Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :

Page 440 of 500
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 4/22/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
  • Journal of journal of the preceding day.
  • A copy of this order of business is on your desk and online.
  • Introduction of first reading of House Files 3220 through 3224. Introduction of bills.
  • of the one of Minnesota, Alice was one of the one of 14<00:20:07.600><c> siblings,</c><00:20:08.480>
Keywords: 1183, house
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EIG-HHS, EIG-GVO Public Hearings 04-01-2025

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the founder of Autism Moms of Kona. My name is Jessica McCullum. Aloha.
  • Um, I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a research assistant
  • My name founder of Autism Moms of Kona.
  • of us growing up of us because instead of us growing up as<00:07:51.120><c> children</c><00:07:52.080
  • </c> going to offer a number of amendments. going to offer a number of amendments.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • of the program?
  • </c> Department of Education. Department of Education.
  • the people of the Commonwealth, of the kids of the Commonwealth, because if it doesn't, we won't need
  • </c> to consider some of those some of those to consider some of those some of those facts.<00:13:00.880
  • c> the</c> of the Commonwealth, of the kids of the of the Commonwealth, of the kids of the Commonwealth
Summary: The committee first considered a pulled contract involving the Department of Education and heard from KDE staff Karen Worth, Matthew Courtney, and later Mickey Ray Marinelli. Members asked about contract 42, which related to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and broader federal budget uncertainty. KDE explained that the program is forward-funded, so current-year and next-school-year funding were secure, but future funding remained unclear because federal decisions were still in flux. Members asked to be kept informed of any changes and expressed support for the program. The committee then discussed contract 43, a $105,000 general fund agreement for a communications/digital media consultant. KDE said the position was created to help increase awareness of resources for district staff, administrators, and teachers, including Read to Succeed, numeracy, MTSS, website usability, standards resources, and the Kentucky Learning Hub. Members questioned why the work was being routed through the Green River Co-op, whether the role was new, how long it had been vacant, how many similar positions existed, and whether the work amounted to internal marketing. KDE said the selected employee was coming from Thomas More University, the position had existed for about one year, the vacancy had been less than six months, and the role was intended to improve communication and online resources. Some members voiced concern about growing administrative spending and whether more positions were needed. Both contracts were ultimately approved as reviewed without objection after motions, seconds, and roll-call votes. The committee then announced that the September 25 meeting would instead be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m., and adjourned after a motion.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-06-2025 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, Rajan is the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and travels across the country and worldwide
  • Uh Rajan is the president<00:01:44.799><c> of</c><00:01:44.960><c> the</c><00:01:45.200><c> universal
  • </c><00:01:45.920><c> society</c><00:01:46.399><c> of</c> president of the universal society of president
  • of the universal society of Hinduism<00:01:47.759><c> and</c><00:01:48.079><c> travels</c><00:01:48.560
  • </c><00:09:42.000><c> all</c><00:09:42.560><c> our</c> of guys in this chamber most of all our of guys
Keywords: 912, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Regular Session Aug 20th, 2026 at 03:47 pm

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
  • AB 2274 closes this loophole by prohibiting these kinds of agreements in the state of California.
  • On behalf of Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, I rise to present AB 2084, which promotes the continuity of
  • one percent of legal firearm owners that would follow this trace issue into crimes because of the background
  • one percent of legal firearm owners that would follow this trace issue into crimes because of the background
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through motions and daily file items. Senator Ashby moved AB 2352 to the inactive file and AB 775 off the consent calendar. The body then considered a long series of concurrence and third-reading measures, with most receiving broad support and passing on largely party-line or unanimous votes. Among the major bills discussed were SB 1192 on domestic violence-related relief, SB 1263 on professions and vocations, SB 872 on water infrastructure and levee/subsidence issues, SB 934 on protecting LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public comment rules, AB 1573 on housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, AB 52 on farmer equity, AB 1758 on travel seller restitution fees, AB 1544 on court transparency, AB 1738 on virtual inspections for simple home work, AB 1820 on EV charger permit fees, AB 2150 on naloxone training for CPR-certified employees, AB 2274 on limiting secrecy in non-prosecution agreements for traffickers and child molesters, AB 2674 on public access to landfill monitoring data, AB 2010 on high-volume spay/neuter procedures, AB 1793 on cash rounding after the penny’s discontinuation, AB 1818 on CSU bargaining procedures, AB 1655 on CalWORKs support when children are detained by ICE, AB 1743 on firearm trace data sharing, and AB 2011 on preserving mental health parity enforcement. Members speaking in support emphasized consumer protection, transparency, public health, housing, labor rights, and equity; opposition was limited and appeared on a few measures such as AB 1743 and AB 1818. Votes were recorded on each item, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Notable roll calls included concurrence on SB 1192 (30-0), SB 1263 (36-0), SB 872 (37-0), SB 934 (27-9), SB 1159 (37-0), and AB 2010 and AB 2150 by unanimous roll call. Several Assembly bills also passed with recorded opposition, including AB 52, AB 1758, AB 1820, AB 1793, AB 1818, AB 1655, AB 1743, and AB 2011. The session ended by returning to motions and consent calendars, where SCR 193 and a large slate of consent items were taken up, with SCR 193 granted reconsideration and the desk noting additional requests from members.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-01-13 - 10:00AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In lieu of a devotional today, will you please join me in a moment of silence?
