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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 5 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- for NSTAR releasing or modifying easements for the benefit of the Commonwealth, to the Committee on State
- legislation to designate asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth to the Committee on State
- To the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and a petition of Michelle Elbadger
- Representative Howard and Hong of Lowell: members of the Wynne Middle School, Moody Middle School, Washington
Summary:
The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports and related procedural orders. Members adopted a resolution recognizing the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Election Laws, Environment and Natural Resources, and Revenue committees, and concurred in Senate petitions after suspending Joint Rule 12 for several matters.
The chamber then advanced a series of local and House bills. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered several bills to a third reading, including measures on electronic scanning of identifications, police age-limit waivers or civil service eligibility for named individuals in Boston and Haverhill, and a bill on the contracting of digital replicas. Later, the House passed to be engrossed bills including a Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance bill and additional police-related local bills, and passed to be enacted a land conveyance bill for Wellesley and other enacted measures such as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, a Fall River police chief appointment bill, a Seekonk charter amendment, and a Billerica police age-limit bill.
The House also adopted an order for a joint convention with the Senate to receive the Governor’s communication on January 22, 2026. At the end of the session, members adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. and a special adjournment in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, former Quincy legislator, mayor, and clerk magistrate. The House then adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- their state constitution to support this issue.
- And as was stated earlier, are there a health risk associated with this?
- This arrangement fundamentally hurts the state.
- The fundamental issue here is that the state is not providing state funding for indigent defense.
- There are only four states in the country where the state does not take responsibility for funding public
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations.
The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes.
Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 1st, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Progress given how state government operates, and I'm a loyal veteran of state government.
- They handle IT needs throughout the state.
- And so folks can go to Washington State and interpret there for a much higher rate, even, and it's a
- State, stay up there in the top. Mr.
- For state, Mr. Chair. Representative Dow, state, you're talking about prisons? Yeah.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, and welcome to Senate State Affairs, and happy Friday.
- I am director of the Idaho State Lottery and also the Idaho State Liquor Division.
- I am director of the Idaho State Lottery and also the Idaho State Liquor, Idaho State Liquor Division
- He does what these out-of-state syndicates do, but on a much smaller scale.
- We're not the only state doing this; there are 13 or 14 other states that are doing this, and we are
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the February 6, 2026 minutes and then considered several print requests. Senator Shippy presented RS 33200, which would clarify the law on resistance to a threatened party and the defensive display of a firearm; it was introduced without opposition. Senator Anthon presented RS 33340, a criminal trespass change aimed at preventing intentional disruption of church services, and the committee voted to send it to print. Senator Taves also presented RS 33347, the “conversational AI safety act,” which would require chatbots to disclose that they are chatbots and add protections for children; it likewise advanced to print.
The committee then heard House Bill 504, presented by Senator Guthrie and Idaho State Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandum. The bill would prohibit bulk lottery ticket purchases by setting a $5,000 purchase threshold within a certain time period and allowing the Lottery to flag suspicious activity. Supporters said the measure is intended to protect the integrity of the lottery, keep prizes and tax revenue in Idaho, and deter syndicates that target games nearing sellout. The director said the fiscal impact would be essentially zero and noted other states have similar restrictions.
After discussion, the committee voted to send HB 504 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The chair then adjourned the meeting with brief weekend and Valentine’s Day remarks.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Imagine the governor driving across the state alone.
- Imagine the governor driving across the state alone.
- We can support one another and honor our service to the state and so many others' service to this state
- Representative Church, I do want to correct the record on one thing that you stated.
- You stated that there are members that still served with your grandfather.
Committee:
House State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The witnesses that come in will state their name, their organization, and whether they support or oppose
- However, there is currently no background check requirement in state law for employees of behavioral
- I'm here to present Assembly Concurrent Resolution 173, which recommends formalizing the sister-state
- relationship between the state of Jalisco in Mexico and California.
- ... ...when it states 'to address the recent mass deportations.'
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair lays before the House a communication from the Speaker's rooms, Washington, D.C., June 2, 2025
- 06:22.639><c> United</c> allegiance to the flag of the United allegiance to the flag of the United States
- 24.400><c> and</c><00:06:24.639><c> to</c><00:06:24.800><c> the</c><00:06:25.039><c> republic</c> States
- of America and to the republic States of America and to the republic for<00:06:25.759><c> which</c><
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- That's already the state law.
- That's already the state law.
- State.
- Figure two just notes those regulations within states and which states don't have regulations.
- But there is multiple drug use in students across the state, in all corners of the state.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Keywords:
homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
House Interim Committee On Behavioral Health 06/17/2026 1:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Most recently, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Washington State Department of Social
- What do we represent in the state? We are a state-run forensic psychiatric hospital.
- that the state has.
- It is a legal intervention by the state. The state is saying, 'We must interfere in your life.'
- This state has a good law.
