Video & Transcript : 'uncertified educators' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Walz Media Availability 4/21/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I will note that in the projected budgeting, human services spending surpasses education for the first
- I will note that in the projected budgeting, human services spending surpasses education for the first
- piece of it, of putting Minnesota in a strong position to ensure those investments that we made in education
- ,</c><00:15:13.280><c> in</c><00:15:13.640><c> infrastructure,</c><00:15:14.520><c> in</c> in education
- , in infrastructure, in in education, in infrastructure, in safety<00:15:16.000><c> um</c><00:15:16.120
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Nine - Thursday, April 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So that would be line 16, page one: Each educational institution should adopt a policy clearly defining
- anti-Semitism, utilizing context and other relevant factors into such educational institutions' student
- , if such kind of... ...and shall prohibit such conduct at or by such educational institution if such
- creates an atmosphere or circumstance in which individuals working at, visiting, or attending the educational
- institution and the educational institution's services and facilities are either physically impeded
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous House Journal by a 101-0 vote, and numerous special guest introductions, including student groups, robotics teams, artists, and a choir. Committee reports from Fiscal Review recommended passage of several bills, including HB 1869, HB 2387/HB 2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885.
The chamber then took up Senate changes to HB 2016, a bill addressing anti-Semitism in educational institutions. Supporters said the Senate amendments clarified that schools should consider context, protected criticism of Israel, added charter schools, and required reporting of all Title VI complaints; opponents argued the bill was redundant, could chill speech, and did not match the state’s broader anti-discrimination rhetoric. After a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the Senate substitute 101-19 and then gave final passage to the bill 100-17.
Several third-reading bills followed. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid-related verification and program restrictions, drew sharp debate over fraud prevention versus added bureaucracy and harm to low-income Missourians; it passed 95-44. HB 1869, creating a process to repair veteran gravestones damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, requiring written settlement demands in bad-faith liability claims to remain open for 90 days and reference the statute, passed 90-50. HB 2387/HB 2480, reinstating the presidential primary and moving it to the first Tuesday in March, passed 116-23. HB 2885, redirecting the final $1 million from boat registration fees to fund the water patrol, passed 112-27. HB 2517, a real estate wholesaler disclosure bill, passed 130-6. HB 3107 was moved to the informal calendar. Debate also began on HB 1730, which would legalize firearm suppressors in Missouri; supporters framed it as a freedom, hearing-protection, and economic bill, while opponents warned it would make gun violence harder to detect and could aid criminals, but no final vote on that bill appears in the transcript.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The speaker said the bill will give sellers more educated knowledge so they can make a decision.
- I would say I think there is an element of education that potentially the realtors could engage in, just
- for membership of the State Board of Certified Public Accountants, to change fees, to provide for educational
- So this is just putting it in law that you can’t just be tax; you have to be tax, auditing, education
- said the bill would put in law that the board cannot just be tax; it has to include tax, auditing, education
Committee:
House Commerce
Keywords:
engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, contracting services, unsolicited contact, homeowners, penalties, regulations, wholesaling, real estate, earnest money, cancellation rights, residential properties, Louisiana Real Estate Commission, certified public accountant, CPA, accounting board, Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 19 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 3406, Jackson County, extend repealer on authority to contribute to Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education
- extending a repealer for a contribution of $5,000 for the funds to the Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education
- 3406, Jackson County, extend repealer on authority to contribute to Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education
- extending a repealer for a contribution of $5,000 for the funds to the Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education
- Carter. for the funds to the Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/11/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And a lot of us talk about the importance of civic education, and a lot of us are getting involved more
- in the importance of civic education.
- So, thank you for being an educator of civics, as well as all of the other work that you're doing.
- So, thank you for being an educator of civics, as well as all of the other work that you're doing.
- Calendar 436, Senate Print 6318A, Senator May, an act to amend the Education Law.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship.
The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM, WAM DEFER, WAM-JDC Public Hearings 03-04-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Recommendation is to pass with amendments adopting the proposed amendment from the Disability and Education
- Next item, Senate Bill 2816. amendment from the Disability and amendment from the Disability and Education
- 04.440><c> Access</c><00:18:04.840><c> Board</c><00:18:05.240><c> that</c><00:18:05.440><c> any</c> Education
- Access Board that any Education Access Board that any recommendations<00:18:06.400><c> a</c><00:18:06.440
- Fund, Judiciary Computers System Revolving Fund, and Indigent Legal Assistance Fund, and the Driver Education
Summary:
The committees met in decision-making sessions and considered a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Several measures were advanced unamended, including SB 2178 on industrial hemp, SB 2277 on hospital price transparency, SB 2387 on digital financial asset transaction kiosks, SB 2688 on compassionate release, SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance data reporting, SB 3219 on housing infrastructure growth bonds, and others. Many bills were also advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including SB 2114 on collective bargaining grievance rights, SB 2601 on procurement penalties, SB 2698 on cruise ships/transportation, SB 2757 on digital asset charters, SB 2948 on insurance fraud, SB 2002 on water governance, SB 2022 on state water code penalties, SB 2190 on inclusionary zoning, SB 3294 on wrongful imprisonment compensation, and SB 17, SB 2407, SB 2811, SB 2907, SB 2930, SB 3084, SB 3103, and SB 2808 in the later agenda segment.
