 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Third day of the LESC meeting.
- And then they actually have a relationship with the University of Hawaii at Hilo with their Hawaiian
- In terms of state support in Hawaii, one of the things that was available at one of the universities
- Like if an electrician, it's four or five years of residency of some kind of what do they call it?
- But I also want to acknowledge the experts. ...within the University of New Mexico, the NMSU, right?
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Two - Wednesday, March 4 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Next order of business is introduction of special guests.
- There are a few things in this House all of us agree on, and one of them is the value of the Special
- She is an occupational therapy student at the University of Missouri at Columbia, and I would like you
- Sharon Cooper, a forensic pediatrician and faculty member at the University of North Carolina School
- Sharon Cooper, a forensic pediatrician and faculty member at University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal by a 122-0 vote, and numerous introductions of special guests, including Special Olympics participants, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, social workers, local officials, and community groups visiting for Hill Day and other advocacy events. Members also made announcements about committee meetings before the chamber recessed until 2 p.m.
On the floor, House Bill 2974 was perfected and printed with little debate. Supporters said it would codify telehealth access in Missouri’s licensure reciprocity framework, helping seniors and rural residents continue to receive care. House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention center governance measure, also advanced after adoption of an amendment changing governor-appointed board seats to two city, two county, and one at-large member. The bill would merge existing entities managing the convention center and Dome, create a new board structure, and authorize a convention district tax framework and related financing rules; members discussed local control, revenue use, and the length of agreements under the bill.
House Bill 2057, a technical fix for Osage Beach entertainment district authority, was adopted and perfected and printed. Supporters said it corrects an error from a prior bill and would allow Osage Beach to create an entertainment district similar to those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson to support tourism and economic development. The chamber also took up House Bill 1839 and related bills on age verification for pornographic websites. Proponents argued the measure is needed to protect minors from online pornography and exploitation, citing the Supreme Court’s upholding of a similar Texas law and Missouri’s existing attorney general enforcement efforts; opponents raised privacy, enforcement, and unintended-consequences concerns, including whether less-scrupulous sites could become more accessible. After a motion for the previous question, the House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed House Bill 1839 by a 104-16 vote with 20 present.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the director of the Department of Licensing.
- One of these programs is the one of these programs.
- Deep, and I serve as the student body president of the University of Washington, Seattle, representing
- I'm a fourth-year student from Western Washington University, and I'm a constituent of the Western Success
- I am the deputy director of legislative affairs for the Associated Students at the University of Washington
Summary:
The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules.
The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- His plans after he graduates are to attend the University of Idaho and get a degree in agricultural biotech
- She's already been accepted to the University of Idaho and CSI, but she's planning on BYU-Idaho.
- His plans after he graduates are to go to the University of Idaho for political science, and some agriculture
- She's already been accepted to the University of Idaho and CSI, but she's planning on BYU-Idaho.
- His plans after he graduates are to attend the University of Idaho for agribusiness, and he has already
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal. The session also included a page program recognizing the House pages and their sponsors, with remarks thanking them for their service and highlighting their future plans and experiences in the legislature.
The House received messages from the Governor and Senate, referred several newly introduced bills to committees, and reported multiple committee actions. Among the measures introduced were bills on dental plan transparency, SNAP integrity, tax credit scholarships, a sales tax exemption for Salvation Army purchases, tax administration changes, election canvassing and ballot procedures, creation of an Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination, LLC formation, parental rights-related legislation, public funds, and earned autonomy for charter schools. The House also advanced several bills from committee to the third reading calendar and passed House Bill 620, which gives county commissioners a formal voice in federal land-use decisions affecting their counties.
House Bill 598, dealing with campaign finance transparency and the handling of personal funds or loans in campaign accounts, drew extensive debate over whether the language required separate accounts, how cash and digital donations would be treated, the seven-day reporting requirement, and enforcement by the Secretary of State. After discussion, the House voted 55-10 to send the bill to General Orders for further work. House Bill 620 then passed the House 60-5 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also held remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled House Bills 514 and 515, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS LANGUAGE MOVE CERTAIN DUTIES IN THE FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- UNIVERSITY OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE BILL ALLOWS NONPROFIT SUBSIDIARIES TO ENTER INTO ANY AFFILIATION
- THANK YOU OF THE SPONSOR FOR THIS WONDERFUL PIECE OF LEGISLATION.
