Video & Transcript Research : 'Accelerate Alabama'
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NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe Alabama used to be saying, thank God for Mississippi, but now Mississippi is like the ninth
- the three of the worst<00:47:46.319>
it's <00:47:46.560>Louisiana <00:47:47.599>Alabama - <00:47:48.000>
and worst it's Louisiana Alabama and worst it's Louisiana Alabama and Mississippi to <00:47:55.520>be <00:47:55.680>saying <00:47:55.920>thank believe Alabama- used to be saying thank believe Alabama used to be saying thank god<00:47:56.319>
for <00:47:56.560
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, Alabama just recently passed House Bill 335 this very year.
- Early indicators show that they have very strong results with new models like the North Alabama Homebuilding
- For example,<00:45:55.440>
Alabama <00:45:56.240>just <00:45:56.560>recently <00: - 45:57.040>
passed example, Alabama just recently passed example, Alabama just recently passed - <00:46:56.640>
Homebuilding like the North Alabama Homebuilding like the North Alabama Homebuilding
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:25
Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26
Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12
Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33
Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18
Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects.
The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon.
Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months.
In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- THE CHAIR NOW RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM ALABAMA, MS. SEWELL, FOR FIVE MINUTES. Ms.
- Alabama, Florida, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, and Vermont have such laws.
- Alabama, Florida, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, and Vermont have such laws.
- Alabama, Florida, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, and Vermont have such laws.
- Alabama, Florida, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, and Vermont have such laws.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-24-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- According to the Alabama Securities Commission's recent survey, 64% of users reported being victims of
- According<00:19:28.000>
to <00:19:28.160>the <00:19:28.320>Alabama <00:19:28.799> Securities According to the Alabama Securities According to the Alabama Securities Commission
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:01
Discussion SB 157 00:23
Vote SB 157 05:22
Discussion SB 189 05:57
Vote SB 189 26:49, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 157, which would align Kentucky’s mortgage loan fee rules with federal standards by exempting certain first and second mortgages from the state’s total net income cap when they meet federal points-and-fees thresholds. The sponsor and Rocket Mortgage testified that the bill would make it easier for borrowers to buy down mortgage interest rates with discount points, helping affordability without changing borrower costs, while preserving the existing 4% cap for loans outside the federal standard. Members discussed how rate buydowns work in practice, and the bill passed with a favorable expression after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 189, as amended by a committee substitute, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, or crypto ATMs, in Kentucky. The sponsor described widespread scam losses tied to these kiosks, especially among older adults, and said the bill would add consumer protections such as licensing, financial safeguards, transaction limits, refund or hold requirements, disclosures, receipts, and enforcement authority for the Department of Financial Institutions. He also said the substitute was based on other states’ models and that further changes might be needed, including possible floor amendments.
AARP Kentucky testified in support of regulating crypto kiosks but said the committee substitute weakened consumer protections and urged stronger safeguards, including lower transaction limits, fee caps, identity verification, receipts, and scam warnings. AARP representatives cited data on scam complaints and losses in Kentucky and nationally, and said the point of transfer is the best place to prevent harm. Committee members generally agreed the issue was consumer protection, but one senator cautioned against overregulating personal financial choices and noted that scams exist in many forms. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the bill would continue to be refined, including in coordination with the House and stakeholder groups.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-10-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Alabama being one, Oklahoma being one, and Louisiana being another one.
- <00:20:24.480>
Um <00:20:25.039>Alabama <00:20:25.840>being similar bills to - Um Alabama being similar bills to this.
- Um Alabama being one,<00:20:26.640>
Oklahoma <00:20:27.200>being <00:20:27.440>one,<
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and opened with the pledge and prayer before taking up House Joint Resolution 44 and House Bill 508, both related to veterans’ benefits assistance and accreditation. Rep. Cook said the resolution urges Congress, specifically Rep. Jack Bergman, to create an accreditation program for private companies that help veterans with claims. The resolution was framed as a response to concerns about bad actors while preserving veterans’ choice in who helps them. It passed the committee with favorable expression after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 508, which would regulate third-party, for-profit veterans’ claims assistance by requiring disclosures, limiting fees, barring certain practices like international call centers and direct access to personal information, and requiring reporting to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. Rep. Cook emphasized that the bill would not affect accredited VSOs or attorneys and said it was meant to provide guardrails without eliminating free services. Supportive testimony came from representatives of private veterans-benefits organizations, who argued that veterans need more options and that the bill protects choice while targeting bad actors.
