Video & Transcript Research : 'Duluth Promise'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services finance bill, HF3, passes MN House during 2025 special session 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We make a promise, a promise that these 13 will... A promise that these 13 will never be forgotten.
- A promise that their sacrifice will not fade with time.
- A promise that we as a state and as a nation will continue to honor all who serve.
- I will greatly miss this wild and crazy place, but I do promise to visit from time to time.
- I carried resilience and a promise to myself that if I ever reached a place where I could change even
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Address to Congress by the President of the United States (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, just as I promised in my inaugural address, we are achieving the great liberation of America.
- Beautiful towns destroyed now, just as I promised in my inaugural address, we are achieving the great
- Alexis, I promised that we would always remember your daughter, your magnificent daughter, and earlier
- entire nation greatly Alexis I promised entire nation greatly Alexis I promised that<01:44:18.760>
- <02:18:23.639>
his <02:18:24.120>95-year-old last summer I promised his 95-year-old
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-01 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Then Isaiah promised, 'Your light shall break forth like the dawn.'
- gives to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance, echoing the prophet Micah's ancient promise
- gives to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance,' echoing the prophet Micah's ancient promise
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I can promise you that. We are running as many as we can, and I'm working on all of them.
- I can promise you that. Actually, you've got a light on the Senator from Randolph.
- I can promise you that. Actually, you got a light on Senator from Randolph.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, and then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577 relating to driver's licenses. Counsel explained that the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal agreements with Ireland and Japan to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses, provided the foreign licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, clarifies that foreign license holders are not eligible to register to vote through the DMV, and allows the commissioner to set related fees and adopt rules. A strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment were adopted.
The committee heard from DMV counsel Adam Hawley and the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Mike Hornby. Hawley said the measure would allow citizens of the listed countries to avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, and noted West Virginia already has similar arrangements with Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Hornby said the bill was intended to support economic development and trade ties, especially with Ireland, where American workers and companies face licensing hurdles; he said Ireland had requested state-level reciprocity and that Japan was added because of West Virginia’s existing trade relationship there. Several senators expressed support, describing the bill as a symbolic and practical step toward foreign investment and job creation.
After discussion, the committee voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was then adopted, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- , I think, considered a sacred promise.
- So if you're going to make the promise, you need to pay for it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- , I think considered a sacred promise.
- So if you're going to make the promise, you need to pay for it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- So that funding improvement was meant to stabilize existing promises, not expand benefits.
Bills:
SB1041, SB1050, SB1131, SB1138, SB1249, SB1267, SB1272, SB1317, SB1461, SB1488, SB1504, SB1517, SB1523, SB1580, SB1582, SB1584, SB1585, SB1602, SB1630, SB1654, SB1672, SB1673, SB1718, SB1761, SB1819, SB1826, SB1827
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, veterans, lifetime pass, state parks, Arizona, access, disabled veterans, cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, automated license plate readers
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, stakeholder input, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create an assisted-living-style Medicaid option for the most disabled SMI individuals, improve continuity of care, and reduce state general fund costs by shifting some expenses to federal Medicaid funding. Access testified neutral, estimating a total fiscal impact of $27.7 million, including $5.83 million general fund, and explained the need for CMS approval. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the initial cap to 250 members, changing reporting frequency, and adjusting eligibility and expansion conditions, then passed SB 1630 as amended on a 10-0 vote.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 1131, which originally required school districts and charter schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans and appropriated $1 million for implementation. An amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether schools have a plan, while keeping a grant component for AEDs and prioritizing rural schools. The American Heart Association supported the amended approach as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, and members discussed AED training, school preparedness, and whether the funding should favor rural or high-population schools. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1131 as amended on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Kuby voting no and several members explaining concerns about funding and priorities.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1582, which concerned the school safety interoperability fund. An amendment shifted the appropriation from the Department of Education to the Department of Administration and allocated funds to specific county sheriff offices for continuing operation and maintenance of existing interoperability systems, while narrowing the program to public safety agencies and school districts and requiring twice-yearly testing. Sheriffs, a county school superintendent, and the Arizona Sheriffs Association described the systems as useful for drills and real emergencies, improving communication between schools and first responders; one speaker noted the program had been used in drills and at least one live deployment. Some members questioned the audit findings, the focus on rural counties, and whether the program was a good use of funds, while supporters emphasized its value for school safety. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1582 as amended on a 6-4 vote.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel by allowing earlier normal retirement and shortening the COLA waiting period, with an amendment exempting the changes from the statutory pre-funding requirement. Supporters from firefighter and police groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention and let employees receive earned benefits sooner, while city, county, and taxpayer representatives warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. Actuarial testimony estimated significant costs, including tens of millions in annual or upfront impacts depending on how the change is funded, and members debated whether the amendment would shift costs onto future taxpayers or simply spread them over time. The transcript ends during continued testimony and discussion on SB 1504, before a final vote is reached.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If they fail on that promise, I think that they're aware that the consequences are immense.
