Transcript Highlights:

• The broken down vehicle near the George Washington Parkway is gone. for any work that may be setting
• trading partners are starting to discuss trade agreements that would actually exclude the United States

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: nominations, William Kimmett, Kenneth Keyes, Commerce Department, Tax Policy, economic agenda, trade, tax cuts, public testimony

Summary: This meeting of the committee was centered around the consideration of nominations for two key positions: William Kimmett as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Keyes as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Members were given the opportunity to provide remarks on the nominees, with discussions revealing contrasting views on their potential impact on U.S. economic policy. While some members expressed support for the nominees, highlighting their qualifications and expertise, others voiced strong opposition, arguing that their confirmation would further a harmful economic agenda that favors billionaires over average Americans. Senator Wyden, the ranking member, emphasized concerns about trade chaos and the detrimental effects on workers and businesses across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're visiting from Washington, D.C.
• Anarie works in the office of Congressman Brian Mast of the great and Free State of Florida, and joining

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The me-toes 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.
• The state of Jalisco shares longstanding cultural, economic, and demographic ties with California.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee began without quorum and initially heard several bills as a subcommittee. AB 277 by Assemblymember Alanis would require background checks for unlicensed employees providing behavioral health treatment; the author and CalABA said it would protect children and people with disabilities, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals altered for cosmetic purposes, while exempting glowfish after amendments; supporters framed it as an animal welfare and pet overpopulation measure, and there was no opposition after the amendments. ACR 173 by Assemblymember Carrillo would formalize a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico; the author emphasized cultural and economic ties and binational cooperation, though one senator objected to language referencing recent mass deportations and said he would abstain rather than support it as written. After quorum was established, the committee took up consent items AB 2085, AB 1733, ACR 129, ACR 164, and ACR 166, which passed 6-0. AB 277 was then approved 6-0 and sent to the Senate Public Safety Committee. AB 1382 passed 6-0 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. ACR 173 was adopted 4-0, and the committee granted reconsideration so the author could potentially address the concern raised about the immigration-related language.

Transcript Highlights:

• When President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation at Newport in 1790, he declared that
• Section 1, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session commencing at 10 a.m
• Section 2, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session for the purpose of
• In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the State of Florida to
• Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the Governor’s proclamation calling the session. The special session was called to consider property tax-related legislation, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and limits on county and municipal ad valorem taxes, along with related implementing measures such as ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority requirements for tax increases above the rolled-back rate, and a public website showing estimated savings for homestead properties. The bills filed within the call were read for the first time: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, both referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules and place both measures on the special order calendar for Tuesday, June 2, with an amendment deadline one hour before convening. The Senate also adopted a motion sending any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who reflected on their service and thanked colleagues, staff, and constituents. Senator Hooper emphasized respect and kindness in public service, while Senator Polsky thanked local officials, staff, caucus members, and family, and noted the importance of bipartisan work. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, or upon the President’s call.

Transcript Highlights:

• When President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation at Newport in 1790, he declared that
• Now, therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
• Section 2, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session for the purpose of
• In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to
• Ron DeSantis, Governor Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings. The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• When President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation at Newport in 1790, he declared that
• Now therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
• Section 1, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special... As follows.
• Section 2, the Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session for the purpose of
• Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr. President.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bisognano stated that he does not have a role at SSA and was not part of the decision-making process
• Bisognano stated that he communicated with former acting commissioner Michelle King multiple times and
• The letter states that he has a 20 year professional relationship with one contact, periodic contact
• This is going to be done before this nominee is on the floor of the United States Senate in front of
• And I can tell you that folks all over my state are deeply concerned about social security.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Frank Bisignano, Social Security Administration, Doge, nomination, committee, customer service, staffing issues, Senate

Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, states are actively competing for our veterans, and we should be helping them do that.
• In light of recent events, if directed by the President of the United States to take action that would
• State Veterans Home located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
• state VA hospitals.
• I believe it is in Washington, D.C. Why do you not use VA healthcare? I'm ineligible.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we address homelessness in our state.
• The state will be the one that’s double-taxed because the state will need to pay the nursing home businesses
• This board just acts for the whole state.
• That's a cost that is being shifted to the state.
• In the state of Minnesota, we are 50th in the nation—50 out of 50 states.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> industry here in the state of Minnesota. industry here in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> in the state and across the the state in the state and across the the state and<00:24:57.679><c>
• And that's a recognition for our state that we can invest in people. across the state.
• </c> make our state work. Thank you. make our state work. Thank you.
• A huge economic driver in the state. In the state, we have 25.4 million acres of cropland.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The other states that are doing this are Washington, New Mexico, Montana, and I think Oregon.
• The other states that are doing this is Washington, New Mexico, Montana, states that are doing this is
• As you stated, that businesses are... ...concern, as you stated, that businesses are going, maybe go
• Democratic-led states.
• savings for a state investment.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 minutes, then heard Senate Bill 1086, which would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse non-contracting providers for certain lab services when a member was referred by a contracting provider and would bar prior authorization for diagnostic services. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address unpaid claims and improve access, while Access testified neutral but warned the prior-authorization ban could increase utilization and create a fiscal impact. The committee adopted the Warner amendment limiting non-contracting reimbursement rates to no more than contracting rates, then passed SB 1086 as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1611, an emergency measure to require Access to contract with an administrative services organization for the American Indian Health Plan, while keeping Access ultimately responsible for administration. The chair’s amendment expanded ASO duties to include provider support, quality improvement, and data analytics, removed Access claims-payment authority, added tribal observers to the selection committee, and exempted IHS and tribal-facility services. The sponsor and tribal witnesses described the bill as a response to fraud, provider nonpayment, and harm to Native communities, while Access raised concerns about the fast timeline, tribal consultation requirements, possible duplication of program-integrity functions, and fiscal uncertainty. After debate over the emergency clause and tribal consultation, the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1611 as amended on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct Access to seek federal approval for a Medicaid home- and community-based services program for adults with serious mental illness. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term community-care option for the sickest SMI members, reduce cycling through hospitals, jails, and homelessness, and potentially save state general fund dollars; family members and advocates testified in support. Access was neutral and said it was finalizing a fiscal estimate. The Angus amendment narrowed eligibility to long-term SMI, reduced the enrollment cap from 500 to 250, changed reporting to semiannual, and removed priority-order language; the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1630 as amended unanimously. Later, the committee passed Senate Bill 1193, which protects emergency medical care technicians’ personal identifying information from sale or disclosure by the Department of Health Services, after adopting a clarifying amendment expanding the protected information and addressing commercial requests. It then heard Senate Bill 1318, which repeals the state’s separate dense-breast notification requirement so Arizona law aligns with the FDA’s newer mammography notice standard; the sponsor and DHS said the change would reduce confusion from duplicate, slightly different notices, and the bill was moving forward with discussion of possible future amendment language.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:49.039><c> uh</c> and the role of MCOs's in the state uh and the role of MCOs's in the state
• </c> you can't can't have those those state you can't can't have those those state directed<00:08:24.879
• ><c> have</c> Some states, including Texas, have Some states, including Texas, have operated<00:08:32.399
• Washington to say Washington to say yes<00:27:22.159><c> you</c><00:27:22.320><c> could</c><00:27:22.480
• fiscal year, new state budget.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the previous meeting minutes and then reviewed a draft preliminary report on long-term managed care. The chair explained the report is intended to frame issues and outline legislative options, not make a final recommendation, especially given unresolved questions about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3). The report’s key issues included the current financing of county and private nursing homes through Medicaid rates, ProShare, MQUIP, and related funding mechanisms, and the concern that those payments could be affected or eliminated under a managed care model. Members also discussed managed care organizations’ role in Medicaid and cited other states’ experiences, noting examples of savings in Florida and Tennessee but higher costs in California. One member raised Indiana as another important comparison, and the committee agreed to add it to the report’s state examples. The committee also reviewed sections on dual eligibility, D-SNP, PACE, and CFI waivers. The chair raised concerns about whether OB3 creates incentives for states to move toward D-SNP and whether federal changes could affect provider taxes, state-directed payments, and intergovernmental transfers. Henry Litman, the state Medicaid director, said he would confirm details on D-SNP incentives and explained that ProShare is based on certified public expenditure rather than an IGT, while county cap financing is the relevant intergovernmental transfer issue. He said IGTs are not going away and that the main risk is whether current financing mechanisms could be preserved if the state later changed course. Members discussed the possibility of a waiver not being granted or renewed and the high fiscal impact that could have on counties and property taxes. The committee then discussed the population that any long-term managed care model should cover. Members agreed that there is no appetite to move developmental disability or acquired brain disorder populations into long-term managed care at this time, and the chair changed the report’s terminology from “elderly” to “aging population.” The chair also noted that the status quo option should reflect the recent shift toward home and community-based services and reduced nursing home utilization since earlier county reports. The report’s four policy options were summarized as: maintain the status quo; pursue D-SNP for dual eligibles, with DHHS potentially submitting an application as early as 2027; adopt an HCBS carveout; or move fully to managed care for the aging population. No final policy recommendation was made, and the committee discussed making edits to the draft before circulation, including adding Indiana, clarifying OB3-related issues, and changing the report title from “final” to “preliminary” or “interim.”

