Video & Transcript : 'counties authority' :
Page 463 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia Mar 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- County.
- County.
- County.
- County.
- County, you know, L.A. County is very political.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses.
Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting.
Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting.
No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we need more facilities, especially in our county, to separate inmates from those with severe
- This has also been echoed by multiple sheriff's offices regarding jailers in our county jails.
- It's Lee County; it's my district. This one happened in the Cedar Creek area in Bastrop County.
- A couple of questions for the bill author.
- Maybe our bill author might know. Can you speak on that, Ms. Wilson? I believe Ms.
Committee:
House Corrections
Keywords:
community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It might be offered in Orange County or Los Angeles County.
- There's even like city and county, not cities or mostly county resources, they're not being leveraged
- For places like Alameda County and Santa Barbara County, a regional lead and subgrantees successfully
- Thank you for authorizing this fund the first time around, and we're hoping you authorize it again.
- is Imperial County.
Summary:
The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services.
The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress.
The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 119 Part 2 May 13th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I had to bring a resolution here because I had one county in the seven counties that I represent.
- One county, 70% of their highways were in low drivable conditions.
- Some stays with the state, some go to cities, some go to counties.
- Um, but it talks about point is authority. But it talks about point is authority.
- That is state transportation funding, that is county and city funding, that is county and city transportation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> only Skilled Nursing Home in the county only Skilled Nursing Home in the county and<00:05:14.240
- They often face prior authorization and insurance challenges.
- contracts with counties.
- So I'm hearing this is already an ongoing... is that the counties um we don't have is that the counties
- </c><01:27:53.639><c> that</c> traditional contracts with counties that traditional contracts with counties
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: High Speed Rail Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to get started with my good friend County Judge Andy Brown from here in Travis County.
- I have the pleasure of being the county judge here in Travis County.
- House Bill 483, authored by Representative John Bucy and its companion SB 424 by Senator Sarah Eckhardt
- simply cannot handle the tremendous and frankly wonderful growth that's occurring between Williamson County
- It gives a lot of authority to TxDOT to go get bids and get the project moving, so it doesn't outline
Keywords:
House Bill 483, high-speed rail, transportation network, Texas, public testimony, rail connectivity, economic development
Summary:
The meeting was a press event in support of House Bill 483 and its Senate companion, SB 424, which would repeal the current state ban on high-speed rail investment and direct TxDOT to partner with a private entity to develop a Dallas-Austin-San Antonio rail line along the I-35 corridor. Rep. John Bucy, County Judge Andy Brown, Rep. Rafael Anchia, Rep. Ray Lopez, and Sen. Sarah Eckhardt all argued that Texas’ population growth and highway congestion make passenger rail a necessary transportation alternative and a long-term economic development tool. They emphasized benefits such as reduced commute times, improved mobility, lower congestion and emissions, stronger workforce access, and better connections between major metro areas.
Testimony focused on the Texas Triangle as a strong candidate for high-speed rail because of its population density, flat geography, and existing growth patterns. Speakers cited examples from other places, including Florida’s Brightline and rail systems in other countries, to argue that Texas is behind and could catch up through public-private partnerships. They also discussed transit-oriented development, last-mile connections through local systems like DART and Austin’s Project Connect, and the possibility of future expansion beyond the initial corridor. In response to questions, Bucy said the bill would allow TxDOT to seek bids and keep costs flexible, that the line would likely require dedicated high-speed track, and that express service could reduce Austin-San Antonio travel time to roughly 30 minutes and Austin-Dallas to under an hour and a half, though no launch date was set.
No formal vote or committee action was taken in the transcript. The event ended with Bucy saying the bill was a positive step and could become a bipartisan effort to build a more connected Texas.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine constructing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, focusing on United States Secretary of Transportation's perspective. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But I can't do any of that while the Trump administration blockades authorized and appropriated funds
- And I think Texas has been a great example. of, you know, delegating authority to Texas and seeing them
- So, would ask for your comments generally on when you think these cities and counties will hear from
- We have been trying to designate more authority to states because they move projects faster than have
- You know, during our discussion, we talked about our time as county executives, and so you know that
Keywords:
surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- My brother Scott Whitley was killed in 2022 in the Marion County Jail in Ocala, Florida.
- Scott Whitley was killed in 2022 in the Marion County Jail in Ocala, Florida by Florida State employees
- As of 2021, 30 deaths have occurred in the Marion County Jail. Thank you. Thank you for your time.
