Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2020 by Governor DeSantis and then reappointed in August
- And thanks to Governor DeSantis for making that happen.
- And thanks to Governor DeSantis for making that happen.
- I mean, passed by the governor, I had a teacher come up to me in the gym at the Y and say, I want you
- I've been appointed by four governors. This is my seventh appointment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record.
The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2020 by Governor DeSantis and then reappointed in August
- And thanks to Governor DeSantis for making that happen.
- And thanks to Governor Santis for making that happen.
- One, as soon as you passed this and was voted on by, I mean, passed by the governor, I had a student,
- I've been appointed by four governors. This is my seventh appointment.
Summary:
The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and announced that the budget rollout would be postponed until the following week. The committee first considered SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to support health science workforce shortages in addition to nursing. The bill, as amended by a strike-all, broadened eligible uses of the fund, allowed matching contributions from non-health-care partners, prioritized health-care partner contributions, and updated reporting requirements. Testimony in support emphasized that the program has already reduced hospital vacancy rates and should be expanded to allied health fields. The committee adopted the amendment, passed the bill favorably, and recorded the chair’s affirmative vote. SB 720 was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request after the chair noted it had been incorporated into a larger committee bill.
The committee then heard confirmations for numerous trustees of state colleges and universities, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. Appointees generally described their backgrounds and emphasized visions centered on affordability, student success, workforce training, dual enrollment, and alignment with local labor needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes, including high NCLEX pass rates and job placement, while others pointed to expanding programs in welding, plumbing, electrical, cybersecurity, aviation, and other technical fields. Trustees from Tallahassee State and Pensacola State also discussed veterans’ services and health care coverage for college employees, respectively.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmations as a block. Senator Calatayud moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees on the listed tabs, Senator Leek seconded, and the motion passed by roll call. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 20th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And the governor, I think, is scheduled to sign that bill today. House Bill 1936.
- And the governor, I think, is scheduled to sign that bill today. House Bill 1936.
- There are ten members that are appointed by the governor to represent various interest groups, and then
- I'll also note that the governor still has not taken action on the budget yet, so we don't know for sure
- The governor has representation on the State Investment Board.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The Select Committee on Pension Policy opened its 2025 interim with roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief administrative update on meeting procedures, new members, and a planned change to hold officer elections in June rather than immediately. Staff then presented a high-level recap of the 2025 legislative session, focusing on pension-related bills affecting Plans 1, 2, and 3, including the failed Plans 1 COLA and month-of-death bills, enacted changes on retire/rehire rules, state actuary appointments, service credit purchases, excess compensation, and a budget proviso directing study of proposed LEOFF 1 merger/termination concepts. Staff also highlighted ESSB 5357, which changes funding policy and the assumed rate of return, and noted that a deeper briefing on that complex bill may be needed.
The committee then received an interim kickoff presentation explaining the SCPP’s role, membership, meeting structure, public participation, and the typical process for studying issues. Staff reviewed the draft interim work plan, which will be shaped by statutory studies, annual agency reports, legislative outcomes, stakeholder requests, and committee goals. Key upcoming work includes the mandated study of LEOFF 1 merger and termination concepts, the state actuary’s odd-year economic assumption recommendations, annual updates from DRS, OSA, the LEOFF 2 Board, and the State Investment Board, and other recurring reports such as the DRS benchmarking study and actuarial valuation materials. Members also discussed the importance of understanding asset smoothing and long-term funding impacts, and staff said updated contribution projections will be available later in the fall.
During public comment, several speakers urged the committee and the State Investment Board to address climate-related financial risk and divest from fossil fuels, arguing that current coal, oil, and gas holdings are too large and that existing screening methods undercount exposure. One commenter also asked the committee to consider climate risk in the upcoming long-term economic assumptions study. Another public commenter, representing school retirees and administrators, urged continued study of COLA proposals and asked the committee to review the recently enacted funding bill and a separate bill related to COLA financing. The meeting concluded with a short break and adjournment of the full committee portion before the executive committee session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 3/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I know the governor is, at some point soon, hopefully going to be putting out his adjusted budget.
- We can deliver that to the governor and look forward to his signing that.
- We can deliver that to the governor and look forward to his signing that.
- has not uh maybe made it any governor has not uh maybe made it any type<00:10:00.839><c> of</c><00:10
- and all four this week the governor and all four leaders<00:10:07.240><c> and</c><00:10:07.440><c> so
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- He worked under several governors, spanning appointments to regulatory boards, as an interim secretary
- of the Commonwealth, and in the office of the governor, to name just a few.
