Video & Transcript Research : 'Legislative Reference Library'
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TX
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion.
Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a young lady that we worked with for about six months who came to us, referred by SAPD.
- several times in our Constitution, and so this is a joint resolution that conforms it with this legislation
- We oppose this legislation for two principal reasons.
- If the purpose of the legislation is to ensure that counties are complying with their duties under the
- I'd be happy to follow up with you, Senator, to see if there's any action that needs to be taken legislatively
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending.
Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 1524 be recommended to pass and be referred to the Ag Committee.
- Of the legislative committee with MCPR, and then I'm also the Agronomy Sales Manager at Cottonwood Co-op
- I will refer to the testifier.
- Generally refers to some sort of violent crime, assaultive crime.
- So, you know, we all know that making assumptions and legislating is a bad idea.
Bills:
HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/3/25 - Part 2
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation that expanded the scope of expungement was passed in the 2014 legislative session and
- :21.759>
scope <00:06:22.080>of legislation that expanded the scope of legislation that - /c><00:23:56.799>
of considered the legislative intent of considered the legislative intent of - um all of the office of legislative um all of the office of legislative auditor<00:43:24.800>
- was envisioned by the 2022 legislation was envisioned by the 2022 legislation and<00:54:38.960><
Bills:
HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/3/25 - Part 1
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- be um recommended to pass and re-refer be um recommended to pass and re-refer to<00:03:29.120>
- executive chair of the legislative executive chair of the legislative committee<00:04:55.199>
- <00:49:49.559>
to that house file 2456 be re-referred to that house file 2456 be re-referred- <00:57:24.000>
to 2456 be recommended to be re-referred to 2456 be recommended to be re-referred- exceptions under our current legislative exceptions under our current legislative framework<01:08
- executive chair of the legislative executive chair of the legislative committee<00:04:55.199>
Bills:
HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070
Keywords:
Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- By doing the kind of thing that this legislation seeks to do, removing regulatory barriers to private
- So we applaud you for considering this legislation. Thank you very much. Thank you for being here.
- Our school library is on school district property. I mean, our county library.
- Again, we're small, we're linear, it's easy for... you know, we have monuments, we have libraries.
- And Representative Tendridge, you're a freshman legislator.
Summary:
The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was presented as a measure to codify an existing grant program that has helped secure more than 200 local governments, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; Florida League of Cities supported it, and it passed 15-0. PCS/HB 371 on patriotic displays at public schools would require, subject to appropriation, display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in school common areas for America’s 250th anniversary; one opponent argued it would create complaint-driven enforcement and pressure educators, but the sponsor said the PCS narrowed the original classroom requirement, and the bill passed 16-0.
PCS/HB 833 on private school facilities would deem small private schools of 150 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of certain existing buildings if fire and occupancy standards are met. Supporters said it would reduce local red tape and expand school choice, while opponents warned it would divert public resources and weaken public education; several members raised concerns about local traffic and safety authority. The sponsor said she was open to further amendments, and the bill passed 13-3. PCS/HB 1147 on school district unimproved real property would require districts to submit annual inventories of vacant, unimproved land to the Department of Education for transparency and planning; some members and a Monroe County school board member questioned the need for a state registry, while supporters said it would improve data and accountability. The bill passed 12-3.
The committee then considered HB 615 on individualized education plans (IEPs), which would strengthen parent notification and access to service logs, require individualized orientation for newly eligible students, and standardize district service logs. An amendment removed notification requirements when a missed service was due to student absence, and it was adopted. The bill drew emotional testimony from a student and parent describing missed accommodations, along with support from Disability Rights Florida and several members who emphasized parent partnership and accountability; one ESE teacher said the bill was a good start but more staffing and support are needed. The bill passed unanimously 15-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- commonwealth and the legislation of the other 49 states.
- So that's the first thing this legislation tries to ban.
- And so that's what this legislation simply does.
- And so that's what this legislation simply does. It kind of imposes this legislation simply does.
- In terms of problems I see in my research that are relevant to this legislation, current legislative
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information.
Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement.
Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there motions related to committee reference? None on the desk, Mr. President.
- And finally, we funded $5 million for public library construction grants, providing funding for 10 libraries
- We've got the $5 million for the libraries.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of lottery.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of lottery.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants.
Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language.
The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there motions related to committee reference? None on the desk, Mr. President.
- And finally, we funded $5 million for public library construction grants, providing funding for 10 libraries
- We've got the $5 million for the libraries.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of lottery.
- intent to revise legislative intent to broaden the focus of health science workforce needs and includes
Summary:
The Senate began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into floor consideration of the 2026-2027 budget. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented Senate Bill 2500, describing a $115 billion budget that reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental and agricultural programs. Highlights included increased funding for school scholarships and safety, workforce and university programs, Medicaid and child welfare, corrections operations, affordable housing, rural communities, Everglades and water quality projects, and infrastructure.
