Video & Transcript : 'ethical research' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Comerford said she couldn't be prouder or more grateful for the students' policy research, advocacy
- These students have worked incredibly hard to advocate for this bill, through writing, research, community
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a public hybrid hearing with several late-file bills and a large turnout. The main topics were symbolic designations and local property/lease matters: bills to designate the American lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth, asparagus as the official state vegetable, and a Waltham bill concerning the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink lease and right of first refusal. Senator Howard also testified on a Lowell bill making a limited language change to facilitate redevelopment of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINK) at UMass Lowell.
Testimony on the lobster bill emphasized the industry’s cultural and economic importance to coastal Massachusetts, its sustainability efforts, and its role in working waterfronts and the seafood economy. The asparagus bill drew especially enthusiastic support from Hadley Elementary students, teachers, local farmers, and legislators, who described asparagus as central to western Massachusetts agriculture, identity, and civic education. The Waltham rink bill was presented as necessary to protect a heavily used community and youth hockey facility after major city investment, while committee members noted concerns about privatization and affordability of ice time. The Lowell bill was described as a narrow technical fix to remove a reversionary clause that could impede a major redevelopment project.
Committee members generally expressed support or favorable reactions to the proposals, with several lighthearted comments about lobster and asparagus. The hearing concluded after testimony ended, and a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- advent of mail-in ballots, many use the time between their receipt and completion of the ballot to research
- Researching all candidates for all elections at once versus multiple times throughout the year is a more
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The House and Senate Election Laws committees held a hearing focused on campaign finance and several local election-related bills. Office of Campaign and Political Finance Director William Campbell testified in support of H. 848 and S. 515, saying the campaign finance law needs modernization and highlighting proposals for stronger Super PAC disclosure, more timely reporting, improved security for campaign participants, and other reforms. He said the bills would help update a 50-year-old system to reflect legal, economic, and cultural changes.
A major portion of the hearing concerned H. 868/S. 507, which would require earlier and more frequent reporting by ballot question committees. Witnesses from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and others argued that ballot campaigns now involve tens of millions of dollars, much of it raised during periods with no real-time disclosure, and that moving these committees into the depository system would improve transparency without burdening grassroots signature-gathering. The committee also heard support for H. 811 and H. 812, which would allow municipalities to create citizen-funded election programs and require identifying information on political text messages, as well as S. 525/H. 875, which would bar political spending by foreign-influenced corporations.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 2605, a Canton home rule petition to move town elections from April to November. Canton residents, a select board member, and a poll worker said the change would increase turnout, better align local elections with the November voting cycle, and give newly elected officials more time to prepare for town meeting. Senator Rausch also testified in support of S. 530, requiring presidential primary candidates to disclose recent tax returns. The hearing ended with no votes taken and the committee adjourning, with a note that the next hearing was tentatively scheduled for January 13.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The Health Policy Commission will be releasing research reports in the next few months that will provide
- That's the research agenda within behavioral health workforce, behavioral health and workforce.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to approve the April and May minutes, welcome a new member, and hear an update from Gina Frey of EOHHS on statewide health and human services workforce development efforts. Frey described cross-secretariat initiatives under the Workforce Skills Cabinet, including MA Repay loan repayment awards, expanded community college and tuition supports, ESOL/work-readiness programming for immigrants, and efforts to build career pathways and reduce attrition in nursing, behavioral health, direct care, and primary care. She also reviewed a $46 million ARPA-funded home and community-based services grant program that supported 82 grantees, led to hiring 8,752 new staff, over 1,000 interns, 2,000 new certifications, and a drop in vacancy rates from 22% to 12%.
Members raised concerns about the impact of immigration policy changes on the direct care workforce, including losses of trained workers in provider agencies, and asked whether any exemption or other relief efforts were underway. Frey said EOHHS is tracking the issue closely but did not identify a specific exemption effort. The discussion also touched on Medicaid and related program changes, with Frey noting the administration is focused on understanding potential impacts to eligibility and work requirements. Rep. Howard asked about initiatives for direct support professionals and wraparound supports, and Frey said those efforts are often led by individual agencies such as MassAbility and DDS, with EOHHS coordinating across them.
