Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :

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PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 25 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Democrats will meet around the podium here for a brief caucus as well. Thank you.
  • Senator Kost asked the Democrats to meet around the podium.
  • And I think as many folks in this room know, our Senate Democratic Caucus for a good period of time has
  • And I think as many folks in this room know, our Senate Democratic Caucus for a good period of time has
  • But when we talk about affordability, I'm proud of our Senate Democratic Caucus that has been talking
Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Age verification requirement to view "material harmful to minors" 3/26/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Every Democrat is not the same as every other Democrat.
  • Every Democrat is not the same as every other Democrat.
  • Every Democrat is not the same as every other Democrat.
  • Every Democrat is not the same as every other Democrat.
Keywords: 1183, house
VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

March 06, 2026 - Regular Session

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democrat Governor Abigail Spanberger in 2019: "Gerrymandering is detrimental to our democracy, and it
  • Democrat Governor Spanberger while running for governor: "Short answer is no.
  • Democrat Senator Louise Lucas in 2020: "This package fully encompassed the kind of reform Virginians
  • Democrat Congressman Don Beyer in 2020: "Gerrymandering is cheating.
  • The Democratic caucus will be meeting at 11:15 as well, so Democrats in House Room 1, Republicans in
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • what most don't know is we spent one of the... there was a common interest, I believe, from some Democrats
  • :12:25.600><c> Republicans</c> session 20 25 people Republicans session 20 25 people Republicans Democrat
  • house senate nonpartisan staff Democrat house senate nonpartisan staff partisan<00:12:29.040><c> sta
  • And whether you're Democrat, Republican, left-wing, right-wing, middle-wing, libertarian, we should all
  • And whether you're Democrat, Republican, And whether you're Democrat, Republican, left-wing,<00:16:59.040
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/18/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Society, and elected to the Democratic Society, and elected to the Howard<00:22:35.200><c> County</c
  • ><00:22:35.679><c> Democratic</c><00:22:36.400><c> Central</c> Howard County Democratic Central Howard
  • County Democratic Central Committee<00:22:37.360><c> for</c><00:22:37.600><c> two</c><00:22:37.840><
  • Emerge Maryland is an organization that recruits and trains powerful Democratic women to run for public
  • Emerge Maryland is an organization that recruits and trains powerful Democratic women to run for public
Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Next one is a Democratic bill. Representative C. Hernandez, HB 2671. Becca.
  • Next one is a Democratic bill. Representative C. Hernandez, H.B. 2671. Becca.
  • It’s good to see Democratic bills on the caucus list. Super.
  • It’s good to see Democratic bills on the caucus list. HB 2837. Becca.
  • So the HOAs are bringing Republicans and Democrats together. Madam Chair. With groups.
Summary: The caucus reviewed a large Minority Caucus Calendar and moved quickly through many bills, with staff often noting whether items were unanimous, party-line, or pulled from consent. Early items included HB 2130 on ADOA personnel financial systems, HB 2749 on felony sentence-completion designation, HCR 258 on Medicaid claim audits, and several agency or board continuation bills. Members also discussed HB 2745 on legislative subpoenas, HB 4027 naming Loop 202 the Charlie Kirk Highway, HB 2601 on Interstate 11 studies, and a number of education, health, labor, and public safety measures. Several bills were pulled from consent or flagged for later discussion, including HCR 258, HB 4027, HB 2375, HB 2601, HB 2408, HB 2444, HB 2923, HB 2182, HCR 2048, HB 2750, HB 2765, HB 2838, HB 4043, HB 2290, HB 2940, and others. Testimony and caucus debate focused on a range of policy concerns. Members objected to bills involving school strikes, weapons detection systems, public records fees for legislators, union activity, school safety felony penalties, and restrictions on school clubs. Education bills drew extended discussion, including HB 2423 on automatic advanced math placement, HB 2478 creating a student outcomes commission, HB 2579 for free school meals, HB 2992 on child sexual abuse prevention, HB 4041 on spending authority for low-reading-performing districts, and HB 4043 requiring CPR/AED training. Health and professional regulation bills also prompted debate, including HB 2408 on nursing board investigations and expungement, HB 2444 on pharmacist testing authority, HB 2697 on expired opioid antagonists, and HB 4010 establishing a genetic counselors board. Members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, stakeholder opposition, and whether some measures were unfunded mandates or needed more amendment work. The caucus also discussed immigration, labor, and public safety measures, including HB 2416 for DPS local border support, HB 2811 on obstructing governmental operations during lawful arrests, HB 2862 on unlawful masking penalties, HB 4070 on nonprofit incorporation restrictions tied to offenses, and HB 4117 creating a crime for disturbing religious services. Water, energy, and land-use bills were reviewed as well, such as HB 2099, HB 2263, HB 2330, HB 2341, HB 2492, HB 2757, HB 2782, HB 2912, HB 2918, and HCR 2020. The meeting ended with announcements, including an Affordability Award for Brian Garcia and a March 12 breakfast update on the Colorado River, before adjournment.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • New Mexico already has democratic tools, election, recall elections, and judicial remedies to address