  • Members and guests, will you please rise as pages Savon Siobhan Murman of Waterbury and Judah Hair of
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
  • This group is also here to celebrate five years of universal school meals.
  • </c> years of universal school meals. years of universal school meals.
Keywords: 926, house, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 1/15/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • joined by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St.
  • Amen. serve the people of Maryland. inspire serve the people of Maryland. inspire unity<00:00:53.039>
  • He's interested in cybersecurity and AI, is taking classes at the University of Maryland, and is currently
  • </c><00:03:41.120><c> of</c> taking classes at University of taking classes at University of Maryland
  • So I really hope all of you, especially those of you with constituents, will come over.
Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We work very closely with the University of Texas, UNT, and their program.
  • Last question, as it pertains to the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas
  • Having said that, there is quite a bit of collaboration going on with the universities.
  • I think there's three: the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, all of which are training
  • I will say that there is a lot of resident knowledge within our public universities.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good morning, Chair, members of the committee. I'm Jango on behalf of the University of Hawaii.
  • For the University of Hawaii, I have the same kind of concern that Mr.
  • of University of Hawaii the control of University of Hawaii would<00:31:09.000><c> this</c><00:31:09.240
  • </c><00:36:17.240><c> of</c> the doe it applies to University of the doe it applies to University of
  • Next up, we have University of Hawaii Systems in support.
Committee: House Water & Land
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 01/08/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • of New York the State University of New York Rockefeller<00:09:25.000><c> Institute</c><00:09:25.880>
  • researchers at the University of California like myself.
  • </c><00:36:52.200><c> of</c><00:36:52.440><c> California</c> set called the University of California
  • </c><00:36:56.839><c> of</c> to researchers at the University of to researchers at the University of
  • Now we have Emily Arneson from the University of Oregon.
Committee: Senate Finance
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • requirement of...
  • And all of these laws emphasize open government and the right of public access to the work of public.
  • issues because of the principle of separation of powers.
  • well as the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth.
  • I would like to avoid this committee has a standard of not of, of, A standard of not of attacking—no,
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table.
  • The top 5% of households receive almost 60% of these benefits, while the bottom 80% of households receive
  • It's not a formula, but it is a way of both taking care of the foreign tax credits and lack of foreign
  • A lot of our work is actually focused outside of the health care system because 80% of your health is
  • universities, and our libraries and health offices, in support of H. 3110.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing. Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised. Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have one of the naturopathic schools down in San Diego, California, Bastyr University, and we should
  • We have one of the naturopathic schools down in San Diego, California, Ambassador University, and we
  • I'm a law student at the University of San Diego.
  • I completed my residency at Indiana University and my fellowship at Cancer Treatment Centers of America
  • . at Indiana University, my fellowship at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, I've seen a number of
Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • A lot of our kind of rebuilding days, like we go.
  • Which one, six, which one's seven out of the two of you? The Ruby of Lowenfall Partnership.
  • of a society that reflects all of us.
