Video & Transcript : 'senate staff' :
Page 44 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Minority Leader End-of-Session Media Availability - 05/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Republicans worked Minnesota Senate Republicans worked very,<00:00:49.320><c> very</c><00:00:
- Minnesota Senate Republicans used what Minnesota Senate Republicans used what little<00:01:53.720><c>
- </c> session for Minnesota Senate session for Minnesota Senate Republicans.<00:02:11.120><c> There</c
- And I know Senator Murphy's again.
- Senator</c> Senator, you and Senator Murphy are against this process, then why is it happening?
Summary:
A Minnesota Senate Republican leader reflected on the just-ended session, saying the caucus focused on affordability and fraud while operating with limited leverage in the minority. He highlighted a $254 million reduction in tab fees, saying it would keep money in Minnesotans’ pockets, and said Republicans also advanced anti-fraud measures, including tighter payment processes and provisions to prevent fraudsters from benefiting after being caught. He also noted support for infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, drinking water, and wastewater.
The leader said Republicans were disappointed that many priorities were left on the table, especially because Democrats and the governor controlled the process. He criticized the late-session handling of bills, saying members did not have enough time to read or digest measures that appeared at the end. He also said the tax bill included a property tax measure and that Republicans would take their affordability and anti-fraud message into the fall elections.
On health care, he explained his no vote on a bill tied to Hennepin County Medical Center, saying the package was too centered on one Minneapolis hospital and did not do enough for outstate and critical access hospitals. He said the session did include the bipartisan OIG bill and other tightening measures, but argued the administration had not been aggressive enough in pursuing fraud. He closed by agreeing that more transparency and compromise would be preferable, and said he hoped future sessions would be more open, especially if Republicans gain the majority.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development - 05/18/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair.
- Motion by Senator Jackson. Second by Senator Clear. Any negative votes? Senator Walsack.
- Senator Walsack is voting no. Any votes to advance without recommendation? Senator Martins, AWR.
- I've got a motion from Senator Jackson. Second from Senator Zellnor. Any negative votes?
- Senator Walsack and I over now, right? Okay. That's Senator Martins and Senator Walsack in AWR.
Summary:
The New York State Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and several members participating by vote sheet. Chair Brian Kavanagh opened the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session and thanked members and staff for their work. Senators also offered brief remarks of appreciation for the chair and the committee’s collaborative process.
The committee advanced four bills. S.2523A (Ramos) would establish a jobs and housing pilot program to create construction jobs and address the housing crisis; it was reported to Finance, with Senator Walsack voting no and Senator Martins voting AWR. S.8612 (Kavanagh) would make clarifying changes to the good cause eviction law; the chair said it had been extensively negotiated with tenant and landlord stakeholders and had broad support, and it was reported with Senators Martins and Walsack voting AWR. S.8918A (Kavanagh) would create the Build Up New York pilot program and a mass timber for affordable housing program, along with related tax credits; it was reported to the floor unanimously.
The committee also considered S.9287 (Hensh), which would create a real property tax exemption for certain full-time residents in certain counties. Members discussed whether the bill would create a new property class or instead shift tax burdens within the one- to four-family home class, and raised concerns about impacts on second homes and local school budgets. Supporters argued it resembled a homestead exemption and could help local residents. The bill was reported to Finance, with Senator Martins voting ADBR. The meeting then adjourned after the final agenda item.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 05/18/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cooney is not here at the moment. Senator Parker is here.
- So the first bill is Senate Bill S 5053B by Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
- The third bill is Senate Bill S7817A by Senator Besson.
- The fifth bill is Senate Bill S-91000A by Senator Harkman.
- The sixth bill, Senate Bill S-9350A, by Senator Zellman.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and 10 bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and pension benefits, civil service rules, and public safety personnel, including bills to raise the mandatory retirement age for certain NYPD uniform members, provide a heart disease presumption for fire alarm dispatchers, authorize a widow to file a retirement option election, create an optional 25-year retirement plan for certain deputy sheriffs, and adjust retirement or disability benefits for specific individuals or groups.
The committee also advanced bills allowing named individuals to take civil service or police officer examinations and be placed on eligibility lists, and a bill prohibiting falsely impersonating an employee organization or representative. One bill concerned notification requirements for public employers before procuring or deploying new AI-related technology. Members asked a few clarifying questions, including the location of the Village of Leroy, but there was no substantive opposition recorded.