Opposition testimony came from Daryl Casey of JACVO, who said the bill should instead require VA accreditation for any for-profit company assisting veterans and argued the fee structure could take veterans’ benefits. Committee members questioned both sides about whether third-party vendors are operating now and whether accreditation is feasible. Several members said the bill was a step in the right direction, and Rep. Moore and others noted they might support an amendment tied to future federal accreditation. House Bill 508 passed the committee with favorable expression.
After Rep. McCool stepped out, the committee began House Bill 335, a separate measure allowing schools and other government facilities to have anti-choking devices and limiting liability to align with Good Samaritan protections. Sponsor Rep. Massaroni described it as a simple bill, and Lauren McCubbins testified emotionally in support, recounting the death of her 8-year-old son Landon after he choked at school and saying the bill could help prevent similar tragedies.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Smith, and the gentlewoman from Alabama, Ms. Sewell, each will control 20 minutes.
- The gentlelady from Alabama is recognized. Ms. Sewell: I yield myself such time as I may consume.
- The gentlelady from Alabama is recognized. Ms. Sewell: I reserve.
- The gentlelady from Alabama is recognized. Ms. Sewell: Mr.
- It is my honor to yield to Terri Sewell of Alabama. Ms.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- In Alabama, where this program is modeled, 95% of the fortified homes survived with little or no damage
- stays in<00:45:28.319>
uh <00:45:28.480>intact <00:45:29.280>in <00:45:29.520>Alabama - <00:45:30.160>
where <00:45:30.559>this in uh intact in Alabama where this in uh intact - in Alabama where this program<00:45:31.200>
is <00:45:31.359>modeled <00:45:32.359>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated.
The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Alabama infamously, for instance, said, if you have an intellectual disability, you wouldn't get ICU
- Ones like that, when I mentioned in Alabama, got overturned almost immediately on this basis of being
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process.
Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support.
In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/24/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, but fortunately, the phonics program in Alabama seemed to help them.
- Uh, but fortunately, the phonics program in Alabama seemed to help them.
- Uh, but fortunately, the phonics program in Alabama seemed to help them.
- Uh, but fortunately, the phonics program in Alabama seemed to help them.
- So I I Alabama seemed to help them.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's implemented and successful in the states of Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Alabama, as well
- This bill will accelerate California’s clean energy build-out.
- This bill will accelerate California’s clean energy build-out and enable our state to capture billions
- The goal of this program is to accelerate California's clean energy build-out while creating thousands
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through a large House of Origin floor file, with the Speaker repeatedly urging members to be at their desks and keep support bills brief. Early actions included dispensing with the journal, re-referring AB 2285 to the Banking and Finance Committee, and then taking up dozens of third-reading items, with many bills passed by voice or recorded vote and others passed temporarily or retained on file.
The floor debated and passed a wide range of measures on land use, housing, labor, public safety, health care, utilities, taxation, and consumer protection. Among the bills approved were measures on land surveyor review (AB 1933), nurse midwife access for pregnant and postpartum patients (AB 1696), historic-district transit zoning flexibility (AB 2415), EV charging infrastructure fees and timelines (AB 1820), foreclosure bidding protections (AB 1957), tribal cannabis commerce (AB 2506), outdoor advertising permitting (AB 2024), commercial building permit timelines and third-party plan checkers (AB 2418), DUI penalties (AB 1685 and AB 1687), utility rate transparency (AB 1715), CalWORKs work-penalty changes (AB 1755), dynamic electricity rates (AB 1787), interior designer licensure (AB 1796), compost labeling and contamination rules (AB 1812), modular housing standardization (AB 1815), small claims limits for businesses (AB 1827), Native American Day as a paid state holiday (AB 1841), hospital staffing and maternity access bills (AB 1868 and AB 1882), protective orders tied to release dates (AB 1889), and a series of public health, missing persons, and teacher credentialing measures later in the file.
Several high-profile bills drew extended debate. AB 2624, expanding Safe at Home privacy protections to immigrant service providers, prompted sharp disagreement over free speech and alleged limits on online posting, but supporters said it protected workers facing threats and doxing; it ultimately passed 49-19. AB 2023, creating a framework for regulating AI chatbots used by children, was framed as a child-safety measure after testimony about chatbot-related harms and suicide risks, and passed 58-8. Other notable votes included AB 2208 on Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, AB 2299 on CalFresh/SNAP losses, AB 2115 apologizing to California Native peoples for historic state harms, and AB 2311 on public hospital physician employment; the transcript ends as the Assembly continues working through the remaining file.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- To put that in context, Alabama passed a law to legalize medical cannabis in 2021.
- It's a very similar process that happened in Alabama.
- We wanted to avoid that because Alabama.