- We have received promises residents.
- We have received promises from<01:20:55.440>
the <01:20:55.600>leaders <01:20:56.000> - <01:21:10.560>
and <01:21:10.719>a assessed fees and a promise and a assessed fees - , If they fail on that promise, If they fail on that promise, I<01:21:19.600>
think <01:21:
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't want to over promise about the word report.
- I promise. I promise you, Texas State of Texas will get that back in a lot of ways.
- Isn't it a part of the Alamo Promise? Not in relationship to the debt tax rate.
- The major part of Animal Promise is supported by our foundation.
- I promise there's only two more. Thank you.
Bills:
HB19, HB30, HB851, HB1663, HB1681, HB1769, HB1937, HB1979, HB2428, HB2433, HB2825, HB3159, HB3424, HB3486, HB3487, HB3504, HB3605, HB3879, HB3994, HB4382, HB4752, HB5444, HB5446, HB5447, HB3199, HB4847, HB19
Keywords:
local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Intellectual Freedom Protection Act created, HF3101 3/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're devoted to dismantling unconstitutional barriers to opportunity and upholding the promise of
- barriers to opportunity and upholding barriers to opportunity and upholding the<00:05:28.919>
promise - <00:05:30.919>
And the promise of the 14th Amendment. - And the promise of the 14th Amendment.
- We're devoted to dismantling unconstitutional barriers to opportunity and upholding the promise of the
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- industry has publicly announced projects that never come to fruition, leaving communities burned by promises
- communities come to fruition, leaving communities burned<00:12:21.760>
by <00:12:21.920>promises - <00:12:22.360>
not <00:12:22.600>kept, burned by promises not kept, burned by promises - They promised me we're not going to—well, you'll figure out in a minute why we may get one next year,
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Heavenly Father, we come before You today standing on the promise of Your word.
- In Joshua 1:6, You today standing on the promise of Your word in Joshua 1:6.
- be strong and courageous, not because he was powerful in himself, but because You are a faithful promise
- Grant us peace in the knowledge that what You have promised You are also able to perform.
- “I promise it applies.” “Okay, she counted that as one question, so she's done yielding. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including referral of a gubernatorial nomination and several bills. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider four measures: SB 1038 on election conduct and cast vote records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure received committee amendments and was reported out do pass, with SB 1133 and SB 1247 treated as emergency measures.
Most of the debate centered on SCR 1001. Supporters said it would speed election results, strengthen election security, require proof of identity, and preserve legislative authority over election procedures. Opponents argued it would reduce access to voting by changing mail-ballot rules, eliminating the active early voting list, limiting Election Day ballot drop-offs, and potentially creating long lines and confusion, with disproportionate impacts on rural voters, voters of color, and people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then took third-reading votes.
On final passage, SB 1038 passed 17-9-1, SB 1133 passed 23-6-1, SB 1247 passed 28-1-1, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. Senators explained votes on both sides, with supporters emphasizing integrity and faster tabulation and opponents warning of disenfranchisement and reduced mail voting. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1-1 each, then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until the next day.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you can keep your testimony to three minutes, I promise you I'm not trying to be rude when I tell
- Because access without sustainability is just promises on paper.