- The governor came out... So we adjusted our revenues just a few weeks ago.
- The governor came out with some enhancements to our revenues of better than a billion dollars.
- But we also need, and maybe the governor can do this, we need to also add the co-ops to this rebate.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of memorial and commending resolutions out of order and in block. Members offered tributes to Colonel James T. O’Kelly for his Marine Corps service and later public service; to Taran Mehta and DeWan Anthony Stiegel, Jr.; to Noreen Torin for her long career in Central Virginia journalism; to Bernard L. Henderson, Jr. for extensive public and civic service; and to Child’s Family Orchards for growing a record-setting peach. Several additional memorial and commending resolutions were adopted in block, including newly added resolutions for Stephanie Daniel Myers and Lynn Kathleen McKay, among others.
The chamber then considered the conference report on House Bill 30, the biennial state budget. Speakers praised staff and conferees for their work and noted provisions such as pay raises for teachers and state employees, infrastructure funding, a higher standard deduction, and a utility-related rebate issue. Some members criticized the budget as a large spending increase and argued it did not provide enough tax relief, while others supported it and emphasized keeping commitments to data center tax policy and adding co-ops to rebate efforts. After debate, the House adopted the conference report by a vote of 71 yeas to 22 nays.
At the close of business, the House was informed that the calendar was complete, reminded about a constituent relationship management software survey, and then recessed pursuant to House Resolution 2069.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- make sure that the Guard and the Air Guard were one and not two separate entities in the Board of Governors
- They would have to, legislature would have to appropriate that to the Board of Governors for disbursement
- The money would come over in a lump sum from the lottery commission to the Board of Governors, and then
- that's what the Board of Governors is set up for, with the other parameters set up in this bill, how
- So, you know, in the State of the State, gosh, it was just a week ago and change, we heard the governor
Committee:
House Rules
Summary:
The committee began with HJR 1074, a proposed Veterans Lottery Trust Fund measure. After adopting a scrivener’s-error amendment, the author explained it would create a veterans lottery game as a two-step process: first establishing the trust fund and board structure, then returning later to authorize the game itself. Members questioned how the money would be appropriated and whether the legislature could direct spending, as well as whether the lottery would compete with existing education lottery revenue. The author said the intent was for the funds to go to the Veterans Lottery Trust Fund and then be distributed by the board, and argued it would create recurring revenue for veterans without relying on annual appropriations. The committee approved the measure 7-1 and reported it do pass.
Next, the committee considered HB 3501, which would allow the ABLE Commission to issue multiple manufacturing licenses for one premises. A PCS was adopted as the working draft without objection, and the bill passed 8-1 after brief discussion and no substantive debate.
Finally, the committee took up HJR 1070, which would require the Attorney General to be a licensed attorney. An amendment was adopted to change the required practice threshold from 10 years to 5 years to align with requirements for district judges and Supreme Court justices. Members asked about residency, whether the requirement would apply to current candidates, and why the change was needed now. The author said it would not affect current candidates but was intended for future elections so the chief law enforcement officer would be an actual attorney. The resolution passed unanimously, 9-0, and was reported do pass.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, Lord, we ask your blessing upon our governor, upon the great state of Florida.
- have been appointed to various state, regional, and local offices, boards, and commissions by the Governor
- thanks to nearly $2 million in contributions she made to political action committees supporting our Governor
- Are there messages from the Governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
- Are there messages from the Governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day.
The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays.
On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0.
Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to Governor Little for putting me in a position to
- I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to Governor Little for my Again, by expressing my
- deepest gratitude to Governor Little for putting me in a position to give me this opportunity to serve
- We, as the governor said, do more with less, and we are definitely doing that. We’re lean.
- The governor asked me about this.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Human Resources
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- of power on a day like today.
- </c> power on a day like today. power on a day like today.
- We can choose to grab more power, but I choose not to.
- We can choose to grab more power, oath.
- </c> power to write these laws. Mr. power to write these laws. Mr.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what... woman the punching power was measured at woman the punching power was measured at 162%
- </c> testosterone levels they have more power testosterone levels they have more power and<01:01:56.240
- They are very, very powerful. They have more test...
- They are very, very powerful. They have more test...
