Video & Transcript : 'port visit' :
Page 439 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, in the East Gallery, we have a group of high school students from Polk County here visiting
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a doctor of the day announcement. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Charlie Dean, with tributes offered to his service and family. Several introductions were made, including guests in the gallery and visiting students.
On the special order calendar, the Senate temporarily postponed bills on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers, then took up and passed several measures. SB 198/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks was substituted to the House bill, amended to adopt the Senate language, and passed 37-0 to address fraud, registration, transaction limits, warnings, receipts, and refunds for scam victims. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices and collect crash data. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring one-time board-approved training for certain licensed health professionals. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, prohibiting cities from denying water or wastewater service solely because an owner refuses annexation, subject to service and funding conditions.
The Senate also passed SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program by 36-0 after amendments expanding eligibility to ages 1 through 7 and adding postpartum drowning-prevention education and safe bathing guidance. SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation passed 36-0, creating cybersecurity program and oversight requirements for certain financial licensees and clarifying anti-money-laundering enforcement. SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments, extending cybersecurity-related public records exemptions and reporting provisions. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing benefits received on behalf of foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement.
At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules so all bills passed that day would be immediately certified to the House and the postponed bills would remain on the special order calendar; both motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning for committee meetings and other business.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (5:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, in the East Gallery, we have a group of high school students from Polk County here visiting
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed a moment of silence for former Senator Charlie Dean. The chamber also received several introductions, including guests from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and visiting Polk County students. After routine business, the Senate took up a special order calendar, temporarily postponing several bills including measures on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers.
The Senate then passed a series of bills, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Approved measures included SB 198/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks, which creates registration, disclosure, transaction-limit, warning, receipt, and fraud-refund requirements; SB 382 on electric bicycles, which adds pedestrian-yield rules, speed limits near pedestrians, and creates a micro-mobility safety task force; SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education for certain health professionals; and SB 1014 on municipal utility service, which bars cities from denying water or wastewater service outside city limits solely because the owner refuses annexation. Each of these bills was explained by the sponsoring senator, amended as needed, and passed on recorded votes.
The Senate also passed SB 428, expanding the state swimming lesson voucher program from ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 and adding drowning-prevention education for new parents through a merged amendment with related language; senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing child safety and autism-related drowning risks. Additional bills passed included SB 540 on Office of Financial Regulation cybersecurity and oversight changes, SB 1440 on related public-records and cybersecurity exemptions, and SB 1594 to protect veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster children by directing those funds toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. Final votes were largely 36-0 or 37-0, with SB 1440 passing 35-1.
At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules so all bills passed that day would be immediately certified to the House and all temporarily postponed bills would remain on the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning for committee meetings and other business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Thanks for the opportunity to visit with you today.
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
ID
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 19th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's young families don't manage their finances with paper checks and in-person bank visits like we
Bills:
SR29 , SB667 , SB1466 , SB1942 , SB1989 , SB1670 , SB1716 , SB1521 , SB1273 , SB1433 , HJR1032 , SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364
Keywords:
Black History Month, Black Oklahomans, civil rights, Tulsa Race Massacre, Greenwood, Jim Crow, segregation, all-Black towns, Boley, Langston University, Clara Luper, NAACP Youth Council, Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail, Black history, African American history, racial justice, commemorative resolution, Black excellence, state history, heritage month
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and then spent much of the session on recognitions and floor introductions. The chamber honored the undefeated Jones High School Longhorns football team for winning the Class 2A-I state championship, recognized Miss Oklahoma 2025 Tessa Darrell, and celebrated the Murray State College bass fishing team for winning its second consecutive national title. The Senate also adopted SR-29, a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month and highlighting Black Oklahomans’ history, civil rights contributions, and achievements; the resolution passed without opposition.
The Senate then took up several bills. SB 667, requested by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, updates chiropractic licensure language, moves to an online licensure portal, and repeals an obsolete consultant position; it passed 45-0. SB 1466 extends the sunset date for the advisory committee on midwifery to 2036; it passed 41-4 and was advanced as an emergency measure. SB 1942, dealing with dental insurance and provider pricing for services not reimbursed by insurance, prompted extended debate over free-market principles, patient costs, and insurance contract limits; it passed 40-3. SB 1989 modernizes the Oklahoma College Savings Plan by allowing contributions through digital payment platforms such as Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, and digital wallets; it passed 44-0.