The latter part of the meeting shifted to planning FY26 subcommittee goals and possible events. Members discussed using the Health Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center and possibly asking for a study comparing compensation in DDS and related direct care roles against health care and education jobs. They also discussed a possible cross-state public event on immigration’s impact on the workforce, especially for people with disabilities and direct support services, and agreed to continue refining goals and event ideas by email and at the next meeting. Frey provided a website link and contact information for Amy Doyle at the Health Policy Commission to facilitate future presentations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight May 20th, 2026
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- And I couldn't be prouder or more grateful for their policy research, advocacy efforts, dedication, and
- These students have worked incredibly hard to advocate for this bill through writing, research, community
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a public hearing on several bills, including proposals to designate lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth, asparagus as the official state vegetable, and a bill affecting property in Lowell tied to the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (Link). Legislators also heard testimony on H. 5315 concerning the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink in Waltham and the city’s effort to preserve its long-term lease and right of first refusal, with supporters arguing the rink is a major regional asset for youth hockey and public recreation. Another bill, S. 3061, would make a narrow language change to prior law governing a Lowell property to remove a reversionary clause and clear the way for redevelopment associated with the Link project.
Support for the asparagus bill came from Senator Comerford, Representative Gomez, Hadley Elementary School students and staff, and local farmers, who described asparagus as central to Hadley and western Massachusetts history, agriculture, and identity. They emphasized the student-led nature of the campaign, the region’s long asparagus-growing tradition, and the educational value of the legislative process. Supporters of the lobster designation, including Representative Machino and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, highlighted lobster’s importance to coastal heritage, sustainability, and the state’s economy, noting the industry’s jobs and annual landings. The Waltham rink bill was backed by Representative Stanley, Mayor McCarthy, and Representative Lawn, who said the city had invested millions in the facility and that losing the lease could harm youth hockey access and the broader community.
Committee members generally responded favorably to the testimony, praising the student advocacy on asparagus, the economic and cultural significance of lobster and farming, and the importance of keeping hockey affordable and accessible. No substantive votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the final action recorded was a motion and second to close the hearing after all testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight May 20th, 2026
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- And I couldn't be prouder or more grateful for their policy research, advocacy efforts, dedication, and
- These students have worked incredibly hard to advocate for this bill through writing, research, community
Keywords:
asparagus, official vegetable, state symbol, Massachusetts, Veterans Memorial Rink, Waltham, municipal lease, capital management, city right of first refusal, American lobster, cultural significance, marine life, property, Lowell, state administration, legislation, local government, official state vegetable, state designation, Commonwealth
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Research shows that properly cleaned and disinfected surfaces can reduce virus concentrations by over
- Research shows that properly cleaned and disinfected surfaces can reduce virus concentrations by over
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School.
The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- anything like this, but they have been working with UAMS and other places throughout the state on research
- They have been working with UAMS and other places throughout the state on research involving cancer,
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, granted leave to Representative Jack Ladyman, and received committee reports from the Joint Budget Committee recommending passage of several bills, including House Bill 1034 with Amendment 1. The chamber also recognized numerous guests, including state troopers of the day, the doctor and nurse of the day, several constituent groups, and students from the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
The House adopted House Resolution 1034, supporting Arkansas poultry producers in the Illinois River watershed and urging good-faith negotiations, by a vote of 97-0. It also adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001, honoring Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., by a vote of 98-0. Members then took up multiple budget amendments and appropriations, with Representative Johnson explaining amendments to bills covering education, public safety, agriculture, county jail reimbursement, drug task force funding, pregnancy help organizations, tire recycling fees, and other appropriations; the amendments were adopted.
On the budget calendar, the House passed a batch of general appropriation bills and several supplemental and reappropriation bills, including House Bills 1006, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1094, 1084, and 1097. House Bill 1053, an appropriation for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, failed 71-19-8. House Bill 1098, a reappropriation for the Department of Parks and Heritage, was defeated after Representative Henley spoke against it and the final vote was 0-85-4. The House then adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Would, I'll talk to research and see, because I'm sure that's probably what happened here when you came
- Did you come up with this idea and talk to research about crafting this? Yeah.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- testify in support and help answer any questions is Nolan Gray, Senior Director of Legislation and Research
- I'm an AICP planner and the Senior Director of Legislation and Research at California YIMBY, an organization
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Housing met on April 7, 2026, and heard two housing-related bills in detail: SB 1116 and SB 1117. SB 1116 would update the Starter Home Revitalization Act by clarifying development standards for small infill projects, reinforcing ministerial approval and timelines, strengthening state oversight, updating subdivision rules, and addressing private restrictions such as HOA or deed limitations. Supporters, including California YIMBY, AlphaX, and several housing groups, said the bill would remove implementation barriers and help produce more starter homes; there was no opposition testimony. Members generally supported the measure, and it was advanced to the Senate Local Government Committee.