- McClain: IF THAT HAPPENED IF IT WERE A STATUTE OF SIGNIFICANT, OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE THAT OF BEEN
- SAYING WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME THE TIME OF ADJOURNMENT IS CLOSE TO ARRIVING A BY THE OPERATION OF
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- And on page 62, University of Alabama.
- regarding the University of Alabama. >> Mr.
- Uh, this is a bill that comes at the request of the university for a reformation of their School of Social
- Graduate of Selma High School, Spelman College, University of Georgia.
- </c> University of Georgia. University of Georgia.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Senators then adopted the prior day’s journal and excused absent members. A lengthy point of personal privilege followed, in which Senator Smith criticized the prior day’s handling of the special order calendar and argued that minority-party senators were denied the chance to speak, while Senator Coleman said Senate Bill 318 had been removed from the calendar and tied that to Child Abuse Prevention Month; she also noted Senate Bill 43, which would provide civil recourse for child sex assault survivors, had not advanced. The presiding officer also recognized guests in the gallery, including staff from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Senate then received multiple committee reports, largely on a unanimous or near-unanimous basis. Finance and Taxation Education reported favorably on House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, 517, and 98, and Senate Bill 380, with some substitutes or amendments; Finance and Taxation General Fund reported Senate Bill 378 favorably; County and Municipal Government reported House Bills 568, 499, and 433; Education Policy reported House Bills 8 and 380; Banking and Insurance reported House Bill 545; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported House Bill 586 with two nays; Healthcare reported House Bills 533 and 605; Tourism and Marketing reported House Bills 513 and 626 and Senate Bill 357; and local legislation committees reported several Mobile County and Madison County bills, including Senate Bill 379 relating to Madison County and various House bills, all advancing to the next legislative day.
In motions and resolutions, the Senate agreed to allow committee reports to be received at any time during the day. Several resolutions were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee, including Senate Joint Resolution 100 honoring Presley Skelton, SJR 101 commending Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, SJR 102 establishing the Alabama Forest Products Retention and Pulp and Paper Mill Stability Study Commission, SJR 103 mourning Norman Wendell Arnold, and SJR 104 designating Alabama as the river state. The chamber also suspended the rules to take up Senate Joint Resolution 105, commending Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for his service; the resolution included a lengthy recitation of his background and accomplishments and was read for immediate consideration with all senators added as sponsors.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the floor of the House. To the floor of the House.
- We have Luke Sy, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying political science.
- Vincent College; Preston Vizotsky, a student at the University of Pittsburgh; and Andrew Kirkpatrick,
- also a student at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Department of Defense, the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist Association, the University of Pittsburgh Dental
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed numerous guests and interns to the chamber, and established a quorum with 202 members voting on the master roll call. The House then received committee reports on several bills and a resolution, including measures from Consumer Protection, Finance, Communications and Technology, Rules, and Appropriations, and agreed to the reports. House Bill 1877 was reported as passed by the Senate without amendment and was signed by the Speaker for presentation to the Governor.
The chamber adopted House Resolution 363, as amended, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system, including the role of public and private equity in child care and recommendations to improve access and affordability. The House also advanced several bills on final passage, including House Bills 2551, 75, 76, 426, 1127, 2234, and 1585. These measures addressed issues such as banning government text-message collection of fees and tolls, medical licensing for physician assistants and physicians, native habitats at Commonwealth facilities, joining the dental and dental hygienist compact, a spent grain donation tax credit, and restrictions on mugshot removal fees. Most passed with broad support, though House Bill 1127 drew opposition over concerns about licensing standards and the compact structure.
Members also considered House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development Certification for data centers, and House Bill 2496, establishing a temporary pause on data center proposals while local ordinances are reviewed. Both bills were amended several times. Debate on HB 2650 focused on data center impacts on electricity costs, water use, noise, community benefit agreements, and farmland protection; one farmland-protection amendment was tabled, while other amendments on closed-loop cooling and enforceable local criteria were adopted. Debate on HB 2496 centered on preserving local control and home rule authority for municipalities, with amendments clarifying that local governments could continue curative amendment procedures and retain zoning powers. The House agreed to both bills as amended.
The House also re-reported several bills from Appropriations and Rules, reconsidered and re-accepted a prior committee report on House Bill 2359, and announced caucus and committee meetings. At the end of the session, the House moved several bills to Appropriations, removed Senate Bill 1058 from the table calendar to the active calendar, and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- To give 60 seconds of moment of silence at least near the beginning of each school day, to reflect, meditate
- That's taken care of in Section 3 of this bill.
