Video & Transcript Research : 'Accelerate Alabama'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Municipalities - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 9:30 AM
Municipalities
Transcript Highlights:
- think based on what they've told us and we've looked at some other states, our neighboring states, Alabama
- 07.840>
states, other states, our neighboring states, other states, our neighboring states, Alabama - Tennessee,<00:04:09.840>
Arkansas, <00:04:10.799>we <00:04:11.040>think Alabama - , Tennessee, Arkansas, we think Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, we think we've<00:04:11.439>
come
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2578, which would create a federal match land bank fund administered by the Mississippi Development Authority, with a 1.25% administrative allowance and an effective date of July 1, 2026. The chair explained it as a municipal tool to help purchase dilapidated property using available federal and state funds. The committee asked no questions and passed the bill by voice vote, title sufficient, do pass.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2679, the Mississippi Land Bank Act. Sheri Visay of the Mississippi Municipal League testified in support, describing land banks as locally created entities to acquire, manage, and return vacant, abandoned, and tax-forfeited properties to productive use. She emphasized that the bill would not authorize eminent domain, would be locally controlled, and would be subject to public accountability requirements. Senators asked about title, acquisition, funding, and whether the bill should also allow acquisition of privately owned non-tax-forfeited parcels; the sponsor said the bill was intentionally limited at first to tax-forfeited properties, though future expansion could be considered. The committee then passed the bill by voice vote.
Next, Senate Bill 2729, with a committee substitute, was explained as a narrow change to allow Capitol Police in Jackson to enforce local noise ordinances for alcohol-permitted businesses, without removing authority from local police or sheriffs. The sponsor said he had spoken with Commissioner Tindle, who did not object, though the chief of Capitol Police was still consulting internally. The committee nonetheless adopted the motion to pass the committee substitute, title sufficient, by voice vote.
The committee also took up Senate Bill 2862, a code-forwarding bill related to annexation. The chair noted it made no substantive changes and only brought forward existing code sections, and a reverse repealer was added by amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill, title sufficient, do pass committee substitute. Finally, Senate Bill 2893 proposed expanded notice requirements for zoning changes, including newspaper notice, posting on social media platforms, online posting, public access to the proposed changes, and extending the appeal period from 10 to 20 days. After discussion, an amendment was added to require signage for 30 days instead of 7, and the committee then passed the committee substitute by voice vote. The meeting ended with the bills reported and the committee in recess.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have also Gulfstream natural gas that comes from Mississippi and Alabama underneath the Gulf of Mexico
- recently Bill Transmission pipeline, interstate transmission 0.1, Florida, and it comes all the way from Alabama
- lettering, different storage points along the Gulf Coast, ultimately from Texas all the way through Alabama
- So everything has to come from the Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama areas.
AL
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Shelby County Legislation Committee Feb 19th, 2026
Shelby County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- It is the one that would authorize entertainment districts in the city of Alabama. >> In Alabama, anybody
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas that we're all participating in and continuing to expand so participation in those as well accelerated
- To where if students were wanting are able or in districts are able to accelerate them and not only in
- It was worked in partnership with the state of Alabama to establish the talent triad to connect education
- are testing college-ready. on academic growth and achievement has catalyzed real innovation for accelerating
- My name is Glenn Zolman, representing Accelerate Learning and the National Institute for STEM Education
Bills:
HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 5th, 2026
Alabama Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ladies and gentlemen, the Alabama Senate will now come to order.
- <00:08:19.440>
y'all <00:08:19.640>could <00:08:19.800>please Welcome to the Alabama
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Senator Chris Elliott, followed by the pledge and a roll call establishing a quorum with 29 senators present. The Senate approved a motion to excuse absent senators and another to dispense with reading the previous day’s journal.
In committee reports, Senate Bill 1 from the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development received a favorable report by an 11-3 vote and was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. No other bills were introduced or discussed in detail during the session.
The presiding officer also recognized several guests in the gallery, including Jesse Godbey, Miss Debbie, and Heather Gudgear, described as the 1999 Strawberry Current Queen. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, and adjourned without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , construction, and forestry with 26 locations throughout the Carolinas and Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Our business is Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
- Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and reported favorably several bills. SB 386, by Sen. Trumbull, would create consumer rights and manufacturer obligations for defective farm equipment, modeled on lemon-law concepts, and passed without opposition. SB 528, also by Sen. Trumbull, would strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector through Department of Commerce responsibilities, a chief manufacturing officer role, workforce grants, and reporting requirements; it drew questions about whether it differed from last year’s bill and was supported by several appearance forms before passing favorably. SB 806, a right-to-repair bill for portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most testimony: supporters said it would expand consumer choice and repair access, while dealers and industry representatives argued existing manufacturer agreements already provide access and warned the bill could disrupt dealer/manufacturer relationships and future technology; it nevertheless passed favorably.
