Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 3/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Adding inflation to the general education formula means that each year of the forecast period funding
- education formula means to the general education formula means that<00:10:30.640><c> each</c><00:10:
- There's a whole system that we provide in the state of Minnesota, and that we generously fund in the
- There's a whole system that we provide in the state of Minnesota, and that we generously fund in the
- That we generously fund in the state of Minnesota to take care of people.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Frankly, our standards are more robust. robust in the general standards, and so what this would do for
- Verify that our customers follow our standards, not those general standards, that just helps clear. up
- Similarly related, this is just sort of a general question.
- TEs, and general revenue to pay their salaries.
- DeSAL out of state, ASR out for storage and recovery. or produced water, and generally speaking, those
Committee:
House Natural Resources
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Addressing the Federal Funding Freeze on Victim Services - 02/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I begin, I'll just say that Attorney General Ellison sends his regrets.
- 00:02:53.480><c> say</c><00:02:53.840><c> that</c><00:02:54.280><c> attorney</c><00:02:54.640><c> general
- </c><00:02:54.959><c> Ellison</c> just say that attorney general Ellison just say that attorney general
- And although attorneys general have been successful in lawsuits to put these freezes on hold, as of this
- Although attorneys general have been successful in lawsuits to put these freezes on hold, as of this
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a second-generation clam farmer from Cedar Key. We're also wholesalers as well.
- I'm also a proud 14th-generation Floridian. My family came over and helped establish St.
- We do different things like the SALT program in our high school to help teach our next generation of
- You know, it's a lot of the areas, a multi-generational area.
- General. Thank you. Any further discussion? Thank you. Any further discussion?
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies.
The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available.
Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The law generally disfavors implicit consent for law enforcement to take action, and we would prefer
- So what I've observed is it's generally groups of people who understand or understood that they could
- But it's not generally a single individual.
- Is there any general advice you would give to property owners and owners out there that they could do
- Those are generally the kind of people that get appointed to the grievance committee. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present.
The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording.
The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 23rd, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- As a general rule, everyone is allowed to speak and ask questions for as long as they need to.
- So those are some of the general ideas that we're looking forward to.
- Generally, our interest rates are below market.
- So, funded through our general fund, the borrower...
- They build homes and generally have to wait 30 years to receive...
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- each of the categories within each budget entity, and these categories mirror what you see in the General
- It is agriculture and environment, but that little tag of general government also encompasses about six
- And these programs he's going to discuss will generally be the first stop that you make to tell your
- These funds do not include general law enforcement or funding for invasive plant control.
- These funds do not include general law enforcement or funding for invasive plant control.
Summary:
The committee meeting began with quorum, member introductions, and an overview of the Agriculture, Environment, and General Government budget process. The chair emphasized using the committee resource book and performance metrics to review the base budget and invited members to identify areas of interest for later discussion. Members were also reminded about appearance forms and speaking procedures.
Wes Gregory of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on agricultural best management practices and water policy. He said the office had updated all nine commodity BMP manuals and added a manual for small farms and livestock, expanded enrollment by 742 producers covering 677,000 acres, and used GIS and data analysis to target areas such as the Indian River Lagoon. He also described cost-share projects, a new field application for enrollment and inspections, cross-training staff, and a request for $20 million for regional water quality projects. Members asked about BMP enrollment, compliance, and enforcement; Gregory said noncompliance is uncommon and cases can be referred to DEP.
Adam Blaylock of DEP reviewed environmental grant programs, saying the state has appropriated $2.9 billion since 2018 for water quality projects, with about 1,100 projects reducing nitrogen and phosphorus statewide. He described the Water Quality Improvement Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Springs, Alternative Water Supply, and Resilient Florida programs, including a planned public dashboard and a water-quality monitoring portal. Senators asked about the application window, award timing, and the high cost of septic-to-sewer conversions, with Blaylock estimating a blended average of about $35,000 per home.