  • The University of California has eliminated diversity statements in faculty hiring, and more than $300
  • Cindy Lee, as a UC Santa Barbara student, on behalf of the University of California Students Association
Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills, many focused on homeowners associations (HOAs), along with measures on self-defense, design-professional litigation, mobile home park claims, senior housing, and DEI. Several bills were presented only or discussed with amendments, and the committee repeatedly noted ongoing work with authors and stakeholders. The committee also established quorum partway through the hearing and took up a consent calendar of several unrelated bills, which passed. AB 2584, on civil immunity for lawful self-defense, was presented as a work-in-progress. The author and a UFC/public-safety witness argued that people hesitate to intervene because of fear of civil liability, while committee members said California already has strong self-defense and Good Samaritan laws and that the proposal could create confusion. The bill was not advanced at that time, with the chair emphasizing further conversations. AB 1684, which would prevent HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace compliant cooling systems, drew support from the author, a constituent statement, and supporters from the California Department Association and others; an HOA group opposed unless amended, citing association property rights and grid/power concerns. Members generally supported the concept, and the author said amendments addressed damage and code-compliance issues. AB 1892, a technical cleanup bill clarifying HOA duties on utility repairs, election notices, and electronic voting timelines, passed unanimously as amended. AB 2050, requiring a formula for HOA reserve funding and a phase-in period, also passed with broad support; witnesses said underfunded reserves lead to special assessments, insurance and mortgage problems, and deferred maintenance, while members framed it as a consumer-protection and affordability measure. AB 2106, extending certificate-of-merit protections for design professionals and requiring California-licensed experts in certain cases, passed with strong support from engineers, architects, landscape architects, and civil-justice groups. AB 2145, directing HCD to study seniors’ need and desire to downsize, passed after lenders and financial groups moved from opposition to neutral with amendments; supporters said it could help unlock larger homes for younger families. AB 2238, aimed at deterring meritless failure-to-maintain lawsuits against mobile home park owners by shifting fee exposure to attorneys, passed after amendments narrowed its focus. Supporters said some firms were using vague demand letters and frivolous claims to force settlements and raise insurance costs; opposition said the bill still needed refinement to protect meritorious resident claims. AB 2439, prompted by two authors’ own HOA payment problems, passed despite opposition concerns about community-wide certified-mail requirements and personal liability for board members; supporters said better notice is needed when payment processors change and that liens and collections can be unfairly imposed without notice. AB 2579, responding to the earlier $100 cap on HOA fines, passed as amended to create a Department of Real Estate process for serious health and safety violations; supporters said the cap had weakened enforcement, while members said the bill sought a better balance. Finally, SCR 89, reaffirming California’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, was presented as a response to federal attacks on DEI programs. The author and witnesses from the UC Student Association, National Action Network, and civil-rights and labor groups argued DEI is essential to fairness, access, and opportunity, especially for students and historically underserved communities. Members voiced strong support, describing DEI as central to California’s values, and the resolution moved forward with bipartisan support noted by the author.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the flag of the United States of America.
  • Out of fear of retaliation or funding loss, countless private businesses, universities, and nonprofits
  • affecting California, where more than 171 colleges and universities serve significant populations of
  • The University of California has eliminated its diversity statements in faculty hiring, and that is terrible
  • Here in the state Senate, we have heard from hundreds of colleges, universities, K-12 schools who have
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the flag of the United States of America.
  • Out of fear of retaliation or funding loss, countless private businesses, universities, nonprofits Retaliation
  • affecting California, where more than 171 colleges and universities serve significant populations of
  • The University of California has eliminated its diversity statements in faculty hiring, and that is terrible
  • During the course of World War II, there were tens of thousands of young During the course of World War
Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation trailer bills. AB 107 was described as a budget junior bill making technical corrections, updating federal appropriations by about $15 million, and exempting certain Proposition 4 appropriations from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending; Senator Niello objected to the transparency implications, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117 then authorized a $590 million state loan from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to provide operating support to Bay Area transit agencies, with repayment secured by transit assistance revenues and interest; supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain, while critics questioned ridership recovery, governance, and accountability. The measure passed 28-9 after extensive debate, with several senators emphasizing both Bay Area urgency and the need for broader statewide transit funding and reform. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees. Linda Hopkins, Sonoma County supervisor and air district chair, was confirmed after brief support from Senator Becker highlighting her rural North Bay perspective. Patricia Locke Dawson, Riverside mayor and South Bay air district representative, was also confirmed, with Senator Becker again praising her academic and practical background. Both confirmations passed on largely party-line votes with broad support from the majority and opposition from a small group of Republicans. The chamber next considered SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas condemning federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Trump. Supporters from both parties and multiple caucuses framed DEI as essential to civil rights, education, workforce development, national defense, and inclusion for marginalized communities, while the author argued California must resist federal rollbacks. The resolution passed after a lengthy debate and roll call, with several senators also using the discussion to share personal experiences with educational access and discrimination. Finally, the Senate took up SCR 78, authored by Senator Cabaldon, commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and warning against repeating such abuses. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, citing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of museums and historic sites such as Manzanar and the Japanese American National Museum. The resolution was presented as both remembrance and a caution against fear-driven policies and erosion of due process.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Six - Wednesday, March 11

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the people of our great state of Missouri.
