Video & Transcript : 'lawmakers' :
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 17th, 2025 at 09:20 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, as lawmakers look to build on this work, investments in the other roles within a school including
- Over the past few legislative sessions, you as lawmakers have attempted to enact some of these strategies
- During that same session, lawmakers did pass, and the governor signed, Laws 2025 Chapter 75, or Senate
- More broadly, New Mexico's lawmakers have dedicated considerable resources to supporting at-risk students
- of information at you, so let me just wrap some things up with a few recommendations for you as lawmakers
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Leigh Finke (DFL-St. Paul) Dec 19th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What was it like being a lawmaker? >> Uh, it was a difficult session, you know.
- What was it like being a lawmaker? lawmaker? lawmaker?
Summary:
Representative Leigh Finke discussed the unusual 2025 Minnesota legislative session, describing it as difficult and fast-moving because of the House tie, the DFL quorum break, and the resulting power-sharing arrangement. She said the split chamber made committee work strange, but noted that some bills still advanced, including her free water bill through the Commerce Committee, and that lawmakers ultimately kept the government open.
Finke also spoke about concerns in the trans and queer community under the Trump administration, saying she has been holding town halls statewide to separate fact from fiction about federal actions. She said Minnesota is in a relatively strong position because of protections passed in 2023 and 2024, including the trans refuge bill and the gender-affirming care insurance mandate, and noted that the Minnesota Human Rights Act has protected gender identity since 1993. On the Minnesota Supreme Court’s powerlifting ruling, she said the court correctly applied state law and affirmed transgender participation, while acknowledging that some professional questions remain for lower courts.
Looking ahead to 2026, Finke said she is not focused on new trans-related legislation and argued that Republicans are likely to keep attacking the issue even though the public cares more about affordability, health care, and safety. She said the Equal Rights Amendment has been stalled because equality has become a political football and broader civil rights protections have faced resistance. She also said gun violence should be a major priority next session, expressing support for significant controls on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and saying such measures would pass if brought to the floor, though she blamed Republican leadership for blocking action.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Special Session 2026 Part 2 May 8th, 2026
Alabama House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> And I understand that you're not an attorney, but we're having a conversation as lawmakers.
- about Congress. >> And I understand that you're not an attorney, but we're having a conversation as lawmakers
- about Congress. >> And I understand that you're not an attorney, but we're having a conversation as lawmakers
- I understand that you're not an attorney, but we're having a conversation as lawmakers.
- We're lawmakers, right? So, where was it issued? >> You don't know what it is? >> Tell me.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:38 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- But as lawmakers, we also have a responsibility to ask that basic question when we vote: How is this
- It simply provides a constant, objective framework for analysis when lawmakers want it.
- It's more important than ever for lawmakers to have clear, objective information before changing health
- And then when we look at, you know, the value of lawmakers getting structured analysis on a...
- And then when we look at, you know, the value of lawmakers getting structured analysis on assumptions
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Eight - Wednesday, April 8 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a new approach to how we're going to collect and analyze research and then help us as lawmakers
- If we want to make financial decisions or programmatic decisions, I am touched by the lawmakers' personal
- It's a new approach to how we're going to collect and analyze research and then help us as lawmakers
- inform our future decisions. collect and analyze research and then help us as lawmakers inform our future
- I am touched by the lawmakers' personal story. I know I've walked that path as well.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote. Members then spent much of the morning introducing guests, including FFA groups from multiple counties, school officials, chamber leaders, veterans advocates, and other visitors. Several members also used personal privilege remarks to congratulate election workers and candidates following the previous day’s election.
The chamber then took up committee reports and several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3239, dealing with the workforce diploma program for adults seeking a high school diploma, was reconsidered after debate over its cost, eligibility, and relationship to other adult education programs. Supporters argued it offers a second chance and better outcomes than a GED, while opponents raised concerns about cost and diversion of K-12 funds. After motions for the previous question and reconsideration, the House ultimately passed HCS HB 3239. House Bill 1772, aimed at easing and encouraging adoptions and foster care permanency by helping cover legal costs and reduce delays, also passed with broad support.
