Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :
Page 440 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 6th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'd like to tell your name, where you're from, your high school, who you're paging for, and maybe
- I am paging for Senator Frick's, and my school that I go to in Salt Lake High School.
- I attend Canton High School as a junior, and I am paging for Senator Yek.
- I am paging for Senator Casey Murdock, and my plan is to attend Oklahoma State University after high
- I'm paging for Senator Michael Brooks, and after high school, I'm a senior at Edmond Memorial High School
Bills:
HB4440 , HJR1067 , HJR1087 , HB4426 , HB3704 , HB4311 , HB3044 , HB4191 , HB3465 , HB3972 , HB3759 , HB3625 , HB1411 , HB2980 , HB3015 , HB3147 , HB3277 , HB3323 , HB3443 , HB3882 , HB3406 , HB2975 , HB3977 , HB3263 , HB2988 , HB3404 , HB1770
Keywords:
Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including the doctor of the day, Dr. Mukesh Perek; nurse of the day, Cynthia Cochran; psychologist of the day, Dr. Colby Kipp; and a guest introduced by Senator Brooks, Marianella “Nellie” Castaneda, who was honored for her quick action in responding to a distress call that helped prompt a law enforcement response in a domestic violence situation. Senator Brooks and Castaneda both spoke about the incident and the importance of staff responsiveness and public service.
The Senate also honored Jalen Lundry of Hayworth, named a national champion in the FFA Agriscience Fair for research on red wiggler worms and soil health. Lundry spoke briefly about her project and thanked Senator George Burns. The Pro Tem recognized April 6, 2026, as National Rifle Association and Oklahoma Rifle Association Day, with representatives from both organizations present in the gallery. The chamber also introduced the week’s pages, who each identified their schools, senators they were paging for, and future plans.
No legislation was debated or voted on during the session. Instead, members made committee and floor announcements, including upcoming meetings of Revenue and Taxation, Appropriations, Public Safety, and the Senate Rural Caucus. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/08/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> for it. for it.
- I wonder if 3,000 feels high for the first transaction if we're trying to protect those people. >> I
- I wonder if 3,000 feels<01:27:54.960><c> high</c><01:27:55.199><c> for</c><01:27:55.440><c> the</c><01
- :27:55.679><c> first</c><01:27:56.000><c> transaction</c><01:27:56.800><c> if</c> feels high for the
- first transaction if feels high for the first transaction if we're<01:27:57.280><c> trying</c><01:27:
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Summary:
The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases.
A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state.
The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article II
Transcript Highlights:
- So first I want to thank you all. for funding the tobacco prevention and control, for the funding for
- Because, currently, there is no good funding mechanism for reimbursement for EMS agencies for whole blood
- . for the equipment, for the training, and for the blood itself. if they're not part of this rotation
- I'm a senior at Edgewood High School and for students, adults, and youth working hard against tobacco
- for myself. and for my community, so thank you.
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article II
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- For us alone to give you the flavor for it, we're a top writer.
- What did I come here for? So, What did I come here for?
- For body work and for mechanical?
- Our members are responsible for restoring today's complex, high-tech vehicles to pre-accident safety
- So it was my hope, and I made you speak for the committee back then, that that conversation would continue
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions.
A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations.
Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 57 Jun 17th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nobody has to call for a vote now. They do have to call for that? Okay. Oh, my God. Okay.
- I thank you for your support for making literacy a top priority this session.
- I want to thank everyone for voting for this bill, and let's vote again.
- Let's vote yes for our kids, for our teachers, and for our future. Thank you all.
- to serve, for the relationships forged, and for the lessons learned along the way.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed student ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, and adopted several resolutions honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci. Members also agreed to extend the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee on House No. 5505 and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a condominium-related petition to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
The chamber then dealt with Senate No. 2619, the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act. The House did not concur with the Senate’s position and instead appointed a committee of conference. It also took up Senate No. 3064, the major climate and infrastructure bond bill known as the Mass Ready Act, which Ways and Means reported with a House amendment. After debate emphasizing resilience, clean water, PFAS remediation, coastal protection, agriculture, and municipal preparedness, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading.
