Video & Transcript : 'Governor appointments' :
Page 45 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Governor walls and lieutenant governor Governor walls and lieutenant governor Flanigan's<00:22:30.919
- of the appointment request.
- The report is, I believe, to obtain an exam appointment within 14 days of the appointment request.
- cancel that appointment.
- When I have a dentist appointment or a haircut appointment or an eye appointment, they like to harass
Committee:
Senate Transportation
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor, the elected secular governor, is asking faith leaders to preach about this on Sunday, a
- who make the appointments.
- And again, the appointing ability is by the President, the Speaker, and the governor.
- to appoint in those positions in the office.
- Appoint good men and women to those positions.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields.
Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/22/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> Governor</c><02:25:21.920><c> uh</c><02:25:22.080><c> Sunund's</c> override Governor V Governor
- , the prior governor.
- because even though Governor Sununu hasn't taken any stand on any historical markers, Governor Sununu
- because even though Governor Sununu hasn't taken any stand on any historical markers, Governor Sununu
- Legislative branch but by the executive council and the governor because even though Governor Sununu
Committee:
House Legislative Administration
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So the member's appointment is for a term of five years.
- And the vacancy on the commission would be filled by the original appointing authority.
- the House appointments, Madam Chair?
- the folks that they need to appoint.
- And so what makes the House the expert and the psychologist that needs to be appointed?
Committee:
House House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 38, which would require insurance coverage for specialized wheelchairs, activity chairs, and related mobility devices for people with limb loss or other disabilities, with guardrails limiting the number of covered devices over time. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, Disability Rights New Mexico, the Disability Coalition, physical therapists, and disability advocates, said the bill would improve access, inclusion, and physical activity without significant premium impact. Questions focused on the substitute language, the device limits, and how Medicaid would handle coverage separately. The committee ultimately passed the House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for HB 38 on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then approved House Bill 165, which expands the C-PACE financing program to businesses using industrial revenue bonds and clarifies that counties and municipalities are not liable for payments. Support came from economic development and business groups, who said the bill would remove a barrier to energy- and water-efficiency upgrades and encourage investment. The bill passed on a 10-0 vote.
House Bill 127 also passed unanimously after discussion of its three parts: a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, a telehealth registry for out-of-state providers, and changes to expedited licensure. Supporters said it would help address provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, while the sponsor explained that the amended version includes safeguards such as exam requirements, supervised practice, and a provisional-to-restricted-to-full licensure path. The committee voted 11-0 to advance the bill.
House Bill 72, which would increase penalties for distributing certain controlled substances, including methamphetamine, to minors, drew strong support from law enforcement and the chamber of commerce but significant concern from the Public Defender and several members over strict liability, mandatory sentencing, and the breadth of the penalty. After debate over whether the bill could reach low-level or peer-to-peer conduct and whether the penalty was proportionate, the committee voted to table the bill by a 6-4 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 151, a revised childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations bill. The sponsor presented a committee substitute that changed commission appointments, added reporting and solvency-related provisions, and adjusted procedures for compensation and appeals. Members raised concerns about parity, definitions, administrative costs, and how awards would be determined, but the committee approved the committee substitute on a 7-0 vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- appointed.
- starts the process, and only the governor.
- of the Senate, appoint all officers whose appointment or election is not otherwise provided for, and
- may remove any officer appointed by, this says him, we'll say her, unless... ...remove any officer appointed
- We'll have a new governor, maybe a Republican, God forbid.
Bills:
SB40 , SB104 , SB136 , SB164 , HB99 , HB38 , HB165 , HB127 , HB72 , HB151 , SB40 , SB104 , SB136 , SB164
Committees:
Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary
Keywords:
SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got a committee set up here with seven people, including the Speaker, the Lieutenant Governor,
- and the Governor, each appointing people to look at these issues and see if we can provide assistance
- The governor appoints three members, the lieutenant governor appoints two, and the House Speaker appoints
- The governor appoints two, and then the lieutenant governor points to.
- Finally, it repeals voting thresholds by appointing authority to enable individual council members to
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 63 Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ayes have it; a committee of conference will be appointed.
- The committee of conference will be appointed. The Chair will appoint the following: Mr.
- by the Governor.