The House then passed House Bill 2096, which increases state matching funds for regional planning commissions and updates the statewide commission list, and later perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2740, creating a pediatric disease task force in the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to track research, outcomes, and funding with annual reports and a sunset in 2030. Members emphasized the bill’s accountability and its personal importance to the sponsor and others affected by pediatric illness. House Bill 2422, which raises a recording fee from $4 to $5 to support the Department of Agriculture’s land survey program and adds rulemaking authority for related records and maps, was also perfected and printed after debate; an amendment to redirect the fee increase to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund was offered, discussed, and then withdrawn. The House then recessed until 2 p.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that as parents and as lawmakers, we only have our own human experience to measure words against
- I know that as parents and as lawmakers, we only have our own human experience to measure words against
- If the parents of the house I just described had neighbors or friends or lawmakers, 1611, that standard
- If the parents of the house I just described had neighbors or friends or lawmakers, Parents of the house
- I just described had neighbors or friends or lawmakers ask them why they lost their kids to the system
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, WE ENCOURAGE LAWMAKERS TO LEVERAGE EXISTING AUTHORITIES UNDER STATE LAW THAT ALREADY
- SECOND, ENCOURAGE LAWMAKERS TO AVOID NEW POLICY AND REGULATION THAT IS CONFLICTING WITH OTHER LAWS, THE
- THAT IS CERTAINLY A BIG QUESTION A LOT OF STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN ASKING.
- OF WHEN YOU ARE AND ARE NOT ENGAGING WITH AI IS SOMETHING THAT IS CROSSING THE LINE FOR A LOT OF LAWMAKERS
- THIS IS SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF LAWMAKERS ARE ASKING.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- THEIR FIRST PRIORITY IS TO EDUCATE THESE ARE FLORIDA STUDENT LAWMAKERS TO MANY SECRET OUT OF STATE THESE
- AND AS A STUDENT AND A LAWMAKER I WAS UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION.
- HOW MANY TIMES WILL LAWMAKERS PROMISE NEVER AGAIN ONLY TO ACTIVELY WORK TO UNDO THE PROMISE?
- LAWMAKERS -- I CAN TELL YOU, I WILL NEVER PROMISE, NEVER AGAIN.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you think lawmakers had enough time to read the bills that we voted on today? They did.
- Do you<00:07:28.560><c> think</c><00:07:28.720><c> lawmakers</c><00:07:29.440><c> had</c><00:07:29.680
- ><c> enough</c><00:07:30.000><c> time</c><00:07:30.240><c> to</c> you think lawmakers had enough time
- to you think lawmakers had enough time to read<00:07:30.720><c> the</c><00:07:30.960><c> bills</c><00
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- programs affect their community, It will assess how state programs affect their communities and advise lawmakers
- having a Muslim commission wouldn’t immediately end Islamophobia, but at least it would ensure that lawmakers
- The Muslim commission would also allow lawmakers to address Islamophobia in education.
Summary:
The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight reopened a hearing on several bills related to public commissions, diversity on boards, and honorary or representative designations. Most of the testimony focused on bills promoting the rights and inclusion of American Muslims, including support for a Muslim commission that would recommend qualified Muslim residents for appointments, assess state programs’ effects on the community, and advise lawmakers. Witnesses described Islamophobia, discrimination in schools and public spaces, and the need for Muslim representation in government. One speaker, Ahmed Svahani, opposed the Muslim commission bill, arguing it could allow the state to define who counts as a “real Muslim,” create an official class, and silence dissenting voices.
Other testimony supported a bill to promote diversity on public boards and commissions, with Mass NOW arguing that boards should better reflect the state’s racial and gender diversity and that diverse boards make better decisions. Mass Equality testified in support of a commission on the status of transgender people, citing federal restrictions on gender-affirming care, discrimination in housing, employment, and education, and gaps in existing representation. The National Lawyers Guild’s Massachusetts chapter also supported the Muslim commission bill, citing civil-rights concerns and increased reports of discrimination and retaliation against Muslims.