- Because access without sustainability is just promises on paper.
- It's a promise that the state and our policymakers are willing to keep for birthing people.
- It's a promise that the state and our policymakers are willing to keep for birthing people.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing with testimony on several health care bills, with most of the discussion focused on primary care access, community health center reimbursement, midwifery and birth centers, telehealth, hospital-at-home, direct primary care, and trans-inclusive health care access. Chair Feeney and Chair Murphy opened by noting the large number of signups and asking testifiers to keep remarks brief because of time constraints. Legislators and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that Massachusetts’ primary care system is under strain and that federal policy changes and reimbursement gaps are worsening financial pressure on providers.
On community health centers, Representative Blay, Senator Lovely, Michael Curry, Bethany Keeley, Jag Deep Trevetti, Sean Cahill, and Christina Severin all supported H. 1096/S. 711, which would require commercial insurers to pay federally qualified health centers at least the MassHealth prospective payment system rate. They argued that commercial plans currently reimburse health centers below Medicaid rates, threatening sustainability, staffing, and access, especially as federal cuts and coverage losses could increase uncompensated care. Testifiers said the bill would stabilize health centers, protect primary care access, and not cost the state money.
A second major topic was H. 1117/S. 784 on sustaining birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Senator Lovely, Senator Miranda, Emily Anesta, Rebecca Orden, Catherine Rushworth, Nishira Burrill, Joel Sutherland, Rachel Blessington, Joelle Ward, and others described the 2024 maternal health omnibus as an important first step, but said birth centers and midwives still face low reimbursement, workforce shortages, and financial instability. They urged reimbursement parity, a workforce development fund, and support for freestanding birth centers, citing improved outcomes, lower C-section rates, better patient experience, and racial equity in maternal health. Several speakers shared personal birth stories and said the bill would help preserve and expand birth options in communities like Roxbury, Worcester, and the North Shore.
The committee also heard support for H. 1343 on direct primary care from Dr. Garofalo, Dr. Altman, Dr. Nair, Stephanie Cameron, Dr. Haley Moke-Blessed, and others, who said current insurance rules force patients to use a separate in-network primary care doctor for referrals and sometimes prevent physicians from dispensing medications. They argued the bill would reduce delays, administrative burden, and costs while improving continuity of care. In addition, Dr. Miklides and Sue Stempeck supported H. 1141 on hospital-at-home parity, saying the model has strong outcomes and should be reimbursed at the same rate as brick-and-mortar hospital care. Heather Myers and Katrina Cook testified on telehealth and digital health equity, urging broader coverage for asynchronous care, remote monitoring, interpreter services, and digital literacy supports. SEIU Local 509 supported H. 1188/S. 681 on trans-inclusive health care access, saying it would remove arbitrary insurance barriers to gender-affirming care. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There’s this promise of money coming in. It’s not guaranteed. It may come in. It may not come in.
- The promise of the money is still a little bit better than not getting it at all, because a year from
- In terms of labor negotiations, obviously the negotiators are looking at that promise of the money.
- And I believe that UCLA promises four years of university housing to undergraduates right now.
- And when the UCOP budget goes down, these programs will be impacted, I promise you.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients.
On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction.
The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state.
A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Howard Lutnick, of New York, to be Secretary of Commerce. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I commit to working with you to make sure the states execute and deliver on the promise that comes...
- It is my promise that I will try my best to give this committee and the Congress It's the benefit of
- That is my promise to you. Of the Article 1's Power of the Purse.
- And it's easy for me to promise to take care of them.
- And I think it holds a lot of promise, but yes, we all have to cooperate.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It gives a promise to parents, American citizen parents and children, and a promise to teachers, and
- This vote is putting actions behind promises we made.
- I spend more time consoling families who lost loved ones and promising to help.
- Promising to fight for them.