The committee also discussed SB 2080, relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact, where one senator objected to interstate compacts as opening local jobs to out-of-state professionals; despite that objection, the measure was adopted. SB 3133 on preventive medicine drew amendment discussion to remove unnecessary language about committee members not being state employees and to delete an immunity subsection, while preserving ethics-code coverage and provider immunity. SB 3000 on insurance was amended to remove a savings clause, and SB 2921 on fund transfers received extensive amendments removing or revising numerous special funds and revolving accounts across agencies.
Most votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, often with members present voting aye or with reservations. A few measures drew recorded no votes or reservations, including SB 2080, SB 3133, SB 2921, and SB 2401, where one member voted with reservations and the committee report was to reflect the Attorney General’s comments. In each case, the committee adopted the recommendation and moved the bills forward.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 5th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rosino, thank you for your support of Christian higher education.
- It's our county-wide leadership development program dedicated to educating, connecting, and equipping
- It's our county-wide leadership development program dedicated to educating, connecting, and equipping
- finish, this year's class represents a diverse cross-section of the county, including leaders from education
- And she is here to teach and show our future early childhood educators how the legislative process works
Bills:
SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122
Keywords:
credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and several floor and gallery introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Mid-America Christian University, the Oklahoma Truckers Association, Leadership Wagoner County, the Broken Arrow Chamber, and an intern. The chamber then took up several bills in general order. Senate Bill 1426, requested by the Department of Human Services, would limit referrals to district attorneys to substantiated findings of abuse of vulnerable adults; it passed unanimously, 44-0.
Senate Bill 1531 was presented as a placeholder vehicle for possible future FAA action on drones and unmanned aircraft, with questions focused on why the bill was being kept open and what language might later be added. It passed 33-12. Senate Bill 1561 would allow EMTs to be subject to progressive discipline for drug or other violations instead of automatic license revocation; it passed 46-0.
The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1122, which lowers the ad valorem assessment rate for broadband providers from 22.85% to 15% and was described by supporters as a way to create parity, encourage broadband expansion, and keep providers investing in rural Oklahoma. Opponents argued it would give a tax break to large legacy broadband companies, reduce county revenue by an estimated $20 million, and do little for homeowners, farmers, or other taxpayers facing property tax pressure. After extended questioning and debate, the bill passed 28-19. The Senate also laid over SB 1555, heard announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/24/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- communities; through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Reverend Jackson championed voter registration, educational
- whereas, Reverend Jackson's lifelong dedication to youth empowerment, leadership development, and educational
- against racism, poverty, violence, and discrimination, championing voting rights, workers' rights, educational
- WHEREAS, REVEREND JACKSON'S LIFELONG DEDICATION TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND EDUCATIONAL
- unworthy because of the color of their skin or because of their poverty or because of their lack of education
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.”
After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements.
On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- As Joan shared, Jeremiah's experience, one challenge we see is the transition from education into licensure
- This will expedite and streamline the applicants' process for those educated in Washington, removing
- So finally, we've worked closely with ARNP United and deans and directors of Washington nursing education
- An important thing that I want to highlight is that the current education requirements will not be changing
- state do a very, very good job of delivering EMS care to our communities because of that ongoing education
Committee:
Senate Health & Long-Term Care
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- By way of background, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, known as ECAP, is a state-funded
- data shows that 42% of children engaged in early intervention programs like ECAP don't need special education
- talking about our investments in special ed, regardless of whether we're talking early care and education
- or whether we're talking... ...in special ed, regardless of whether we're talking early care and education
- making sure that they receive quality early learning, culturally responsive care, parenting, job, and education
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our office, I think, based on the training we provide and the education we provide, I can't speak for
- We certainly hope that, and we try to do fairly aggressive education tours, whether by way of CLE or
- That means agencies that may not send us the cases or have those in-house divisions, and we educate them
- process to go to those agencies that may not send us the cases or have those in-house division and educate
- puts next on our task list going to ITD, going to labor, going to the Industrial Commission, and educate
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee began its first meeting of the session by introducing two pages, Emmy Roberts of Lewiston and Cooper Smith of Nampa, who each described their backgrounds and interest in serving. The committee then considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Commission on Pardons and Parole: reappointment candidate Scott Smith and new appointee Dylan Hobson. Both testified about their public service backgrounds and approach to parole decisions, emphasizing public safety, individualized review, rehabilitation, and the importance of prison programming and supervision. Members asked about parole factors, the rider program for sex offenders, the role of politics, workload, and whether the system is working well. The committee did not vote on the appointments at this meeting, noting that votes would be taken at a later meeting.
The committee then took up several Idaho State Police rule dockets. Lieutenant Colonel Russ Wheatley presented rule cleanups for civil asset forfeiture, the Idaho Public Safety and Security Information System (ISLITS), state criminal history records, and the sex offender registry. He repeatedly stated the changes were non-substantive, mostly simplifying language, deleting duplication, or updating the sex offender registry rule to match a new photo-transfer process after DMV system changes. The committee approved each of those rule dockets after brief discussion and no public comment.
