Video & Transcript : 'Texas State Library' :
Page 475 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Business, Trade & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- You had talked about other states. How many other states have this?
- You had talked about other states. How many other states have this?
- What are the other states doing on that? I mean, how do you limit that?
- I've heard more and more on the west side of the state.
- It's not just one side of the state any longer.
Bills:
SB5928
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Another 15 states have reduced access.
- All of the outcomes in places, a state like Texas where they successfully defunded Planned Parenthood
- But you can only look to other states.
- He stated that, one, he wasn't aware of the cuts.
- First, protect and sustain state funding for local.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine options to reduce catastrophic wildfire, including H.R.471, to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisd Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- My own state of Kansas is not immune to wildfire.
- Colorado's National Forests and their watersheds supply water to 19 states. states and parts of Mexico
- . states, local, and tribal partners.
- Now, wildfires are endemic in the United States.
- We're going to rate our state.
Bills:
HB471
Keywords:
forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's like places that are designated swimming areas for people in our state.
- That's any body of water in the state. That's any—think about that.
- Any body of water in the state that is perceived... Think about that.
- 20,630 murders have not been solved in this state.
- Our state is surrounded by water. We have pools, lakes... Our state is surrounded by water.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met to consider three bills. HB 199, relating to Veterans Court, was presented as a repeat measure aligning Veterans Court procedures with mental health and drug court laws and allowing post-adjudicatory referrals. A technical amendment was adopted, numerous witnesses waived in support, and the bill passed unanimously 17-0.
The committee then took up HB 45, which would add public swimming pools and public bathing places to existing sex offender residency, work, volunteer, and visitation restrictions. The sponsor argued it would protect children and apply only to specified sex offenses. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s definitions were overly broad, could effectively ban registrants from much of Florida, and could increase homelessness and make offenders harder to track. An amendment narrowing the bill’s scope and definitions was adopted after debate, and the bill passed 11-5 as amended.
Finally, HB 17, the Jason Rayner Act, was heard to clarify that force may not be used to resist an arrest by an officer acting in the performance of official duties, retain good-faith language, add manslaughter to offenses requiring a life sentence when reclassified, and increase the severity level for battery on a law enforcement officer. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen protections for officers; opponents argued it could sweep in accidental or less culpable conduct, while supporters said existing law already covered serious cases. A clarifying amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-0 as amended. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 300 will require the state fire marshal to review areas in the state considered to be high fire hazard
- fire hazard severity zones across the state.
- And this is something the state should be providing.
- And just for some broader context, the state.
- But as we think about this in the state of emergency, is it...
Committee:
House Emergency Management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me come to the mic and state your name or organization, if any.
- Any other witnesses who want to state their name and support?
- and down the state, in strong support.
- There is so much political power in this room, in this state.
- Unlike states like Texas and Florida, that have rampant gerrymandering where you know the winner and
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up eight agenda items, including four consent bills. The committee first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 280, SB 621, SB 851, and SB 852, all moving forward without objection. The committee then heard several bills from Senator Umberg focused on election administration and campaign finance, along with SB 408 on voter-roll maintenance.
SB 249 would require county board of education elections to be consolidated with the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, argued this would increase turnout and make those elections more representative; opponents, including Orange County education officials, argued it would override local control, increase costs, and add ballot fatigue. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to the Committee on Education. SB 398 would make it a crime to pay or offer contingent payments or other valuable consideration to induce voting or voter registration, closing what supporters described as a loophole involving lotteries and incentives. It passed 5-0 as amended and was re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety.
SB 42 would remove the state ban on public financing for campaigns in general law cities and counties, allowing local voters to decide whether to adopt such systems. Supporters from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and many local advocates said it would broaden participation and reduce the influence of big money; opponents raised concerns about taxpayer funding, guardrails, and local oversight. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 408 would require election officials to use U.S. Postal Service change-of-address data to help maintain voter rolls; supporters said it would improve accuracy and trust in elections, while one commenter questioned reliance on postal data. The bill passed unanimously 6-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining roll calls and adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, the state has an interest if the state is a party; the government is a party has an interest
- , if the state is the guardian of that child.
- Did you say this was passed in other states as well?
- Any other states? Yeah, I mean, there's many states, and there's many states.
- Dinoff, state public advocate.
Committee:
House Judiciary
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida is proud to be the most military-friendly state in our country.
- The agreement and approval of the state attorney is essential.
- I retired out as a police chief up in the state of Washington.
- Viewed as unlicensed security officers here in the state of Florida.
- Many states already handle it this way. Florida should be.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously.
Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Not from the United States.
- I know it's going to have an impact on the state budget through Medicaid.
- Every child in the state already gets a total bilirubin test.
- We represent about 200 hospitals and health systems across the state of Florida.
- In 2025, we moved up from 50th to 47th because three other states did worse.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families.
Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- By passing House Bill 2771, we will ensure that these protections are clearly stated at the state level
- I'd also like to note that 48 states have a version of this bill included in their state I'd also like
- to note that 48 states have a version of this bill included in their state statutes.