- We have a Prager University representative here in favor of the bill.
- And so this moment of silence could be a moment of silence.
- students 50% or more of the time, with either one or a group of students 50% or more of the time, then
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 16 and 17 without objection. It then heard House Bill 623, which would require a 60-second moment of silence at the beginning of each public school day. The sponsor and several supporters, including a rabbi, a pastor, a church representative, and a former teacher, argued that the bill is neutral, low-cost, and intended to promote calm, reflection, and better student behavior while protecting religious freedom and parental authority. Some members raised concerns about mandating the practice, local control, whether it could be seen as encouraging prayer, and how it would apply to late arrivals or charter schools. The sponsor said it would apply to public and charter schools but not private schools, and that students could silently read or pray if they wished. The committee passed HB 623 on a 10-4 roll call vote and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 728, a school funding and staffing definitions bill sponsored by Representative Church. She said the bill would clarify statutory definitions for instructional, administrative, classified, and per-pupil staff, and would move positions that are not directly instructing students into the administrative category, based on LSO review and Department of Education guidance. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability in how state education dollars are categorized and spent. Questions focused on how the new definitions would affect principals, superintendents, teacher-leaders, mentors, instructional coaches, and rural districts that split duties between teaching and administration. The Idaho Association of School Administrators testified in opposition, warning that the bill would reduce flexibility and could make instructional coaching unsustainable, especially in smaller districts with limited administrative allocations.
Members debated whether to hold HB 728 for further clarification or move it forward. A substitute motion to hold the bill until February 27 failed on a 6-8 roll call. The committee then voted on the original motion to send HB 728 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and that motion passed unanimously on the recorded vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The University of Washington Center for Human Rights has reported extensively on the systematic sexual
- My name is Lydia Zepeda, and I'm speaking in support of HB 2464 on behalf of the League of Women Voters
- Oftentimes, as has been mentioned, this goes unreported because of fear of retaliation, lack of access
- And just last year, the University of Washington dug into the records and shared findings in line with
- And just last year, the University of Washington dug into the records and shared findings in line to
Committee:
Senate Human Services
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- of time of building.
- So you are going to hear from experts, both at the University of Washington, from SNAP nutrition education
- I'm a faculty member in the Department of Economics at the University of Washington, and I'm here in
- I'm also a faculty member at the University of Washington School of Public Health.
- I'm here testifying in enthusiastic support of SB 6212 and the development of a pilot program for a universal
Committee:
Senate Human Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- a lot of value.
- And it's the 250th of the founding of this nation.
- one of them.
- front of us.
- I'm a part of a lot of organizations.
Summary:
The commission met to advance planning for a proposed Cape Verdean Cultural Center in Massachusetts, with members emphasizing the historical significance of Cape Verdeans in the Commonwealth and the need to complete a feasibility study over the next year. After roll call and introductions of new participants, the commission unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes. Members also reviewed and approved a draft nomination criteria document, with a small edit to explicitly include Cape Cod in the geographic representation language.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on expanding commission membership. Rochelle Barbosa presented criteria aimed at ensuring regional, gender, generational, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise in areas such as history, museums, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, language preservation, legal issues, and community organizing. The commission discussed several organizations and institutions that should have designees, including Bridgewater State’s Cape Verdean studies program, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Members also reviewed a long list of suggested nominees and identified possible gaps, including legal expertise and representation from Taunton and Cape Cod-area communities.
Because the commission had 16 additional nominees for 12 remaining seats, members agreed that more vetting was needed before final appointments. Representative Vieira proposed, and the commission approved, forming a three-member nominating committee consisting of Senator Miranda, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes. The committee was tasked with narrowing the list and bringing back recommendations for a vote at a later meeting. Members also discussed scheduling another meeting before the end of the month so appointments could be finalized and the commission could begin its work plan, including monthly meetings, listening sessions, and visits to cultural institutions. The meeting adjourned after those next steps were outlined.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reports of standing committees. Reports of select committees.
- You broke 2,000 in the state semifinals, and she'll be playing at the University of Buffalo coming fall
- YOU BROKE 2,000 IN THE STATE SEMIFINALS AND SHE'LL BE PRAY PLAYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BUFF THROW.
- CHRISS-ANN PRYCE IS A MATRICULATED STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY STUDYING HUMAN BIOLOGY.
- OF THED A BEFORE CODE OF CITY OF NEW YORK.
Summary:
The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services.
Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.