Video & Transcript : 'nonreverting balance' :

Page 491 of 500
MO
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Feb 11th, 2026

Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • would allow an even Limitation, in your mind, what is reasonable language that would allow an even balance
Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Summary: The Commerce Committee met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 2717 by a 7-0 vote. It then adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2465, described as changing a number from two to one, and passed the substitute bill 8-0. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 1791, which adds an emergency permit provision allowing a 30-day extension to obtain a full permit, and passed that substitute 8-0. Representative Manser raised a question about whether the bill would align with federal disaster recovery grant requirements, and the chair said he would look into it further. The committee then heard House Bill 2927, which would revise Missouri’s bad faith/time-limited settlement demand statute. Sponsor Representative Parker said the bill is intended to clarify that settlement demands used to support extra-contractual or bad faith claims must be in writing, remain open for at least 90 days, and reference the statute. Supporters, including representatives of the Missouri Insurance Coalition, Shelter Insurance, and health care and business groups, said the bill closes a loophole created when plaintiffs avoid the current “time-limited demand” language and instead use untimed or vaguely timed demands, which they argued increases litigation and insurance costs. Opponents, including attorney Blake Marcus, argued the bill would make it harder for injured people and policyholders to hold insurers accountable, would encourage delay, and would increase the need to hire lawyers earlier. No vote was taken on HB 2927 in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2057, a technical fix for an entertainment district in Osage Beach. Representative Vernetti said the bill corrects language from last year’s legislation after the Senate used the wrong population figure, and supporters said it would allow patrons to move between venues within the district under controlled alcohol rules similar to other Missouri entertainment zones. The committee then heard House Bill 1707, which would exempt credit card surcharge amounts from sales tax. Sponsor Representative Coleman and supporters from the business community said the Department of Revenue has been taxing these surcharges in audits, creating a burden for small businesses, and that the bill would clarify that fees tied to the extension of credit are not taxable. The committee adjourned after the hearings, and no further votes were taken on those bills in the transcript.
MO
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Veterans and Armed Forces Feb 10th, 2026

Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:
  • From our perspective, these bills represent practical, balanced steps that benefit not only service members
Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 1993 and 2771, both sponsored by Reps. Irwin and Boykin, which would extend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act-style protections to Missouri National Guard members when they are called to state emergency duty. The sponsors and supporting witnesses said the bills would help Guard members with issues like eviction, lease termination, debt collection, and civil court proceedings while they are serving, and would align state law with federal protections already available to active-duty service members. Committee members generally expressed support, noting the financial strain on Guard members and their civilian employers, and witnesses from the Missouri National Guard Association and the Guard itself said the bills would provide clarity and stability. No opposition was presented, and the hearing ended without a vote in the transcript. The committee then heard House Bill 1869, which would create a grant program administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission to help repair and reset damaged veteran grave markers in private and public cemeteries when the damage is caused by natural events. Rep. Roberts explained the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with a deteriorated headstone, and members asked about eligibility, whether the money would go to families or cemeteries, and whether vandalism or non-cemetery graves would be covered. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at natural causes and family-member applications, though he was open to suggestions for expansion. The Veterans Commission director supported the concept but warned the agency lacked funding and staffing to take on another program without additional appropriations; members also raised broader concerns about underfunding the commission. No formal action or vote was taken in the transcript. After the bill hearings, the committee received informational testimony from Retrieving Freedom, a Missouri-based service dog organization, and from Compass Health on firearm suicide prevention. Retrieving Freedom described its training of service dogs for veterans and children with autism, including demonstrations of tasks such as grounding, retrieving items, and helping with mobility, and said it had a waiting list but was expanding its work in Missouri. Compass Health discussed its firearm suicide prevention grant work, emphasizing community-based education and conversations about safe access to lethal means rather than confiscation. These presentations were informational only and did not involve committee action.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 4th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Early Learning & K-12 Education

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Agriculture & Natural Resources

