Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
Page 461 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- 408 as it sits in this moment on your desks in front of you and in the system is a bill that took those
- I will say that in my studies in this last year and rolling my sleeves up in this world, the one glaring
- Blackwood, or hopefully he’s still in his role, or whoever’s in his role, to come in and tell us: what
- in 1983.
- In my alternate life of being Bruce Wayne, and I do live in Florida and Texas and other places, but in
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended.
Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended.
The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And kids in your district, in your high schools, will be in the bathroom vaping, and it will keep going
- In addition, we've got to put in place the provisions that were included in the underlying measure so
- Very simply, if we want affordable gas in the United States, we should not be in a war in Iran.
- I just can't in good conscience support a bill that could put someone's life in danger when they're in
- Appropriations Committee, we meet in here in one in two minutes to do two bills.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It's in your bill, it's in your folders. Basically what these... It's in your bill.
- It's in your folders.
- Jen read it in.
- In response...
- They're saying that it's back in. It's back in. It's not scratched out. It's back in.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Summary:
The committee first considered HB 446 by Rep. Boyer, a constitutional amendment to set eligible dates for local bond and tax elections. Staff said it would amend Article 6, Section 22, could not be done statutorily, and was scheduled for November 3, 2026 to maximize turnout. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and reported the bill without amendments.
Members then took up several constitutional amendments and civil law measures, including HB 244 on constitutional conventions, HB 214 on a property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property, HB 514 on an additional senior homestead-style ad valorem exemption, HB 27 on how non-recurring state monies may be applied to retirement system unfunded liabilities, and HB 225 on gubernatorial term limits. HB 244 and HB 225 were amended before being reported, while HB 214, HB 514, and HB 27 were reported favorably without amendments. The committee also adopted SB 127, which allows limited curator donations on behalf of interdicted persons and narrows forced heirship in certain disability-related estate planning situations.
The committee approved HB 1043, as amended, to raise the civil jurisdictional amount for the First and Second Parish Courts of Jefferson Parish from $20,000 to $35,000. It also approved HB 473 by substitute on custody and child support, with the substitute preserving language that physical custody should be shared equally unless the court finds that infeasible or not in the child’s best interest. HB 71, which extends certain self-defense liability protections to registered armed private security officers, drew opposition over training and public safety concerns but was reported favorably after a roll call vote of 8 yeas and 1 nay.
The committee also advanced HB 1082, which would require the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System to sue municipalities in the local parish rather than East Baton Rouge when it is the plaintiff. Supporters said the current venue rule burdens small towns with travel and litigation costs; opponents argued Article 84 provides a consistent statewide venue and that the litigation is largely about municipalities failing to enroll officers properly. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 306, which concerns court costs and fees in domestic abuse cases; members worked through a concept amendment to restore “reasonable” attorney’s fees and add court-approved evaluation and expert witness fees, and the discussion continued with testimony about federal grant compliance and victim protections.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It's in your bill, it's in your folders. Basically what these... It's in your bill.
- It's in your folders.
- Jen read in.
- Jen read in.
- They're saying that it's back in. It's back in. It's not scratched out. It's back in.
Bills:
HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB244 , HB306 , HB366 , HB446 , HB473 , HB514 , HB1043 , HB1082 , SB127
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Keywords:
armed security, liability, concealed carry, self-defense, security officers, property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, constitutional convention, delegates, state election, ratification
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the case not only in that existing county or in the perimeter of that county but also in surrounding
- We primarily work here in Austin and in select other markets.
- in composition.
- of us in this?
- And so in the...
Keywords:
local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re going to begin in a moment in file order.
- in 2022, Massachusetts in 2022, Louisiana in 2022, Connecticut in 2021, and New York in 2019.
- in 1962.
- My service in the Legislature began in 1990. I've had some breaks in service.
- Now in C, it was in the prior subdivision D.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system.
SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record.
The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-06 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in summary, 1758 sets in law of these reforms.
- Senator Rouson, you came in in 2008 in the Florida House, and I came in a special session.
- In the Florida House, and I came in a special session in a special election in 2009, and you were the
- So I believe that all employees deserve a system that provides fairness in the workplace and that respects
- So I believe that all employees deserve a system that provides fairness in the workplace and that respecting
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects.
The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage.
Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Girls in Texas deserve the right to privacy, safety, and fairness.
- joy, in protest, in pride, and in purpose.
- Comes in there, some stud comes in there, wanting to pee in the urinal.
- You belong here in our workplaces, in our classrooms, in our communities.
- In a moment, the Senate will gavel in.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re going to begin in a moment in file order.
- in 2022, Massachusetts in 2022, Louisiana in 2022, Connecticut in 2021, and New York in 2019.
- in 1962.
- My service in the Legislature began in 1990. I've had some breaks in service.
- He's speaking. result in humans, in Californians, in our own people.
