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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing us the opportunity. Always.
- Today I'm presenting ACA 4, the Housing Opportunity Made Equal Act.
- Today I'm presenting ACA 4, the Housing Opportunity Made Equal Act.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical issue.
- ACA 4, the Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act, is an investment in California's future.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 14, 2025, for a regular order hearing with a large consent calendar and many individual bill presentations. The committee first approved numerous bills on consent, then heard a series of measures spanning reproductive health, child care eligibility, transportation, mental health diversion, county recorder fees, groundwater management, election deadlines, parking enforcement, consumer protections, housing, immigrant and student protections, and utility/CPUC oversight. Several bills were taken up only for presentation because they were on suspense, including ACA 4 on long-term housing funding, and the committee later approved a very large suspense calendar as a whole.
Among the bills discussed, AB 260 would protect medication abortion access and providers; AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility during family leave or job search; AB 1014 would give Caltrans more flexibility on speed limits in rural highway segments; AB 46 would clarify judicial discretion in mental health diversion; AB 1413 and AB 929 addressed groundwater adjudication and SGMA-related protections for small community water systems and wetlands; AB 930 would count vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; AB 1022 would end towing solely for unpaid parking tickets; AB 290 and AB 302 dealt with automatic payments for the California Fair Plan and medical data protections; AB 1303 would remove the need for a Social Security number for California Lifeline eligibility; and several housing bills, including AB 920, AB 956, AB 1470, AB 893, and AB 1021, sought to streamline approvals or expand housing options. AB 1318 and AB 49 focused on immigrant-serving nonprofits and keeping immigration enforcement out of schools, while AB 1532 extended telecommunications and transportation access programs and added CPUC accountability measures.
Testimony was generally supportive for the bills heard, with authors and sponsors emphasizing low or absorbable fiscal impacts, consumer protection, housing production, public safety, and protections for vulnerable communities. Opposition appeared on a few measures, including concerns about ADUs, towing authority, charter school-related issues, and the scale of proposed housing funding in ACA 4. Several members also commented in support of the housing and immigrant-protection measures, and some bills were voted out with recorded no votes or not-voting members noted. After the suspense calendar was deemed approved, the committee opened public comment on bills not presented that day, heard a long list of supporters and opponents on various measures, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And thanks for offering your time this morning and ensuring that we have the opportunity to inform our
- Will they have the same opportunities that I've had and you've had?
- Will they have the same opportunities that I've had and you've had?
- It is amazingly, incredibly important that we preserve this great state, all of the opportunities for
- I appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak before the body today.
Committee:
Senate Nominations
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote.
The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate.
The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- I am grateful for the opportunity and for the trust of President Trump.
- I am grateful for this opportunity to serve our great nation.
- Hansel and I have already had an opportunity to talk about.
- Senator, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about this just for a moment.
- Senator, thanks for the opportunity to address that.
Keywords:
Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure
Summary:
The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if you've had the opportunity to review that study.
- Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak before you today.
- I'm grateful for the opportunity to... I speak before you in favor of House Bill 4023.
- Thank you for the opportunity to lay out House Bill 2193 before the committee.
- I appreciate the opportunity to speak.
Bills:
HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023 , SB 36
Keywords:
employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think is a great opportunity for us to enter into some education as outreach as well and maybe start
- Thank you again for the opportunity to lay out this.
- the global L&G market... ...is expected to nearly double by 2040, and the state of Texas has an opportunity
- That's actually a great opportunity for the public to show up at. meet, interface with TCEQ technical
- I just want to clarify that, but I appreciate the opportunity to lay this out, happy to work with the
Committee:
House Environmental Regulation
Keywords:
solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This rate hike, they didn't give us that opportunity. They wouldn't let us speak.
- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify. Thank you very much.
- I appreciate the opportunity to lay out a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1285.
- Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to give our feedback on this important bill.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning. My name is Larry Wooley.
Bills:
SB1169 , SB1285 , SB1583 , SB1611 , SB1898 , SB1976 , SB2160 , SB2161 , SB2658 , SB2661 , SB2662 , SB2692 , SB1055 , SB1359 , SB2660
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to participate.
- Chairman, for the opportunity to speak and to all the members. Thank you for the work you do.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Ms.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Ms.