  • So he is not the democratically elected president of that country.
  • So having a democratically led state is critical.
  • Representative: So having a democratically led state is critical.
  • And so there's no impetus for us to even input a democratic process at the moment.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 254, which would allow investor-owned electric utilities to include avoided greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency resources. The sponsor explained an amendment making the emissions calculation optional for utilities, while requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider it if a utility elects to use it. Utilities, energy efficiency advocates, and environmental groups supported the bill, saying it would help expand energy efficiency programs, lower bills, and better reflect emissions benefits. After brief questions about prior concerns, the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a unanimous due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 185, which would change the process for suspending school board members so the Secretary of Education could suspend individual members rather than only an entire board. The sponsors and supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, protect good board members from being punished for others’ misconduct, and create a clearer process with notice, remedial action, and appeal rights. School superintendents and some current and former school board members supported the bill, but the New Mexico School Boards Association and several board members opposed it, saying it was vague, threatened local control, and gave too much power to an appointed official. After extensive debate, the committee voted 4-5 against the do pass motion, and the bill failed in committee. The committee next considered House Memorial 29, condemning the U.S. invasion of Venezuela. The memorial sponsor said it was intended to oppose the administration’s actions and affirm democratic norms. A supporter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry backed the memorial on moral and legal grounds. Representative Block raised multiple factual objections, arguing the memorial mischaracterized Nicolás Maduro’s status and the events in Venezuela. The committee amended the memorial to add the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the New Mexico congressional delegation as recipients, then passed it on a 6-3 vote after debate and vote explanations. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 93, which would raise the state income tax standard deduction to 205% of the federal standard deduction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce tax burdens for New Mexicans and noted that staff and the tax department had determined nonresidents would only receive a prorated benefit under existing rules, so no amendment was needed. With no public testimony and no opposition, the committee moved the bill forward on a do pass vote.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Oct 1st, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I will remind the body that when Senator Ramos was a Democrat, we did put money for Western New Mexico
  • The chair for the Democrats will be Senator Padilla, along with Senator Jaramillo and then Senator Duhigg
  • Before I got elected, I was running against a Democrat county commissioner.
  • We had a long conversation about how I was raised Democrat and why I changed.
  • He's a Democrat. It's Gene Samberson.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this is not a Republican or Democrat issue.
  • And as we look at this, it really doesn't make a difference whether you are a Republican or a Democrat
  • It affects everybody, Republican or Democrat. Yes, sir. I am.
  • Partisan, it affects everybody, Republican or Democrat. Yes, sir. All right.
  • When you go through there, we've had both the Republican Convention and the Democrat Convention.
Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I will remain committed to promoting democratic ideals in an open, free, and fair international system
  • You have totalitarian states on one side, you have democracy on the other side. democratic states on
  • The rest of the world, in a democratic world anyway, is about 32%, so they have about two-thirds.
  • The alternative is the parties that are not being discussed here are the other democratic countries in
  • , is that we have to face up to the reality. that this is a coalescing need that we have in the democratic
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 13, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democratic Ranking Member Edmonds? Present. Representatives Artis? Present. Baker? Black? Here.
  • Democratic Member Edmonds? Yes. Representatives Artis? Yes. Baker? Yes. Black? Yes. Brackett? Yes.
  • Democratic Ranking Member Edmonds? Yes. Representatives Aristide? Yes. Baker? Yes. Black? Yes.
  • Democratic Ranking Member Edmonds? Yes. Representatives Aristide? Yes. Baker? Yes.
  • Democrat Ranking Member Edmonds: Yes. Representatives Arecedo: No. Baker: No. Black: Yes…” “No.
Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