  • Speaker, to your right and my left, I've got some friends here today from the University of Missouri,
  • This is UMSL students, University of Missouri–St. Louis.
  • Also have Isaac Weiser, a student at the University of Missouri, pursuing a bachelor's degree, majoring
  • on the Board of Governors or the Board of Regents for our universities across the state.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 35th day by a 115-1 roll call vote. Members spent much of the opening portion introducing a large number of special guests and visiting groups, including university alumni and students, ambulance and first responder personnel, hospice and behavioral health advocates, public administrators, educators, transportation stakeholders, and other community leaders recognized for service or advocacy work. The chamber then received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bills 1625, 2383, 3035, 3205, and Senate Bill 888, along with committee substitutes for some of those bills. The House proceeded to third reading and passage on a long series of bills. Among the major measures were HB 2774, a fuel-source bill limiting state and local governments from dictating bids or purchases based solely on fuel source, which passed 138-5; HB 2383, addressing copper theft and related telecommunications equipment crimes, which passed 130-5; and HB 3205, regulating litigation funding and requiring disclosures, which passed 144-1. Several bills drew extended debate. A combined bill on statutes of limitation and child sexual abuse claims, House Committee Substitute for HBs 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, passed 98-12 with 39 present after members debated both the abuse-related provisions and a separate reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations. HB 3146, dealing with ballot summary statements and the initiative petition process, passed 90-55 after sharp disagreement over whether it protected voters or undermined judicial review. Other measures passed with broad support, including HB 2146 on hospital investment options (143-1), HB 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases and families affected by them, HB 1783 on public health contracting (138-6), HB 2099 on expedited removal of squatters (136-1), HB 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university board appointments (111-17), HB 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), HB 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), HB 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), HB 3035 setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax valuation (100-43), HB 1870 updating debt collection and garnishment laws (137-9), HB 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2), and HB 1827 allowing occupational therapists to certify disabled parking credentials (145-0).
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Leah Canig, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco.
  • the position of the University of California.
  • And Chase, on behalf of the University of California, in support.
  • And Chase on behalf of the University of California in support.
  • Student health insurance is a very specific form of health insurance offered by universities and colleges
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Mar 12th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm also a professor and a scientist and in charge of a natural history museum at the University of Arizona
  • I'm also a professor and a scientist and in charge of a natural history museum at the University of Arizona
  • Juan Resendis, a teacher in Irvine and at the University of California, is in strong support.
  • Juan Resendis, a teacher in Irvine and at the University of California, is in strong support.
  • My name is Emily Sue, and I'm a student at Stanford University and a co-creator and supporter of AB 86
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met for its first hearing of the session, adopted its committee rules on a 6-0 vote, and then heard several bills. AB 347, which would require written notice to students about the right to opt out of animal dissection and receive a comparable assignment, drew strong support from the author, a student, and multiple advocacy and education groups, while opponents argued it would burden teachers and duplicate existing law. The committee approved AB 347 on a 7-0 vote and sent it to Appropriations. AB 281, which would expand parent access to sex education materials and require disclosure of outside consultants’ credentials, drew mixed testimony. Supporters framed it as a transparency and parent-rights measure, while school administrators and county education officials said current law already allows inspection and that the bill would create an unfunded administrative burden. After extended member discussion, the bill failed on a 4-3 vote with one abstention, though reconsideration was granted. AB 65, which would provide paid pregnancy leave for educators without requiring them to exhaust sick leave first, was supported by teachers, CTA, and the State Treasurer, but opposed by school administrators and business officials over cost concerns; it passed 6-0 to Higher Education. The committee also approved AB 361, which would extend and expand LAUSD’s best-value procurement authority for school construction to all school districts for five years, on a 5-0 vote with one abstention. AB 86, which would require the State Board of Education to adopt standardized K-8 health education instructional materials, passed 5-0. Finally, AB 228, the Zaki Fast Act, was introduced to clarify that schools may stock any federally approved epinephrine delivery system, including newer devices beyond auto-injectors, and was presented with testimony from the bill’s young namesake and his family; the transcript cuts off before the committee vote on that measure.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Rules Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is on the side of Florida Memorial University. It has the support of all floor, all 4 HBC use.
  • There was a recent study from the Schomburg Center at the University of Florida on on Housing studies
  • This language move certain duties from the board of Governors and the University of West Florida board
  • The Ihmc board has representation from the bog and from the University of West Florida Board of Trustees
  • And the bill also removes the chairman of the board of the University of West Florida from the board
Keywords: 999, senate, all