Most bills were approved unanimously, with reported votes of 7-0 and no abstentions or with recommendations. The committee reported several bills to the floor, others to the Finance Committee, and the AI notification bill to the Internet and Technology Committee. The chair then adjourned the meeting after noting there were no further speakers.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Helming, Senator Davo, Senator Fernandez, Gennardis, and Scoopis are all present.
- Moved by Senator Hartford, seconded by Senator Hamilton, seconded by Senator Helman.
- Moved by Senator Judy, seconded by Senator Dodd. Those in favor, signify by saying aye.
- The next bill on the agenda, Senate 938, by Senator Abel. Thank you.
- The next bill on the agenda, Senate 91815 by Senator Kruger. We miss you, Liz; get well.
Summary:
The committee met on Monday, May 18, 2026, for its final meeting of the year and considered a series of insurance-related bills. The chair thanked staff and the public for their work and input. Members present were noted at the start of the meeting. The agenda included measures on Medicaid and health care organizations purchasing experience and health insurance, utilization review determinations, disability benefits, discrimination based on mental health or substance use disorder, service contracts and accidental damage coverage, property rehabilitation protection, reproductive health care access funding, life insurance compliance and indexing provisions, and pet insurance.
Several bills were reported from committee after brief discussion and voice votes, including the bills on Medicaid/health care organization coverage, disability benefits, mental health and substance use discrimination, service contracts, life insurance compliance, and pet insurance. The utilization review bill was approved but referred to finance, the property rehabilitation protection bill was referred to consumer protection, and the reproductive health care access fund bill was also referred to finance. Some members were recorded as voting without recommendation or in the negative on certain measures, including Senators Helming, O'Mara, and Askey on the reproductive health care funding bill.
The meeting concluded with thanks to committee members and staff, and the chair announced that this completed the session’s agenda.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In Senate, Friday, May 15, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
- The Senate will stand at ease. The Senate will stand at ease.
- Senator Serrano, do you yield? Yes. Senator yields.
- Senator yields.
- If the Senator will continue to yield. >> The Senator yields. >> Senator, is there a schedule for the
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender.
The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy.
The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Also joined by staff members, David December, our counsel, and Senator Garcia Ryan, our committee clerk
- Also joined by staff members are David December, our counsel, and Senator Garcia Ryan, our committee
- Senator Baskin, second. Okay, moved. Senator Baskin seconded. Senator Walczyk, I need to...
- Next bill, Senate Bill 9839 by Senator Baskin.
- Next bill, Senate Bill 9839 by Senator Baskin.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Cities 2 met for its first and last meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ryan presiding and members Walczyk, Fahey, and Baskin present. The committee took up three bills. The first, S.8283-A, would require additional notice before a city discontinues drinking water fluoridation; it was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The second, S.8859, would extend by one year special bonding authority for the city of Yonkers. Senator Walczyk voiced concern about the repeated annual extensions and said he would vote no, arguing municipalities should address their finances without continued state assistance. The bill was then approved, with Walczyk recorded in opposition.
The third bill, S.9839, would extend by one year provisions related to the city of Buffalo’s issuance of certain bonds or notes. It was moved and seconded, and approved, with Senator Walczyk again noting his earlier concerns. After the three bills were reported, the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs - 05/18/2026
Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to acknowledge Senator Ashby, our ranking member, who is here; Senator Harckham; Senator Serrano
- ; and Senator Weik.
- Thank you, Senator Addabbo. Second. Senator Sepp? Okay. All those in favor? Any opposed?
- Thank you, Senator Osama. Thank you. Senator Andrew. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
- Senator Addabbo, second. Thank you, Senator Harckham. All those in favor? Aye.
Summary:
The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee held its fourth and final meeting on May 18 and considered a series of bills related to veterans services, emergency preparedness, and related state programs. Measures discussed included revising the New York State Veterans Memorial and Monument Registration process, recognizing military experience for institutional transfer credit, creating an insurance liaison on the Disaster Preparedness Commission, requiring DMV to share certain veteran information with the Department of Veterans Services, clarifying the alternative veterans exemption, and creating a veterans bill of rights. The committee also took up bills on home care information for veterans, eligibility for New York State veterans’ homes, opportunities for veteran and emerging businesses, the New York Emergency Responder Act, a report on coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and a Women’s Veterans History Trail.
