Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you.
- On behalf of the United States Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jaden Booker of Hanson.
- All in, we have lost $400 million directly to the state.
- The five other New England states Our constituents, $631.
- We cannot afford to Bankrupt the state or the people we represent.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just wanted to state that I have a problem with this state always needing federal help.
- It's detriment for the states. It hurts the states. It increases the federal deficit.
- The national debate suggested that the states decide. And this state decided.
- We're not a poor state, but we're going to be a proud state.
- What happened to us in our state.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to also prevent the state from harming the children.
- We're not the first state to do this either.
- It's setting the floor of what has to be adopted by the states.
- We learn best practices over time throughout the United States.
- DNA database testing for the state of Idaho.
Summary:
The House Judiciary and Rules Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, then heard House Bill 691, which would narrow Idaho’s definition of child neglect to align more closely with federal language. The sponsor and supporters argued the current definition is too broad, leads to many unsubstantiated CPS referrals, and can unnecessarily harm families, while opponents from child welfare and law enforcement said the bill would raise the intervention threshold and make it harder to protect children from chronic neglect or medical neglect. After debate over the bill’s impact and a question about existing faith-healing language, the committee rejected a motion to send H 691 to the floor on a 8-7 roll call vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1240, a comprehensive rewrite of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship statutes. Sponsors said the bill modernizes laws that have not been updated since 1972, improves clarity and due process, and reflects years of work with courts, attorneys, disability advocates, and other stakeholders. AARP testified in support, saying the bill better balances protection and independence for vulnerable adults. No opposition was presented, and the committee voted to send SB 1240 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1226, which adds misdemeanor sexual battery and domestic violence to the offenses requiring DNA samples and thumbprints. Sponsors said the change would help solve crimes and close gaps where serious offenders had pleaded down from felonies, and Idaho State Police testified that the bill would improve the DNA database and clarify collection procedures. The committee moved the bill forward with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1239, which clarifies that residency restrictions for registered sex offenders apply near daycares licensed, permitted, or approved by cities or counties. Sponsors said it closes a loophole in current law, and the committee approved the bill for the floor by voice vote.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This poses a risk to the state because their systems interact with ours.
- The state is already a choice state, so I think there's got to be some clarity because a lot of times
- We are a school choice state, and this bill simply expands access.
- Good afternoon, state representatives.
- We need to provide the resources as a state, as a country.
Summary:
The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was presented as a measure to codify an existing grant program that has helped secure more than 200 local governments, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; Florida League of Cities supported it, and it passed 15-0. PCS/HB 371 on patriotic displays at public schools would require, subject to appropriation, display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in school common areas for America’s 250th anniversary; one opponent argued it would create complaint-driven enforcement and pressure educators, but the sponsor said the PCS narrowed the original classroom requirement, and the bill passed 16-0.
PCS/HB 833 on private school facilities would deem small private schools of 150 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of certain existing buildings if fire and occupancy standards are met. Supporters said it would reduce local red tape and expand school choice, while opponents warned it would divert public resources and weaken public education; several members raised concerns about local traffic and safety authority. The sponsor said she was open to further amendments, and the bill passed 13-3. PCS/HB 1147 on school district unimproved real property would require districts to submit annual inventories of vacant, unimproved land to the Department of Education for transparency and planning; some members and a Monroe County school board member questioned the need for a state registry, while supporters said it would improve data and accountability. The bill passed 12-3.
The committee then considered HB 615 on individualized education plans (IEPs), which would strengthen parent notification and access to service logs, require individualized orientation for newly eligible students, and standardize district service logs. An amendment removed notification requirements when a missed service was due to student absence, and it was adopted. The bill drew emotional testimony from a student and parent describing missed accommodations, along with support from Disability Rights Florida and several members who emphasized parent partnership and accountability; one ESE teacher said the bill was a good start but more staffing and support are needed. The bill passed unanimously 15-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/16/2026 - Finance Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- He will be talking about the broader shape of the national and state economy.
- That, of course, can affect our sales tax collections here at the state level.
- We see the same patterns really across the state... ...really across the state.