The Senate also heard gallery introductions for FCCLA students, including the Bristow chapter and Adair High School students, and welcomed former Senator Judy Easton McIntyre for Black History Month events. Committee and floor announcements followed, including upcoming meetings of Business and Insurance, Administrative Rules, and Technology and Telecommunications. The chamber then adjourned until Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 18th, 2026 at 11:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- , what would have been best is 10 years ago when there was a proposal to offer nurse-family home visiting
Summary:
Senate and House Democratic leaders held a post-cutoff media availability to review the first half of session and outline priorities for the remainder. They said both chambers made substantial progress on protecting Washington from federal overreach and on affordability, citing measures on ICE access and notice, private spaces, housing expansion, medical debt interest caps, senior property tax relief, working families and small business tax credits, and proposals to phase out sales tax on services. They also highlighted that the House moved nearly 200 bills, about 80% with bipartisan support, and said the chambers are now processing each other’s bills and preparing for a fast-paced final stretch.
A major focus was the “millionaire’s tax” and related tax relief proposals. Leaders said the governor’s suggestions, including a sales tax holiday and diaper relief, were welcome and that the updated revenue forecast gives the budget more breathing room and reserves, though much of the new revenue is offset by caseload growth and federal cuts. They said the tax package is intended to support long-term fiscal sustainability and affordability, and that House members will continue shaping the bill in committee. They also discussed a separate proposal to tax large employers whose workers rely on Medicaid, saying it is being considered in light of new federal requirements to track Medicaid employment data, while noting concerns from employers and nonprofits.
The conversation also covered several bills that stalled or were delayed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance because it lacked votes, though support and stakeholder engagement increased this year. They said child welfare bills and Senator Wilson’s proposals were paused after stakeholder concerns, while Representative Fitzgibbon defended the House’s approach to child safety and said lawmakers are still working on the issue. Other topics included the transmission and cultural resources bills, where a late procedural request to read a bill in full disrupted plans to move multiple measures together, and a tort-liability bill that passed the Senate and is expected to continue in the House with amendments. They also addressed the 0.05 impaired-driving bill, the Left Plan 1 pension proposal, the farmworker unionization bill, and the initiative-related bill, with several of these measures described as still under discussion or lacking enough support to move this year.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- moves $20 million in funding to promote California travel, tourism, and economic development from Visit
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on two early-action budget bills. AB 107 would make mostly technical corrections to prior budget acts, including extending deadlines, fixing fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel and tourism promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and making changes related to Proposition 4 climate bond funding. A key provision would exempt development of program guidelines and selection criteria for certain 2025 climate bond appropriations from the Administrative Procedure Act, which supporters said would speed implementation of wildfire prevention and other projects. Members raised concerns about oversight, competitive bidding, and whether vendors and safeguards were sufficient, while public commenters from water, climate, and conservation groups strongly supported the APA exemption and urged similar treatment for future allocations.
AB 117 would authorize up to $590 million in short-term loans for four Bay Area transit agencies: BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit. Finance explained that the loan would be administered through MTC using Bay Area TIRCP funds that have been awarded but not yet allocated, making the structure cost-neutral to the state. The loan would run 12 years, with the first two years interest-only, and repayment would be secured through state transit assistance funds if needed. Several members questioned whether the proposal amounted to a bailout, whether it was fair to prioritize the Bay Area, and whether the structure adequately protected other projects, especially BART to Silicon Valley Phase 2; Finance and committee staff said safeguards and monitoring provisions were included and that no state funds were at risk.
Public testimony was largely supportive of both bills. Transit agencies and local officials said the loan would provide bridge financing as ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, while allowing service improvements and major events to continue. San Jose representatives and some members asked for possible cleanup language to better protect large regional capital projects. The chair said the committee anticipated hearing the bills on the floor later in the week, and the hearing was adjourned after public comment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- moves $20 million in funding to promote California travel, tourism, and economic development from Visit
Committee:
House Budget
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Feb 12th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I had the honor of visiting Cape Verde with some of our colleagues and friends twice.
Summary:
The Senate began with recognitions, welcoming four young women from Quincy and Lawrence who were at the State House advocating on climate issues. The chamber then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll of Attleboro, with remarks honoring her long public service at the State House and her family’s legacy of service.