Summary:
The joint Senate and House Behavioral Health committee met for informational presentations on the Oregon State Hospital and civil commitment, followed by a planned tour of the hospital. Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State Hospital leaders reported that Sean Murphy will become the next permanent superintendent on July 13, with Sarah Castle to follow as permanent chief nursing officer on July 20. They described recent leadership turnover, a major organizational restructure, and efforts to build a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability. Officials said the hospital regained Joint Commission accreditation and CMS compliance, and they highlighted daily safety huddles, incident review processes, stronger escalation procedures, and improved management of seclusion and restraint. Committee members pressed hospital leaders on past prolonged seclusion practices, falls, staffing, and the need for better public reporting; OHA said it is building a public dashboard of key safety and workforce metrics.
The committee then heard a civil commitment overview from the Oregon Judicial Department. The presenter explained that civil commitment is a separate legal process from criminal cases, usually beginning with a hospital hold, investigation, court review, appointed counsel, and a hearing within five days. She summarized changes made in House Bill 2005, including revised standards for danger to self, danger to others, and basic-needs commitments, plus a second 14-day diversion option. She cautioned that the new law has only been in effect since January and that it is too early to draw firm conclusions from the data, though there has been a recent uptick in commitments and a decrease in diversions.
Testimony from NAMI Oregon and a forensic psychiatrist emphasized that Oregon still relies too heavily on jails and state hospitals because community services, housing, and outpatient supports are insufficient. They argued that the state needs more less-restrictive alternatives, including better use of assisted outpatient treatment or outpatient civil commitment, and more supported housing so people do not cycle between homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. A family member described a relative remaining psychotic in jail for more than 120 days before ending up back at the state hospital, urging faster intervention and better collaboration among courts, counties, hospitals, and state agencies. Committee members and witnesses also discussed workforce shortages, the expansion of secure residential treatment beds, and the need for broader system reforms beyond the hospital itself.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- State your name, organization, and position, please.
- California is one of the most diverse states.
- States like California have a choice in that.
- two terms as President of the United States.
- State your name, organization, and position.
Committee:
House Elections
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-07-08
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- More generous than states around us.
- states don't have.
- Medicaid providers in this state.
- Please state your name for the record.
- Can you just talk about whether part of the difference between our state and other states is that we
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , other peace officers across the state.
- across the state.
- Other states, uh, all states within the National Guard adhere to the DOD set standards for physical training
- There's they're temporary state active duty or state employees.
- There's 39 LMHAs in the state.
Bills:
SB 36
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Idaho is a big state for this.
- A family in Washington state had to travel to Pennsylvania just to give blood from the parents to their
- So blood goes out of state. It goes regionally. It goes nationally. We supply to other states.
- into other states.
- Other states like Washington allow midwives the same authority proposed in HB 550, but they also have
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 528, which would codify the ability for patients to use self-donated or directed donor blood under federal testing and collection guidelines. Representative Chris Bruce said the bill was intended to ensure Idaho patients have that option in state law after some hospitals or facilities had denied requests. Supporters testified that the bill protects patient autonomy, religious freedom, and medical choice, and described personal experiences where directed donation was difficult or impossible to arrange in Idaho. Opponents, including representatives from Vitalant and the Red Cross, said directed and autologous donations are already available when medically indicated, that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist, and that it could add cost, complexity, and strain to an already severe blood shortage without improving safety. After debate over terms such as “detrimental” and “gross negligence,” a substitute motion to send the bill to amending order failed 7-9, and the original motion to send HB 528 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation passed 7-6.
The committee then approved a rules docket for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Business Enterprise Program, which updates and streamlines rules governing vending and food service facilities operated by blind entrepreneurs. The committee next took up House Bill 550, a midwifery bill updating Idaho’s existing statute to allow licensed midwives to administer additional medications within their training and scope of practice. The sponsor and several midwives, nurses, and other supporters said the changes would modernize outdated law, improve care in rural areas, reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, and better address postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal or neonatal needs. One testifier described a tragic homebirth outcome and urged stronger safety limits, while the Idaho Medical Association said it had worked with the sponsor on compromise language.
At the sponsor’s request, HB 550 was held in committee and the related revised RS was moved forward. The committee then approved RS-33-250, which incorporated agreed-upon changes defining a formulary and protocol and clarifying maternal and neonatal care language, sending it to the second reading calendar with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Washington, State Board of Social Work Examiners, reassigned to finance. >> All right, that one will
- By request, Department of Health, State Board of Environmental Health Specialist, Sunset Extension, reassigned
- Senate Bill 186, Senator Augustine, State Board of Examiners and Optometry Examination Requirements,
- Senate bill 186, Senator<00:02:01.680><c> Augustine,</c><00:02:02.240><c> state</c><00:02:02.399><c>
- board</c><00:02:02.560><c> of</c> Senator Augustine, state board of Senator Augustine, state board of
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a ballot question in November that would cut the state income tax from 5% to 4%.