- A committee of conference is appointed. The Chair appoints the following: Mr. Livingston, Mr.
- Committee of conference is appointed. The Chair appoints the following: Mr.
Summary:
The House opened with routine procedural actions, including suspension of Joint Rule 12 for two petitions and suspension of Rule 7A to take up several bills immediately. Members advanced multiple Ways and Means bills to third reading, including measures on campaign finance reporting for statewide ballot questions, tax-free medical devices, fairness for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees, releasing land use restrictions in Revere, and authorizing a land taking in Norwood. Several engrossed local and special bills were then passed to be enacted, including measures affecting Boston police age waivers, the Hudson charter, Plymouth’s land acquisition account, Falmouth sewer-related costs, and Randolph’s charter.
The House also considered Senate Bill 2916 on campaign finance reporting for ballot questions. Supporters said the bill would strengthen disclosure, close reporting loopholes, and improve transparency around ballot question committees and signature gathering, while also creating a commission to review the initiative petition process. Amendments were adopted, including changes to the commission’s membership and a separate amendment related to signature-gathering provisions. After debate, the bill passed to be engrossed by roll call vote 149-0.
Members then took up the fiscal year 2027 budget conference report, House No. 5555, totaling about $63.4 billion. Supporters highlighted funding for Chapter 70 education aid, local aid, Fair Share investments in education and transportation, MBTA and regional transit support, housing and homelessness programs, food assistance, and immigration legal aid. The conference report was adopted by roll call 142-6, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the budget bill was passed to be enacted by the same vote. The House also declined concurrence on Senate Bill 3064, “to build resilience for Massachusetts communities,” and appointed a committee of conference, and later appointed a conference committee on House Bill 4646, enhancing child welfare protections. The session ended with a moment of silence for community figures and adjournment to the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Finance and Policy Committee hears HF500 2/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- by the governor.
- by the governor.
- by the governor.
- by the governor.
- by the governor.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Summary:
The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board.
Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections.
Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chiefs and marshals have several eligibility criteria for appointment, including having a high school
- Police chief, sheriff, or town marshal, whether that person is elected or appointed, and whether that
- by the governor, and, by the way, made up by a minority of law enforcement professionals, to remove
- by the governor, and, by the way, made up by a minority of law enforcement, appointed by the governor
- We think that these standards should apply wholly to the appointing of these leaders.
Summary:
The committee first took up executive action on several bills. SB 5865 on garnishment forms was amended to require the Washington Pattern Forms Committee to finish the new forms by December 31, 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2027; a competing amendment was withdrawn, and the bill received a due pass recommendation. SB 5880 on toxicology testing by certified laboratories was amended to clarify that local governments may accept private donations to help fund ISO-IEC 17025 testing, without requiring them to do so, and it also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5912 to reinstate the Indigent Defense Task Force was amended to remove legislators from the task force, add members, revise duties and reporting, and adjust staffing and reimbursement provisions; it too was advanced. SB 5855 on law enforcement face coverings drew extensive amendment debate. The committee rejected amendments that would have narrowed mask exceptions, added weather/environmental language, created a private right of action against federal officers, and established a claims account for officers, but adopted the proposed substitute and sent the bill forward on a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard public testimony on SB 6011, which would let Court of Appeals bailiffs conduct threat assessments and access certain criminal history information for Court of Appeals judges and staff, mirroring authority already given to Supreme Court bailiffs. The bill’s sponsor and the acting chief judge for Division I said the change would address increasing threats and allow bailiffs to investigate and refer matters efficiently; there was no opposition testimony. SB 6009, which would make permanent direct-review procedures for certain administrative and land-use decisions, was described as a successful COVID-era process that reduces unnecessary court steps and conserves resources. The sponsor and a Court of Appeals judge supported making the sunset provisions permanent, and testimony was generally favorable.
Public hearing also continued on SB 5868, which would add one Superior Court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Court officials, county leaders, and the Administrative Office of the Courts testified that both counties have growing caseloads, trial delays, and backlogs, and that the counties had budgeted their share of the cost. The committee then heard SB 5974, which would add eligibility requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, restrict the use of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, and clarify duties of sheriffs. Supporters argued the bill would improve professionalism, accountability, and public trust, especially in immigrant and survivor communities. Opponents, including several sheriffs, cities, and counties, argued it would undermine local control and voter authority, impose costly background checks, and raise constitutional concerns. Public testimony on SB 5974 closed when time expired, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - Senate Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Community, Governor Stephen Lewis.