The final and most extensive item was the pending Idaho Rules of Administrative Procedure update presented by Chief Administrative Law Judge Brian Nichols. He explained the changes were driven by recent statutory modernization, field testing of the 2024 rules, and a new rule addressing artificial intelligence in administrative contested cases. Nichols said the AI provisions are aimed at transparency, disclosure, and safeguards against misuse, while preserving access for self-represented parties; he also said ALJs themselves are barred from using AI in deciding cases. Members questioned whether avatars should be allowed to present testimony or argument, and some expressed concern about abuse, but the committee ultimately approved the pending rule docket, with one senator stating he would have preferred a stricter prohibition on avatars. The meeting ended after all rule dockets were approved and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- , it is the unified school district in 39 of our residential facilities, providing continuity of education
- We had a conversation precisely about specialized education, how we can add more features to the Florida
- Are there any additional features with regard to specialized education that you can share with us?
- Secretary Walsh responded that, beyond the standard education offered across schools throughout the state
- Secretary Walsh continued that career technical classes are very important, beyond the standard education
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Judiciary Subcommittee - Afternoon Session Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
A&B Judiciary Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, one of our favorite things to do is judicial education to engage with the judges and to be helpful
- But in the middle of these four years, we are engaging in judicial education throughout the year, right
- So, we this year have a $30,000 budget for judicial education and so we rely on, for example, presiding
- Maybe being a former educator or when a principal, I have teachers, then the same thing for 25-30 years
- That is some of the most critical education, and it is built in before you even start treating them.
Committee:
House A&B Judiciary Subcommittee
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 6 January, 2026; 12:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We hope in this year's education policy packages as they move forward that it includes a more robust
- Education will meet tomorrow at 2:30 in room 113. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- </c><00:25:04.720><c> Education</c><00:25:05.320><c> will</c> >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Education will >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Education will meet<00:25:05.720><c> tomorrow</c> meet tomorrow meet tomorrow at<00:25:07.200><c> 2:30
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- also less likely to experience mental health issues, graduate from high school, and achieve high educational
- Employment, education, and those supports are really critical to having them re-enter back into the community
- Education that looks at mental wellness.
- We have incorporated, I mean, the Public Education Department (PED) is part of our work.
- So folks in the Public Education Department, but no, that's not an organization.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 7th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But I really think that what we're looking at here may be as much educational as anything else—just helping
- We want more awareness, education, and training.
- You never stop educating, training, and bringing awareness to different situations that might occur out
- We just want to have this conversation and do our due diligence to educate. to educate the agencies so
- Inspections and education.
Keywords:
criminal history, background checks, government code, licensing, information access, rural law enforcement, child care grants, community support, law enforcement retention, advisory committee, SB 523, Texas driver’s license, alternative address, residential address, confidential address, address confidentiality, Department of Public Safety, DPS, Transportation Code, Section 521.1211
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is in collaboration with SAM Ministries, where we provide educational support and workforce development
- 2626 requires the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Board of Nursing to create a continuing medical education
- It's extremely important that medical professionals have quality education when dealing with pregnancy
- This bill helps to establish clear requirements for the further education of practicing nurses and doctors
- fiscal note, which could be used to better fund county elections departments and invest in voter education
Bills:
SB801 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1717 , SB1862 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB506 , SB2626 , SJR63
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending.
Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor. (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the HR executive for the Education and Labor Cabinet. Jake Felz: My name is Jake Felz.
- I'm the assistant director of fiscal management for Education and Labor Cabinet. have appearing with
- 00:06:10.080><c> executive</c><00:06:10.520><c> for</c><00:06:10.680><c> the</c><00:06:10.800><c> education
- </c><00:06:11.240><c> and</c><00:06:11.400><c> labor</c> HR executive for the education and labor HR
- executive for the education and labor cabinet<00:06:12.960><c> uh</c><00:06:13.120><c> my</c><00:06:13.199
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:17
SB 129 Discussion 00:46
SB 129 Vote 04:27
SB 178 Discussion 05:48
SB 178 Vote 07:57
SB 151 Discussion 09:01
SB 151 Vote 11:24
SB 201 Discussion 15:17
SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression.
The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression.
Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- Does the administration have a plan as to how it intends to use special obligation bonds between education
- but what I can say is that the administration is looking at Fair Share and sort of thinking about education
- That yes, we spend X% on education, which seems significantly larger than transportation because we have
- that is going to go to debt service moving forward, significantly more than what's anticipated for education
- It's just depending on what programs are being funded under the education portion of Fair Share and what's
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit.
Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We must come together as lawmakers and families, educators, providers, and communities to raise awareness
- As a former educator and a member of the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education, I have seen
- Budget Subcommittee 1 on education will be meeting in Room 2100, 10 minutes after we finish the floor
- which supports PTA communities across California to understand and advocate around California's education
Summary:
The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission.
On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices.
The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.