Chief Conservation Officer George Worthing of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission then presented on invasive animal control. He discussed prevention, risk screening, law enforcement at ports, public outreach programs such as the Python Challenge, Lionfish Challenge, and Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and early detection tools like the Ive Got One reporting system. He also described control efforts for Burmese pythons, tegus, and lionfish, along with research and partner coordination. Members asked about the most harmful invasive species and whether iguanas may be taken; Worthing said iguanas are open for take, subject to other laws. The meeting ended after members briefly identified priorities such as water quality, recreation water quality, sustainability, sea level rise, and septic-to-sewer infrastructure, and the committee adjourned without any formal votes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we are at the 15th hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Service and the 194th General Court
- the root of this issue, of the PERAC ruling, is the original archaic language in the Massachusetts General
- Before you, the 911 telecommunicators across this Commonwealth are currently classified as general clerical
- I deeply appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony today in favor of amending Massachusetts General
- , advise on major incident, who've spent decades in the field can help train the next generation, advise
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems.
The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2024, visitors to Cape Cod generated $2.8 billion in spending and supported more than 14,000 local
- in state tax revenue, which is more than we get for the 15 towns in unrestricted local aid, and generated
- It simply reinvests a small portion of the revenue that tourism already generates back into the marketing
- small, predictable share of one existing revenue source is reinvested into that very sector to help generate
- And in a year where there are enough challenges facing tourism, this is a mechanism to generate more
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers.
The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a third generation for me.
- More potential licenses will be created this year through Home Rule petitions currently before the General
- House Bill 4719 brings HVAC in line with other construction trades while generating local revenue.
- I am a second-generation Massachusetts contractor and operate our family business, 128 Plumbing, Heating
- I am Vice President and General Counsel of Subaru New England.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with both in-person and remote testimony. Committee chairs reviewed logistics for public testimony and then heard a series of bill presentations on topics including nitrous oxide sales, liquor license extensions and alcohol license density, cosmetology licensure compacts, electronic textbooks, HVAC supervisor licensing, and automotive warranty reimbursement rates. Several members asked questions about the public health, consumer protection, economic mobility, and regulatory impacts of the proposals.
Representative John Barrett testified in support of H. 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, arguing it is a public health measure aimed at reducing recreational misuse by young people while preserving legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported a local liquor license extension bill, saying delayed revitalization and staffing disruptions from the pandemic-era “Great Resignation” had slowed development and postponed demand for the licenses. MassPack supported H. 4597 to limit new alcohol retail licenses near existing stores after 2026, citing oversaturation and public health concerns, while the committee also heard testimony on a cosmetology compact bill from industry and state-government representatives who said it would improve workforce mobility, especially for military spouses, though members questioned its fee structure and interaction with existing reciprocity rules.
Representative Mindy Domb testified for H. 559, which would create a commission to study electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing, arguing that digital course materials can limit consumer choice, raise costs, and reduce students’ ability to share or resell materials. Student testimony echoed those concerns. The committee also heard strong support for H. 4719, a bill to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, from industry witnesses who said it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy implementation; and opposition testimony on H. 4019, which would change how auto dealers are reimbursed for warranty work, with dealers supporting a fix to manufacturer reimbursement practices and manufacturers warning the bill would raise costs and allow overpayment. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read the agenda items and the committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- put their welfare, excuse me, put the welfare of others ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous
- continues with e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, and other, quote, next-generation
- Today, the wine industry employs over 400,000 Californians, generates $73 billion in economic activity
- Coupons are generally banned unless a lower-cost generic is available on a cheaper tier or unless there
- It does not expand the use of coupons, and it does not weaken our generic-first policies.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files.
The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history.
On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes.
The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- us now, just to sum it up, is that there could be a mechanism that would offset the need for these general
- So if there is a fee and that does offset the state general fund, that's written here, you know, a pretty
- we've become more stable here in Louisiana is because Louisiana has stepped up and invested state general
- It's an account that generates witness fees to provide funding and defer the cost to pay law enforcement
- Generally, in old circumstances, the probationary fees are sometimes waived and things like that.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with eight members present and deferred HB 127. It then considered a series of bills, most of which were reported favorably without opposition. HB 22 revised COLA rules for the clerks of court retirement system, allowing more frequent COLAs when the system is better funded; HB 324 made judicial stipends permanent and added future COLAs subject to available funding; HB 233 increased jury mileage reimbursement; HB 47 reorganized assessor retirement COLA statutes; HB 533 allowed St. Tammany Parish to transfer unused witness-fee account balances to the 22nd Judicial District Court; HB 980 adjusted eligibility for the Firemen’s Supplemental Pay Board; HCR 45 urged Congress to clarify ARPA deadlines for water projects; HB 559 increased court costs in the 4th Judicial District; HB 290 recreated the Department of Treasury and related entities in statute; and HB 382 addressed Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget review authority over Group Benefits plans. The committee also reported HB 1157 favorably, creating a financing bank mechanism for infrastructure projects, and HB 575 favorably, giving youth aging out of foster care preferred access to surplus state vehicles through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency.