Committee:
House Judiciary
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- front of us. help uh we would be in in a little bit help uh we would be in in a little bit of<00:10:
- up in up in Washington DC or in about a up in up in Washington DC or in about a week<00:18:56.840><c>
- as in that in that costs are considered as in that in that list<00:35:27.240><c> of</c><00:35:27.720
- </c> lapse in in funding in in lapse in in funding in in 2016<00:36:46.040><c> uh</c><00:36:46.160><c
- </c><00:58:58.000><c> in</c> we have the natural disasters in in we have the natural disasters in in
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:01:04
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12
Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28
Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17
House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18
Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57
Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics.
Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports.
Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:30:59.639><c> General</c> in education and Outreach in General in education and Outreach in General
- ><c> in</c><00:37:34.640><c> August</c> Minnesota in August Minnesota in August 20123<00:37:36.839><c
- in the field uh um both in the you know in the field uh police<01:02:39.160><c> fire</c><01:02:39.520
- Serv</c> I spent 10 years in in uh Financial Serv I spent 10 years in in uh Financial Serv in<01:10:35.560
- in labor whether uh it's in whether it's in labor whether uh it's in finance<01:16:11.360><c> that</
Committee:
Senate Labor
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (11-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> increase in the pdium as we have done in increase in the pdium as we have done in the<00:18:31.360
- In response, states across in humans.
- In one year, we closed 240 cold cases. in Kentucky, you would not have swapped in Kentucky, you would
- Um is not a society in which we live in.
- </c> constitution in 1787. constitution in 1787.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 21 minutes, and then heard a KO presentation focused on county jail funding pressures. KO leaders and county judges said jail costs have become a statewide crisis, noting that county general fund contributions to jail budgets have risen sharply since 2019. They said the organization’s sole legislative priority this session is to “reshape the shared responsibility” for county jails through three main proposals: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and changing the model for housing state inmates.
On regional jails, KO proposed one-time state construction help for new or expanded regional facilities, allowing former county jails to become 96-hour holdover facilities, changing regional jail authority boards so each participating county jailer can serve, increasing the closed-jail supplement, and offering a one-time payment to counties that close a jail and join a regional plan. On pre-trial felony detainees, Judge Mosley argued counties bear the full cost for people held before trial, sometimes for years, and said counties should be reimbursed for time served credit when those inmates are later sentenced. On state inmates, KO said the current per diem of $35.34 is below the average daily county jail cost of $63.44, and proposed a new contract model requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs while counties provide agreed programming such as substance use treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academic programming.
Members asked about the fiscal impact of the package, the feasibility of regional jail population thresholds, and whether the proposal could affect counties’ ability to house federal inmates. KO said regionalization should remain a local decision, that a bill draft and fiscal note were being developed, and that only certain jails are eligible to house federal inmates under existing agreements. Representative Maddox also asked about social media comments by Judge Mosley regarding homeschooling; Mosley said the remarks were unrelated to KO and apologized for any offense. Senator Mills asked what counties would do with savings from jail costs, and judges said the money would likely go to local services such as roads, ambulance service, senior programs, parks, economic development, infrastructure, broadband, and water projects.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2025, there were more than 400 such incidents in the United States alone.
- This means fair wages for working families in California, being a strong champion for all Californians
- He was involved in serious combat in Vietnam.
- He was involved in serious combat in Vietnam.
- So her legacy is everywhere in the county, and it is in all the buildings and all the services, in the
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including a request by Senator Arreguín to remove SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, a resolution concerning immigration rates, which was debated briefly and placed on call before later amendments were adopted by a 29-10 vote.
The Senate next considered SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park tragedy. Senator Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke about the 11 lives lost, the injuries, the heroism of Brandon Tsay, and the need to remember the victims and support the community. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0, after which Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang on the floor.
The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memories honoring Mary Gutierrez Hunter, labor activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu von Locke. Senators described each person’s public service, organizing work, and lasting impact on labor, veterans, local government, refugee resettlement, and community institutions. The Senate also announced the Appropriations Committee would meet shortly after adjournment and noted the next floor session would be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 663, Allen, in 2025; AB 1500, Irwin, in 2023.
- Seeing no one in the room wishing to add on in opposition.
- Primary witness in opposition of this measure? Anyone in the room in opposition?
- your leadership in this regard, in this space.
- your leadership in this regard, in this space.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 9 Jan 28th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Wage, affirming that workforce investment and fair compensation go hand in hand.
- On this matter, 153 in the affirmative, none in the negative. 153 in the affirmative, none in the negative
- In 2015, we required coaches to be CPR certified. In 2018, we mandated AEDs in schools.
- have it in a bag in a shed somewhere that you just go run and get in case something happens.
- In this matter, 26 in the affirmative, 130 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.
Summary:
The House convened for a floor session that began with routine actions, including suspension of the rules and adoption of several committee-reported resolutions and orders. Members adopted a congratulatory resolution for Yolanda Kruger’s 100th birthday and approved orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadlines on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber also moved through a number of local bills, including measures authorizing additional alcohol licenses for Hudson and Cohasset and a charter amendment for Plymouth, all of which were passed to be engrossed.