- Unregulated alternatives that we have seen down in the Miami-Dade County area with regards to foreclosure
- Final judgments that authorize a deviation must highlight that deviation.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to review its proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, totaling about $7.6 billion. The chair highlighted funding for the Department of Corrections, including health services, food inflation, and prison population growth; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds and higher food/medical costs; FDLE for a law enforcement apprenticeship program and officer wellness services; justice administration for court-appointed attorney rates and VOCA shortfalls; major IT projects; and court operations, including funding for 29 new judges. Members asked about where the new judgeships would go and whether staffing would accompany them, and staff said the judge positions would be listed later in a conforming bill and that associated court staff were included, but not additional state attorney or public defender staffing. Several members also asked whether the budget addressed pay and staffing shortages in state attorneys’ and public defenders’ offices, and staff said those decisions had not yet been finalized.
The committee then heard public testimony from several speakers who urged more funding for prison safety, medical care, and oversight. Speakers described personal experiences involving deaths or serious harm in correctional facilities and jails, alleging inadequate medical treatment, excessive force, isolation, and failures to investigate. One speaker said her son died after being beaten and denied timely medical care in a correctional facility; another said her son was not receiving adequate health care at Charlotte Correctional; and another described her brother’s death in the Marion County Jail after repeated tasing and pepper spraying. The committee adopted a motion allowing staff to make technical adjustments and then approved the committee’s budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee also took up CS for CS SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures and foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia offered an amendment to standardize judicial sales, increase transparency, limit preferences in bidding, preserve public notice requirements, restrict plaintiff credit bids to the amount of the judgment unless a deposit is posted, and prevent deviations from statutory timelines and procedures from being hidden in court orders. Garcia said the bill was intended to close loopholes and protect homeowners, especially condominium owners, from unfair foreclosure practices. A representative for Auction.com said similar laws have been used in other states and offered to provide data. After debate, the amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably on a roll call vote.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Mike Pohanka, District 26, which is Jerome, Lincoln, Blaine counties, bringing before you RS 33658, and
- House Bill 831 addresses the back-and-forth that has existed between our county clerks and school districts
- House Bill 831 addresses the back-and-forth that has existed between our county clerks and school districts
- I'm Trent Triple, Ada County Clerk.
- House Bill 798 repeals Idaho Code 67-1210B, which deals with the State Treasurer's authority to continue
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from Friday, March 6, by voice vote. It then introduced RS 33658, a measure revised to specify four chemicals the Idaho State Police lab can test in connection with Schedule 1 substances; the motion passed, with Representative Scott recorded as voting no.
House Bill 831 was then heard and advanced. The bill, sponsored by Representative Raybould, addresses conflicts between school safety policies and the use of school buildings as polling places, and would take effect in 2028 to allow time for coordination. Ada County Clerk Trent Tripple testified in strong support on behalf of all county clerks, saying the bill would provide more predictable, secure, and accessible polling locations while reducing conflicts with school operations. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee also advanced House Bill 798, which repeals outdated code related to the State Treasurer’s former securities lending authority, and House Bill 799, which repeals several obsolete alcohol-related code sections. Representative Scott described both as code cleanup measures. Finally, the committee introduced RS 33645, which would set rules for ex parte communications with the Public Utilities Commission and limit gifts from lobbyists, similar to existing rules for judges. All of these motions passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- We have another question for Representative West, but I'm not sure who he had it for the author or for
- This is a request mail from a county commissioner in my district.
- He wanted some more statutory authority for lack of words. He wanted it more nailed down.
- OK, and it may differ from county to county.
- Oh, good grief, you're from Beaver County. Yes, sir. Am I correct? How are you, Mr. Albert?
Committee:
House Agriculture
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think we're taking a step backwards by allowing even one county to do it.
- Certainly allowing all 39 counties to do it is that much bigger of a step backwards.
- Certainly allowing all 39 counties to do it is that much bigger of a step backwards.
- In Whatcom County, many of the people whose homes were damaged in those floods...
- It's 39 counties.
Summary:
House Finance met in executive session on March 2 and reviewed a series of tax and property-tax bills. Staff described measures including removing acreage limits for nonprofit public assembly hall property tax exemptions (ESSB 5252), extending timber tax distributions to certain school districts (SB 5994), expanding housing-related local sales tax uses (SB 6027), updating Department of Revenue tax administration provisions (ESSB 6113), consolidating the state property tax levy and expanding senior/disabled exemptions (ESSB 6162), extending disaster-related property tax relief (SB 6343), rolling back 2025 estate tax changes (SB 6347), adding tribes to the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), and extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products (SB 6244). Members also discussed several amendments, including changes to rental assistance, library and school tax treatment, veterans’ income definitions and application assistance, estate-tax exemption and CPI language, and reporting requirements for conservation futures land acquisitions.