The committee also approved SB 696 on trademark registration, which would modernize the trademark classification system, allow online applications, and clarify document verification procedures, and SB 930, which creates a 15-member Florida Retirement Savings Task Force to study retirement coverage gaps and recommend policy options without imposing employer mandates. SB 826, by Sen. Leak, would address reward cards that function like gift cards but expire, while excluding loyalty programs; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association raised concerns about unintended consequences and the need for tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said the language would be refined. SB 874 would expand professional licensure reciprocity for experienced out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, and it also passed favorably.
After a pause, the committee took up CS/SB 838 on electronic payments of retail installment contracts. Sen. Yarbrough said the bill clarifies that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, provided they are disclosed and a fee-free option remains available, to reduce ambiguity and litigation. Members questioned whether the bill could authorize or expand fees and whether the “reasonable” standard was sufficiently clear; the sponsor said the fees are tied to processor costs and are not intended as revenue. An amendment adding the word “retail” was adopted, and the committee substitute was reported favorably. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on bills they had missed, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We lived here on a court on a border with another state, my district borders, Alabama. >> And I believe
- it or not, we have Alabama people who, you know, come on down over the line and sign up for for the
- has established and they get a check for their first quarters payment and then they head on back to Alabama
- you that that they know that we've got as many people doing that is there are deer crossing from Alabama
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- the saturation that we as a state incurred due to all the storms and our neighbors to the north in Alabama
- saturation that we as a state encumbered due to all the storms and our neighbors to the north in Alabama
- and Georgia and some of the and our neighbors to the north in Alabama and Georgia and some of the water
- We have an engine production facility in Alabama.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Mar 4th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- In the state of Alabama, they worked hand in hand with their state legislature to And I never said you
- In the state of Alabama, they worked hand in hand with their state legislature to We're trying to get
- And then Alabama passed it, and it's not effective until June of this year.
- Oklahoma data in my opinion that we should be the third state in the union Following California and Alabama
Bills:
HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457
Keywords:
childcare, differential pricing, Department of Human Services, child care subsidy, licensed providers, emergency legislation, child care, subsidy program, annual report, program integrity, overpayments, ivermectin, over-the-counter medication, pharmacy immunity, healthcare access, FDA approval, prescription, public health, dentistry, licensing
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget review Sub. on Postsecondary Education. (1-29-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we send a number of our graduates to Huntsville, Alabama. We send them to Florida.
- 00:20:23.840>
uh <00:20:24.000>to <00:20:24.320>Huntsville, <00:20:24.960>Alabama - <00:20:26.000>
We graduates uh to Huntsville, Alabama. - We graduates uh to Huntsville, Alabama.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to hear from Morehead State University President Jay Morgan, who outlined the university’s budget and capital priorities. He described Morehead as a Kentucky-serving, largely low-income student institution with an aging campus, and said the university’s long-term plan is to renovate existing facilities, decommission older buildings, and replace outdated space with more efficient construction. He thanked the General Assembly for prior support, especially asset preservation funding, fire and tornado insurance premium support, and a prior university inflationary adjustment.
On the operating side, Morgan asked that insurance premium support continue, that the earlier inflationary adjustment roll forward, and that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s request for a minimum distribution in the performance funding formula be supported. He noted Morehead has received little or no performance funding in recent years and said that if no additional formula funds are added, the university would prefer a line-item appropriation. On the capital side, he requested continued asset preservation funding and outlined several construction priorities: a new applied science building, a new agriculture science building, a new space science technology building, and a cost-share replacement for the aging Maze Hall residence hall, with the state covering $10 million of a $20 million project and Morehead matching the rest.
Morgan also discussed the Craft Academy, saying the current appropriation supports 200 students and that the university would like to increase the line item to expand enrollment by about 20 students. In response to questions from Chairman Tipton, he said Morehead had previously explored but ultimately rejected a public-private partnership model for housing, preferring to own and control its residence halls to keep housing costs manageable for students. He also explained that the land surveying courses in the applied science proposal are a popular part of related programs and that Morehead’s space science program is a major research-and-contracts-driven operation with about 250 students, federal and private research ties, and graduates working both in Kentucky and elsewhere. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes and discussed that upcoming postsecondary budget meetings would continue over the next several weeks to gather input on the new budget process.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 22 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Well, I'm informed that this happens in Mobile and Alabama, and they continue to grow. >> Okay.
- >> Well, I'm informed that this happens in Mobile<00:21:34.480>
and <00:21:34.720>Alabama - and<00:21:36.000>
they <00:21:36.240>continue <00:21:36.640>to Mobile and Alabama - and they continue to Mobile and Alabama and they continue to grow. grow. grow.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and reported no select committee reports. Members then recognized visitors and guests, including representatives from Mississippi College and Coastal American Insurance. The chamber spent considerable time honoring Mississippi College’s 200th anniversary, with remarks from members about the school’s history, its law school, and personal experiences there, followed by the presentation of a proclamation and applause.