- My right, I am honored again to have the governor of the Gila River Indian Community, Governor Stephen
- This is on the President's desk: appointment of standing committees.
- Now, on the President's desk: appointment of statutory committees.
- Appointments by the President: I am appointing Senator Farnsworth to the Committee on Judiciary and Elections
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- through the governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker.
- It also transcends whoever holds the office of governor.
- God is greater than the Governor, whoever that is.
- I understand that they just recently appointed a new executive director.
- It requires the governor to ensure compliance with the act when appointing members to the commission.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition.
The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to be composed of delegations appointed
- committee include providing information, advice, and recommendations to WSDOT, the Office of the Governor
- It requires appointments of non-voting ex officio members to serve in an advisory role to the committee
- It mandates that WSDOT provide an annual report to the Governor, the transportation committees of the
- It requires the Washington Traffic Safety Commission rather than the governor to appoint members to the
Bills:
HB2092 , HB2114 , HB2172 , HB2251 , HB2374 , HB2410 , HB2552 , HB2588 , HB2718 , HB2722 , HB2727
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 28th, 2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- want to go ahead and accept the committee's amendments, cleaning up some of the language and the appointment
- They're appointed by the governor for 12-year terms and primarily composed of people...
- They're appointed by the governor for 12-year terms and primarily composed of people who graduated college
- In the entire history of the UC Board of Regents, only 4% of all governor-appointed Regents have a background
- UC Board of Regents with the student representation of the California Community College Board of Governors
Committee:
House Higher Education
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I was appointed to fill Wendy Horman's seat. I am... I was appointed to fill Wendy Horman's seat.
- I was appointed to fill Todd Achilles' seat in July by the governor.
- I was appointed to fill Todd Achilles' seat in July by the governor, and I'm really happy to be here
- Besides that, then we get the whole other aspect of it where the governor does a lot of recommendations
- So the governor recommended a 4% provider rate cut; that was what was done.
Committee:
House Commerce and Human Resources
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor's appointments not required to appear, starting with item 2C, the appointment of Anthony Surich
- The next item for governor's appointments not required to appear is item 2D, Craig Snelling's J.D. as
- Our final item before we turn to Governor appointees is item 3, reference of bills to committees.
- Item 1A, the appointment of Jereen DiD. as a member of the State Water Resources Control Board.
- And right when we had that vote in 2018, it was right as Governor Brown was outgoing and Governor Newsom
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine actions, including approving three governor’s appointments not required to appear: Anthony Surich as Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency, Craig Snelling J.D. to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, and Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, all by 4-0 votes. It then took up appointments requiring testimony, beginning with Jereen DiAdamo to the State Water Resources Control Board.
DiAdamo focused her remarks on safe drinking water, groundwater sustainability, conservation, and Bay-Delta restoration. She said the number of Californians without safe drinking water has fallen from 1.6 million to 800,000 since 2019, credited the SAFER program, technical assistance, and mandatory consolidation authority, and described ongoing work on failing and at-risk systems, domestic well mitigation, SGMA implementation, and the Bay-Delta Plan. Senators pressed her on audit follow-up, measurable goals for reducing the remaining unsafe systems, funding uncertainty, and concerns from environmental and tribal groups that the board has favored water users over ecosystem protections. Supporters from water, agriculture, business, and local agencies praised her collaborative style and consensus-building, while opponents argued she had not done enough to protect the Delta and called for new leadership. The committee ultimately voted 4-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Sivagunda Gunda for reappointment to the California Energy Commission. He highlighted progress on grid reliability, zero-carbon generation, and planning for California’s energy transition, including transportation fuels, building electrification, and the eventual retirement of Diablo Canyon. Senators questioned him about the future of Kern Energy and small refineries, the state’s transportation fuels plan, fuel imports and costs, and whether California can retire Diablo Canyon by 2030 without harming reliability. Gunda said the state is planning as if Diablo Canyon retires in 2030, that current resource additions make reliability manageable, and that affordability and market coordination remain key issues. The committee then voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate, and the hearing recessed afterward.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- to the polygraph examiner board by the governor.