The committee adopted some amendments and rejected others. HRA 440 was adopted to allow rental assistance as an eligible use of the local sales tax revenue for all jurisdictions rather than only Snohomish County. On ESSB 6113, the committee adopted the striking amendment H-3718.2 but rejected amendments to exempt investigative services, live presentations for schools and nonprofits, and library-related exemptions. On ESSB 6162, amendments to modernize veterans’ benefit language, require DOR application assistance, and lower the levy rate were all rejected. On SB 6347, the committee adopted an amendment restoring the estate tax exclusion amount to 2.193 million and changing the CPI reference, while the broader bill was later reported out as amended. On SB 6097, an amendment requiring county reporting on conservation futures acquisitions was rejected.
The committee then voted to report several bills out with do pass recommendations: ESSB 5252, SB 5994, ESSB 6027 as amended, ESSB 6113 as amended, ESSB 6162, SB 6343, SB 6097, and SB 6244. SB 6347 was reported out with a do pass as amended recommendation after the adopted amendment. Members generally framed the bills as providing tax relief, clarifying tax administration, supporting housing and schools, or extending existing exemptions, while some members raised concerns about fiscal impact, tax burden shifts, and the need for more accountability or broader policy changes. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent Broward County, which is Southwest Broward.
- I represent House District 46, which is part of Osceola County, the fastest-growing county in the state
- Adam Otana, District 80, Coastal Lee and Collier County.
- I represent House District 46, which is the part of Osceola County, fastest growing county in the state
- That's northwest Miami-Dade County.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 13, 2025, for its first meeting of the session, with member and staff introductions followed by consideration of several tax-related bills. The committee first heard HJR 163 and its implementing bill HB 165, which would extend the homestead property tax exemption for quadriplegics to surviving spouses, similar to the treatment for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor Rep. Tant and constituent J.R. Harding described the financial and caregiving burdens faced by spouses of quadriplegics. The committee heard supportive testimony from the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and members voted both measures favorably without opposition.
The committee then considered HB 785 on heated tobacco products. Rep. Tramont said the bill would create a new tax/regulatory category for the product, and an amendment clarifying the definition was adopted. The James Madison Institute offered a resource on the issue, the Florida Retail Federation waived in support, and Ranking Member Eskamani said she had concerns about the excise tax treatment and would vote no. The bill passed 16-1. Next, HB 321, a property tax exemption clarification for homes for the aged, was presented by Rep. Smith as a technical “glitch bill” to align state law with IRS tax code and ease development of low-income senior housing. It drew supportive testimony and passed unanimously.
The final bill, HB 503 by Rep. Botana, would cap local government revenue from local business taxes and require refunds if collections exceed the cap, with carve-outs for fiscally constrained areas. Local government and economic development groups, including the Florida League of Cities, the City of Winter Haven, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the bill, arguing it would limit funding for public safety, inspections, economic development, and other services and create administrative refund problems. Several members supported the bill as a tax-cutting measure, while others warned of impacts on local services and revenue flexibility. The committee reported HB 503 favorably on a 14-5 vote, and then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 8, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 47
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> this to address this issue, our county this to address this issue, our county police<00:30:25.200
- </c> identifications and allow the counties identifications and allow the counties to<00:53:25.520><c
- </c><01:13:16.560><c> council</c> through HHFDC and at the county council through HHFDC and at the county
- </c> continued discussion with the counties continued discussion with the counties to<01:20:41.760><c
- </c><01:22:20.600><c> rules,</c> counties are allowed different rules, counties are allowed different
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Steve Lanier, San Juan County. It's the place.
- He goes out of Eddy and Lee County in the heart of the Permian Basin.
- I represent Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan County.
- Nathan Small came up from House District 36 in Dona Ana County.
- I’m asked by the court to exercise your authority.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the problems with House Bill 2448 is that it restricts the department's authority and ability
- are rural counties, and that is where the unemployment rates tend to shoot up during recession.
- tend to shoot up during recession so if you represent a rural county if you represent rural Arizona
- HCR 259, County Sheriff's Expressing Support; Public Safety, Law Enforcement.