On the rules calendar, the House adopted several resolutions in blocks, including three House concurrent resolutions and then five House resolutions, all by unanimous or near-unanimous voice vote. One motion to reconsider House Bill 534 was tabled. The House also granted immediate release on the adopted resolutions. Later, a member introduced an out-of-order birthday recognition and a family baseball photo, which drew laughter and applause.
On the general calendar, the House took up House Bill 4, a County Affairs bill concerning municipal annexation. The bill would require an election in both the municipality and the proposed annexation area if 20% of electors in the area petition for one, with annexation failing unless both sides agree; if defeated, the question could be brought back after five years. Members questioned whether the measure would make annexation much harder, whether business owners would vote, and how it compared with current court-based annexation procedures. The bill was laid on the table subject to call after discussion. Military Affairs, Transportation, and Medicaid were then reported as passing. The clerk announced upcoming committee meetings and a suffrage bill deadline, members made additional announcements including recognition of the doctor of the day and Recovery Day 2026, and the House adjourned to reconvene Monday at 4 p.m., weather permitting, with a possible delay to Tuesday or Wednesday if roads were impassable.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Oct 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Alabama, for instance... ...you imagine the number of prisons.
- We have about 16 prisons in our panhandle out there on the border of Alabama and Georgia.
- These states that are being responsive in doing that, I use Alabama, for instance, I reference them at
- Not even comparing them, and I’m glad that the secretary brought up Alabama, but here in the state of
Summary:
The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms.
The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns.
No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill will also institute a licensing structure in Alabama for mixed spirit beverages, as well as
- The county in question is Loun County, and it aligns with sections 104, 105, and 65 of the Alabama Constitution
Keywords:
mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, SB262, White Hall, Lowndes County, pari-mutuel wagering, simulcast, historical racing, historical horse racing, dog racing, horse racing, charitable bingo, off-track betting, OTB, gambling
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Aderholt of Alabama. Ms. Salazar of Florida.
- Aderholt of Alabama. Ms. Salazar of Florida.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What purpose does the gentleman from Alabama seek recognition?
- My commitment to serving Alabama remains steadfast.
- citizens of Alabama second congressional district<02:20:17.240>
to <02:20:17.439>achieve to the citizens to the people of Alabama to the citizens to the people of Alabama second<02:20:35.280 - the state of Alabama and the district the state of Alabama and the United<02:21:00.720>
States
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- art all over the world for many years and starting the social dance program at the University of Alabama
- art all over the world for many years and starting the social dance program at the University of Alabama
- <00:10:39.920>
He <00:10:40.080>has <00:10:40.240>123 University of Alabama. - He has 123 University of Alabama.
- , Roll Tide, for University of Alabama, Roll Tide, for many<00:10:50.880>
decades.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system.
The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And so you all kind of flip-flop, bigger than Ohio State, Michigan, all of them—Alabama, twice as big
- as Alabama, for example.
- These projects will expand our capacity to train more health professionals and accelerate groundbreaking
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Because when I look at what they're doing in Alabama, it's very concerning, and I don't think we're keeping
- Because when I look at what they're doing in Alabama, you know, it's very concerning, and I don't think
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met to receive public testimony and act on port priority applications for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 Port Priority Construction and Development Priority Programs. After a roll call showing 18 members present, the committee adopted the March 9, 2026 minutes without objection. Commissioner Andrew Killshaw of the Office of Multimodal Commerce explained the Port Priority Program criteria and presented two applications from the Avoyelles Harbor and Terminal District: a $3.4 million building addition and infrastructure project requesting $2.853 million in state funds, and a $1.5 million Workforce Training Center redevelopment requesting $1.287 million. He said the projects were projected to create 265 jobs and generate substantial state benefits, with very high benefit-cost ratios.
Members expressed support for the projects and for strengthening the port program overall. Chairman Boriak moved to approve the applications, and Senator Carter and others discussed the need to increase investment in ports and develop a statewide strategic plan to better compete for federal dollars. DOTD Multimodal Commerce staff, including Molly Bergoin, testified that the program has more than $200 million in backlog, that annual Transportation Trust Fund financing has made it difficult to reduce, and that the department hopes to clear 10 to 12 low-balance projects this year. They also said the request cap had been increased to $7 million per project this year and up to $21 million going forward, and that most projects are proceeding under reimbursement agreements because construction costs have risen sharply.
After discussion, the committee voted without objection to accept the port priority applications received through March 1, 2026, for the FY 2027-2028 program. The committee then adjourned without objection.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways, and Intermodal Transit Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- God, we just pray that the legislation we look at today benefit the people of the state of Alabama.
- Members, this is a bill dealing with the Big Creek Lake in Mobile County, Alabama.