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 4th, 2026

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • vulnerable inmates, and that's very important, we need to protect their rights, we also need to have this balance
Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer from a Scouting America leader. After caucuses and routine introduction and committee-report actions, the chamber took up House Bill 1604, dealing with standards for strip searches in local jails and related correctional procedures. Supporters said the bill would align local jails with existing federal law and provide clearer standards for staff and administrators; opponents argued it would create liability, staffing, and operational problems, and force female officers into unwanted searches of male inmates. A series of amendments were debated and mostly rejected. Failed amendments sought to add liability protections, require same-sex searches, create religious accommodations for staff, broaden exigent circumstances, limit how often an inmate could change gender identity, and allow staff to decline searches or delay them when no appropriate staff were available. One amendment changing the implementation date from 2025 to 2026 was adopted. The final striking amendment was also defeated. The bill was then advanced to third reading and final passage as Engrossed House Bill 1604. In closing debate, supporters emphasized public safety, dignity, and compliance with federal standards, while opponents repeated concerns about consent, staffing, and jail administration. The House passed the bill 56-39, with three excused, and the floor session ended afterward.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill is a balance of both. It's not perfect, but no legislation is.
Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Keywords: 999, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met and first took up CS/SB 1422, as amended, which focused on coral reef protection and surface waters. The strike-all amendment redesignated coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, emphasized their role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience, and was described as helping streamline permitting and access to federal restoration funding. Audubon Florida waived in support, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a rule ratification related to DEP’s minimum flows and levels recovery strategy for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Senators questioned the rule’s effects on consumptive use, funding, and whether utilities or taxpayers would bear costs. Several speakers from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates opposed the rule, arguing it delays restoration and relies too heavily on a single long-term wastewater reuse project, while DEP and utility representatives supported it. The committee approved the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. Next, the committee heard CS/SB 1510, which made changes to DEP-related programs including springs basin management action plans, septic system requirements, resilience cost-share eligibility, permitting procedures, and land acquisition governance. A late-filed strike-all removed biosolids provisions and other items, and the main public concern centered on a 60-day delay before B-MAP changes take effect, which opponents said could delay springs restoration and allow conventional septic systems to be installed before new restrictions apply. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1196, which restricts new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, after debate over impacts on local waste disposal options and environmental protections; and CS/SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which creates a producer stewardship framework for battery collection and recycling, with support from industry and recycling groups citing battery fires and growing waste-stream concerns. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and then adjourned.
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • This balance protects both religious freedom and rule of law. Thank you. Yes, sir. Ms.
Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first approved the gubernatorial appointment of Amy Anderson to the Commission of Pardons and Paroles, sending the nomination to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then heard and advanced three Senate Resource Statements from Senator Todd Lakey: RS 32894, repealing an outdated capital crimes defense fund provision; RS 32896, removing an obsolete mountain standard time reference in juvenile corrections code; and RS 33120, clarifying the Attorney General’s civil enforcement authority. Each was sent to print without opposition. The committee also took up the judicial council appointment of Michael Kennedy. Kennedy described his background, his service as a non-attorney member of the Idaho Judicial Council, and his view that citizen members help ask practical questions and keep the process grounded. Members asked about the role of citizen members and the judiciary’s proper constitutional role; no vote was taken on the appointment during this meeting. The main policy debate centered on Senate Bill 1232, Senator Tammy Nichols’ proposal to modernize Idaho’s Son of Sam law. Nichols asked to send the bill to the 14th order for technical amendments after consultation with the Attorney General’s office, and the committee agreed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1233, the Constitutional Courts Act, from Senator Dan Foreman. Foreman said the bill would prevent Idaho courts from enforcing judgments based on religious or cultural law that does not conform to constitutional rights. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued it would protect constitutional supremacy and oppose Sharia law, while opponents warned the language was overbroad and could threaten references to common law, natural law, or religious history. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order failed, and the committee instead voted to send SB 1233 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senator Melissa Wintrow’s RS 3293, excluding photographs or images of deceased individuals from public disclosure, was sent to print.
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026

Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • This balance protects both religious freedom and rule of law. Thank you. Yes, sir. Ms.
Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules
Keywords: 989, all
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 30th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • As top predators, six-gills regulate food webs and maintain ecological balance.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 1364 would raise from $5,000 to $15,000 the gross revenue thresholds for charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a gambling license, and would also raise related local tax thresholds; supporters said it is an inflation adjustment that helps volunteer nonprofits, while no opposition was heard before the hearing closed. HB 2632 would replace most uses of “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” with exceptions for federal-law requirements and non-human uses; the sponsor described it as a dignity and accuracy measure rooted in refugee experience, while supporters and opponents debated whether it is respectful and clearer or instead unnecessary and potentially confusing. HB 2447 would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark; testimony from the sponsor, children, marine advocates, and scientists emphasized education, conservation, Puget Sound ecology, and local pride, and the hearing closed without opposition testimony. HB 2637 would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data; supporters framed it as privacy and safety protection, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement. In executive session, the committee took action on three bills. HB 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions for concealed pistol licenses and permit-to-purchase firearm applications, was reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2401, establishing the Boys and Men’s Commission, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote, with some members supporting the concept but expressing concern about funding. HB 2574, which addresses removal of deceased candidates for nonpartisan office from ballots and related vote-count procedures, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote after members discussed the need to clarify election procedures in rare cases. The committee deferred action on HB 2520.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appr/Sub-Health and Human Services Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • that they can't do anything without going through OMEs for budget stuff, make sure that they're balancing
Keywords: 914, all
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Electric cooperatives serve approximately 2.7 million Floridians in 57 counties and must balance growing
Keywords: 998, house, all
FL
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 28, 2026 - 09:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's why we have a regulatory body that is trying to provide a little bit of check and balance, just
Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/27/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight

House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • You have the challenging task of balancing public safety with the maintenance of individual rights.
Committee: House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference
Summary: The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills. The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/27/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight

Regulatory Oversight

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Jan 22nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Local Government

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Jan 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • council just passed a biennial budget that relied on the use of $34 million in reserve in order to balance
Summary: The committee heard several local government bills. Senate Bill 6181, sponsored by Senator Conway, would let county legislative authorities in certain large western Washington counties file a city incorporation petition without collecting resident signatures if the area is fully within an urban growth boundary and has more than 25,000 people. Supporters from Pierce County said the current signature requirement makes incorporation too difficult for large urban unincorporated areas like South Hill, while opponents argued the signature threshold is an important test of community support and raised concerns about boundaries, taxes, and the adequacy of the bill’s details. Senate Bill 6132 would give the Port of Moses Lake additional bonding authority tied to a tax increment financing area to help finish a rail project; the port said rising costs and a pending federal grant made the extra flexibility necessary. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6154, which would give local governments more flexibility in how they use hydraulic project approval permits for culvert replacement. Counties and cities testified that many emergency culvert repairs are expensive and that some sites provide little fish habitat benefit, so they want the option to redirect equivalent resources to higher-priority fish passage projects elsewhere in the watershed. A few commenters supported the bill as a practical way to improve habitat and flood resilience, while one remote witness objected to the broader legal framework for salmon habitat projects. Senate Bill 6189 would extend from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 the deadline for creating an additional public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities; Olympia, Tumwater, and regional partners said they need more time to complete feasibility and coordination work for a proposed aquatic center. In executive session, the committee took action on several bills. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6037 to Ways and Means, adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5983 to Rules, and passed Senate Bills 5995 and 6013 to Rules without amendments. For Senate Bill 6066, the committee adopted an amendment into a new substitute and passed the bill to the Transportation Committee. The committee did not take action on Senate Bills 5820 or 6064.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Education Jan 21st, 2026

Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finding that balance Of components that are really important for implementation fidelity while also honoring
Committee: Senate Senate Education
FL
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 21, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think a more balanced title would be like a Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman Day because that is so
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Jan 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So there's lots of checks and balances in this.
Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.