- And I promise you, none of you ever go through that. But if you do, you will lose your mind.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we'll move language on R52 through 53, which is the Northstar Promise definitions, House lines
- It's the Northstar Promise definitions section. Yep. I'll move that motion, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
- This is the Northstar Promise conditions for eligibility. Is there a motion?
- longer eligible for Northstar Promise. longer eligible for Northstar Promise.
- The data is super promising. important. The data is super promising.
Summary:
The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote.
The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly.
The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the pedal is to the metal, I promise you. And then, and then, don't clap yet.
- And I want to promise you, we're going to go hard. We're not backing down.
- I promise you, we're going to get that done.
- And it will, I promise you, it will get better. We're going to lead. We're going to lead.
Summary:
The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker.
Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media.
The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/26 - Part 7
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- illegal immigrants, for those who are not here legally, driver's licenses for all, the North Star Promise
- > driver's licenses for all, the North driver's licenses for all, the North Star<00:19:56.800>
Promise - <00:19:57.320>
taxpayer <00:19:57.880>funded <00:19:58.720>benefits Star Promise - , taxpayer funded benefits Star Promise, taxpayer funded benefits and<00:19:59.920>
and <00:20:
Summary:
The House first took House File 719, the capital investment or bonding bill, from the table and reconsidered its third reading so a technical correction could be made. An amendment to fix the project scope was adopted, and the bill was then read and debated as amended. Supporters described it as a good bonding bill and urged a yes vote, while the final roll call passed the bill overwhelmingly, 122 ayes to 11 nays, with its title agreed to.
The chamber then considered a motion to suspend the rules and bring up House File 5149, described as a clone of a Senate-passed comprehensive ICE response package. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect immigrant communities and sensitive spaces such as schools, hospitals, child care centers, and courthouses, and to require accountability and limit masked federal agents. Opponents said the bill misdiagnosed the problem, would create no-go zones, burden public employees, and improperly interfere with federal law enforcement. The motion failed on a roll call, 67 ayes to 63 nays.
Next, the House considered an urgency motion for House File 1849, a proposed constitutional amendment to impose a two-term limit on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor beginning with candidates elected in 2026. Supporters said it had moved through committee and should be a free vote; opponents said it was not urgent and would not take effect until 2030. The motion to suspend the rules and advance the amendment failed, 64 ayes to 69 nays. The House then adjourned until the following Monday morning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That is the promise of charter schools, and it is a promise that AB 1997 now puts at risk.
- And so I promised that I would fix this. And so we're trying. We're doing it.
- And so I promised that I would fix this. And so we're trying. We're doing it.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition.
The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 5 (1-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He called those who show mercy blessed of his father and promise them eternal life.
- 15.439>
and who show mercy blessed of his father and who show mercy blessed of his father and promise - <00:04:18.239>
Let <00:04:18.479>us <00:04:18.639>then promise them eternal - Let us then promise them eternal life.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then completed the roll call and declared a quorum of 34 members. The chamber excused absent senators and approved the journal from Friday, January 9, 2026, without objection. No bills or resolutions were introduced at the first opportunity, and there were no orders of the day before the body recessed for a Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meeting.
After reconvening, the Committee on Committees reported referrals: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 to Health Services; Senate Bills 29 and 49 to Natural Resources and Energy; Senate Bills 10, 27, 40, and 51 to State and Local Government; Senate Bills 28 and 30 to Transportation; and Senate Resolutions 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 32 to the Senate floor. During announcements, one senator spoke at length in support of laws restricting transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports, urging courts to uphold those laws in pending cases. Other members announced committee schedule changes and made several co-sponsorship requests, all accepted without objection.
The clerk then reported new bills and resolutions, including measures on evictions during extreme weather, student journalist freedom, network authority, motor vehicle operation, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, pension oversight, financial training for local boards of education, health care workforce recruitment and retention, and tallow-based cosmetic products, along with two resolutions honoring Robert E. Bob Pernell, Sr. and former Governor Martha Lane Collins. The Senate then adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.