- I'll remind the nominee Even though the governor has made the nomination, you would not be considered
- I'll just remind you, Miss Pittman, that although the governor has made this appointment, you would not
- appointment, you would not be here if it wasn't for the sponsorship of Senator Alvord.
- I've known Justin a long time, and I'm really excited about this appointment.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Keywords:
firearm rights restoration, nonviolent felons, Oklahoma firearm laws, gun ownership, pardon, expungement, public safety, transportation of inmates, Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, sentencing, health records, firefighters, sex offenders, employment restrictions, Oklahoma laws, bomb, explosive device, incendiary device, simulated bomb
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 36 Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The message from Her Excellency the Governor was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- Ordered, that a special committee of the House be appointed to escort Her Excellency the Governor, Her
- Lieutenant Governor, and the Executive Council.
- The Chair recognizes Her Excellency, the Governor Maura Healey. Thank you so much.
- The Sergeant-at-Arms will escort the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Executive Council from
Summary:
The House convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and received a gubernatorial message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also approved several resolutions, including honoring Abby Goodman, reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognizing the Cambodian American Khmer New Year celebration, and observing Elks National Youth Week. Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes were referred to the Committee on Aging and Independence, and the House concurred with those referrals.
The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended an amended substitute bill, and the House adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to third reading. Later, the House took up the substitute bill, House 5375, and members spoke in support of the Chapter 90 transportation package, emphasizing municipal road and bridge funding, rural road mileage distribution, housing-related infrastructure, lifecycle asset management, DCR deferred maintenance, and MBTA electrified locomotives. A roll call vote was ordered, and the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 155 in favor and 0 against.
The House also passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the grant of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston. In addition, the chamber received the certified returns for the 5th Essex District special election and adopted an order creating a special committee to escort the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Executive Council for the swearing-in of Representative-elect Andrew Francis Robert Tarr. Tarr was then administered the oaths of office by Governor Maura Healey and seated. The House later adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 36 Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The message from Her Excellency the Governor was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- Ordered, that a special committee of the House be appointed to escort Her Excellency the Governor, Her
- Lieutenant Governor, and the Executive Council.
- The Chair recognizes Her Excellency, the Governor, Maura Healey. Thank you so much.
- The sergeant-at-arms will escort the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Executive Council from
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we will now move to messages from the Governor. They will be deemed read.
- We will now move to Governor appointments. File item 51. Thank you, Madam President.
- The appointment is confirmed. Senator Reyes, you are recognized for file item 56.
- Gina Castro Rodriguez for appointment to the Board of State and Community Corrections.
- The appointment is confirmed. Senators, we are now on to Senate third reading.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several floor recognitions and ceremonial presentations. Senator Perez presented SR 81, declaring March 2, 2026, as Read Across America Day. Senators Choi and Rubio spoke in support, emphasizing literacy, libraries, volunteer reading programs, and the importance of diverse books and student engagement. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote, 37-0, and Perez introduced guests from the California Teachers Association.
The chamber then honored the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps, with Senator Laird leading the recognition and several senators praising the Corps’ service, conservation work, disaster response, and job-training role for young adults and veterans. The Senate also welcomed the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class and the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, including the 2025 state championship football team and a coach from the women’s softball team. Later, the Senate confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes.
Senator Wahab presented SCR 125 recognizing the beginning of Ramadan, with Senator Becker offering supportive remarks about an iftar dinner and the meaning of the holiday. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate then took up several adjournments in memory, including Stephen Cassidy, John Joseph Zoria, Crystal Schoenfelder, and Belinda Baraghani, with multiple senators sharing personal tributes to their public service, community leadership, and mentorship. The session concluded with remarks on Ramadan and the Senate entering recess, with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we will now move to messages from the Governor. They will be deemed read.
- We will now move to Governor appointments. File item 51. Thank you, Madam President.
- The appointment is confirmed. Senator Reyes, you are recognized for file item 56.
- Gina Castro Rodriguez for appointment to the Board of State and Community Corrections.
- The appointment is confirmed.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor.
The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes.
Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.