The main business was Senate No. 2947, an act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth. Senators Gomez and Payano spoke in strong support, describing housing discrimination against voucher holders and people of color, and explaining that the bill would expand enforcement authority, increase penalties for repeat violations, require annual complaint summaries, and mandate fair housing training for real estate licensees. Senator Lovely also supported the bill, citing her experience in real estate and the need for stronger fair housing education and enforcement.
Several amendments were considered. Senator Tarr’s amendment to add HUD-related certification, notice, and corrective-action requirements for municipalities and public agencies was debated but defeated on a roll call vote, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral wording amendment was adopted, as was Senator Payano’s amendment requiring publication of suspended as well as revoked licenses. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment on housing access for returning citizens, and other amendments were withdrawn. The Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call vote of 38-0. The Senate then adjourned to meet again the following Tuesday, also noting John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll in memory.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations to the Seahawks, and we're real proud to have them visit us today, or later today.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a press event to preview the final weeks of the legislative session and criticize several Democratic proposals. Their main focus was a proposed income tax on high earners, which they said is really an income tax that could later be expanded, and which drew what they described as record opposition in public sign-ins and testimony. They also objected to other fiscal bills they said would raise costs for food, agriculture, health care, energy, labor, and consumer goods, and they argued these measures would worsen affordability and encourage people and businesses to leave Washington.
The caucus also highlighted bills they opposed on policy grounds, including measures affecting local authority over camping bans and housing permitting, an anti-initiative bill they called anti-voter, and a bill on sheriff background checks. They said they supported or were pleased to see movement on some Republican-backed measures, including tax exemptions for diapers, prepared foods, and certain licensing and continuing-education costs, as well as a repeal of last year’s services tax. They also said the Senate’s move to roll back the estate tax was a partial step in the right direction, though not enough to offset the proposed income tax.
A major portion of the event centered on child welfare and the Keeping Families Together Act. Republicans criticized a House bill they said only partially addresses the “imminent harm” standard and does not adequately protect children in drug-affected homes, citing recent fatalities and critical incidents. They said they will keep pushing for changes and also mentioned support for adding fentanyl to the child endangerment statute. In closing, they said they would continue floor fights over the next week, and House Republicans announced they will issue their own media credentials to promote press access in Olympia.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I welcome the opportunity to visit and meet with the individual that came up and provided remarks.
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably.
The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill.
The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I welcome the opportunity to visit and meet with the individual that came up and provided remarks.
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Keywords:
high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I welcome the opportunity to visit and meet with the individual that came up and provided remarks.
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 5 Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's say one of my goddaughters has come to visit us this week.
Bills:
HB2975 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3728 , HB3902 , HB3977 , SB397 , HB1161 , HB2938 , HB2939 , HB3306 , HB3722 , HB4113 , HB4123 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3545 , HB3546
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Bonneville County, has produced some of our best and brightest youth in the state, and we have them visiting
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Leadership announced that the day’s only substantive floor item would be House Bill 559, along with routine committee reports and first- and second-reading referrals for several measures, including Senate bills on retirement, insurance investments, short-term rentals, rural health transformation, foster care, Medicaid, and alcoholic beverages, plus House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters and House Bill 557 on human rights/local anti-discrimination ordinances.
House Bill 559, the annual tax conformity bill, was brought up under suspension of the rules and debated at length. Supporters said it was needed so Idahoans, businesses, accountants, and the Tax Commission could file returns using the updated federal tax provisions, and they highlighted individual benefits such as no tax on tips and overtime, car loan interest deductions, senior-related deductions, and an increased grocery tax credit. Opponents argued the bill would worsen an already strained budget, create administrative burdens, and force future cuts to schools, transportation, and other services; some urged full conformity or a later effective date instead of retroactive conformity to January 1, 2025.
After debate, the Senate passed House Bill 559 on a roll call vote of 28-7, with one paired vote noted, and approved the title for return to the House. A minority report on the bill was also ordered spread upon the journal. The Senate then moved through miscellaneous business, including introductions of visiting youth leaders from Bonneville County and family members in the gallery, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.
ID
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget REVISED: Start time changed to 12:00 PM for Oklahoma State Department of Education
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- As I visit with all of you in the legislature today, I see your role as ensuring there's a steady supply
Committee:
House Appropriations and Budget
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026 at 09:02 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And during COVID, that's how the schools and folks like me did our visits.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- During COVID, that's how the schools and folks like me did our visits.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, if you've ever visited my office, you may remember a wall filled with photographs of 24 Black
Summary:
The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate.
The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote.
The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.