Transcript Highlights:

• And for the state.
• AMEND THE STATE TECHNOLOGY LAW.
• PACKAGING IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
• This is New York State.
• THIS IS NEW YORK STATE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> teams from 22 states and 18 countries. teams from 22 states and 18 countries.
• We're a donor state.
• We're a donor state. That California. We're a donor state.
• </c> Washington than we get back every year. Washington than we get back every year.
• States Army. Lamel also received a rare States Army.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just yesterday, a United States citizen, a mother, a poet, and a community member of Minneapolis,
• And just yesterday, a United States<00:05:57.680><c> citizen,</c><00:05:58.560><c> a</c><00:05:58.800
• 00:05:59.199><c> a</c><00:05:59.440><c> poet,</c><00:06:00.160><c> and</c><00:06:00.400><c> a</c> States
• citizen, a mother, a poet, and a States citizen, a mother, a poet, and a community<00:06:00.960><c>
• Senator from Washington. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Finance will meet at 1:30.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We do not have any sister state We do not have any sister state relationships.<00:12:42.560><c>
• </c><00:12:47.600><c> any</c> sister state relationships with any sister state relationships with any
• We can put out our sister state report, but also we do a state of Hawaii's offices and things, and so
• </c> state report, but also we do a a state state report, but also we do a a state of<00:13:37.200><c
• </c> HB437 relating to out of state offices. HB437 relating to out of state offices.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• state auditor found um in in 2018 uh a state auditor found um in in 2018 uh a system<00:07:55.759><c>
• </c> mechan any cases that are state mechan any cases that are state initiated<00:21:25.200><c> are</
• </c> administrator state procurement office. administrator state procurement office.
• and the state constitution.
• </c> States Constitution and the state States Constitution and the state constitution.<00:43:49.839><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, it's a big state.
• So, um, it's a big state.
• So, um, it's a big state.
• <00:25:52.799><c> inspectors</c><00:25:53.279><c> in</c> state inspectors in state inspectors in Minnesota
• </c> so that's kind of how this whole state so that's kind of how this whole state program<00:26:48.399

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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.

Bills: SF0071 , SF0088 , SF0056

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

Transcript Highlights:

• and every state.
• and every state.
• even</c><01:03:41.160><c> with</c> this state and every state even with this state and every state even
• mandated in all states uh to advocate mandated in all states uh to advocate for<01:26:48.600><c> the<
• </c> we'll also be Distributing our um state we'll also be Distributing our um state of<01:35:21.360>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all