SB 1117 would clarify accessory dwelling unit fee law by requiring local governments to calculate impact fees only on the portion of an ADU above 750 square feet, rather than charging fees on the entire unit once it exceeds that threshold. Supporters argued the bill would reduce cost barriers and encourage larger ADUs, while opponents from Cal Cities, counties, special districts, and fire districts said impact fees fund essential infrastructure and services and should not be further limited. Committee members largely supported the bill as narrowly tailored, though several emphasized the importance of infrastructure funding and asked for continued work with local government stakeholders. The bill was also moved to the Senate Local Government Committee.
The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 1267 and the committee omnibus bill SB 1426, both of which were approved. After quorum issues and a brief recess, the committee later returned to lift calls and finalized votes, approving the consent calendar 10-0, SB 1117 10-0, and SB 1116 8-0. The hearing then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- this morning, I was actually pretty interested in the path we were going down, and I did do some research
- this morning, I was actually pretty interested in the path we were going down, and I did do some research
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 5 minutes without objection. It then took up House Bill 945, the AI Medical Services Act, presented by Dr. Tim Frost. He described the bill as a framework for autonomous and supervised clinical AI to address Idaho health care shortages, with licensing through a new autonomous medical practice board, human oversight requirements, disclosure to patients, reporting and auditing provisions, and a sandbox period for new systems. Members asked about scope, oversight, board appointments, and safety concerns, and the committee voted to hold HB 945 in committee subject to call of the chair.
House Bill 947, sponsored by Representative Crane, proposed limiting purchases of single-family homes by REITs and hedge funds in order to preserve starter-home ownership for Idaho families. Crane said the bill was aimed at large institutional investors and not small Idaho businesses, and noted that a prior foreign ownership provision had been removed. Members raised questions about supply and demand, whether similar laws exist in other states, and possible unintended consequences; the bill was also held in committee subject to call of the chair.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1247, which would require E-Verify for state and local governments and for private employers with more than 150 employees that contract with the state for over $100,000, beginning January 1, 2027. Supporters said it would create a uniform verification standard for taxpayer-funded work and rely on existing federal infrastructure, while critics questioned the employee threshold, rulemaking authority, and whether the bill should be further refined. A motion to hold the bill failed, a motion to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation also failed, and the committee ultimately voted 13-5 to send SB 1247 to general orders.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think this bill has been sufficiently researched or vetted.
- in the process, and it should be brought back maybe next session after it's been more thoroughly researched
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The Local Government Committee approved the February 24, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 660, sponsored by Representative Dale Hawkins. Hawkins said the bill would require law enforcement to collect and publish biannual statewide data on the immigration status and nationality of arrested individuals, arguing Idaho taxpayers should know the costs and jail impacts associated with people in the country unlawfully. He said the bill was intended to create a uniform reporting system and that the state needs better information to manage immigration-related detention costs.
Testimony was split. Supporters, including Secure Idaho representatives Michael Angela and Tim O’Donnell, said the bill would improve transparency, use information already gathered during booking, and help lawmakers make policy based on measurable data. Opponents, including Idaho Chiefs of Police Association representative Tracy Bastercia, argued the bill would burden local police, create confusion about who must collect the data, potentially duplicate work already done at the jail level, and raise concerns about asking citizens their nationality and publishing sensitive information. Several members questioned whether the fiscal note was accurate and whether the bill should be limited to sheriff’s offices and jail booking rather than all law enforcement agencies.
After closing testimony, Representative Wheeler moved to hold the bill in committee, but that motion failed 8-7. The original motion to send HB 660 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation then passed 8-7. The chair noted interest in possible cleanup of the bill’s language, and the committee adjourned with a reminder that it may need to meet again later in the week for Senate bills.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I don’t think this bill has been sufficiently researched or vetted.
- in the process, and it should be brought back maybe next session after it’s been more thoroughly researched
Committee:
House Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Awareness, education, and continued research are critical to improving the quality of life for those
- He also had a passion for researching the stock market. He was known for his bright smile.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber then moved to confirmations and resolutions. Andy Nakahata was confirmed as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank by a 32-0 vote, Richard Stein was confirmed to the California Arts Council by a 33-0 vote, and Nick Hardiman was confirmed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 33-0 vote.
The Senate adopted SCR 127, recognizing December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, by unanimous roll call. Members also adopted SCR 110, designating March 16–22, 2026 as Women’s Military History Week, after remarks highlighting women veterans and military leaders, and SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with several senators speaking in support of Ginsburg’s legacy and the importance of women’s equality. SR 85, recognizing March 8–14, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, was also adopted unanimously.
