Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State of the State preview with House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) Apr 27th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We really enjoy, I think, having an opportunity to be together and hear from the governor.
- I mean, I think that Governor Walz has been a really impressive governor for his last two terms, and
- Well, the governor has been a really good partner to the legislature.
- </c> it been like working with the governor? it been like working with the governor?
- , governor, governor, we<00:03:05.640><c> had</c><00:03:06.040><c> one</c><00:03:06.160><c> of</c><00
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Opening Ceremonies Jan 12th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The President expects that you were very well received by our Governor.
- Thank you, Lieutenant Governor. Mr. President, he also, he also... Senator Torres?
- Well, thank you, Lieutenant Governor. Mr.
- President, he also mentioned that he is putting a challenge out to Governor Newsom in California.
- Third order of business: messages from the Governor and other state officers.
Summary:
The Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School students, and an invocation. The chamber welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and heard ceremonial remarks about the nation’s 250th anniversary and the challenges of governing during budget constraints. The Secretary of State certified the November 2025 election results, and newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter were sworn in. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that it was organized and ready to conduct business, confirmed the committee appointed for that purpose, adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor Senate rule changes, and confirmed the 2026 standing committee memberships.
The Senate then handled first-reading referrals and supplemental introductions, including measures referred to committees and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session. Senator Riccelli supported the cutoff schedule as necessary to complete work within the 60-day session, while Senator McCune opposed it, arguing the Legislature should prioritize budgeting earlier and take a different approach to fiscal planning. After debate, the resolution was adopted. The Senate also received House messages transmitting House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, and both were adopted by the Senate, with 4406 calling for a joint session and 4407 addressing the status of bills and measures.
The chamber received additional messages from the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate offices, including transmittals of several engrossed and substitute Senate bills and provisional certifications of initiatives. Senators Hunt and Torres reported back after escorting the Governor’s message, noting his readiness to work with the Legislature and a lighthearted Seahawks-49ers challenge. The session concluded with reminders about the upcoming joint session and a Rules Committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/04/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Outdoor Heritage Council: two Senate members, two House members, four citizen members appointed by the governor
- ><00:01:51.799><c> the</c> four four citizen appointed by the four four citizen appointed by the governors
- ><c> citizen</c><00:01:54.280><c> appointed</c><00:01:54.759><c> by</c><00:01:54.920><c> the</c> governors
- two citizen appointed by the governors two citizen appointed by the house<00:01:55.280><c> and</c><00
- because govern uh federal Governor because govern uh federal dollars<00:29:36.080><c> coming</c><00:
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 3/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- With surveillance pricing and ESLs powered by AI, mass data collection, and automation, consumers don't
- The Minnesota legislature has the power and authority it needs to stop this exploitative practice before
- The Minnesota legislature has the power and authority it needs to stop this exploitative practice before
- electronic shelf labels and the powered electronic shelf labels and the exploitative<00:13:28.240><c
- </c><00:21:06.880><c> technology</c><00:21:07.440><c> and</c> we implement AI powered technology and
Summary:
The meeting focused on proposed Minnesota legislation to ban surveillance pricing and restrict AI-powered electronic shelf labels in grocery stores. Speakers from UFCW 1189 and UFCW Local 663, along with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, argued that these technologies could enable real-time price increases based on consumer data, undermine budgeting and privacy, and worsen affordability for families. They also said the technology could reduce hours or eliminate jobs for grocery workers who currently handle pricing and store knowledge, with UFCW Local 663 estimating about 500 affected jobs among its members alone.
Testimony emphasized examples such as baby formula, diapers, bananas, and milk to illustrate how fluctuating prices could hurt families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people in food deserts. Speakers also argued that grocery workers provide essential customer service and that automation should be introduced responsibly, not at the expense of workers or consumers. Murphy and Sencer-Mura framed the bill as a response to corporate greed and big tech surveillance, saying Minnesota should act proactively before the practices become widespread.
During questions, lawmakers and advocates discussed whether the issue was proactive or reactive, whether disclosure requirements like those used in New York would be sufficient, and how surveillance pricing differs from loyalty programs or coupons. Speakers said disclosure alone would not prevent tracking or price manipulation and that the goal was to stop the practice altogether. The transcript ended with the advocates saying they would continue meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; no vote or final committee action was recorded in the excerpt, though one question referenced a related bill stalling in committee earlier that morning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 26th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- and convenes a work group to decide the definition of an e-moto. ...what these powerful e-bikes are
- not, this bill clarifies that these powerful e-bikes are not legal when they exceed the watt or speed
- I have witnessed more unsafe riding of high-powered electric vehicles than I can remember.