Several measures drew more discussion. HB 1236, dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and professional dispensing fees, prompted extensive testimony from the sponsor, the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Department of Insurance, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens enforcement of existing PBM law and protects independent pharmacies; opponents argued the bill’s requirement that PBMs bear dispensing-fee costs would be difficult to implement and could raise premiums. The sponsor said he would work on amendments, including clarifying language and a delayed effective date, and the bill was nevertheless moved favorably. SB 25, on registrar of voters compensation, was amended to a revised pay structure and then reported favorably. HB 47 and HB 533 were also presented as funding and administrative cleanups for retirement and court-related accounts, with local support noted.
The committee also heard HB 233 on jury duty mileage reimbursement, which the sponsor said updates a 1961 rate and would be funded locally at an estimated average increase of about $4,000 per judicial district. HB 324 on judicial salaries was described as self-funded by the judiciary and subject to available funding, with no budget impact. HB 575 on foster youth transportation was presented as a non-appropriation measure aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care by giving them preferred access to surplus vehicles. HB 382, which concerns the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget’s role in approving Group Benefits plans, was reported favorably with little discussion. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- rural medicine back to those areas, I also write children's books to hopefully encourage the next generation
- We have people that have been bear hunting for generations. So we have to balance that.
- What was derived of those, or what happened to generate those complaints?
- And they're not going to pull those funds from where it was generated.
- So the goal of it. pull those funds from where it was generated.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Wildlife
Keywords:
veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee first considered two executive nominations and approved both unanimously. Rebecca Hartfield was re-nominated to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, where she described her rural mixed-animal veterinary work and efforts to encourage future veterinarians. James Harrell was then nominated to the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Authority; supporters emphasized his commitment to rural Oklahoma and addressing the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, and he discussed efforts to improve veterinary education and recruit more Oklahoma students. Both nominations passed 13-0.
The committee then took up House Bill 3391, which would add improper advertising as a basis for revoking a commercial pet breeder license and define advertising to include digital and social media. Members asked about the definition and scope of commercial pet breeders. The bill passed on a 9-4 vote. House Bill 4128, dealing with black bear hunting season and harvest limits, drew extensive debate. An amendment to move the opener to September 21, expand counties, and let the Wildlife Commission set quotas failed 6-7. The underlying bill, which would have kept the September 15 opener and a 200-bear limit, also failed 3-9 after testimony and debate focused on bear population data, nuisance complaints, and concerns about out-of-state hunters and impacts on female bears.
House Bill 3557, which would keep locally raised county extension funds in separate accounts so they are not swept into state accounts, passed 10-2 after questions about how local, state, and federal funds would be handled. Finally, House Bill 3239 on veterinary telemedicine passed 9-3. The bill defines the veterinarian-client relationship needed before telemedicine can be used, with supporters saying it would provide needed structure while preserving access for rural livestock care; opponents worried it could restrict access in emergencies. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- Within several generations, Missourians could be the first people in America not to be taxed by their
- Within several generations, Missourians could be the first people in America not to be taxed by their
- of our state-imposed taxes, all of our taxes, to essentially zero those out and replace that tax-generated
- But this would certainly take care of it in a couple generations for the state. Okay.