Members generally moved each bill without substantive debate, and the chair repeatedly called for motions and votes. Most measures were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, with several reported to Finance, several to the floor, and others referred to other committees such as Higher Education, Health, or Finance depending on subject matter. The meeting concluded after the final bill was reported and the chair noted that it was the committee’s last meeting.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Procurement and Contracts - 05/18/2026
Procurement And Contracts
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd also like to welcome Senator April Baskin, Senator Jabari Brisport, and Senator Leroy Comrie for
- Senator Rhoads, aye. Senate Bill 63313 by Senator Sanders.
- Senator Rhoads, aye. The bill is reported to finance. Senate Bill 699-31A by Senator Harcum.
- Senate Bill 91-47, by Senator Sanders.
- Senate Bill 97-61 by Senator Mayor.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Zellner noting a quorum and welcoming members. The committee took up a series of procurement- and contracting-related bills, including measures on reciprocal MWBE certification, liability and design professionals, minority and women participation in state contracts, waste diversion planning by state agencies, breaking public contracts into smaller sizes to increase small business participation, expanded construction mentorship opportunities, service-disabled veteran-owned business participation goals, and contract fee/requirements for agreements between state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The discussion in the transcript was brief, with no substantive debate recorded. Members generally moved each bill and seconded the motions, and the chair called for votes. Most bills were reported out of committee either to the calendar or to finance, with members voting in favor and a few recorded as “without rec” or individual ayes noted. No bills were defeated.
At the end of the meeting, the chair reminded members to complete their voting sheets and then entertained a motion to adjourn. The committee approved adjournment and the meeting concluded.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations - 05/18/2026
Investigations And Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Monday, May 18th, 2026, meeting of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government
- We're also joined by Senator Thomas O'Mara. We're also joined by Senator Thomas O'Mara.
- Next is S.10-162, sponsored by Senator Ashby, an act to amend the public officers law.
- Before we close, I want to thank the really hardworking staff of this committee.
- Before we close, I want to thank the really hardworking staff of this committee.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on May 18, 2026, with Chair James Skoufis and several senators present for what was described as the committee’s final meeting. The committee took up several bills, beginning with S.412, which was moved and then referred to finance. S.6905, sponsored by Senator Harkham, was discussed briefly; staff explained that it would allow a village to set closing hours different from the state’s current mandate, authority that counties already have. That bill was reported, with one member recorded as without recommendation.
The committee then approved and reported S.10-162, sponsored by Senator Ashby, and S.10-193, sponsored by Senator Bynoe, both amending the public officers law. S.10-193 was reported with one nay vote. S.10-266, sponsored by Senator Webb and amending the tax law, was also reported, with one nay and one without recommendation. The final bill, S.10-282, sponsored by Chair Skoufis and directing the Department of Taxation and Finance to create and implement an online program, was referred to finance.
Before adjournment, Chair Skoufis thanked the committee clerk and central staff for their work, noting that many were occupied with budget duties. The meeting then concluded with expressions of appreciation from members present.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Farewells - 05/18/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . staff. staff.
- > Senator</c> Senator Sharon, Senator Lori, Senator Senator Sharon, Senator Lori, Senator Wiger, Wiger
- The Senate is lucky to have such wonderful staff who work every day tirelessly to advance ideas.
- The Senate [snorts] is lucky to have such<01:27:45.280><c> wonderful</c><01:27:45.800><c> staff</c>
- </c> Senate a senator. Senate a senator.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Senate Gallery. Senator Gallaud.
- Thank you, Senator. Senator Larry. Senator Laird, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senate Bill 922 by Senator Laird and Aquilance Vehicles. Senator Laird, you are recognized.
- Thank you, Senator. Senator Menjivar, you may close?
- Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee May 18th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Storazo. Here. Taraso here, Choy here. Choy here.
- Thank you, Madam Senator. I think this one... Thank you, Madam Senator.
- The motion is due pass to the Senate floor. Senator Durazo? Aye. Durazo, aye. Choi? No. Choi, no.
- The motion is due pass to the Senate floor. Senator Laird? Laird, aye. 5-2. The vote is 5-2.
- Thank you to the committee staff. Appreciate all of your work. Thank you, staff.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Meeting: Senate Committee and House Committee on Capital Investment - 05/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank our Senate Bonding Committee members: Senator Nelson, Senator Rasmussen, Senator
- Dziedzic, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Pratt.