- E-motorcycles are larger, heavier, more powerful, and much faster.
- of a gas-powered motorcycle and the ability to accelerate to highway speeds.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- A year later, Governor Walz appointed me to serve as commissioner, and I'm honored to come before you
- </c> headline every week uh under Governor headline every week uh under Governor waltz's And who does
- Is the governor accountable? Where does the buck stop? Mr.
- accountable to the governor, I'm going to suggest that it's probably the latter.
- </c><00:25:57.880><c> and</c> being uh held back by the governor and being uh held back by the governor
Committee:
Senate Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So I just, maybe to clarify, can you use legacy hydro to power the, or even legacy wind, to power the
- It's my understanding that there's maybe some ambiguity and some... power the or even legacy wind to
- and Saying is that Grant PUD will supply your power, and you're in favor of the existing hydropower
- Well, that gets into how much power is actually available, and if you were to go 100...
- And when did Grant PUD tell you about when you could get that additional power?
Committee:
House Environment & Energy
Keywords:
oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Adrian Beatty, the chief executive officer of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers
- I am the chief executive officer of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance
- And we have public safety power shutoffs, or public safety power shutoffs, and those are not operable
- And we have public safety power shutoffs, or public safety power shutoffs, and those are not operable
- , we need to get backup power, we need to get backup power, we need to get backup power on those planning
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of electricity and power to generate hydrogen, doesn't it?
- How is that powered? With hydrogen. The electrolyzer would be powered with hydrogen. And so...
- During winter storm Uri, my power went out in my house.
- The main priority was for a... ...emergency power and for drones.
- Are you actually using the hydrogen you make to power the process?
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we talk about this power, gas-powered equipment.
- So, yes, they have the power or the ability to do something, but they have to do it equally for either
- So you're asking about the power equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered
- Equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered equipment versus electric, correct
- Okay, going further with that, if a community wants to prohibit the use of gas-powered blowers near school
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard and approved two bills. First, it took up CS for SB 290, an agriculture and consumer services bill, and adopted a strike-all amendment that covered a wide range of issues: density limits for certain small municipalities, a delay in biosolids rule changes from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, higher insurance and penalty requirements for fumigation businesses, longer payment timeframes for contractors to pay subcontractors and suppliers, restrictions on county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renaming the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about the contractor penalty increase, local government preemption, and the biosolids provisions. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids sections, while several industry and agriculture groups waved in support. The committee then voted the bill favorably, with Senator Bracey Davis voting no.
The committee next heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements in areas such as assessments, personnel, facilities, and budgeting; expand teacher apprenticeship and multi-year contracts; streamline salary supplements and testing calendars; give districts more flexibility with Title I and capital funds; update facility planning rules; and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs. Supporters from several school districts and education groups waved in favor. Senators generally supported the goal of reducing administrative burdens, though one question was raised about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education inquiries. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a more direct reporting path and reduce unnecessary layers of regulation. SB 320 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But we talk about this power, gas-powered equipment.
- So, yes, they have the power or the ability to do something, but they have to do it equally for either
- So you're asking about the power equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered
- Equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered equipment versus electric, correct
- Okay, going further with that, if a community wants to prohibit the use of gas-powered blowers near school
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first took up CS for SB 290, a broad Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that, among other things, set density requirements for certain small municipalities, delayed biosolids-related changes from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, required higher insurance coverage for fumigation businesses, increased fines for fumigation violations, extended the time contractors have to pay subcontractors and suppliers from 15 to 30 business days, preempted certain county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renamed the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about local government preemption, the biosolids timeline, and especially the new felony penalty for nonpayment of subcontractors and suppliers. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids provisions, while several agricultural and industry groups waived in support. The bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senator Bracy Davis voting no and Senator Jones expressing concern about the contractor penalty.