- You talked about a shortfall, then the General Assembly can come in and do something temporarily.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tax Reform
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2923, which would give homeowners a temporary property tax exemption of up to four years on qualifying home improvements between $7,500 and $75,000, so long as the property is the owner’s homestead and the required intent and completion forms are filed. The sponsor said the bill is meant to encourage reinvestment in homes, including after catastrophic events, and said the fiscal note showed no impact. Members asked about the bill’s effect on assessors, taxing districts, school districts, the definition of homestead, and whether the state would reimburse lost revenue. Testimony in support argued the bill would reduce ambiguity in new-construction assessments, encourage repairs and improvements, and help homeowners avoid being penalized for fixing damaged homes. Concerns were raised about routine maintenance, the four-dwelling language, possible burdens on assessors, and whether the bill could affect senior tax freezes. The hearing on HB 2923 ended without a vote.
The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 3256, adopted a committee substitute, and voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of five yes and one no. Discussion focused on criminal penalties in the bill, with the ranking member objecting to those provisions and noting that other states do not include them. The sponsor explained changes in the substitute, including broader retail-establishment language, explicit coverage of sports venues and concert halls, and removal of banks and credit unions from the bill. Members suggested further floor amendments and additional review of other states’ statutes.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 95, which would create the Show Me Prosperity Fund as a constitutional endowment intended to eventually replace all state-imposed taxes with investment earnings. The senator said the fund would be seeded by a one-time appropriation, managed by the treasurer, audited by the auditor, and protected from borrowing or diversion, with distributions capped at 3 percent. Supporters said the proposal would use compound growth to create long-term tax relief and eventually make Missouri the first state to eliminate state taxes; one witness called it straightforward and honest. Members questioned the size of the needed appropriation, how the fund would work if state income tax changes separately, whether state law allows the needed investments, and how the fund would avoid becoming unstable if distributions begin before it is large enough. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded without action on SJR 95.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So it is my privilege to introduce my guest in the gallery, Brigadier General John Conquist.
- for director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Adjutant General of Arizona
- I had the opportunity to meet with General Connolly last week at the construction career days hosted
- General Connolly's career is marked by more than three decades of dedicated service to our nation and
- As always, good to see you, General. Anyone else? All righty.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- public conference that received wide attention by the mass media, the patient organization, and the general
- and I'm a pediatric gastroenterologist and the director of the Center for Celiac Disease at Mass General
- estimates, screening approximately 1,500 children would allow us to detect a prevalence of 1.5% and generate
- I support this bill because it would fund a three-year window to evaluate real-world general population
- study can help provide the rigorous evidence needed to address the fundamental question regarding general
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Keywords:
celiac disease, gluten intolerance, autoimmune disorder, pediatric screening, child health, public health, screening pilot, early detection, 12-year-olds, cholesterol screening, lipid screening, health care providers, Department of Public Health, patient advocacy, family support, Massachusetts, preventive care, diagnostic screening, nutrition, gastroenterology
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- They have practice exams that are AI generated.
- They have practice exams that are AI-generated.
- And I think it's valuable to hear what they think because they're shaping how the next generation is
- And I think it's valuable to hear what they think because they're shaping how the next generation is
- “My question is, a lot of the problems in the younger generations is the drugs and alcohol that come
Committee:
All ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Summary:
The meeting began with a report on institutions of higher education for annual certification/solvency, which required no action and was noted as coming later in the week. The main presentation featured students from Arkansas State University, Valley View High School, and the University of Central Arkansas discussing artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. They argued that AI should be taught responsibly in K-12 and higher education to prepare students for jobs, support Arkansas’s growing tech sector, and reduce misuse such as cybercrime, scams, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. They also cited survey results from teachers showing broad support for responsible AI instruction, district-level management, and teacher training, while noting concerns about critical thinking, ethics, and unequal access. Examples were given of AI already being used at UCA and the University of the Ozarks, and the group suggested a statewide AI library and related training built on the Access Act framework. Committee members asked about student reactions, and the presenters said responses are mixed, especially in the arts, but that AI is already being used in real-world careers and should be integrated with clear standards.