- The only states that don't are Mississippi and us, the Show Me State.
- Servicemember on state emergency duty.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bills 1993 and 2771, both sponsored by Reps. Irwin and Boykin, which would extend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act-style protections to Missouri National Guard members when they are called to state emergency duty. The sponsors and supporting witnesses said the bills would help Guard members with issues like eviction, lease termination, debt collection, and civil court proceedings while they are serving, and would align state law with federal protections already available to active-duty service members. Committee members generally expressed support, noting the financial strain on Guard members and their civilian employers, and witnesses from the Missouri National Guard Association and the Guard itself said the bills would provide clarity and stability. No opposition was presented, and the hearing ended without a vote in the transcript.
The committee then heard House Bill 1869, which would create a grant program administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission to help repair and reset damaged veteran grave markers in private and public cemeteries when the damage is caused by natural events. Rep. Roberts explained the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with a deteriorated headstone, and members asked about eligibility, whether the money would go to families or cemeteries, and whether vandalism or non-cemetery graves would be covered. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at natural causes and family-member applications, though he was open to suggestions for expansion. The Veterans Commission director supported the concept but warned the agency lacked funding and staffing to take on another program without additional appropriations; members also raised broader concerns about underfunding the commission. No formal action or vote was taken in the transcript.
After the bill hearings, the committee received informational testimony from Retrieving Freedom, a Missouri-based service dog organization, and from Compass Health on firearm suicide prevention. Retrieving Freedom described its training of service dogs for veterans and children with autism, including demonstrations of tasks such as grounding, retrieving items, and helping with mobility, and said it had a waiting list but was expanding its work in Missouri. Compass Health discussed its firearm suicide prevention grant work, emphasizing community-based education and conversations about safe access to lethal means rather than confiscation. These presentations were informational only and did not involve committee action.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One of my favorites in the entire state; my favorite is the Cabernet Franc.
- He likes to ski in Taos, the best district in the state.
- The House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico congratulates Mrs.
- The House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico congratulates Mrs.
- of the states for the limited purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution to impose
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray that we’ll make godly decisions for the state of Arkansas, Lord.
- Ladies and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas State Senate.
- So we're thankful for your 16 years of service to the state. Really appreciate you.
- Congratulations, Senator Fred Love, on 16 years of service to the state of Arkansas.
- And that's what's going to make him a great Secretary of State.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Aaron Lukas, of Arkansas, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Kent, of Washington, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intellig Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As an initial matter, Committee Rule 5.4 states that unless otherwise ordered by joint determination
- Aaron attended the University of Texas, so try not to hold that against him.
- For the past 20 plus years, I've worked as a CIA operations officer in the United States.
- It has also brought tens of thousands of unvetted Afghans into the United States of America.
- United States, at nearly all cost, in order to achieve their ambitions of dominance?
Committee:
Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee
Keywords:
national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:06.920><c> special</c> row our largest state special row our largest state special appropriation
- </c><00:04:52.759><c> special</c> their state special their state special Appropriations<00:04:55.080
- the western half of our state.
- the state.
- </c> and serving the state and what the state and serving the state and what the state special<01:44:
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Info Briefing - Mon Jul 13, 2026 @ 1:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/13/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- However, before this, I have over a decade of experience working in state parks in Texas and working
- working in state parks in Texas<00:05:08.680><c> and</c><00:05:08.880><c> working</c><00:05:09.240><
- We are working to secure additional state-to-state agreements.
- </c> secure additional state-to-state secure additional state-to-state agreements<00:29:15.799><c> we'll
- </c> foraging on state lands since all state foraging on state lands since all state lands<01:38:24.800
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> states have done tax incident studies. states have done tax incident studies.
- The percentages get income in state and local taxes. And income in state and local taxes.
- to state.
- to state.
- </c> which is Florida, Texas, and Washington. which is Florida, Texas, and Washington.
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> align with other funds that the state align with other funds that the state administers. administers
- that would benefit the state.
- </c> some kind of a commitment to the state some kind of a commitment to the state that<00:09:00.080>
- The other states provide that.
- The other states and all of that. The other states provide<01:30:31.199><c> that.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/22/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> there good afternoon everybody I'm state there good afternoon everybody I'm state senator<00:01:
- </c><00:07:38.879><c> uh</c> Commodities of course in our state uh Commodities of course in our state
- </c> main areas of responsibility of a state main areas of responsibility of a state agency<00:09:54.720
- </c><00:14:14.000><c> in</c> for schools uh program to the state in for schools uh program to the state
- </c> their their investment here in the state their their investment here in the state so<00:17:51.919
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um well, across the state, this state.
- States like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado have Behavioral science and evidence from Behavioral
- </c><01:19:05.760><c> States</c><01:19:06.000><c> like</c><01:19:06.239><c> Texas,</c> bipartisan support
- States like Texas, bipartisan support.
- States like Texas, Arizona,<01:19:07.280><c> New</c><01:19:07.440><c> Mexico,</c><01:19:08.000><c> and
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.