Later, the House considered and overwhelmingly approved a conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said it would require evidence-based reading instruction, restrict three-cueing methods, expand educator training, and support paid teaching apprenticeships. The report was accepted 152-0. The House then returned to S. 3064, adopted a consolidated amendment, and passed the bill to be engrossed by a vote of 151-0, before adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 57 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nobody has to call for a vote on now. They do have to call for that? Okay. Oh, my God. Okay.
- I want to thank everyone for voting for this bill, and let's vote again.
- Let's vote yes for our kids, for our teachers, and for our future. Thank you all.
- This means for renters as well.
- to serve, for the relationships forged, and for the lessons learned along the way.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed several student and community guests, including ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, visitors honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci, Scottish visitors celebrating Scotland’s World Cup appearance, Top-Notch Scholars students from Lawrence, and the King Philip Regional High School baseball team after its first state championship. The chamber also adopted several routine resolutions and orders, including extending the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a condominium-related petition. The House then rejected concurrence with the Senate on the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and instead voted to appoint a committee of conference.
The major policy action was on Senate Bill 3064, the Mass Ready Act, a large climate resilience and environmental bond bill. Members speaking in support emphasized flood protection, clean water, PFAS remediation, municipal vulnerability preparedness, coastal resilience, parks, trails, housing, and agricultural and food-system investments. The bill was described as authorizing roughly $3.8 billion in general obligation bonds, with discussion of specific funding for the Clean Water Trust, PFAS remediation, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, healthy homes, and farmland preservation. A consolidated amendment was adopted, and after debate the House passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote.
The House also took up the conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said the measure would require evidence-based reading instruction, move away from three-cueing approaches, support educator training and apprenticeships, and improve student literacy outcomes statewide. The conference report was accepted on a roll call vote of 152-0. Later, the House considered amendments to the Mass Ready Act, including one proposal to increase PFAS remediation funding that was ultimately withdrawn, and adopted another consolidated amendment before passing the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-0. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned to an informal session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 01/27/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- payment plans for eligible customers.
- You didn't volunteer for this job, but I appreciate your community service that you've done for your
- Thank you for the information.
- Thank you for the information.
- For clarification. I would say that the I'm just kind of confused, for clarification.
Committee:
Senate Energy And Telecommunications
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered several Public Service Law bills and advanced each one to the Rules Committee after brief discussion and recorded no votes or without-recommendation votes on some measures. The bills included proposals to prohibit utilities from using ratepayer funds for certain activities (1012A), establish minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers (1327), adjust residential fixed charges (1329), require the Public Service Commission to consider economic impacts when setting rates (1847), require utilities to adopt PSC-authorized equity ratios and returns on equity (1896), create the Rate-Hike Notice Act (5553C), suspend certain utility rate changes while allowing retroactive revenue recovery (5593), allow consideration of non-economic losses in penalty determinations (7165A), change the composition of the Public Service Commission (7328A), and let utilities retain revenues above authorized returns on equity (7693). Members asked questions about who would be affected by the bills, including whether fixed-charge reductions would apply to vacant units or vacation homes and whether economic-impact considerations could affect customers differently depending on where they live; the chair and sponsors generally explained the measures as territory-wide or applicable to all residential customers, with no occupancy or income-based circuit breaker in the text.
The committee then heard testimony from Alexandra Fasulo, introduced as an entrepreneur and farmer in Schuylerville, about her concerns regarding the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) and utility-scale solar development on farmland and grasslands. She argued that solar developers were pressuring landowners, including older and lower-income property owners, into long-term leases, that ORES approves most projects despite local opposition, and that the process lacks transparency, with redacted documents and limited public access to information. She also criticized the siting of solar projects on productive farmland and said decommissioning rules could leave equipment buried in the soil.
Committee members responded that the Legislature has already taken steps to protect high-quality soils, that ORES was created by statute and operates within the Public Service Department, and that DEC and ORES are supposed to work together rather than ORES superseding DEC. Several senators said they were sympathetic to concerns about farmland and community engagement, but also emphasized the need to expand renewable energy and balance that with land preservation. Members suggested that specific complaints about ORES transparency or solar siting could be addressed through future legislation or by inviting ORES and PSC officials back for further discussion.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- It changed our entire economic future and it gave us hope for a better life.