The committee then heard from a Pine Bluff community coalition led by Pastor Jesse Turner about school-based outreach and youth support programs. The group described long-running work in Pine Bluff schools and Watson Chapel, including Pass on Patrol, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence efforts, drug and vaping education, gun-violence prevention, and leadership clubs for students. They emphasized that their approach is nonreligious in the schools, focused on encouragement, citizenship, scholarship, and keeping students engaged in class. They also highlighted the use of free curriculum resources on African American history and said they help students see themselves as having promise rather than being “at risk.” Members asked about whether the programs could be shared elsewhere and about impacts on behavior; the group said some materials are trademarked but can be adapted with support, and cited reported reductions in negative behavior and referrals in participating schools. The meeting ended after members praised both the AI presenters and the Pine Bluff outreach group, and the committee adjourned with no votes taken.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Science & Technology
House Science & Technology Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a purpose-built solution, which can be used by all the infrastructure agencies in general, but
- For one of the common things that safety engineers do in the field is generate what we call a concept
- So in this case, it is the effort that was saved in generating reports like this. Thank you.
- That also gave me the opportunity to see where generally technology was failing in serving different
- And in general, when done appropriately, that is seamless. It is quick for them.
Summary:
The Science and Technology Committee met without any bills on the agenda and heard two presentations. Deloitte Infrastructure Insights demonstrated an AI-enabled transportation analytics platform, Infrastructure Insights Pro, focused on vulnerable road user safety. The presenter described how the tool ingests crash, GIS, and project data to generate map-based insights, trust scores for data sources, and draft concept reports that can reduce analysis time from six to eight months to a few hours. Members asked about use in other states, cost or effort savings, and the system’s deployment at Caltrans in California.
The committee then heard from OCTA and SoCure on digital identity and fraud prevention for state and local government services. The presenters argued that residents face too many separate logins and that governments should move toward a more secure, frictionless, and privacy-preserving single digital identity experience. They described identity verification using contextual signals such as device, location, and document validation, and said their tools are already used by Arizona agencies and in other states. Members raised concerns about Real ID, digital IDs, federal overreach, and privacy under the Fourth Amendment and the Arizona Constitution, emphasizing the need for state control and user choice.
No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported. The committee adjourned after discussion.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 17th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm fortunate to come from a family whose veterans were able to generate income above what we are
- across the entire state. were able to generate income above what were able to generate income above
- about 7.6% %<00:15:15.279><c> of</c><00:15:15.600><c> that</c><00:15:16.240><c> population</c> So in general
- So, this is what you heard Representative Reynolds explain: the middle column, the general fund.
- The general fund. So, it's funded by the fees of the licenses.
Committee:
House County and Municipal Government
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And that will generate about $10 million for ISP trooper pay.
- We had the general fund.
- We had the general fund.
- We have the general fund and we have that $3 fee that's there.
- And 2019 legislation passed to move them to the general fund over time.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 26, March 3, and March 5, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1379, which would raise Idaho State Police’s Project Choice fee from $3 to $8 to help fund trooper pay and recruitment/retention. Senator Woodward and ISP Director Bill Gardner said the agency is understaffed, behind other law enforcement agencies in pay, and losing recruits and experienced troopers; several law enforcement association representatives testified in support. Senator Cole opposed the bill, arguing it could trigger pay increases for local agencies and ultimately higher property taxes, but the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next advanced House Bill 742, which modernizes vehicle titling by expanding electronic records and shortening lien-release timelines for Idaho dealers; it passed with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 664, dealing with truck speed differentials and allowing more uniform traffic speeds, also passed after testimony from Rep. Pickett and a Farm Bureau representative in support, despite concerns from one senator about truck safety and traffic conditions. House Bill 716, an Idaho Transportation Department cleanup bill, was sent to the floor as well; it updates gas-tax distribution language after ISP’s funding shift to the general fund and increases funding for the local bridge inspection program from $175,000 to $300,000.
The committee then considered House Bill 825, which would remove a mandatory 50-cent license plate fee going to the Idaho Heritage Trust and replace it with a specialty plate option tied to America 250; the bill was sent to the 14th order for possible amendment. Finally, the committee reconsidered House Bill 629 and adopted an amendment package that would allow electronic vehicle registration while still requiring a physical copy in the vehicle, addressing law enforcement concerns and preserving the bill’s cost-saving goal. The amended bill was then sent to the 14th order for possible amendment, and the committee adjourned.