- There's a ballot question in November that would cut the state income tax from 5% to 4%.
- Essential in terms of being able to supplement the state dollars, we know that.
- to achieving climate commitments as the state has made as well.
- to achieving climate commitments as the state has made as well.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals.
Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy.
Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I am thrilled to be back in the Commonwealth, continuing my public service in a state that is leading
- facility... ...need, municipal need, or, as I said, some connection to a state facility.
- There's a ballot question in November that would cut the state income tax from 5% to 4%.
- So the federal dollars are essential in terms of being able to supplement the state dollars.
- to achieving climate commitments as the state has made as well.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the Healey-Driscoll administration’s transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Administration officials said the bill would authorize more than $5 billion overall, including $1.2 billion for Chapter 90 over four years, $500 million for accelerated road and bridge repairs, $200 million for MBTA rail modernization and reliability, $200 million for transportation projects supporting housing development, $200 million for a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations for federal-aid highway projects, non-federal highway projects, municipal pavement, and Shared Streets and Spaces. They emphasized that the proposal is backed by Commonwealth Transportation Fund revenues, including registry fees, gas tax, and Fair Share surtax revenue, and said it would improve safety, reliability, housing production, and regional equity.
Committee members asked about the four-year Chapter 90 authorization, the housing-related transportation funding, federal funding uncertainty, and how the MBTA money would support commuter rail electrification and regional rail. Administration witnesses said the multi-year structure would help municipalities plan and avoid more expensive deferred maintenance, that the housing funds would be flexible for infrastructure needs tied to development, and that the state is pursuing federal grants while relying on state-backed capital financing. They also described process improvements at MassDOT that have reduced project bid-to-notice timelines by 60% and said the rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurement, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association and local officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth strongly supported the bill, saying the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile formula have made a major difference for small and rural communities and that four-year funding would improve predictability, project bundling, and cost savings. They cited local road, bridge, culvert, and gravel-road needs and urged favorable action. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to use it for broader transportation policy changes and new revenue tools, including possible reforms to TNC fees, regional pricing, and other funding mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And I ask you to ask of this state?
- debt, affecting the revenue of the state.
- debt, affecting the revenue of the state.
- The bill state buildings and land.
- In section one, the Senate added state lease buildings, excuse me, state lease buildings, which we removed
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 8th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think there has been forward movement in other states, and I think for our state specifically, we
- So I think there has been forward movement in other states, and I think for our state specifically, we
- So I think there has been forward movement in other states, and I think for our state specifically, we
- There are several requirements in the state of Missouri. Two of them are in state statute.
- most of these other states.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- I retired from the United States Army.
- This includes Illinois, Washington State, and Oregon, and many others.
- This includes Illinois, Washington State, and Oregon, and many others.
- All of these state laws explicitly allow state and local cooperation with federal law enforcement to
- We were perhaps the first abolitionist state.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses.
Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role.
Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Did you see what other states?
- So you see what the other states have.
- You know, we have the sixth largest legislature in the states, in the United States: New Hampshire with
- The state paid for her to learn how to drive.
- I think that those also need to be term-limited, and they can be state by state.
Summary:
The House Elections Budget Committee held a public hearing on several joint resolutions dealing with Missouri legislative term limits and chamber structure. Representatives Peggy McGaugh, Marty Joe Murray, Bruce Sassman, and Jeff Myers presented versions of HJR 104, 121, 122, 149, and related measures that would allow legislators to serve up to 16 total years in either chamber rather than being limited to eight years in one chamber and eight in the other. The sponsors argued the change would preserve institutional knowledge, reduce lobbyist influence, and let voters choose whether experienced members should continue serving. They also discussed leadership limits, with proposals to cap service as Speaker or President Pro Tem, and debated whether those limits should be consecutive or total terms. One proposal also would reduce the size of the House to 103 members, which Myers said would improve efficiency and avoid a senator controlling House members in a three-representative-per-Senate-district model.
Committee members raised concerns about self-serving motives, the optics of extending service, possible gaps when members run for the Senate with time left on their 16-year limit, and whether smaller or larger districts would weaken rural representation or shift power toward population centers. Some members supported the concept as a way to preserve expertise and reduce the influence of lobbyists, while others argued the public may view the change skeptically, especially given the original 1992 term-limit vote. Myers defended the smaller House proposal as a way to lower costs, reduce staff redundancy, and improve legislative effectiveness, while opponents questioned whether the fiscal savings would offset the need for more staff and whether the change would actually solve the problems described.
Public testimony was split. An opponent argued Missouri voters should not be asked to revisit a decision they made on term limits, said the General Assembly should not be trying to overturn the public’s earlier choice, and urged rejection of all the resolutions. He also criticized lobbyist influence and cited past corruption cases to argue for keeping strict term limits. After testimony concluded, the committee moved into executive session and passed House Bill 3146 by a vote of 10-2. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.