- </c><01:32:16.119><c> to</c><01:32:16.280><c> do</c> and use Colonial powers to do and use Colonial powers
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, the governor recommends $3 million to design the new universal fighter aircraft hangar.
- The governor doesn't have LREP. We did not see it this year.
- I am really disappointed in the governor.
- </c> I am really disappointed in the governor I am really disappointed in the governor I<01:06:28.799
- But let me just say, I am just left with this massive question: Why the governor?
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , and the governor makes a choice.
- </c> three names that sent to the governor three names that sent to the governor and<01:46:21.480><c>
- When you said the governor released it, Governor Ige released the funds, yes?
- We forwarded the name to the governor, and the governor made a decision to hire Ms.
- uh</c><01:58:26.040><c> made</c> to the governor uh the governor uh made to the governor uh the governor
Committee:
House Public Safety
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure.
House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt.
The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um we create an unsemly power lobbyists.
- Um we create an unsemly power balance<00:43:37.119><c> when</c><00:43:37.280><c> it</c><00:43:37.440>
- What happens if the power goes out? What happens if the internet goes down?
- </c><01:10:51.199><c> What</c> happens if the power goes out? What happens if the power goes out?
- So if something went down, if the power went down, what's the backup plan for that?
Summary:
The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf.
Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JT Business, Financial Services & Trade w/State Government & Tribal Relations Dec 19th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- the statute for compact amendments as to whether or not to move forward with those compacts to the governor
- Tribal negotiations are delegated by the governor to the commission director, and I then proceed forward
- will decide whether to send these amendments back for further negotiation or to forward them to the governor
- And we've, tribal negotiations are delegated, um, as a governor to the commission director.
- votes, whether to send the respective amendments back for further negotiation or to forward to the governor
Summary:
The joint House and Senate committee meeting heard public presentations on tentative tribal gaming compact amendments for the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. Staff from the Washington State Gambling Commission explained the compacting process, the role of ex officio legislative members, and that both amendments would next go to a Gambling Commission hearing on January 8, 2026, where commissioners and ex officio members would vote on whether to forward them to the governor or send them back for further negotiation.
Port Gamble S'Klallam Chairwoman Amber Caldera described the tribe’s history, lands, and how gaming revenue supports government services such as health care, housing, education, language and culture, natural resources, and community investment. Commission negotiator Johnny Bray summarized the proposed compact changes for Port Gamble as updates to Appendix F, including higher credit and wager limits, more gaming stations and player terminals, language for a second facility, and adoption of Appendix G for electronic table games. Members asked about pre-screening for high-limit tables and the tribe’s handling of problem gambling and self-exclusion, and tribal counsel said internal minimum control standards were still being developed. A question was also raised about funding for green crab removal, but the tribe said it would follow up with more details.
Upper Skagit Indian Tribe attorney David Hawkins gave a historical overview of the tribe, its gaming operations, and how gaming revenue supports member programs such as nutrition assistance, education, and down payment aid, as well as local charitable contributions and emergency housing. He said the tribe is seeking the amendment to add electronic table games after removing traditional table games before COVID, in order to remain competitive. Committee questions focused on air quality and smoking areas, and Hawkins said the tribe maintains a non-smoking floor with separate smoking rooms and supports smoking cessation efforts. Chair Kauffman closed by thanking both tribes for their contributions to tribal members and the broader community, including education, housing, culture, health care, and natural resource protection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Seclusion Working Group - 01/28/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's kind of powerful, don't you?
- ><00:06:55.440><c> that's</c><00:06:55.759><c> kind</c><00:06:56.000><c> of</c><00:06:56.160><c> powerful
- ,</c><00:06:56.639><c> don't</c> I think that's kind of powerful, don't I think that's kind of powerful
- And I think when they address that and when they talk about not addressing an underlying power imbalance
- </c> power between families and districts. power between families and districts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to give that barrier and give the power back to the school authorities.
- If they're caught violating this order, then it gives them a little bit more power to our prosecutors
- And you are registered as Taylor Kilroy, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association.
- Members and staff, my name is Taylor Kilroy, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association
- It puts in parity tampering with power supply infrastructure that brings down an entire system.