The Senate then approved the special consent calendar, including Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 127, 128, 132, and 134, by a 33-0 vote. Committee announcements followed, with several budget subcommittees and the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry announcing upcoming meetings. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener, and the Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, March 16, 2026.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Banking and Insurance Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 02:34 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Every state has different ways things are set up, but I do know, based on my own research, that the market
- Every state has different ways things are set up, but I do know, based on my own research, that the market
Summary:
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and approved the March 4, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee first considered House Bill 55, which updates and modernizes workers’ compensation statutes to reflect the privatized system, remove obsolete provisions, and adjust the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three. The Insurance Commissioner testified that the bill is part of the cleanup from privatization and would give the governor more flexibility in appointments. After adopting a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, the committee reported HB 55 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
The committee then took up House Bill 5463, which would reduce BRIM’s required liability coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s director testified that the excess market was difficult to access and costly, but several senators raised concerns that lowering coverage could reduce protection for victims and school-related claims. After a divided vote, the motion to report the bill failed, and HB 5463 was not passed by the committee.
Next, the committee considered House Bill 4869, creating guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies, including annual birthday replacement rights and a special right for certain Medicaid recipients losing eligibility. Counsel said the bill would prohibit underwriting barriers during the guaranteed issue periods and require an annual report on premium trends. With no amendments offered, the committee reported HB 4869 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. The bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to offset payments by amounts received from other sources and limit lawsuits over claims reported to BRIM. Members debated a proposed strike-and-insert amendment that would have softened the litigation limits and added notice and remedy provisions, but the amendment was rejected. The committee then reported HB 5462 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Kathy Jefferson, Deputy Director, Office of Research, CDCR; Caitlin O'Neill, Legislative Analyst's
- I'm Kathy Jefferson, Deputy Director for CDCR's Office of Research.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety heard updates on CDCR’s population projections and the preliminary fiscal impacts of Proposition 36. CDCR said its fall 2025 projections show continued declines in the institution and parole populations through June 2030, while noting Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but remain uncertain. The LAO said the administration’s Prop. 36 estimates may be somewhat low because they were based on only six months of implementation data, and the Department of Finance agreed the methodology is still developing. Committee members asked about the offenses driving admissions and the sentence-length impacts, and CDCR identified the main qualifying offenses and enhancements it is tracking. No votes were taken.
The committee then discussed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave cashouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said vacancy reductions and prison closures have reduced the salary savings historically used to cover these costs. The LAO supported the funding only on a limited-term basis and urged more oversight and reporting on CDCR’s structural shortfall, while the Department of Finance argued ongoing funding is needed because leave liabilities are mandatory and salary savings are less stable. Members raised concerns about transparency, asked about leave buyback practices and accrued leave balances, and requested more information before the May Revision.
Members also heard CDCR’s proposals for $10 million for the final two statewide video surveillance projects and $15.2 million for Fire Watch coverage and related fire alarm work. The LAO supported the Fire Watch request as a one-time health and safety cost, while CDCR explained the aging prison infrastructure and the need for interim safety measures while longer-term replacement planning is developed. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s proposal to close the California Rehabilitation Center, which would produce a net General Fund reduction of $99.6 million in 2026-27 and ongoing savings of more than $150 million starting in 2027-28. CDCR said the closure is driven by sustained population declines and will include retention and realignment funding; the LAO recommended approval. Public comment focused on county funding for Prop. 36 implementation, opposition to using Prop. 36 as a reason to keep prisons open, and support for community-based rehabilitation programs. The hearing adjourned without any votes.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/25/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Researchers estimate that between 3.3 million and 10 million children are exposed to adult intimate partner
- RESEARCHERS ESTIMATE THAT BETWEEN 3.3 MILLION, AND 10 MILLION CHILDREN ARE EXPOSED TO ADULT INTIMATE
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space.
The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration.
A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't see a reason why they wouldn't be able to do that, but it's not something that I've researched
- I don't see a reason why they wouldn't be able to do that, but it's not something that I've researched
Committee:
House Agriculture
Keywords:
raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, animal cruelty, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers
Summary:
The committee took up several agriculture-related bills, many with committee substitutes and amendments. HB 356, dealing with raw, unpasteurized milk, was amended to limit sales for off-premise consumption and to provide liability protection for producers; members discussed whether restaurants should also receive protection and whether consumers should be notified, and the bill passed 4-2. HB 3391, requiring commercial pet breeders to include their state license number in advertisements and authorizing Agriculture Department rules and fines, passed 6-0. HB 3657, an Oklahoma Employment Security Commission request bill updating agricultural labor reporting language and allowing workforce data sharing with the Workforce Commission, passed 4-3 after questions about the type of data shared and a tie vote was broken by a member voting in the affirmative.