- Uh, and that's why currently we have an operating program, unlike states like Alabama, unlike some of
- Uh, and that's why currently we have an operating program, unlike states like Alabama, unlike some of
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:04 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- so nine nine states require e-verify for all employers States require E-Verify for all employers: Alabama
- Some of these are like Utah, South Carolina, Alabama.
- Some of these are like Utah, South Carolina, Alabama.
- Utah, South Carolina, Alabama—these are, I guess, most of those examples—they're economic powerhouses
- So I looked up Arizona, Alabama, and Utah.
Summary:
The committee first approved the previous meeting’s minutes, then took up House Bill 4198, which would require all employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization. Counsel explained that the bill would add enforcement by the Division of Labor, create tiered penalties including warnings, fines, debarment from state contracts, and possible business license revocation, while also removing criminal penalties tied to hiring unauthorized workers in light of federal law. Members raised extensive concerns about drafting problems, including circular and conflicting language, unclear references to existing verification and recordkeeping provisions, the meaning of terms like “seeks to employ,” and whether the bill could unintentionally apply to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements. Questions also focused on whether the bill would apply to public versus private employers, how compliance would be shown, and how penalties would work for small businesses or employers who never actually hire the person in question.
The bill sponsor defended the measure as a straightforward extension of the federally required I-9 process, saying E-Verify is a quick, free online check that helps employers verify work authorization and protects them from liability for unknowingly hiring unauthorized workers. He said the bill was intended to be mandatory, not permissive, and argued that it would help law-abiding employers compete fairly. After the questioning, the committee rejected a motion to table the bill and instead sent House Bill 4198 to a seven-member subcommittee to clean up the drafting, resolve inconsistencies, and review the penalties and scope of the measure. The subcommittee was directed to meet the next morning and report back quickly.
The committee then moved to House Bill 4710, with an amendment that would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the bill is aimed at preventing candidates from switching parties after losing a primary and then running as independents in the general election. Members discussed how the 210-day requirement would interact with both primary and general election filing deadlines, and the Secretary of State’s office clarified that the measure would affect candidates who change affiliation shortly before filing. The discussion continued with testimony from the Secretary of State’s general counsel about how the bill would operate in practice, but no final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kashyap Patel, of Nevada, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice. Jan 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- And so when we look at that, obviously, Huntsville, Alabama. Alabama, to me, is a Redstone.
- assets and the men and women that will Report to you when confirmed that are there in Huntsville, Alabama
- I'll come to Alabama and let's fill those seats. Absolutely, I love it. I love to hear that.
- FBI headquarters to Alabama.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- And CAMAC is also the actuary for the state of Alabama. That's correct.
- Alabama. Alabama. >> That's<01:25:15.360>
correct. >> That's correct. - But that is correct that<01:26:19.920>
Alabama <01:26:20.320>7.45% <01:26:20.639>four - 20.880>
or <01:26:20.960>5% <01:26:21.600>based <01:26:21.920>on that Alabama - 7.45% four or 5% based on that Alabama 7.45% four or 5% based on their<01:26:22.400>
testimony
Summary:
The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills.
Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability.
Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And this later number does exclude Alabama and Mississippi, as there are some major concerns with the
- So here, as I mentioned earlier, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Alabama data are not able to be presented
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. Monica Mitra introduced the institute’s work on disability health equity and long-term services and supports, and staff described several research centers focused on community living policy, disability and pregnancy, and parents with disabilities. The presentation emphasized participatory research, accessible dissemination, and the connection between health equity and access to home- and community-based services.
Joe Caldwell discussed the Community Living Policy Center’s work on Medicaid HCBS, the direct care workforce crisis, housing, and policy advocacy, including efforts related to the Money Follows the Person program and the Medicaid access rule’s interested parties advisory group. Sid Pickern highlighted a workforce study interviewing direct care workers, a forthcoming policy brief on the access rule, and housing research including Massachusetts’ Alternative Housing Voucher Program. Teresa Nguyen described the Community Living Equity Center’s focus on disparities in community living for people of color, especially a study on self-direction and community living outcomes, and asked for help recruiting participants.
Lauren Bixby demonstrated the community living data dashboard, which compares adults who need LTSS with those receiving Medicaid LTSS using ACS and TMSIS data. She explained that the dashboard can be filtered by state and demographics, but noted major race and ethnicity data gaps for Massachusetts and other states. Commissioners praised the dashboard and the institute’s work, asked questions about data sources and the 1115 waiver, and discussed possible connections to the Health Equity Compact. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with an invitation for follow-up, including a forthcoming direct care workforce brief and the institute’s October 28 lecture.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This map says that Louisiana is not like Alabama. This map says that Louisiana is not like Alabama.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines.
Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice.
Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Health and Human Resources Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Health and Human Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- interstate compact, which has been enacted by five states: Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama
- Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five states, Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several House bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs and testimonial privilege for covered caregivers, was amended to remove references to mental health and substance use disorder treatment from the disciplinary protections and to clarify that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program; the bill was then reported to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 5004, an education bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience with the conditions and emphasized earlier diagnosis and treatment; it was reported to the Senate. House Bill 537, creating an ALS services program in the Department of Human Services, also advanced after testimony from the sponsor and supportive comments about the disease’s impact; it was reported to the Senate.
House Bill 5096, which would have removed personal care and intellectual disability services from certificate-of-need review, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory barriers and expand access to in-home care, while an aging-services witness said certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and other local services and that eliminating the requirement would harm county aging programs. After discussion, the motion to report the bill failed on a recorded division vote of 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative covered treatment without additional prior authorization if medically appropriate and no more expensive, was reported to the Senate. House Bill 5582, creating the respiratory care interstate compact, was amended to remove a committee-added initial background-check provision and then reported. Another House Bill 5582, dealing with the TANF drug screening program, removed the sunset date, allowed oral fluid testing, and was also reported.
Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery while preserving an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide and better support domestic violence sentencing alternatives. That bill was reported to the Senate as well. The committee then adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- and I want to make sure, as I’m sure everyone on the committee does, that Texas and California and Alabama
- and I want to make sure, as I’m sure everyone on the committee does, that Texas and California and Alabama
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met to consider several bills, beginning with HB 335 by Representative Kendall, which sought to recognize space as a fifth mode of transportation, give voting rights to ex officio Space Florida board members, and reduce what the sponsor described as unnecessary state oversight of spaceport operations. The bill was presented as a response to feedback from NASA, Space Force, and other federal partners about clarifying the state’s role at federally owned facilities like Kennedy Space Center. Members raised questions about terminology, authority over federal property, and the role of Space Florida; the sponsor said an amendment would remove the voting-rights provision and instead require spaceports to provide an annual list of shovel-ready projects. The amendment was adopted, and HB 335 passed favorably.
The committee then unanimously passed HB 885, which designates a road in Baker County near the courthouse in honor of former Representative and Judge John Cruz, and HB 403, which names a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Pensacola attack and the broader naval community there. Both bills drew brief supportive remarks and no opposition. The committee also considered HB 25, a bridge designation for Coach Wilks, a longtime local basketball coach, and adopted a Senate amendment adding the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway designation on U.S. 41 in Sarasota County. HB 25, as amended, passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all measures on the agenda were reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Arkansas and Alabama are the only two behind us, but they have...
- Arkansas and Alabama are the only two behind us, but they have a career development plan.
Summary:
The Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining met for an informational public hearing on several state employee bargaining units at impasse. The Department of Management Services outlined negotiations for the FDLE special agents, security services/correctional officers, sworn law enforcement officers, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and Florida State Fire Service units. Across the units, the state said most contract articles had been resolved, with remaining disputes centered mainly on wages, hours of work, grievance language, safety, grooming, travel, and other housekeeping items. The state repeatedly emphasized proposed 2% competitive pay increases plus specialty or special pay increases in some units, insurance held harmless with no added employee cost, and its desire to keep current scheduling practices and remove outdated grievance language referencing the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. No votes were taken.
Representatives for the Florida State Fire Service Association argued that firefighters are being asked to perform work far outside their job descriptions, including major construction, and said the state’s work-schedule and on-call practices unfairly avoid overtime and underpay firefighters. They also sought higher on-call compensation, a stronger wage plan with incentives and certification-based increases, restoration of a pay differential for firefighter-EMTs, and added PPE, decontamination, and cancer-prevention protections. The PBA’s Florida Highway Patrol unit said troopers need a larger career development plan, veteran stipends, updated grooming/tattoo rules, safer and newer vehicles, and better pay to address turnover. The PBA’s law enforcement unit focused on vehicle safety, performance evaluation language to prevent case-presentation quotas, and a $7,000 across-the-board raise, while disputing whether certain articles were timely opened. The security services unit said correctional officers, probation officers, and ISS officers need an $8-per-hour starting pay increase, retention bonuses, special pay for death row and close-management assignments, and overtime pay for lieutenants and captains who currently receive comp time and sometimes work beyond their limits. The committee heard the presentations, asked a brief question about correctional officers’ overtime, accepted written materials from the FOP special agent unit, and adjourned without action.