- H.C.R. 259 County Sheriff's expressing support. Public safety law enforcement.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Nurses’ Day, Environmental Day, Teamsters Local 104, and Arizona Aerospace Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also announced committee meetings, bill referrals, and later adjourned until Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a taxation measure tied to federal tax conformity. Members debated whether Arizona should conform to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing it would validate current tax forms and provide tax relief, and opponents warning it would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations while reducing state revenue. The bill passed 32-26 with two not voting. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for two calendars of bills.
In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, and HB 2448, all on health and human services topics, with amendments adopted on the first three. HB 2206 drew extended debate over SNAP payment error rates and whether the bill would impose an unfunded mandate and make benefits harder to access; supporters said it would reduce waste and save money, while opponents said it would set DES up for failure. HB 2396, which would restrict certain SNAP purchases, drew testimony over whether it would improve nutrition or unfairly limit low-income families and create a “food police” system. HB 2442 and HB 2448 also drew criticism over added SNAP work requirements and limits on agency waiver authority during recessions. The Committee later advanced HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797, including bills on government staffing, hospital immigration-status data collection, unemployment benefits, SNAP eligibility/redeterminations, and fraud reporting. HB 2689 prompted sharp opposition over fears it would deter immigrants and mixed-status families from seeking medical care, while HB 2796 and HB 2797 were criticized as adding administrative burdens and duplicative SNAP checks. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and a motion to amend the report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 1 (1-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate is authorized and prepared to do business.
- and prepared to do is authorized and prepared to do business.<00:08:27.280><c> Next</c><00:08:27.520
- former senator from District 37 resigned his position to take a new elected position in Jefferson County
- </c><00:31:36.960><c> officials</c><00:31:37.360><c> to</c> uh, the city and the county officials to
- uh, the city and the county officials to get<00:31:37.760><c> together</c><00:31:38.000><c> with</c><
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By allowing the forfeiture process to occur in the county where the seizing agency is located, we can
- Smith County Assistant District Attorney 😋 😋 😋 Thank you.
- They provide sound advice and support in recovering our losses. resources to our local and county law
- And understand with misdemeanors, it goes to county jail. I will also address.
- Jennifer Tharp, Coma County Criminal District Attorney, and for SB 13. Very good.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
mail theft, postal theft, package theft, identity theft, negotiable instrument, check theft, mail receptacle key, mailbox lock, postal key, delivery service, courier, USPS, United States Postal Service, fraud, property crime, elderly victims, disabled victims, identity information, rebuttable presumption, felony enhancement
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- county anymore.
- </c><00:35:55.440><c> So</c><00:35:55.680><c> counties</c><00:35:56.079><c> counties</c><00:35:56.400
- So counties counties are is build up.
- So counties counties are is allowable<00:35:57.440><c> to</c><00:35:58.000><c> even</c><00:35:58.240>
- </c> are simply not an option for Kas County are simply not an option for Kas County at<06:06:02.878>
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She has been in the Fresno County Department of Public Health, first serving as a deputy director of
- And right now we actually have the first Japanese American supervisor in Santa Clara County.
- Its influence touches every corner of San Francisco and San Mateo County.
- For example, Margaret Cho, a queer San Francisco Korean American comedian, actress, author, musician,
- I rise to add just a few words to my colleagues here, especially our colleague from Yolo County, who
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and removed SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments, including Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control, Jennifer Osborne as Director of Industrial Relations, and two Medical Board of California appointments, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook. Each appointment was confirmed by roll call, with broad support and no recorded opposition.
The chamber also adopted SR 97 recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and solidarity, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution passed 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community leaders and honorees on the floor, including Kay Buck and Mira Sorvino for anti-trafficking advocacy, and later several additional guests and community figures.
Members then adopted several other resolutions by unanimous consent: SCR 168 designating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 for Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 recognizing Hospital Week in California. Floor remarks focused on public safety, rare disease awareness, stroke recovery and aphasia, and the role of hospitals and health care workers. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice with extensive tributes to his labor leadership, firefighter safety work, and disaster response advocacy. The meeting concluded with the remaining appointment confirmations and adjournment until May 14, 2026.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - Senate Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's in Maricopa County.
- I have the Honorable Bruce Bracker, former Santa Cruz County supervisor.
- He was elected sheriff of Pinal County in 2016.
- Municipal and county measures standing. Government. House Bill 54?
- Appropriations, Transportation, State Authority. Judiciary and Elections.