- Good for you. Any other comments? You are good for you. Any other comments or questions for Mr.
- Good for you.
- Good for you.
- Good for you.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 28th, 2026
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For 24 hours.
- We actually allocated money for vests that were for high-powered rifles.
- Thank you guys for being here. Thank you for having us.
- They were waiting for approvals for MRIs. That's insane.
- This wasn't something for profit for them.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- c> were eligible for uh for vouchers under were eligible for uh for vouchers under that<00:37:37.160>
- ><c> that</c> Statewide for any high schooler um that Statewide for any high schooler um that took<01
- for uh for bringing thanks uh Miss Davis for uh for bringing this<01:50:59.079><c> forward</c><01:50
- college experience for these academically motivated high school students, accelerate student progress
- </c><04:03:45.000><c> we</c> for coming in today I'm I'm hoping we for coming in today I'm I'm hoping
Summary:
The Division 2 Finance Committee work session focused primarily on House Bill 115 and a proposed amendment, 114H, which would carry over language from HB 2 into HB 115 and place limits on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). Representative Murray described the amendment as a way to keep the 350% federal poverty eligibility cap, require students to have attended a charter public school in grades K-12 for the preceding year before entering the voucher system, and add guardrails against universal eligibility. She argued the state was facing a severe budget crisis, that expanding EFAs would divert money from other programs, and that public testimony and local votes showed widespread opposition to expansion. She also cited a letter from former Finance chair Neil Kirk opposing expansion. Other members responded that the committee should not revisit policy already decided by the House, though some said the amendment was fair to discuss because of its fiscal implications and supported it on that basis.
The discussion then broadened into a debate over the fiscal impact of universal vouchers and the reliability of enrollment and cost estimates. Representative Luno argued that prior EFA projections had relied on assumptions that could badly underestimate state exposure, pointing to Arizona as a cautionary example and saying New Hampshire should not expand the program without better analysis. Representative Papovich similarly warned that universal eligibility could create a large, unexpected cost, estimating a potential exposure of about $285 million based on school-age children not currently in public, charter, or EFA programs. In contrast, Representative Weyler said EFAs can save money because public school spending is already high and parents using EFAs still pay taxes and take on more responsibility for their children’s education.
After discussion, Representative Murray moved to accept the amendment, and Representative Bean seconded it. There was some procedural clarification about voting on the original bill and the amendment. The transcript ends before a final recorded vote on the amendment or on HB 115 itself, though the committee had also been told it would likely reconsider several retained bills later in the week, including HB 129, HB 133, HB 671, and HB 781.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, for the honor of doing this today, what we hope is our last special session, and please join
- And I hope you're right, Senator, and I'm for the bill, obviously.
- The rent issue, high rents, they've been here for a while.
- High rents, they've been here for a while. This bill isn't going to make it any worse.
- Fairness for homeowners, fairness for renters, fairness for the homeless, fairness even for those that
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Razia Nahani, and I'm the advocacy director for UNISA Hope Center.
- I serve as the domestic Violence Case Management Director at Elisa Hope Center, and I am for support
- for HB 837.
- Any questions for the witness? I see none. Thank you for being here.
- for licensure.
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- FOR TEAMING MODELS TO REALLY LOOK AT CONNECTING WHEN WE LOOK AT THE HIGH-RISK CHILDREN AND YOUTH.
- FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSES FOR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND VICTIMS FOR THE COMPENSATION.
- FOR THE NOT SUBSTANTIATED, WE DO FOR ANY CASE BUT DEFINITELY FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING WE PROVIDE THE FAMILY
- FOR ENSURING THE BEST MATCHES, CANDIDATE PROFILES WERE MADE FOR EACH.
- >> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. I CERTAINLY OUR HOPE IS THAT THIS CONTINUES ON.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- This is critically important for us, as it is for all the RTCs.
- Thank you for your time and for your continued support of the Commonwealth tourism industry.
- Dance has true artistic power for joy, for community, and to help through artistic... ...for joy, for
- Having that is essential for arts, essential for tourism.
- for the artists themselves.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development held a hearing on October 21, opening with a moment of silence for former committee chair Senator Edward Kennedy. Chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey then heard testimony on several bills related to tourism funding, arts infrastructure, public art, Native heritage, and a choreographer laureate.
A major focus was legislation to require earlier distribution of regional tourism council grants from the Tourism Trust Fund, with testimony from regional tourism leaders from North of Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod, and Senator Joan Lovely. Witnesses said delayed grant allocations make it difficult to plan fall, winter, and shoulder-season marketing, and they argued that an October 1 or September 1 deadline would help preserve tourism’s economic impact without increasing appropriations. They cited tourism’s role in jobs, tax revenue, and regional economic development, especially for smaller and less prominent tourism regions.
The committee also heard strong support for the Creative Space Act and the PLACE Act, which would help municipalities preserve affordable creative workspace and create a public art funding mechanism tied to state construction projects. Testimony from MassCreative, MAPC, arts organizations, muralists, and local arts leaders emphasized loss of workspace, displacement of artists, and the economic and community benefits of public art. Additional testimony supported bills to protect Native American heritage by preventing the sale of funerary and sacred objects in public or nonprofit collections, and a bill to establish a first-in-the-nation choreographer laureate of the Commonwealth. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Reverend King fought for a better world for all of us, and particularly for Black people who have
- He fought for a world that cherished fundamental rights for everyone.
- He was raised in Simi Valley and attended Simi Valley High School, where he played as a receiver for
- for.'
- I want to thank you all for your comments, for being on this floor, and for going into a weekend with
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The main item on the floor was Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of nonviolence, civil rights, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and the need to continue his work amid current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to civil liberties. Senator Richardson closed on the resolution, and the roll was called; SCR 107 was adopted.
After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment memorials. Senator Pérez requested adjournment in memory of Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, describing his service, family, and death in a duty-related car pursuit accident. Senator McGuire then honored Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy, Bay Area roots, and charitable work. Senator Becker and Senator Laird added remarks about Weir’s cultural impact and the Grateful Dead’s place in California history.
The Senate also adjourned in memory of the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, with Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil speaking about the lives of the four young victims, including children and a teenager, and condemning gun violence. The Pro Tem closed by reflecting on the day’s themes of justice, loss, and civic responsibility, and announced the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Environmental Quality
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think, for my own view, and I'm hopeful we'll be able to find some way through that, my own view
- It is, you know, I was in this building in 2008 during high school, but not for me, testifying for SB
- water: one for bottled water, one for drinking water, and one for drainage water.
- For us, it’s a— For us, it’s a right.
- And yes, I hope, I know she... There's no problem in asking for this additional information.
Committee:
Senate Environmental Quality
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on environmental, climate, transparency, water affordability, recycling, and refinery transition issues. SB 1087 would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time spent on modeling and CEQA-related work; it drew strong support from MPOs and environmental groups with some opposition from clean air, housing, and industry advocates concerned about VMT, housing impacts, and agency authority. SB 1239 would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when major regulations are materially changed; manufacturers and business groups supported the transparency measure, while the chair opposed it as adding delay and inefficiency to rulemaking. SB 1125 would create the framework for a statewide low-income water rate assistance program; it received broad support from utilities, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members, and the committee advanced it on a 3-1 vote. SB 1180 would set rules for spending from the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, with broad support from environmental justice and conservation groups and opposed-unless-amended positions from industry groups seeking tighter limits and more oversight; it advanced on a 3-0 vote. SB 1161 would require CARB to present household-level cost impacts of regulations in plain language, and it advanced on a 4-0 vote despite late opposition from environmental groups. SB 955, updating beverage container recycling and redemption requirements, passed 5-0, and SB 1259, requiring refineries to disclose cleanup liabilities and decommissioning information to aid long-term planning, drew strong support from environmental and local government witnesses but firm opposition from petroleum, labor, and business groups; the committee began discussion but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to vote no on 691, and I'll stand for questions.
- Thank you for testifying.
- I'd stand for questions. Thank you for your testimony. Do we have any questions?
- So I'm excited to see this bill, and I hope that you will consider moving this forward, and I stand for
- I'm the senator for District 19.
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to vote no on 691, and I'll stand for questions.
- Thank you for testifying.