The House then took up several major bills on third reading. House 3417, designating Domestic Workers’ Rights Day, was debated at length by Representative Sousa, who described domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and argued the designation would raise awareness of existing protections and help prevent exploitation. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call vote of 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land, and House 4994, the “Paths Act,” which would require a phased-in apprenticeship participation standard on large public construction projects and establish a commission to study apprenticeship issues. Supporters emphasized workforce development, union apprenticeship pathways, and long-term economic opportunity.
Another major measure, House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, would require automated external defibrillators and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker described the bill as a response to the death of a young athlete from sudden cardiac arrest and said it would close a safety gap outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote locations without permanent power, but both amendments were rejected on roll call votes. The bill itself later passed to be engrossed by roll call, and the House also enacted a Hingham land-use bill allowing municipal property to be used for a center for active living. The session included several recesses, introductions of visitors and constituents, and ended with the House adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 663, Allen, in 2025; AB 1500, Irwin, in 2023.
- Seeing no one in the room wishing to add on in opposition.
- Primary witness in opposition to this measure? Anyone in the room in opposition?
- your leadership in this regard, in this space.
- your leadership in this regard, in this space.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense.
SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 103 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The House will be in a brief recess. The House will be in order.
- The House will be in a brief recess. The House will be in order. Mr.
- I know I spent seven days in the hospital with my mother while she sat in the hallway of an ER in Leominster
- I know I spent seven days in the hospital with my mother while she sat in the hallway of an ER in Lemonster
- On this matter, 153 members voted in the affirmative, one in the negative.
Summary:
The House opened with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of several resolutions, such as congratulations to the Williamsburg Grange on its 125th anniversary and to Fire Captain Melissa Blodgett on her retirement. The chamber also concurred in a Senate petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Bristol County Sheriff’s Department employee and suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance local petitions, including one involving the Dalton Fire District and another renaming a Chelmsford bridge.
The main floor action centered on several Ways and Means bills. The House advanced a bill amending laws relative to individuals with disabilities, replacing outdated and offensive terminology in the General Laws with person-first language; members spoke at length in support, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and the bill’s non-substantive nature. The bill was engrossed by a roll call vote, 152-0. The House also took up and engrossed a bill to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a licensing and oversight framework for private-pay home care agencies, establish standards for contracts, background checks, training, insurance, and consumer protections, and create advisory committees to guide implementation. An amendment establishing a Family Caregiver Commission was adopted 154-0, and the bill itself was then engrossed 153-1.
In addition, the House passed or engrossed several other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer services to land in Sharon, a sick leave bank bill for a Trial Court employee, a Marblehead parking fines bill, a Hingham municipal property bill for a center for active living, and a Taunton bill allowing continued employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh. The chamber also handled numerous calendar items, holding or passing over many while advancing a few. The session ended with a special adjournment in memory of former Representative George L. Sacco Jr., and the House adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- in a moment.
- In fact, it doesn't apply to housing that's constructed anytime in the last 15 years.
- We allowed localities to opt in. Twenty localities have opted in, and hundreds haven't.
- About tax breaks for landlords in New York and property owners only in New York.
- And if, in fact, there's an expense part in here, more than likely they're going to say no.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rules 2nd REVISED Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So in Section 1, it repeals the article in Section 1, it repeals the article in our Oklahoma Constitution
- How many Oklahoma voters engage in a special election in August?
- Can the author tell me any time in Oklahoma history in which more people showed up in August to vote
- than in November?
- here in Oklahoma.
Summary:
The committee primarily considered House Bill 440, which would move Medicaid expansion language from the Oklahoma Constitution into state statute and send the change to voters in a special election. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature flexibility to manage the program, especially if federal Medicaid matching rates were reduced, and said it would help protect the state budget and allow future adjustments such as eligibility or work requirements. Opponents said the measure would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections, create uncertainty for more than 300,000 enrollees, rural hospitals, and providers, and could allow future cuts without another vote of the people.
Members also discussed the possible fiscal impact of a federal match change from 90-10 to 60-40, with supporters saying the state could face roughly a billion-dollar annual cost and would need flexibility to avoid cuts to other services. Questions also focused on the choice of an August special election rather than the November general election, and on whether tribal governments and other stakeholders had been consulted. After debate, the committee tabled an amendment and passed House Bill 440 on a 14-2 vote.
The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 1087, which would change the Avalon reimbursement program so the Legislature could manage funding levels and methodologies rather than being bound to the current structure. It passed 14-2. The committee also considered House Joint Resolution 1067, a trigger measure that would only appear on the November ballot if House Bill 440 failed in August; it would relieve the state of any obligation to fund Medicaid expansion for working adults if the federal match dropped below 90%. After adopting a committee substitute and tabling an amendment, the resolution also passed 14-2. The committee then laid over H.J.R. 1089 and adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We have some trouble hiring in Twin Falls in the Fifth Judicial District.
- But in the last month and a half, we've hired four new attorneys in that area.
- Now, in a sense, there's a built-in redundancy there, and in a perfect world, we shouldn't have to do
- Chair, so if a motion is in order. Motion is in order, Senator. Go ahead.
- Idaho has a type of Son of Sam law that was put in in 1978.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules