Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 465 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's also pieces of federal legislative. one currently.
- The legislation has been introduced by Senator Gates.
- This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is
- This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is
- This legislation is subject to appropriation, and I would ask for your favorable support.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took favorable action on a number of them. CS/CS/SB 54 by Senator Sharif would require district medical examiners to perform toxicology screening for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of identified violent offenders, consult treating providers when available, document findings, and report results to state agencies; it passed after brief questions and one opponent waived against. CS/SB 176 by Senator Polsky would require public colleges and universities to publish clearer campus safety reporting and response procedures for threats to students, faculty, or staff; it also passed favorably with no opposition. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Florida Farm Bill by Senator Trumbull, was the longest item and drew extensive testimony. The bill covers fair association rules, preemption of local limits on gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinarian loan repayment program, permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida, forest service training, signal jammer penalties, CDL exam cheating penalties, no-solicitation protections, inspector protections, biosolids rules, and contractor payment enforcement. Members adopted multiple amendments, including changes to contractor payment language, expanding vet loan repayment to equine vets, merging citrus research entities, technical updates to fair statutes and nonprofit definitions, and a late amendment removing the bill’s disparagement/free-speech section after significant public testimony and debate. A separate late amendment on biosolids delayed compliance timelines for Broward County, and the bill then passed favorably as amended.
The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 834 on nonprofit religious organizations, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement through amendment; the bill passed with support from some faith-based and consumer groups and one waiver against. SB 936 on temporary door locking devices passed without opposition. CS/SB 50 would expand veterans’ courts statewide as an option in all judicial circuits for service-related issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse; it received broad support from veterans and advocacy groups and passed favorably. CS/SB 1004, in strike-all form, would regulate dog and cat sales by requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, adding a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and treating violations as unfair trade practices; an amendment removed an appropriation section, and the bill passed after questions about financing and pet retention.
The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 178, which directs the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes for basic needs like food, transportation, and recovery services, while requiring reporting and preserving anti-recruiting enforcement; members discussed possible parental-consent language, and the bill passed favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks, with Senator Rouson explaining that it would regulate crypto kiosks to combat fraud, require operator registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics policies, and transaction limits, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's also pieces of federal legislation attempting to do the same thing on behalf of pesticide
- And there's also pieces of federal legislation attempting to do the same thing on behalf of pesticide
- This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is
- This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is
- This legislation is subject to appropriation, and I would ask for your favorable support.
Bills:
S0050 , S0054 , S0176 , S0178 , S0198 , S0290 , S0420 , S0502 , S0538 , S0706 , S0834 , S0936 , S0962 , S1004 , S1080 , S7022
Committee:
Senate Rules
Keywords:
veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS for CS for SB 54, which requires district medical examiners to perform toxicology screenings for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of violent offenders and report findings to state agencies. It was reported favorably after brief discussion about how the data would be used. CS for SB 176 also passed, requiring public postsecondary institutions to make campus safety reporting and response procedures clearer and more accessible for students, faculty, and staff who receive threats. Both bills were approved without opposition in the meeting.
The committee then took up the large Florida Farm Bill, CS for CS for CS for SB 290, which drew extensive testimony and multiple amendments. The bill includes changes to fair associations, a preemption on local restrictions affecting gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent authorization for Farmers Feeding Florida, expanded Florida Forest Service training, a ban on signal jamming devices, tougher CDL English-proficiency penalties, protections for food safety inspectors, biosolids provisions, and contractor payment enforcement. Amendments expanded veterinary loan eligibility to equine veterinarians, merged citrus research entities, made technical corrections, and revised contractor payment language; a late-filed amendment removed the bill’s disparagement clause after significant First Amendment concerns and public testimony. A separate amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill was reported favorably as amended.
Also approved were CS for CS for SB 834, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement; SB 936, allowing temporary door locking devices at any height above the floor and directing the Building Commission to add standards to the code; and CS for SB 50, expanding veterans’ courts statewide. Later, CS for CS for SB 1004 advanced with a strike-all regulating dog and cat sales, requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and consumer protections against deceptive pet sales; an amendment removed an appropriation section. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 178, which directs the FHSAA to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide limited good-faith support to student-athletes, and CS for CS for SB 198, regulating virtual currency kiosks with registration, warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections. Each of these bills was reported favorably by recorded vote.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation ensures the right to a secret or private ballot election on union representation for
- And that's exactly what this legislation does. And I hope that you all remember that.
- It's not my intent, and it's not the intent of what the legislation wants to actually advance.
- We don't need everything legislated, regimented, regulated, and to every extent. Thank you.
- This legislation... ...surveillance interface between an aircraft and air traffic control.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislation enacted last year required $3 million per biennium.
- So thank you to Representative Paul for sponsoring the legislation. I urge your support. Thank you.
- So thank you to Representative Paul for sponsoring the legislation. I urge your support. Thank you.
- I am state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and I'm proud to sponsor 2481.
- So again, we do support... ...the intent, but the legislation right now is very, very, very broad.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2325, which would create a tourism self-supported assessment program to fund statewide tourism promotion. Staff explained that the bill would let the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority develop and administer an assessment program overseen by a 10-member ratepayer board, subject to a referendum of affected businesses, and would add a public records exemption for business financial and commercial information. The prime sponsor and supporters from State of Washington Tourism, the hospitality industry, the Port of Seattle, breweries, and wine interests argued that Washington is underinvesting in tourism compared with other states and that an industry-led assessment would provide sustainable, competitive funding. Opposition testimony from a taxpayer group objected to new assessments and unelected authority over tax-like charges. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2481, which would prohibit surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for certain retail goods, require clear price posting, and temporarily bar electronic shelf labels in larger grocery stores while Commerce studies their effects. The sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure that customers in the same store pay the same price and to prevent AI-driven pricing based on personal data. Labor, privacy, and consumer advocates supported the bill, citing concerns about hidden price discrimination, worker stress, and consumer harm. Grocery and retail groups, along with an ESL manufacturer and a tech association, opposed the bill as written, warning that the definitions were too broad and could interfere with loyalty programs, discounts, inventory management, and electronic shelf label systems; several said they were working with the sponsor on amendments. The chair indicated amendments were expected and asked stakeholders to submit language soon, but no vote occurred.
Finally, the committee opened House Bill 2503, which would require developers of generative AI systems to post high-level documentation about training data before public release and make violations a Consumer Protection Act issue. The sponsor described the bill as a transparency measure meant to function like an ingredients label for AI, helping consumers, researchers, and creators understand what goes into a model. Supporters from TechNet and Chamber of Progress said they generally backed the concept but wanted the bill aligned more closely with California’s recent law, especially on enforcement and the private right of action. Members raised questions about trade secrets, applicability to large versus small developers, and whether the bill could affect medical or other specialized AI uses; the sponsor said amendments were anticipated and that the bill was still early in the process. The hearing on HB 2503 then moved to public testimony.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have not been able to get legislation over the finish line.
- And this legislative body actually created mandatory 287(g) agreements for local law enforcement, and
- Women, for this legislative body to be inclusive and diverse.
- And I don't like vendor-specific prescribed legislation. So it's not going to be Baby Olivia.
- And I don't like vendor-specific prescribed legislation. So it's not going to be baby Olivia.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard HB 461, which would allow registered or preregistered students to volunteer at polling locations to earn community service hours, including on weekends. The sponsor and several supporters, including the Duval County Supervisor of Elections and League of Women Voters representatives, said the bill would promote civic education and give students firsthand experience with elections. After brief questions and overwhelmingly supportive testimony, the committee voted unanimously to report HB 461 favorably.
The committee then took up HB 1071, an omnibus education bill described by the sponsor as reinforcing parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, and oversight of scholarship and instructional programs. Members adopted eight amendments, including provisions on charter school discipline during improvement plans, child care and attendance accountability, medically accurate embryologic/fetal development materials, school space calculations, reading notifications, law enforcement access to campuses and canine units, lab school admissions criteria, and the composition of the FHSAA advisory council. Debate and testimony focused heavily on the bill’s provisions restricting DEI- and activism-related spending, the fetal development video requirement, and the law enforcement amendment; supporters framed the bill as promoting merit, safety, and parental rights, while opponents warned about vague definitions, censorship, and potential impacts on students and school programs.
Public testimony on HB 1071 was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters included organizations such as Florida Voice for the Unborn, the Christian Family Coalition, and various individuals who backed the fetal development instruction and limits on DEI-related spending. Opponents included Planned Parenthood Florida Action, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Equality Florida, the ACLU of Florida, the Florida Education Association, teachers, parents, and students, who argued the bill was too broad, could chill instruction and student activities, and could introduce ideological content into health education. The transcript ends during closing debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- I am Josh Guise here today on behalf of Snohomish County in favor of this legislation.
- I am Josh Guise here today on behalf of Snowmish County in favor of this legislation.
- And thank you, Madam Chair, for bringing it forward. we are very in favor of this legislation.
Summary:
The House Finance Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills related to local tax authority and exemptions. HB 2559 would let cities and counties impose an additional 4% lodging/short-term rental excise tax starting in 2027, with revenues dedicated to affordable housing programs and up to 15% for administration. Staff explained existing lodging tax limits and estimated substantial local collections, while the prime sponsor and supporters argued it would give local governments a needed tool to address housing shortages caused in part by short-term rentals. Opponents, including short-term rental owners and hosts, said the tax would hurt tourism communities, reduce supplemental income for owners, and should not single out one lodging segment. The hearing on HB 2559 was suspended and later reopened for additional testimony; no vote was taken.
The committee also heard HB 2133, which would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose nonprofit senior citizen centers. Staff said the exemption is currently set to expire in 2028 and that the bill would remove it from the automatic 10-year sunset. The sponsor and a veteran/senior center perspective emphasized that the exemption helps keep senior centers open and supports isolated older adults. A question was raised about whether a broader nonprofit community center with senior-focused space would qualify, and staff said they would follow up. The hearing on HB 2133 was then closed.
HB 2135 would increase and extend the adaptive housing sales and use tax remittance for disabled veterans, raising the individual lifetime cap from $2,500 to $5,000, increasing the statewide annual cap, and extending the program’s expiration to 2038. Staff said the fiscal impact would be minimal because use is low, and a veterans coalition representative supported the bill as a way to ensure more federal grant dollars go toward home modifications. The hearing on HB 2135 was closed.
The committee spent the most time on HB 2442, an eight-part local government tax and fund-flexibility bill. It would expand uses of existing REET revenues, allow cities to adopt an affordable-housing REET under certain conditions, authorize county public utility taxes with a low-income assistance set-aside, create a new local sales tax for children and family services, broaden housing-related sales tax uses, restructure mental health and veterans property tax levies, extend levy lid lift periods, and allow rental car tax revenues to be used for criminal justice purposes. Supporters from counties, cities, housing groups, and some local officials said the bill would provide needed fiscal flexibility and new tools to address housing, public safety, and service demands. Opponents from utilities, realtors, water and sewer districts, wireless carriers, auto dealers, and tax critics argued the bill would raise regressive costs, especially on housing and utility customers, and that some provisions lacked a sufficient nexus to the original taxes. The hearing on HB 2442 was closed after extensive testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation allowed the department to take a more human-centered approach to transportation and
- This legislation aligns all of the program timelines, and I’m very excited to announce that in just a
- Senator Rebecca Saldana from the 37th legislative district, which includes Rainier Valley, Chinatown
- We support this legislation without delay. Thank you. Needs met in custody.
- Please support this legislation without delay. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
Keywords:
incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, persistent offender, three strikes, resentencing, juvenile conviction, youth offender, juvenile sentencing, life without parole, LWOP, most serious offense, sentencing reform
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Darya Farivar, State Representative from the 46th Legislative District in Northeast Seattle.
- Member Waters, members of the committee, Joe Fitzgibbon from the 34th Legislative District.
- So this is a direct piece of legislation to deal with... ...is a direct piece of legislation to deal
- And along with Auditor Larson, I co-chair the state auditor's legislative committee.
- But we had the other dispute over the legislative district that represented that area.
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
local representation, fair elections, government accountability, voter rights, transparency, foreign nationals, elections, Washington state, voter participation, government oversight, voting rights, uniform standards, overseas voting, civilian voting, state legislation, tribal relations, government, state policy, sovereignty, federalism
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Fashion Act is common-sense legislation drafted with the companies that would have to comply with
- These leading companies... ...cents legislation drafted with the companies that would have to comply
- So ZDHC supports legislation like AB 405 because it enables aligned action; it sets the foundation...
- I also want to thank the committee for their work on this legislation.
- Industry will say that we should use the regulatory process rather than legislation.
Summary:
The committee heard several environmental and consumer-safety bills. AB 405, the Fashion Act, would require fashion companies to disclose and manage toxic chemicals in their supply chains; supporters said it would reduce worker and consumer exposure and align with existing industry frameworks, while retailers and business groups argued it would duplicate existing laws and raise costs. After questions about DTSC workload, international standards, and affordability, the bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Natural Resources and held on call with three votes. AB 762 would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vape devices; supporters emphasized battery-fire risks, recycling contamination, and waste impacts, while cannabis and convenience-store interests warned it would push consumers to illicit markets and harm legal businesses. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to Business and Professions with three votes and was held on call.
The committee also adopted the consent calendar with six votes. AB 794 would direct California to keep in place the federal PFAS drinking-water standard if federal protections are weakened, with supporters citing health risks and the need for certainty, and water agencies opposing the emergency-rulemaking authority and potential costs. Members debated whether the bill was too broad and whether federal funds would cover implementation; the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations with four votes and was held open. AB 1148, the Safer Food Packaging Act, would restrict certain chemicals in food packaging; supporters cited cancer and reproductive-health concerns, while chemical, beverage, and manufacturing groups argued the bill should go through existing regulatory processes and that some chemicals lacked feasible alternatives. The author said she would remove antimony trioxide later in the process after hearing opposition concerns; the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Judiciary with four votes and was held open.
Finally, AB 1338 would allow local air districts to recover costs for implementing fence-line air monitoring at metal shredding facilities, building on prior legislation and local air district efforts in AB 617 communities. The author said the bill would preserve local control and improve efficiency, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District testified in support. The transcript ends as the district witness begins testimony, with no vote yet taken on AB 1338.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's a very important piece of legislation that Senator Sparks is bringing forward.
- I believe that we need tougher... legislative solutions to this issue. Thank you.
- We had the discussion of federal benefit court on, I have legislation dealing with.
- I believe Maryland was the first to pass some legislation to try to combat this, but their legislation
- I believe Maryland was the first to pass some legislation to try to combat this, but their legislation
Bills:
SB476 , SB664 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1080 , SB1171 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB1727 , SB1809 , SB2289 , SB2320
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several criminal justice bills, with most of the discussion focused on oilfield theft, DWI enforcement, juvenile justice, reentry licensing, jail transparency, and court/judicial standards. SB 1320 would create a DPS oilfield theft unit headquartered in the Permian Basin; supporters from industry, law enforcement, and a district attorney described increasingly sophisticated, organized theft tied to cartels and multi-jurisdictional criminal networks, while DPS said it currently has only two officers working the issue. The committee voted SB 1320 out unanimously and placed it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 826, which would enhance DWI committed in a school zone to a state jail felony, also passed unanimously after brief explanation and no testimony. SB 1171, adding juvenile justice OIG peace officers to Schedule C salary, was reported favorably on a committee substitute, and SB 1080, which would allow incarcerated people to obtain occupational licenses effective upon release, also passed on a committee substitute after testimony from formerly incarcerated advocates and reentry supporters.
The committee also considered several bills aimed at tougher DWI penalties. SB 476 would increase intoxication manslaughter penalties when the offender violates an ignition interlock restriction; the bill was supported by the author, victims’ family members, Galveston officials, and law enforcement, but opposed by the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued treatment and prevention would be more effective. After discussion about possible amendments, the bill was left pending. SB 745 would create a new first-degree felony option for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, and it was reported favorably after testimony from a prosecutor supporting the need for a stronger sentencing option. SB 2320 would broadly increase penalties for DWI offenses, including first-time DWI, DWI with an open container, high-BAC DWI, and repeat offenses; it was supported by a grieving family member and a sheriff, and the committee voted it out favorably.
On juvenile justice, SB 1727 would expand tools to address assaults on staff at Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities by lowering the age for transfer to adult prison in some cases, allowing earlier transfer of determinate-sentence youth, and restricting release when a criminal case is pending. Juvenile probation officials supported the bill as a public safety and victim-rights measure, while the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed it, arguing it would send children to inappropriate adult facilities and conflict with juvenile justice principles; the bill was left pending. SB 1437 would expand the juvenile justice do-not-hire registry to include non-certified positions, and it passed unanimously after supporters said it would help close loopholes that allow predators to move between child-serving jobs. SB 2289, requiring counties that house inmates out of state to report that information and any deaths to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, also passed unanimously. Finally, SB 989, requiring criminal background checks for court personnel who determine bail, and SB 664, establishing statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and associate judges, were explained and discussed as transparency and public-safety measures, with SB 989 reported favorably and SB 664 under committee consideration at the end of the transcript.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:01:44.000><c> in</c> be shown on the screen on I legislate in be shown on the screen on I legislate
- </c> administrator of legislative safety. administrator of legislative safety.
- </c> not the way we should do legislation. not the way we should do legislation.
- </c><02:23:32.640><c> a</c> expect three murders of legislators a expect three murders of legislators
- Tell this legislator, petition.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session F Jun 1st, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Two, legislation modifying Section 101.161(3)(a), Florida Statutes, for the joint resolution referenced
- Three, legislation requiring property appraisers to provide notices to taxpayers regarding the proposed
- Four, legislation requiring the voting requirements to increase taxes above the rolled-back rate to a
- Five, legislation requiring a publicly accessible website to inform property taxpayers of the estimated
- President's reference: Appropriations. legislation requiring the voting requirements to increase taxes
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the Governor’s proclamation calling the session. The special session was called to consider property tax-related legislation, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and limits on county and municipal ad valorem taxes, along with related implementing measures such as ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority requirements for tax increases above the rolled-back rate, and a public website showing estimated savings for homestead properties.
The bills filed within the call were read for the first time: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, both referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules and place both measures on the special order calendar for Tuesday, June 2, with an amendment deadline one hour before convening. The Senate also adopted a motion sending any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review.
The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who reflected on their service and thanked colleagues, staff, and constituents. Senator Hooper emphasized respect and kindness in public service, while Senator Polsky thanked local officials, staff, caucus members, and family, and noted the importance of bipartisan work. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, or upon the President’s call.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislation modifying Section 101.161(3)(a), Florida Statutes, for the joint resolution referenced herein
- Legislation requiring property appraisers to provide notices to taxpayers regarding the proposed amendment
- Legislation requiring a publicly accessible website to inform property taxpayers of the estimated savings
- President. legislation requiring the voting requirements to increase taxes above the rolled-back rate
- Five, legislation requiring a publicly accessible website to inform property taxpayers of the estimated
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings.
The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review.
The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 18th Legislative
- and Conservation Committee: an act relating to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, providing legislative
- 4245, Idaho Code, relating to a short title; repealing Section 67-4246, Idaho Code, relating to legislative
- Repealing Section 67-4246, Idaho Code, relating to legislative intent; repealing Section 67-4247, Idaho
- the Resources and Conservation Committee: an act relating to the Department of Lands, providing legislative
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Simply, what we're trying to clarify within this piece of legislation are a couple of things.
- This bill does ensure that the language in the legislation matches what's in the Alabama handbook as
- ; that stays as is. part of this legislation that stays as is today.
- So, our companies fully support this legislation and thank... support this legislation and thank Representative
- Um this past year, numbers report there were 154 projects that have fallen underneath this legislation
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Protect Voter Registration Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I stand here not just as a legislator, but as a Texan who believes in this state's promise.
- vindicate the Texas voters' fundamental rights under the US Constitution and landmark civil rights legislation
- I have serious issue with the legislators who are drafting this type of legislation because they do not
- This legislation is voter suppression, plain and simple.
- This legislation would devastate the voting process and confuse voters, making it much more difficult
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Grateful to Almighty God, we open this day of legislative service.
- This legislation specifically does not criminalize criticism This legislation specifically does not criminalize
- I rely on his ability to dig into my questions regarding pending legislation and past legislation, so
- This legislation and how they should implement it.
- We passed legislation that really has no teeth in it.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to fallen service members. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar focused on a series of bills, with most measures receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief explanations and floor debate. Several bills were temporarily postponed, but the body took up and passed multiple others, often substituting identical House companions before final passage.
The first major measure, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, drew extensive supportive debate from senators who described debate as a civic skill that builds confidence, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, especially for students in public schools and underserved communities. An amendment creating a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, expanding access through public-private partnerships, and establishing coach training was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 1072 creating an Anti-Semitism Task Force, with a late-filed amendment clarifying that the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is not intended to infringe First Amendment rights; that bill also passed 37-0.
Other measures passed included a PFAS bill phasing out firefighting foam containing forever chemicals and setting testing, reporting, and enforcement requirements; an expansion of the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program; student health and safety legislation expanding seizure-response training in schools; updates to funeral and cemetery regulation; protected cell captive insurance company legislation aimed at increasing insurance market capacity; nonprofit corporation updates; child welfare reforms streamlining foster-care medication approvals and related procedures; salvage title/e-signature changes; and forensic client services changes allowing certain APD clients to be housed with other secure forensic residents. Most of these bills were passed after substituting House companions and received unanimous votes.
The most contentious debate came on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Senator Yarborough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI practices he described as discriminatory or ideological, while several amendments sought to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances such as LGBTQ Pride Month. Those amendments were rejected, and debate continued on the bill’s scope and exemptions, but the transcript ends before final disposition of SB 1134 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Data Practices 12/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- members of the of the legislative members of the legislative<01:37:57.199><c> commission.
- </c><01:37:58.560><c> My</c> legislative commission. Thank you. My legislative commission.
- They agreed to the legislation.
- They agreed to the legislators.
- Then they came back in legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Human Services Systems because that group of legislators is going...
- Port for kind of letting me take over this legislation.
- Legislative intent was clear.
- Presiding Officer: Being so, this is his final piece of legislation.
- I would hammer home one more time: this is not how we legislate.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And he's been very very legislation.
- . legislation. legislation.
- </c> is it allows us as legislator is it allows us as legislator legislature<00:43:50.840><c> not</c>
- <01:21:56.600><c> related</c><01:21:57.120><c> to</c> legislation related to legislation related to establishing
- be able to do, legislators need to be able to do, right?
Committee:
Senate Finance