No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. At the end of testimony, a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing, and the committee voted in favor of adjournment, ending the hearing.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 4th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This window would allow lawmakers to adequately assess whether this bill is helping or harming Colorado
- By limiting the lifetime of the section of this bill, lawmakers would be creating an important off-ramp
- This window would allow lawmakers<01:24:34.159><c> to</c><01:24:34.480><c> adequately</c><01:24:35.280
- ><c> assess</c><01:24:35.840><c> whether</c> lawmakers to adequately assess whether lawmakers to adequately
- </c> the section of this bill, lawmakers the section of this bill, lawmakers would<01:24:45.520><c> be
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republicans Announce Education Plan for Safe and Smart Kids - 03/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- We can take meaningful steps as lawmakers to enhance school safety and increase parental involvement.
- to enhance school safety and lawmakers to enhance school safety and increase<00:03:11.640><c> parental
- And lawmakers may see these as individual policies, but for our schools, they add up to a continuous
- And<00:10:10.080><c> lawmakers</c><00:10:10.560><c> may</c><00:10:10.720><c> see</c><00:10:10.960><c>
- these</c><00:10:11.200><c> as</c> And lawmakers may see these as And lawmakers may see these as individual
Summary:
Minnesota Senate Republicans held a press event focused on school safety, student performance, and relief from what they described as burdensome mandates on districts. Sen. Zach Duckworth promoted the SHIELD Act, which would provide grant funding through the Minnesota School Safety Center for security upgrades such as access controls, ballistic-resistant materials, mass notification systems, and staff training. He also highlighted other education bills, including measures to require parental and teacher notification of violent incidents within 24 hours, allow short removals after serious incidents in K-3 classrooms, expand retention and intervention policies for students not meeting grade level, and increase parental access to curriculum materials and consent for sex education. Duckworth said the school safety proposal has bipartisan support and argued schools should have flexible, locally driven tools to protect students.
Sen. Julia Coleman and other Republicans framed the agenda as a response to classroom violence, learning loss, and a lack of transparency. Coleman said teachers and parents are seeing serious problems firsthand and argued that schools should not hide violent incidents. She described Senate File 676 as a notification and anti-retaliation bill, and said Senate File 4023 would give schools a brief reset after serious incidents in early grades. She also backed the transparency bill requiring parental review of curriculum and written consent for sex education. The group repeatedly argued that schools, parents, and teachers should be prioritized over what they called political secrecy or overreach.
Sen. Jason Rarick focused on school finance, saying new state mandates have left districts in deficit despite prior funding increases. He discussed bills to expand safe school aid to nonpublic schools, increase staffing at the Minnesota School Safety Center, expand counselor funding for nonpublic students to K-6, and conform state law to federal tax credits that could support scholarships and tutoring. Sen. Carla Nelson Housley argued that more than 60 unfunded mandates have strained districts and said Senate File 3361 would temporarily let districts transfer funds between accounts and opt out of certain new mandates from 2023-24, with public board discussion and votes. In the question period, Republicans also discussed the governor’s supplemental budget, fraud enforcement, possible bonding for IT upgrades, and potential tax and child care credit changes, while emphasizing they want bipartisan cooperation on fraud and school safety but oppose new taxes and what they called harmful mandates.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Jeff Witte Press Conference 3/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- very much appreciate the leadership of Representative Witte and Representative Norris and the other lawmakers
- Norris<00:13:44.720><c> and</c><00:13:44.839><c> the</c><00:13:44.960><c> other</c><00:13:45.240><c> lawmakers
- </c><00:13:46.120><c> who</c><00:13:46.200><c> are</c> Norris and the other lawmakers who are Norris
- and the other lawmakers who are involved<00:13:46.720><c> in</c><00:13:46.839><c> this.
Summary:
The meeting was a bipartisan presentation in support of House File 2879, a bill responding to organized retail crime and supply chain theft in Minnesota. Speakers said the problem goes far beyond ordinary shoplifting and involves coordinated criminal networks that move quickly across cities, counties, and state lines, affecting retailers, trucking companies, manufacturers, workers, and consumers. They argued that Minnesota’s 2023 law defining organized retail crime was an important first step, but that the state now needs better execution and coordination.