- I'd stand for questions. Thank you for Chesma. Do we have the questions?
- I'm the senator for District 19.
- I'm the senator for District 19.
Summary:
The House Judiciary and Rules Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, then heard House Bill 691, which would narrow Idaho’s definition of child neglect to align more closely with federal language. The sponsor and supporters argued the current definition is too broad, leads to many unsubstantiated CPS referrals, and can unnecessarily harm families, while opponents from child welfare and law enforcement said the bill would raise the intervention threshold and make it harder to protect children from chronic neglect or medical neglect. After debate over the bill’s impact and a question about existing faith-healing language, the committee rejected a motion to send H 691 to the floor on a 8-7 roll call vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1240, a comprehensive rewrite of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship statutes. Sponsors said the bill modernizes laws that have not been updated since 1972, improves clarity and due process, and reflects years of work with courts, attorneys, disability advocates, and other stakeholders. AARP testified in support, saying the bill better balances protection and independence for vulnerable adults. No opposition was presented, and the committee voted to send SB 1240 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1226, which adds misdemeanor sexual battery and domestic violence to the offenses requiring DNA samples and thumbprints. Sponsors said the change would help solve crimes and close gaps where serious offenders had pleaded down from felonies, and Idaho State Police testified that the bill would improve the DNA database and clarify collection procedures. The committee moved the bill forward with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1239, which clarifies that residency restrictions for registered sex offenders apply near daycares licensed, permitted, or approved by cities or counties. Sponsors said it closes a loophole in current law, and the committee approved the bill for the floor by voice vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The rotations are not for 6 months, they're only for 78 days at a time. Yes, for 9 days.
- the family, uh, consideration for you said, for special occasions for their family.
- So can you, can you kind of explain that, uh, for the, for, for the rest of us, and then also give us
- , for overweight.
- And thank you for the work you're doing and thank you for all those, those young ...and thank you for
Committee:
Senate Border Security
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration.
Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings.
Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/23/2026 - House Appropriations
House Appropriations Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Powell was asking for, you can apply to any city and ask for a variance right now. ...asking for.
- Judge, thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you for making a difference for the veterans.
- Livingston, for allowing this bill to be heard. I hope we can get it to the floor.
- We must care for those who are caring for others. I respectfully ask for your support for HB 2403.
- for $2,000.
Summary:
The committee first took up a discussion-only strike-everything amendment to HB 2211, which would make it unprofessional conduct for certain health care providers to submit offers in independent dispute resolution above 300% of Medicare or the qualified payment amount. The chair said he was not ready to move the bill because more stakeholder meetings were needed. Testimony split between insurers, who said a small number of providers were abusing the No Surprises Act and driving up costs, and provider representatives, who argued the proposal would improperly cap rates, relied on opaque insurer-set QPAs, and could threaten licensure in a billing dispute. No vote was taken on HB 2211.
The committee then considered HB 4028 on accessory dwelling units. The bill would remove the 1,000-square-foot cap, change setback rules, bar municipalities from requiring an administrative use permit and certain elevation criteria, and extend the deadline for cities to adopt ADU regulations. The sponsor argued it would give homeowners more flexibility and help address housing affordability, while cities, neighborhood groups, and residents warned it would allow oversized ADUs, reduce local control, create density and safety concerns, and invite investor-driven development. After extensive debate, the committee voted 8-9 with one present, and HB 4028 failed.
Next, the committee heard HB 2620, as amended, which appropriates $300,000 annually for five years from the General Fund to the Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to emergency shelters. An amendment removed age and non-congregate-setting conditions for eligibility. The sponsor and a shelter provider said the funding would help shelters better serve homeless veterans and connect them to services. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2620 on a 17-0 vote with one member not voting.
The committee then considered HB 2960, as amended, which creates a veterans specialty court grant program and a dedicated fund to support local veterans treatment courts. An amendment shifted administration of the fund to the Office of the Courts and allowed support for expansion of existing programs. The sponsor, a Lake Havasu judge, and a veteran graduate testified that veterans courts reduce recidivism and save lives by linking veterans to treatment and support. The bill was still being taken up when the transcript ended, with testimony continuing from supporters including a veterans shelter founder.