The committee then heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, budgeting, and early learning administration; expand teacher apprenticeship pathways; create longer instructional contracts and renewable professional certificates; simplify testing and evaluation rules; increase flexibility for Title I and discretionary capital funding; and streamline facility planning and architectural requirements. School district and education association representatives waived in support. Senators Osgood and others praised the deregulation and flexibility, while Senator Bracy Davis asked about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education expenditure questions. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce administrative burden while preserving accountability. SB 320 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But we talk about this power, gas-powered equipment.
- So, yeah, they have the power or the ability to do something, but they have to do it equally for either
- So you're asking about the power equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered
- ... equipment, whether or not they can use gas-powered or diesel-powered equipment versus electric, correct
- Okay, going further with that, if a community wants to prohibit the use of gas-powered blowers near school
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- It's Governor Healey's proposal for the Chapter 90 program.
- I want to thank the governor for filing this bill early.
- As governor, I believe that local infrastructure spoke to some of those things.
- Last year, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll asked MassDOT and my team at ANF to convene
- Last year, Governor Healy and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll asked MassDOT and my team, ANF, to convene
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held its first hearing of the session on H. 53, Governor Healey’s Chapter 90 proposal to increase state funding for municipal roads, bridges, sidewalks, and culverts. Committee chairs outlined the hybrid hearing process and invited testimony from municipal officials, labor groups, regional planning organizations, contractors, and administration officials. Across the hearing, speakers consistently supported the bill, emphasizing long-deferred maintenance, inflation in construction costs, climate-related flooding, and the need for more predictable, multi-year funding so cities and towns can plan projects and take advantage of the construction season.
The administration described H. 53 as part of a broader $8 billion transportation package, proposing to raise annual Chapter 90 funding from $200 million to $300 million for five years, with the additional $100 million distributed by road mileage to better support rural and small communities. They also highlighted $200 million for culverts and small bridges, plus other transportation investments, and said the five-year authorization would provide certainty for municipal capital planning. Municipal witnesses from places including Carlisle, Beverly, Granby, Hatfield, Newton, Nahant, Gardner, Beckett, and Yarmouth described local road and culvert backlogs, rising asphalt costs, and the difficulty of maintaining infrastructure on limited local budgets.
Labor and industry witnesses from the AFL-CIO and MAPA said the bill would support good-paying jobs and provide stability for contractors and producers. The MBTA Advisory Board and regional planning representatives also backed the proposal, noting the connection between local roads and the broader transportation system. Committee members asked questions about the road-mile formula, culvert needs, asphalt costs, and the rationale for a five-year authorization. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> taller,</c><00:46:23.119><c> get</c> powers kids to grow taller, get powers kids to grow taller,
- To screens power chairs going still.
- </c> driving instability in our power grid. driving instability in our power grid.
- </c><08:28:02.478><c> to</c> at risk of not having enough power to at risk of not having enough power
- </c><09:03:29.200><c> Not</c> powerful people break the rules. Not powerful people break the rules.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Election Protection / Shutting Down Scam PACs / A New Senator Shares His Priorities Apr 17th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, my bill just removes that power from them.
- All the other powers remain. Um, but it removes the power for them to spend money in our elections.
- Um, and removes that power from them.
- All the other powers remain. changes. All the other powers remain.
- </c><00:10:35.360><c> for</c> Um, but it it removes the the power for Um, but it it removes the the power
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It says governor or whoever is the acting governor.
- So if the governor was gone, lieutenant governor is acting governor, then it would be the duty upon the
- acting governor.
- Governor was gone.
- Lieutenant governor was acting governor, then it would be the duty upon the acting governor at that point
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Rules Committee met to consider a long slate of executive nominations and several bills. All of the nominations received broad support and were advanced to the floor, including Lori Burns to the Redlands Community College Board of Regents, Lisa Daly to the Oklahoma State Credit Union, Juana Ellison to the Forensic Review Board, Haley Frick to the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Michael Hillary to the Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dustin Hillary to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, John Holt to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, Brian Sweeney to the Capital Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission, and Cale Walker to the USAO Board of Regents. Most nominations passed unanimously; Brian Sweeney’s nomination passed 15-2.
The committee then heard and passed several policy bills. HB 1675 created a severe-weather preparedness framework for youth camps and passed 16-1. HB 3242, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act covering shelters, schools, and higher education, passed 15-2 after questions about enforcement and legal remedies. HB 1739 increased state police pension benefits and employer contributions to help retain officers, passing 16-1. HB 3320 overhauled the sunset review process for boards and commissions and passed 15-2. HB 3047 designated LOFT as the central recipient for legislative reports and passed unanimously, and HB 4434 required the governor or acting governor to notify the next successor before leaving the state, also passing unanimously.