The bill would create an organized retail and supply chain crimes advisory board at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to bring together law enforcement, prosecutors, labor, and industry stakeholders. Testimony from a detective, a retailer, the Minnesota Trucking Association, and the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association described repeat theft patterns, assaults and threats against employees, cargo theft, identity theft, fictitious pickups, GPS spoofing, and other sophisticated tactics. Witnesses said local agencies often lack the ability to connect cases across jurisdictions and that a statewide coordinating body would help identify patterns, track repeat offenders, and build stronger enterprise-level cases.
Representatives Witty and Norris described the bill as a practical next step from definition to coordination, and supporters said the effort has broad backing from business, law enforcement, and labor groups. No vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript, and the presentation ended with an invitation for questions and further interviews.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee approves HF1346 2/26/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- of you all will be at the next committee stop—but this is a big deal, and we have the ability as lawmakers
- <00:18:23.200><c> as</c> big deal and we have the ability as big deal and we have the ability as lawmakers
- 00:18:25.559><c> a</c><00:18:25.640><c> lot</c><00:18:25.760><c> of</c><00:18:25.880><c> the</c> lawmakers
- uh to put a lot of the lawmakers uh to put a lot of the partisan<00:18:26.600><c> differences</c><00
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/30/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that because your understanding is, you know, the law says like lawmakers shall be paid their salaries
- understanding is you know the law says understanding is you know the law says like<00:03:45.320><c> lawmakers
- ><c> shall</c><00:03:46.400><c> be</c><00:03:46.560><c> paid</c><00:03:46.960><c> their</c> like lawmakers
- shall be paid their like lawmakers shall be paid their salaries<00:03:47.760><c> and</c><00:03:47.920
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we get into all of the PERF plans, you all as lawmakers converted the Public Education Reform
- This is an existing fund that you all as lawmakers created in 2019 to support education-based reform.
- Part of what you all did as lawmakers too is in House Bill 2, where we call... out all of these specific
- And so with that, we're really sticking with what you all as lawmakers asked for.
- Make sure you have information on, and you all are the appropriators as the lawmakers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Press Conference 3/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- you'll find that's not always the case, so I'm really, really proud of all of our politicians and lawmakers
- 00.120><c> and</c> proud um of all of our politic Ians and proud um of all of our politic Ians and lawmakers
- 01.400><c> jumped</c><00:04:01.680><c> on</c><00:04:01.840><c> board</c><00:04:02.079><c> and</c> lawmakers
- that have jumped on board and lawmakers that have jumped on board and support<00:04:02.680><c> this<
- And our community so they can have the confidence and assurance knowing their state lawmakers have their
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Many thanks to Governor Abbott and Texas lawmakers, Senator Hughes, Vice President.
- I understand and share the frustration driven by sophisticated abortionists and lawmakers out of state
- Wade hadn't been overturned in 2022, and if Texas lawmakers hadn't rushed to impose extreme abortion
- Additionally, if lawmakers truly care about protecting lives—and I say this as a former public school
- An abortion travel ban, and still our lawmakers keep defying voters' wishes with more restrictions.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As Senator Messner alluded to, a lot of state lawmakers were surprised a couple of years ago to find
- Lawmakers who are not in those cities, your taxpayers are no longer subsidizing the economic development
- artful way first let's talk about the fiscal part of this as Senator Mesnar alluded to lot state lawmakers
- Or lawmakers who are not in those cities, your taxpayers are no longer subsidize it or lawmakers who
Keywords:
taxpayer protection, law interpretation, transparency, public hearings, tax policies, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, property tax, assessment, destruction, proration, Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona tax corrections act, transaction privilege tax, sales tax, use tax
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Their presence here today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of
- Their presence here today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the important here
- today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility, equity
- But after seeing that we have the support of lawmakers, she said that she felt better, that politicians
- I feared retaliation from my boss, but seeing a lawmaker stand here with us makes me feel like we aren