- We found out about our opportunity yesterday afternoon.
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups.
The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 6, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the opportunity this afternoon.
- Thank you so much for the opportunity, Chair.” Thank you for your testimony.
- It creates an opportunity for inconsistencies and biased creep into sentencing, further complicating
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Thank you, Ms. Hannah. We really appreciate you coming.
- Thank you, Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of bills on inmate medical billing, court-order transmission, animal abandonment during disasters, first responder peer support, firearm purchase waiting periods, capital felony aggravators, domestic violence protections, boating safety, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, xylazine trafficking, and offenses against law enforcement officers. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with some opposition or caution raised on the xylazine bill, the boating safety bill, and parts of the law-enforcement-officer bill. Several measures were presented as responses to specific tragedies, including the Martin County jail medical billing bill, the Baker Act transmission bill, Trooper’s Law for restrained dogs, the Jason Rayner Act, and Lucy’s Law.
HB 407 would cap certain emergency medical charges for Martin County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates, mirroring Department of Corrections practice; it passed 15-0. HB 513 would require faster electronic transmission of certain court orders, including Baker Act orders, to law enforcement within six hours; it passed 15-0. HB 205, Trooper’s Law, creates a third-degree felony for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster; it passed 15-0. HB 421, as amended, expands peer support for first responders to certain support personnel involved in crime scene work or evidence handling; it passed 16-0. PCS for HB 383 would let law enforcement, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and active military service members bypass the three-day handgun waiting period without a concealed carry permit; it passed 18-0.
HB 693 adds an aggravating factor in capital cases when the victim was gathered with others for a school, religious, or public government meeting; it passed 17-1 after opposition testimony from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. PCS for HB 19 and HB 41, the Haven Act, would expand domestic and dating violence protections, including a feasibility study for a web-based 911 alert system and confidentiality/public-records protections for victims; both passed 18-0. PCS for HB 289, Lucy’s Law, would align boating penalties with driving offenses and expand boating safety card requirements; it passed 18-0 despite concerns from one witness that the bill should go further. HB 479 would allow courts to order restitution in leaving-the-scene property-damage cases; an amendment changing mandatory to discretionary restitution was adopted, and the bill passed 18-0. PCS for HB 57 would regulate xylazine, add trafficking penalties, and include veterinary-use exceptions; it passed 17-0 after one witness opposed mandatory minimums. HB 175, the Jason Rayner Act, clarifies that officers are protected when acting within the scope of their duties and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring life imprisonment; it passed 17-0 after debate over self-defense and unlawful police conduct.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House elects Rep. Lisa Demuth as House Speaker 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that we didn't get to this place, this opportunity to serve alone.
- to serve alone place to this opportunity to serve alone it<00:29:01.320><c> took</c><00:29:01.919><c
- Our state is strongest when we embrace both the opportunity and the responsibility, and I am ready to
- The people of Minnesota have given us a unique opportunity with this closely divided House.
- It comes with an opportunity to lead differently. We must set a tone of cooperation and civility.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have recognized the need for and the opportunities associated with developing inland ports.
- All of these factors come together to make opportunities afforded by HB 19 a much-needed economic win
- And when I think of the opportunities, and you mentioned it just now, it is rare to have an economic
- Once you can get the customs agent there, that opens up an incredible opportunity for trade.
- And thank you, Chair Lente, and committee members for the opportunity to speak in support of the bill
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- present, that we hold our questions till the end and we'll make sure that we give everybody an opportunity
- This document concludes the base budget overview, and once you've had an opportunity to work your way
- Again, I would like to thank you all for the opportunity to present on the Program of All-Inclusive Care
- We think there's definitely an opportunity there... ...and community outreach.
- We think there's definitely an opportunity there. and community outreach.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions.
The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (03/18/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Committee, thank you for the opportunity Committee, thank you for the opportunity to<00:58:50.240
- </c> looking at this as being an opportunity looking at this as being an opportunity for<02:07:48.239
- So that is an opportunity.
- So that is an opportunity.
- So that is an opportunity.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 69 Jul 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of Representative Sottom of Bellingham
- And as I talk to my constituents, for some of us, it's sometimes an opportunity to have a conversation
- I appreciate the opportunity to stand here and support.