The committee also advanced HB 4432, which would restore the ability to deduct gambling losses against gambling winnings for state income tax purposes; supporters said it would help ordinary taxpayers, while opponents raised fiscal concerns, and it passed 16-1. HB 3705 raised the parental choice tax credit cap from $250 million to $275 million and passed 13-3 after extended debate over school choice, public funding, and reporting. HB 3718 set timelines for school districts to process evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship program and passed 12-2, with critics arguing it could create a separate track and strain school psychology resources. HJR 1089, which would have sent voters a constitutional convention referendum, was laid over and not voted on. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final vote.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- :13:19.279><c> million</c><00:13:19.680><c> in</c> governor um contributed $210 million in governor um
- The governor provided a 2% with that.
- Edarm $10 what the governor had.
- The governor had $15 million. million. The governor had $15 million.
- </c> >> So we're maintaining what the governor >> So we're maintaining what the governor
Bills:
HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Governor of the Commonwealth, Maura T.
- Healey, signed by Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, Kimberly Driscoll, and the Secretary of the
- 'Tip' O'Neill... ...such as Massachusetts Governor James Sullivan, U.S. President John F.
- Therefore, Governor Maura T.
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health and its Massachusetts affiliates for LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Members also received and adopted a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Evacuation Day, with remarks noting its historical significance as the first victory of the American Revolution and its connection to St. Patrick’s Day observances in Massachusetts.
The chamber then took up House No. 62, a bill extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. On a motion to suspend the rules and consider the bill forthwith, the Senate agreed, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. Later, Senator Kahn read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring March 2025 Irish American Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions of Irish Americans in Massachusetts and the state’s Irish heritage trails; the Senate ordered both the Evacuation Day and Irish American Heritage Month remarks entered into the Journal.
The Senate also adopted a motion that it adjourn in memory of Mark T. Feeney of South Boston, with a brief tribute to his family, community ties, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (02/25/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- And what it just didn't seem to make sense for us to order the governor to do something that the governor
- It just didn't seem to make sense for us to order the governor to do something that the governor has
- </c><00:40:52.800><c> Cenounu</c> previously vetoed by Governor Cenounu previously vetoed by Governor
- That must just be something that gets carried on from governor to governor because I've not seen that
- </c> then Governor Cenounu. then Governor Cenounu.
Committee:
House Legislative Administration
Summary:
The committee met in work session to consider amendments to House Bill 1332, which concerns Gold Star-related flag displays. Members discussed two proposed amendments: one would allow the governor to choose to honor Gold Star families by ordering display of the Gold Star flag at the State House and at the State Veterans Cemetery, and another would define the flags covered by the bill as those officially recognized by the federal government. Members debated whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, whether the State House display would trigger broader flag-flying requirements, and whether the veterans cemetery language was necessary. Testimony noted that the Gold Star flag is federally recognized, while the Honor and Remember flag has not been officially recognized by Congress.
The committee also took up House Bill 1097, dealing with historic road signs and the committee referral for that bill. Representative Janet Wall explained an amendment changing the bill’s referral from the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to the Joint Historic Committee, saying the historic committee is better suited to handle issues involving historic signs and artifacts. She described the Joint Historic Committee’s broader jurisdiction after a prior statutory combination of committees, and members discussed whether that committee has authority beyond the State House complex. Supporters said the change would provide more appropriate oversight and public input on controversial historic markers; one member opposed legislative involvement in removing markers, arguing the issue should remain with existing historical and transportation entities. The amendment was discussed favorably, and members indicated they liked it.
No final votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee appeared to set aside the Gold Star amendments for further consideration and moved on after discussion of the historic-signs amendment, with members noting the need to review the written amendment text before acting.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-01-14 - 3:35PM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The role of the governor: The governor is the commander in chief of the National Guard.
- </c><00:03:11.040><c> The</c><00:03:11.280><c> governor</c> The role of the governor.
- The governor The role of the governor.
- </c> selected by the state's governor. selected by the state's governor.
- But yeah, the vast majority are now appointments by governors.