- members, um Senator Bonding Committee members, um Senator Nelson,<00:28:43.080><c> Senator</c><00:28
- :43.520><c> Rasmussen,</c><00:28:44.600><c> Senator</c> Nelson, Senator Rasmussen, Senator Nelson, Senator
- <c> and</c><00:28:47.720><c> Senator</c> Dziedzic, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Dziedzic, Senator Kunesh
Summary:
The committee took up a large bonding bill and reviewed the final spreadsheet of capital investments. Chairs and members repeatedly thanked staff, House and Senate negotiators, and the Governor’s team for a collaborative process. The bill was described as a statewide package rather than a partisan one, with major funding for higher education asset preservation, DNR projects, public safety, transportation, the Met Council, veterans facilities, corrections, DEED/local projects, and a large water infrastructure section.
House Fiscal staff and Senate fiscal staff walked through the bill line by line. Highlights included University of Minnesota and Minnesota State asset preservation, education and language immersion school funding, DNR trail and flood mitigation projects, public safety facilities, local road and bridge grants, Met Council parks and I/I grants, veterans home and armory funding, corrections projects including the Faribault vocational expansion, and many local economic development and public facility projects across Greater Minnesota and the metro. The bill also included Public Facilities Authority water and wastewater grants, housing rehabilitation funding, historical society grants, a Minnesota Zoo operating transfer, airport appropriations, and several cancellations of prior appropriations to help finance the package.
Members generally praised the bill and the bipartisan work behind it. Some Republicans emphasized the one-time license fee reduction and affordability, while also saying DEED’s business development infrastructure funding was too low. Senator Nelson highlighted long-awaited transportation projects such as Highway 14 and township roads. Senator Dibble supported the transportation investments but criticized the bill for having no transit funding, calling that a major omission. No vote was recorded in the excerpt, but the discussion centered on final review and support for moving the bonding bill forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Senator, just so Senate rule 26.
- Senator Balden votes no. >> Senator Bowden votes no. >> Senator Her votes no. >> Senator Rest votes no
- ><c> Senator</c><00:45:19.040><c> Senator</c> Senator Rasmmanson and Senator Senator Senator Rasmmanson
- Senator Her votes I. Senator Rest votes I. And Senator Fate votes I. Senator Jazinski.
- Senator Her votes I. Senator Rest votes I. Senator Rest votes I. And Senator Fateh votes I.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> passed the Senate. passed the Senate.
- Weber, Senator Nelson.
- Thank you, Senator and your example. Thank you, Senator Putnam. Putnam. Putnam.
- Weber,</c> Senator Dziedzic and Senator Weber, Senator Dziedzic and Senator Weber, Senator<00:21:50.120
- </c> uh oh, Senator Miller, sorry. uh oh, Senator Miller, sorry.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is really complex and requires a large number of Senate counsel staff, fiscal analysts, and
- And also I want to thank my staff and all of those in the Senate DFL staff who have helped out with this
- And also I want to thank my staff and all of those in the Senate DFL staff who have helped out with this
- And also I want to thank my staff and all of those in the Senate DFL staff who have helped out with this
- And also I want to thank my staff and all of those in the Senate DFL staff who have helped out with this
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] >> The Senate will come to order. Senator Kopec. Thank you, Mr. President.
- I would like to impose a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call. >> Mhm. Senator Murphy.
- Senate File 3432 is herewith returned to the Senate.
- </c><00:21:55.720><c> Senator</c> Senators Her, Putnam, and Lang.
- Senator Senators Her, Putnam, and Lang.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Muhammad, you have a bill up, Senate File 4400. I do. I do. Mr.
- Senator, do you want to move your A1? Yes, sir. So Senator Muhammad moves the A1 amendment.
- Um Um Um Senator<00:02:44.000><c> Muhammad</c> Senator Muhammad Senator Muhammad any<00:02:45.480><c>
- Senator Muhammad any Bill passed.
- </c><00:03:59.680><c> French</c> pretend I'm Nick French, Senator French pretend I'm Nick French, Senator
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate will come to order. Sen. Kupec: Thank you, Mr. President.
- I would ask for a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call. Sen. Kupec: Mr.
- Members, before we go to the Senate agenda, I...
- Xiong be added as co-author to Senate File 4889.
- The Senate is... THE RECESS IN THE CAUCUS ROOM.
MN