“Fraud Isn’t Free Act” 3/3/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • fraud actions and tried to prevent these things from happening, and the Republicans refused and the Democrats
  • <00:21:42.400><c> refused</c><00:21:42.799><c> and</c><00:21:43.039><c> the</c><00:21:43.200><c> Democrats
  • </c> Republicans refused and the Democrats Republicans refused and the Democrats passed<00:21:44.159>
  • 47.679><c> to</c><00:21:47.760><c> get</c> We had an OIG bill we're trying to get through, and the Democrats
  • Seven Democrats said no to it.
Keywords: 1183, house
WI

Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session

Joint Committee on Finance May 12th, 2026

Joint Committee on Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I find it funny that the Democrats on this committee were... ...on growth. Thank you.
  • So I find it funny that the Democrats on this committee were never concerned at all about the structural
  • But again, I advise you to take a fresh look at some of these Democratic policies.
  • It's interesting to me, as I've listened to a little bit of the negativity from the Democrats on this
  • Because I don't believe there's anyone on this committee, Democrat or Republican, that wants to see fish
Keywords: 970, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • orientation, wearing dashikis and sandals and cowboy hats, occupying the Doral Country Club for the Democratic
  • Kennedy Democrats. Some of you are Willie Brown Democrats. Robert Kennedy or John F.
  • Kennedy Democrats. Some of you are Willie Brown Democrats.
  • Senator Burton, not missing a beat, and he goes, and by the way, I think he was chair of the Democratic
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, welcomed former legislative leaders and members to the floor, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The session then focused on several ceremonial resolutions and a lengthy adjourn-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Members repeatedly described Burton as a forceful, unvarnished advocate for foster youth, the poor, and other vulnerable Californians, while also sharing personal stories about his humor, bluntness, and bipartisan relationships. The Senate also announced upcoming committee hearings and birthday recognitions for several members and former Speaker Willie Brown. Three resolutions were taken up and adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. SCR 133, by Senator Grayson, recognized California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day; Grayson spoke about the dignity, autonomy, and contributions of people with Down syndrome, and introduced guests from the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and several families. SCR 134, by Senator Wahab, recognized Nowruz and the Afghan American community; Wahab and Senator Caballero highlighted the holiday’s themes of renewal and the contributions of Persian and Afghan Americans, and members received baklava gift boxes. SCR 139, also by Senator Wahab, recognized Afghan American Heritage Month; Wahab and Senator Grove emphasized Afghan Americans’ history, resilience, and service, and Wahab introduced leaders from the Afghan Coalition and other community advocates. Each resolution was adopted by roll call vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to memorial remarks for John Burton, with speeches from the President Pro Tem, minority leader, and many senators recalling his work on foster youth, public service, and California politics. Members also suspended and later reinstated Mason’s Manual rules to allow direct quotations during the tribute. The Senate concluded by expressing condolences to Burton’s family and colleagues, inviting members to a reception, and announcing that the chamber would reconvene later in the week for the formal adjourn-in-memory motion.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • During his tenure in the legislature, he was the Democratic leader of the House from 2000 to 2002.
  • He served as ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee while in the state Senate.
  • Rules Committee will meet upon recess of the floor, so as soon as I hit the gavel, Republican and Democratic
  • Rules Committee will meet upon recess of the floor, so as soon as I hit the gavel, Republican and Democratic
  • Constitutional republic and democratic ideals, and whereas the United States approaches the 250th anniversary
Keywords: 1182, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Combatting Fraud with Employee Training – Senator Mark Koran Feb 28th, 2026