- I appreciate the opportunity to stand here and support S-3028 and hope that my fellow colleagues will
- The Chair would like to take this opportunity to welcome members to wish Representative Tom Walsh a very
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- Then it was folded into the budget, and desert homeowners had no real opportunity to weigh in.
- The reach of the act has and desert homeowners had no real opportunity to weigh in.
- Thank you for the opportunity to present... Thank you. Will, Vice Chair.
- Thank you for the opportunity to present AB 2521.
- So it gives the opportunity for both.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, committee, thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
- So I see this as a great program, a great opportunity for the state.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Thank you, sir. Any questions? Mr. Chair. Yes. Mr.
- Chair, thank you everybody for this opportunity.
- So definitely a ton of opportunities at CASS. It helped protect me at night.
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- ongoing and believe that we are in a posture where we want to make sure that that work group has the opportunity
- So I do want to give a quick opportunity, since it is new language, to ask if there is anyone on the
- But since I was working on a piece of legislation dealing with this, I figured I'd take the opportunity
- I figured I'd take the opportunity.
- to the laboratory, and they come back with that certificate of analysis, the defendant has the opportunity
Committee:
House Transportation
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- They do deserve an opportunity.
- It just gives them, in those rare circumstances, the opportunity to do that, and I'm happy to answer
- It just gives them, in those rare circumstances, the opportunity to do that, and I'm happy to answer
- This bill will give people the opportunity to have a pathway to success.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today in support of SB 1140.
Summary:
The Judiciary and Elections Committee met with a hard stop at 4:30 p.m. and approved the February 4, 2026 minutes. Members announced several bills would be held for a later supplemental meeting, then took up SB 1426, the “squatter” bill, which would expand forcible detainer law to cover certain unauthorized occupants who refuse to leave after a reasonable request and require immediate writs of restitution after judgment. Law enforcement and county representatives testified in support, and the committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1426 a do-pass recommendation.
The committee next considered SB 1687, a strike-everything amendment moving Arizona’s primary election date from late July to the Tuesday before Memorial Day beginning in 2027. The sponsor said the goal was to create more time between the primary and general elections and align Arizona more closely with other states. County election officials were neutral but raised implementation concerns, including filing deadlines, redistricting timelines, polling place availability, and interactions with presidential preference and local elections. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 4-3 do-pass recommendation, with some members voting no over concerns about clean elections timing and local control.
Members then heard SB 1110, creating a home confinement program for certain nonviolent inmates with GPS monitoring, work requirements, and DOC rulemaking, while excluding serious and violent offenses. Supporters said it would reduce recidivism, save money, and help families; an opponent questioned the fiscal impact and monitoring costs. The bill received a 5-1 do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1275, which would allow judges limited discretion to depart from mandatory minimum sentences for qualifying veterans and first responders with diagnosed service-related PTSD or similar conditions; supporters framed it as a narrow safety valve, while opponents warned it could undermine mandatory sentencing and victims’ rights. SB 1275 passed 7-0.
Finally, the committee considered SB 1140, a misdemeanor expungement bill. The amendment adopted by the committee extended the waiting period for expungement of convictions to five years for all eligible misdemeanor convictions, while keeping a three-year period for eligible matters that did not result in conviction. Supporters said the bill would remove barriers to employment and housing and help survivors and people who have turned their lives around; the committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1140 as amended 7-0. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Thank you. Good afternoon.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of this life-saving bill.
- Madam Chair, I also want to take the opportunity to openly thank Donna.
- Madam Chair, I also want to just take the opportunity to openly thank Donna.
- It says, “Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, Senator Bradley, committee members, for this opportunity to speak on this matter.
- One opportunity is to put it in the owner’s pocket. Absolutely.
- Another opportunity is to pay their underpaid staff more.
- And yet another opportunity is to lower the cost at the delivery of veterinary services. Thank you.
- I think it was an opportunity for it...
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 12th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, thank you for the opportunity to address the committee.
- You have an opportunity to rejigger your proposal and then come back at them in the very next cycle,
- Uh, we're also overlooking the fact that voters have an opportunity to punish, uh, legislators who do
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
- And so that allows us to do that if we have the opportunity to use CEOs.