- We've seen a number of ships, tankers, leaving the state of group who's headed through the United States
- So there's a place, an affordable place to rent here in the state.
Summary:
At the April meeting of the Finance Advisory Committee, staff presented an updated state revenue forecast that was more cautious than January’s because of heightened economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and broader national risks. The general fund’s available resources were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in the April forecast, with the lower estimate driven by reduced revenue projections while spending assumptions were unchanged. Staff said the outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict lasts and noted that a prolonged disruption could weaken the forecast further, while a quick resolution could improve conditions.
George Hammond of the University of Arizona gave a broad economic overview, highlighting geopolitical risk, elevated oil and gasoline prices, sticky inflation, weak Arizona job growth, and uncertainty around federal policy, tariffs, immigration, and AI-related investment. He said Arizona’s recent job growth has been very weak and concentrated mainly in health services, while most other sectors lost jobs, and he attributed much of the slowdown to low hiring rather than layoffs. He also discussed population growth, noting that Arizona remains above the national average but is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows, and he warned that housing affordability remains strained even as Phoenix inflation has moderated.
Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook but pointed to some offsets. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenues could benefit from tourism tied to spring training and the Final Four, though higher fuel costs could dampen discretionary spending. Other panelists noted that the federal policy environment, tariffs, and immigration changes are likely to restrain growth, while productivity gains, especially from technology and AI, may help businesses maintain output. Several members also discussed housing, saying single-family permits have fallen while rental supply has improved affordability, and they raised concerns about labor-force growth, wage disparities, and the reliability of recent employment data revisions. No formal votes or actions were taken.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Also state your name for the record, please. Certainly.
- And so those reports, in some states they go to the courts.
- In some states, they go to probation officers.
- In other states, they seem to kind of nebulously go nowhere.
- Is this something that Idaho does more than other states, or do most states have a court assistance officer
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/16/2026 - Finance Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- He will be talking about the broader shape of the national and state economy.
- That, of course, can affect our sales tax collections here at the state level.
- We've seen a number of ships, tankers leaving the state of group who's headed through the United States
- But it had to do with the fact that we recovered faster than the other states.
- So there's an affordable place to rent here in the state.
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee received an update on the state revenue forecast and broader economic conditions. Staff said the April forecast was more cautious than January’s, citing greater uncertainty from the Iran conflict and other macroeconomic risks. Available general fund resources for the four-year period were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in April, with no change to expenditure estimates. George Hammond of the University of Arizona then presented on the national, state, and local economy, emphasizing risks from geopolitical conflict, tariffs, federal policy uncertainty, labor supply constraints, and elevated housing costs. He said Arizona job growth had been weak and driven mainly by health care, while inflation in Phoenix remained moderate but shelter and consumer commodity prices were still elevated. He also noted that population growth is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows.
Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenue outlook still had some support from tourism and a strong spring season, but rising fuel costs and the duration of the Middle East conflict could pressure discretionary spending and revenues. Jim Rounds argued the economy was likely headed for a soft landing, though he warned that federal borrowing, inflation, workforce shortages, and energy reliability remain concerns; he also criticized leaving the Rainy Day Fund unused. Danny Court said the housing market remains under pressure on the ownership side, while rental supply and industrial demand have been relatively strong, and he noted sticky inflation and immigration declines as additional risks. Doug Walls explained that large employment benchmark revisions were affecting Arizona’s job numbers, and said the latest report showed slower but more balanced growth, though labor force declines and a higher unemployment rate were concerning. Lorenzo Romero added that business activity appears resilient in the low-hire, low-fire environment, but warned about debt burdens, uneven wage growth, and ongoing uncertainty. No votes or formal actions were taken.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Idaho State Treasurer, speaking on behalf of the Ambassador Program.
- You know, I mean, how does the state do this?
- That's the truck from Washington, D.C., traveling around.
- Janet Gallimore, and I'm with the State Historical Society.