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • most don't know is we spent one of the, the, when there was a common interest, I believe, for some Democrats
  • 5:00 till at least 7:00 the entire week of the legislative session. 20, 25 people, Republicans, Democrat
  • most don't know is we spent one of the, the, when there was a common interest, I believe, for some Democrats
  • 5:00 till at least 7:00 the entire week of the legislative session. 20, 25 people, Republicans, Democrat
  • Minnesota, a voter in Minnesota, say, um, that's acceptable at any level of government, Republican or Democrat
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/27/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight

House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • Brendan Folland is our senior policy advisor, Democratic staff.
  • Brendan is our senior policy advisor, Democratic staff.
  • Olivia Schremp, welcome intern, Democratic staff.
  • would have been filled within 150 days, and that wouldn't matter whether it was a Republican or a Democratic
  • being able to look for the right qualified position, regardless of—I've served with Republicans and Democrats
Summary: The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills. The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - House Judiciary

House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a Senior Policy Advisor with House Democratic Staff. Sorry, Mr. Chair.
  • I'm a Democrat. And yeah, so... I need you to identify yourself.
  • Oh, my name is Noah James Markham, and I'm a strong Democrat.
  • I'm a strong Democrat, and I do like HB 2045 because I don't like guns.
  • I'm a strong Democrat, and I just oppose this bill.
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a full roster of members present and heard a series of bills focused largely on criminal law, victims’ rights, and family law. The committee first heard HB 2133, which would require commercial websites distributing sexual material online to verify consent and age for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images. Supporters said it would close loopholes in existing revenge-porn and child-exploitation laws, while opponents warned it added more complexity to already lengthy criminal statutes. The bill passed 7-1. The committee then heard HB 2043, expanding felony murder to include unborn children; supporters argued it would close a gap in the homicide statutes, while opponents raised concerns about personhood, reproductive rights, and abortion-related implications. It passed 6-2. HB 2144, allowing child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limiting pregnancy-related expenses, also passed 6-2 after testimony split between supporters citing parental responsibility and opponents warning about fetal personhood and abortion-related concerns. The committee next considered HB 2126, allowing a venue change in civil actions when a party is employed by the local judicial branch or clerk’s office. The sponsor described it as a fairness and public-confidence measure, and county representatives said they were working on amendments; it passed 7-0 with one member voting present pending amended language. HB 2045, expanding the definition of discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle to include the immediate area around the vehicle, drew testimony about drive-by shootings and concerns about vagueness and overlap with existing homicide laws; it passed 7-1. HB 2046, requiring notice to victims for pre-hearings in annual probation review hearings for certain young sex-offense probationers, passed unanimously. HB 2048, which would limit private process servers from serving certain exclusive-possession orders of protection, prompted debate over victim safety, service delays, and whether private servers were improperly charging fees; it passed 8-0 with one present. The committee also heard HB 2074, as amended, creating a mandatory reporting requirement for medical-facility employees, contractors, or volunteers who know a partial-birth abortion occurred, with the amendment increasing the penalty to a class six felony. Supporters framed it as a reporting and accountability measure, while opponents argued it targeted a procedure already banned and would add unnecessary abortion restrictions. The amended bill passed 5-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 264, creating criminal penalties for injuring or killing vulnerable pedestrians using mobility aids. Opponents said it duplicated existing traffic and homicide laws and could criminalize negligent accidents; after some members expressed reservations but voted yes pending further discussion, the bill passed 8-1. The committee then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a Senior Policy Advisor with House Democratic Staff. Sorry, Mr. Chair.
  • I'm a Democrat. And yeah, so... I need you to identify yourself.
  • Oh, my name is Noah James Markham, and I'm a strong Democrat.
  • I'm a strong Democrat, and I do like HB 2045 because I don't like guns.
  • I'm a strong Democrat, and I just oppose this bill.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/13/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Senate Democratic leader, and I love being on the Natural Resources Committee.
  • Courtney Akostas, Senate Democratic Policy Advisor, staffing Natural Resources and Education Committee
  • I'm a Democratic intern this year, and I'm from ASU. Awesome. Thank you. They're good too.
  • Democratic staff.
  • I am a Democratic intern staffing the Natural Resources and Health and Human Services Committees, and
Keywords: 1182, all