HB 3617, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment, was amended to correct wording and to protect intellectual property, trade secrets, and warranties, but members questioned its scope and application date; it passed 5-1. HB 4055, the Breeding Animals Responsibly and with Care Act, was heavily amended to remove a section changing licensing thresholds and to set minimum fines, but it drew extensive questions about the new fund, inspection hours, fiscal impact, and whether it would burden the Department of Agriculture or consumers; it failed 3-4. HB 3902, a bill aimed at addressing pet overpopulation and allowing counties to act, prompted concerns about county zoning, sheriff workload, and unfunded mandates; the authors said they would continue working on the issue and strike the title later, and the bill passed 4-3 despite requests to lay it over.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- It is by a researcher, one of the leading researchers on the topic. His name is Jack E.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I did some other research on it. I know that what you have in...” “...on this over the interim.
- I did some other research on it.
Bills:
SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard and advanced a long slate of bills covering tort claims, marriage age, probate, drug court eligibility, child welfare, juvenile facility employee protections, transfer-on-death deed paperwork, sex trafficking sentencing, DUI ignition interlocks, open carry on vessels, drone restrictions near critical infrastructure, victim notification for clemency hearings, consumer protection enforcement, OSBI reporting and records, CASA standards, county legal defense obligations, OU Health liability coverage, recordable instrument margins, and trust code updates. Several measures were described as constituent requests or technical cleanups, while others were framed as public safety or child protection bills. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 2072 and noted that future Judiciary meetings would likely be longer and more contentious.
Members asked a number of clarifying questions on several bills. Senate Bill 1638, dealing with accrual of claims under the Government Tort Claims Act for ongoing accidents or exposures, drew questions about when the statute of limitations would begin; the author said the intent was to prevent people from being priced out of justice and to allow claims after the condition ends. Senate Bill 1446 would change child sex trafficking sentencing from a maximum of 10 years to a minimum of 10 years, and the author said the goal was to ensure stronger punishment for crimes that leave lifelong harm to children. Senate Bill 1256, requiring ignition interlocks for certain DUI defendants as a bail condition, was amended to make the requirement discretionary with written findings if a judge declines to impose it.
Other bills advanced with little or no opposition, including raising the marriage age to 18 in Senate Bill 504, updating probate agent residency rules in Senate Bill 1283, restoring district attorney discretion for drug court eligibility in Senate Bill 1216, creating the Children’s Specialty Program under Sooner Select in Senate Bill 1655, and extending protections to detention contracted employees in county juvenile facilities in Senate Bill 2011. Senate Bill 1224 was amended so victim clemency notices would be sent by both email and first-class mail rather than email alone. Senate Bill 1597, which removes mandatory adherence to national standards for Oklahoma CASA, prompted discussion about federal funding and compliance; an Oklahoma CASA representative said some funding flows through national CASA, but the author said state standards would remain similar and the bill would provide more flexibility. Most bills passed the committee by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with Senate Bill 1446 passing 7-1 and Senate Bill 1597 passing 7-1.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Kevin McCarthy, president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, here in support of the bill.
- Research tends to suggest that such tax cuts have no positive economic effect.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee took up SB 1638, a federal tax conformity bill that updates Arizona’s tax code to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and incorporates several H.R. 1-related changes, including subtractions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, plus changes to the standard deduction and charitable contribution deduction. Committee members and staff discussed two amendments: a chair’s clarifying amendment on retroactivity and foreign dividend language, and a more substantive Epstein amendment that would remove the broader conformity provisions and charitable deduction changes while limiting the standard deduction change to tax year 2025. The committee also discussed whether the bill would align Arizona with Department of Revenue forms and how much of the conformity package affected corporate versus individual taxpayers.
Public testimony was split. Supporters, including the Arizona Tax Research Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, argued the bill was needed quickly to reduce filing-season confusion, keep Arizona aligned with DOR’s posted forms, and preserve business expensing provisions that help small businesses invest and hire. Opponents, including the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, primarily benefit corporations and higher-income taxpayers, and worsen the state’s budget outlook; they also questioned the value of provisions such as SALT conformity, foreign dividend changes, and the tip/overtime subtractions. Committee members debated the fiscal impact, the policy merits of immediate expensing and conformity, and whether taxpayers would need amended returns if the bill changed after filing season.
The committee adopted the chair’s clarifying amendment and rejected the Epstein amendment. It then voted to report SB 1638 as amended with a do-pass recommendation. The bill passed the committee by about 4-3, with members explaining their votes along lines of taxpayer certainty and conformity versus concerns about revenue loss and budget balance.