- And as it spends its way around the state, and safe and covered and as it spends its way around the state
Summary:
The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including ambassador outreach, the statewide celebration schedule, the Liberty Bell tour, and related public events. Treasurer Ellsworth reported nearly 2,000 ambassadors across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and described recent branded events around the state, including service projects, food festivals, and community celebrations. Director Gallimore added that the state’s “Our American Story” booth had strong participation, Idaho’s Fourth of July event was accepted as an America’s Block Party, and the Great American State Fair and other statewide activations were underway.
Secretary McGrane outlined plans for the main Capitol celebration in Boise, including a pancake feed, parade, concert, vendors, public television coverage, and the use of an interactive website map showing Celebration Fund projects statewide. Committee members asked about tribal participation, sponsor involvement, event timing, and logistics such as the Liberty Bell transport vehicle, water, and performer accommodations. McGrane said the vehicle was being built by Kendall Ford and that the team was coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office and risk management on transport and insurance issues.
The committee debated additional funding needs for the Capitol celebration. McGrane requested $10,000 more to cover unanticipated costs such as paramedics, RVs/green rooms for performers, water, and performer compensation. After discussion about existing expenditures and the original budget, the committee approved a motion to provide an additional $10,000 in spending authority for those specific purposes, with any unspent funds to return to the committee. Members also discussed contingency planning for bad weather and agreed to revisit that issue at the next meeting, which was scheduled for June 24.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Idaho State Treasurer, speaking on behalf of the Ambassador Program.
- You know, I mean, how does the state do this?
- That's the truck from Washington, D.C., traveling around.
- Janet Gallimore, and I'm with the State Historical Society.
- The Great American State Fair is June 25th to July 10th, so almost two weeks.
Summary:
The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation.
After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think one was the state vacancies, the state position vacancies that had a state cost share.
- I think one was the state vacancies, the state position vacancies that had a state cost share.
- I think one was the state vacancies, the state position vacancies that had a state cost share.
- We have the observatory up at Mount Washington State Park.
- We have the observatory up at Mount Washington State Park.
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 9th, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I also think they need to show their state-issued ID when they do those things. But yes.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee for the record, Brandon Alexander, Chief of Staff for the State
- It is, again, as the ranking member stated, very important.
- We have them all over the state of Missouri.
- We have them all over the state of Missouri.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- state highways.
- ><c> we</c> not looked into other states although we not looked into other states although we are<00:
- </c><00:30:01.559><c> I</c> answers about some of other states I answers about some of other states I
- An implemented state rail trail plan assists in achieving goals of 10 other states as well.
- that benefit other state plans?
Committee:
Senate Transportation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- He said states with large data center footprints, such as Washington, have experienced energy constraints
- </c> efficiency across the country states efficiency across the country states with<00:21:11.000><c>
- </c> permitting and regulation is a state permitting and regulation is a state issue<00:36:12.560><c>
- State statute allows for these uses where applicable, for example on state forest lands.
- ><c> their</c><01:27:18.960><c> state</c> Provisions in their state Provisions in their state laws<01
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- , changes to state park land transactions, changes to state park or<00:03:07.680><c> state</c><00:03:
- </c> Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.
- </c> uh state land right now. uh state land right now.
- . state. state.
- part of the state.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/30/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> products in our state. products in our state.
- </c> is they are legal in other states. is they are legal in other states.
- </c> this state a transplant of this state this state a transplant of this state for<01:31:11.120><c>
- </c> definition of hemp in the state. definition of hemp in the state.
- if it's if state stateowned or state if it's if state sanctioned, sanctioned, sanctioned, >> the
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Education Policy and Administration (03/10/2025)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> for taking my question so in these State for taking my question so in these State Standards<00:28
- </c> rules are very clear that um at a state rules are very clear that um at a state level<00:48:13.599
- and local government. implications to the states um I can implications to the states um I can speak<
- One, in terms of the State Board involvement, the State Board is involved anyway regardless of the language
- </c><04:14:08.080><c> location</c> online with a town and a state location online with a town and a state
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic.
Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience.
A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . state. state.
- . state. state.
- </c> against the state. against the state.
- </c> know, state versus metro. know, state versus metro.