Bills:
HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316
Committee:
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Keywords:
motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/27/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- them an additional grant to have more them an additional grant to have more buying<00:26:20.559><c> power
- </c><00:26:20.880><c> in</c><00:26:21.120><c> the</c><00:26:21.279><c> open</c> buying power in the open
- buying power in the open market.<00:26:23.039><c> Further,</c><00:26:23.440><c> the</c><00:26:23.679
- </c> based solutions, organizing, power based solutions, organizing, power building,<01:10:09.520><c>
- The state housing tax credit is<01:15:06.560><c> a</c><01:15:06.719><c> powerful</c><01:15:07.040><c>
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to first start by saying thank you to Governor Landry and Secretary Ladee for the confidence they
- We're going to continue the mandates that the governor has set out, the mandates that this legislature
- going on at the department, both delivering our program, but also the transformation that both the governor
- Senator Lieutenant Governor. Okay, thank you. I have more later. Chairman Borak.
- The LHSC administers the state's... ...been appointed by Governor Landry.
Summary:
The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and Deputy Secretary Bo Black on the department’s transformation efforts. DOTD highlighted its new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work, including nearly $15 million spent on litter pickup and a new highway sponsorship pilot. Members also received updates on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, with officials reporting that most LTIF 1.0 work is complete and that LTIF 2.0 is progressing under budget. The committee also heard updates on the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling program, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry boat replacement and privatization solicitation process.
The committee reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction and about $1.2 billion across 302 projects. Members discussed the public roadshow comments, project acceleration, and corridor planning, including the I-12 corridor and the Calcasieu River Bridge environmental review and public meetings. No vote was taken on the highway priority program at this meeting.
The statewide flood control program presented six recommended projects for fiscal year 2026-2027, including projects in Gretna, St. John, St. James, Mandeville, and two Lafourche-area projects, with officials saying the projects meet benefit-cost criteria and would reduce flood damage. The airport construction and development priority program was also reviewed, with 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects recommended. The rail program reported no new projects but said it expects a $13 million request and has 19 projects in the queue, while the port program presented three unfunded projects for future consideration.
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented crash data focused on impaired driving. They said 2024 saw 753 traffic fatalities, with impaired driving accounting for about one-third of fatal crashes, and estimated the economic cost of impaired driving at roughly $700 million. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana and alcohol trends, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways. The meeting concluded with no formal votes or final actions on the major program items presented.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- bill that is the result of months of negotiations between both houses of the Legislature and the Governor
- noted in one of the recent reports by the California Energy Commission that was commissioned by Governor
- It also will require the Governor to suspend the summer fuel blend requirements under certain conditions
- if the Governor determines it to be in the best interest of the state.
- We want to thank the authors and the sponsors of this bill, as well as the governor.
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting.
SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote.
SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (05/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- My suspicion is that Governor Ayotte will veto Senate Bill 118 as it is presented to us today with this
- My suspicion is that Governor Ayotte will veto Senate Bill 118 as it is presented to us today with this
- My suspicion is that Governor Ayotte will veto Senate Bill 118 as it is presented to us today with this
- My suspicion is that Governor Ayotte will veto Senate Bill 118 as it is presented to us today with this
- My suspicion is that Governor Ayotte will veto Senate Bill 118 as it is presented to us today with this
Summary:
Division 3 of House Finance met in a continued work session on Senate Bill 118, with no LBA present. The chair reviewed the bill’s complicated history: it began as a short Senate bill, was expanded in the Senate to address Hampstead Hospital and related contracts, and was later amended by the House Health and Human Services Committee to add the substance of House Bill 53, which would allow home cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use. Members also discussed the bill’s timing against upcoming legislative deadlines and the available options, including recommending it ought to pass, retaining it, ITL, or amending it.
A member asked about the $160,000 appropriation tied to Hampstead Hospital employees. Deputy Commissioner Marissa Hen explained that most of the money would cover accrued time owed to a small number of employees who transitioned through multiple staffing arrangements at the hospital, and the rest would honor previously promised bonuses for a few workers who would otherwise miss them after the transition to Dartmouth Health. She said the payments were intended to make employees whole after repeated changes in hospital management and staffing.
Representative Stringham then offered Amendment 2345H, which would strip the House-added cannabis provisions and keep only the Senate-originated Hampstead Hospital-related sections. He argued this would improve the bill’s chances of surviving a gubernatorial veto and preserve the portions members broadly supported. The amendment failed on a 6-3 roll call. The committee then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill ought to pass without the amendment. Members also designated Representative Seaworth to speak for the majority and Representative Daniels for the minority when the bill reaches full Finance, and the work session adjourned.