- </c> state, it's across the whole nation. state, it's across the whole nation.
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . state. state.
- </c> other states. other states.
- </c> we as a state have promised fosters. we as a state have promised fosters.
- families in both states.
- the only state county run uh state that is not doing this yet.
Keywords:
public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/31/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that is how to uh provide State that is how to uh provide State assistance<00:34:39.200><c> to</
- </c><00:44:00.760><c> okay</c> district and then State okay district and then State okay thanks<00:44
- </c><00:51:35.319><c> law</c> education so um according to state law education so um according to state
- </c> they went to a a provider out of state they went to a a provider out of state we<01:32:36.520><c
- </c> not but with the special ed the State not but with the special ed the State share<01:44:54.440><
Summary:
The work session focused on special education, especially the differentiated aid component and special education aid, which members noted is still often called “catastrophic aid.” The chair said the committee was trying to better understand how special education costs are growing, how districts are delivering services through SAUs or internally, and how reimbursement formulas affect local costs. Members also discussed the need for better data before making decisions on several education funding bills, and Representative Brown was tasked with capturing questions for follow-up information from the department or elsewhere.
Testimony from the state special education director, Becky Fad, centered on why student counts in various disability categories have shifted over time. She said the categories themselves have not changed much, but autism has increased because of greater understanding and identification, developmental delay has grown because it applies to children under age 10 who may not yet have a clear diagnosis, and some students previously classified under speech/language or other health impairment are now identified in more specific categories such as autism. She emphasized that the IEP is based on a child’s individual needs, so a change in category would not necessarily change services, though it may help educators support the student differently.
Members asked about whether the shifts reflect better diagnostic capability, whether the department should gather more data on the reasons for the changes, and whether autism-spectrum data could be broken down further. Fad said the department does not currently have data on the causes of the shifts or on where students fall within the autism spectrum, but that collecting and analyzing such data is on its list of priorities and a new data manager had recently been hired. She also explained that each child is counted only once on the chart by primary disability, that the IEP or eligibility team determines the primary category based on evaluations, and that any child can be referred for special education by a parent, teacher, or doctor, after which the district must meet within 15 days to decide whether to evaluate. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> know this tax tax or I went to a state know this tax tax or I went to a state at<00:45:59.599><c
- There's a lot of debate about what, who is or is not a citizen of the United States and in state law.
- There's a lot of debate about what, who is or is not a citizen of the United States and in state law.
- and in state law.
- </c> never any issue raised when out of state never any issue raised when out of state um um um uh<01
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first corrected a procedural issue by revoting on House Bills 98 and 164, which had already been reported out unanimously. HB 98, concerning professional limited liability company assistant managers, was again voted ought to pass by a 16-0 roll call and placed on the consent calendar. HB 164, concerning local records, was reopened because of a fiscal note amendment; the committee adopted Amendment 2025-0087 unanimously and then voted ought to pass as amended 17-0. Because HB 164 goes to Finance, it will not go on consent, and the chair asked for the updated report that night.
The committee then took up HR 6, a resolution condemning the judicial doctrine of disparate impact. Representative Manos moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing the resolution overreached because disparate impact is a judicial doctrine and the legislature cannot bind the courts. Representative Cordelli also supported ITL, citing drafting problems and the need for substantial revision, including an outdated reference to the New Hampshire governor. The committee voted 15-2 to ITL the resolution, and it was placed on consent; the chair asked for the report by the end of the day and noted there would be no minority report.
Finally, the committee discussed HB 111, which extends the right-to-know ombudsman position. Representative Kuttab offered an amendment to address concerns raised in testimony about discouraging use of the office and shifting attorney-fee burdens; the amendment was adopted 16-1. The committee then voted 15-2 to ought to pass as amended. Supporters said the ombudsman saves money by reducing court filings and should be continued, while opponents argued the office needs restructuring and that additional funding was not justified. The bill will go to Finance, and the chair requested the report by the end of the day. The committee also began discussion of HB 66 and related bills on right-to-know access, with the chair outlining a proposed amendment to limit remote records requests to people with a New Hampshire connection, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.