Members then asked detailed questions about several budget items. Senators sought clarification on the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries, charter school capital outlay funding, EASE grants, New College funding, DOC inmate counts and reimbursement, lottery staffing, concealed weapons licensing positions, election security funding, iBudget waiver support, ADAP funding, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, and scholarship and enrollment supplements in K-12 education. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected technical shifts or right-sizing, that some funds were being moved below the line for better tracking, and that several items—such as ADAP and corrections operations—would likely remain conference issues with the House.
After questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the budget and implementing measures and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles to prepare for conference. The chamber passed the budget-related bills and several conforming measures, including bills on retirement, fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, court trust funds, judgeships, and K-12 and higher education conforming changes. Votes on the major bills were overwhelmingly unanimous or near-unanimous, and the Senate repeatedly voted to accede to the House’s request for conference on the substituted bills.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- library back home. library back home.
- legislators legislation. It can change. legislators legislation. It can change.
- Or refer, I would like, I would ask that House Bill 145 be re-referred from Revenue.
- Or refer, I would like, I would ask that House Bill 145 be re-referred from Revenue.
- Or refer, I would like, I would ask that House Bill 145 be re-referred from Revenue.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I just say as a legislator, I'm not sure that you...
- The legislative auditor makes two recommendations related to data reporting.
- We'll be referring to this as the survivor's exemption.
- The legislative auditor's conclusion is that the Developmental Disabilities Administration...
- So the second legislative Provide reliable client data to us for this study.
Summary:
At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations.
The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses.
JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Glenn and the University of Houston, Victoria are our library.
- Our library is literally shut down and he's our library, and so we lease those services from.
- I was overwhelmed by the copious information regarding legislation and the legislation. process I was
- I think they exhibit. immense passion about this legislation and why this legislation is so vital. important
- Well, this is in reference to the admission.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF3900 5/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Uh Betsy Ritz, Committee Legislative Assistant for Representative Igoe. >> Jody Wettersten, House
- They want to see their legislators working on things like this, and not only are we working to pass a
- You know, I was working with the reference library to see when was the last time we saw a constitutional
- <00:23:06.040>
library <00:23:06.360>to <00:23:06.440>see <00:23:06.640>like< - /c><00:23:06.840>
when <00:23:07.080>was reference library to see like when was reference
Summary:
The conference committee on House File 3900 met with a quorum, introduced members and staff, and received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the bill. Staff explained that the proposal would change the permanent school fund’s distribution formula from interest and dividends to a statutory payout based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three fiscal years, with the Commissioner of Management and Budget responsible for determining and transferring the distributable amount. The Senate version differed by adding language requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative house to change the distribution policy or apportionment.
Members then debated whether a future legislature could increase the payout and whether the constitutional language would sufficiently protect the fund’s purchasing power. Senator Farnsworth argued that a supermajority requirement would help prevent politicization and lock in the fund’s purpose, while Representative Long, Senator Kunesh, Representative Youakim, and Representative O’Driscoll opposed the supermajority as unnecessary and potentially politicizing, emphasizing existing constitutional protections, fiduciary duties, and the legislature’s track record of stewarding school trust lands for students. Staff indicated the language requiring preservation of purchasing power would be a strong safeguard, though the exact legal remedy was unclear.
Senator Kunesh moved to adopt the House File 3900 second engrossment as the conference committee report. The committee took a roll call vote and approved the motion 7-1, with Senator Farnsworth voting no. After the vote, Senator Swedzinski offered brief remarks about the historical importance of school trust funds and public education.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Legislative Analyst **Gabe Pettek** and his team are here for questions, and **Christian Griffith
- Now, let me invite our Legislative Analyst to offer any comments. Good morning, Mr. Chair and Mr.
- Vice Chair, **Gabe Pettek**, Legislative Analyst Office, and I'm here with my staff.
- Yeah, Jason Constantouros, Legislative Analyst's Office.
- Are you referring to individuals?
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/14/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- People will be invited to come along, I imagine, and will be in the reference room or whatever they call
- People will be invited to come along, I imagine, and will be in the reference room or whatever they call
- People will be invited to come along, I imagine, and will be in the reference room or whatever they call
- We’re not talking about the library. We’re talking about the right-of-way.
- <01:01:47.240>
badge about you wearing your legislative badge about you wearing your legislative
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Minitex obviously treats like one library becomes the state's library.
- library becomes the state's library. library becomes the state's library.
- Um I think that's part of the libraries.
- The House refers and related conditions.
- <02:26:08.720>
bodies state system by both legislative bodies state system by both legislative
Summary:
The Higher Education Finance and Policy Conference Committee met publicly to compare House and Senate positions on the higher education budget, with the chairs emphasizing transparency and alternating gavel control. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through a spreadsheet of differences across the Office of Higher Education and Minnesota State, including major items such as state grants, childcare grants, work study, tribal college grants, emergency assistance grants, hunger-free campus grants, student parent support, direct admissions, paramedic scholarships, and several medical residency and fellowship programs. The House and Senate also differed on administrative funding, campus sexual assault reporting, and a House FY25 cancellation that would be carried forward.
Members discussed several of the larger policy and funding choices. The Senate explained its increase for Minitex as support for operating costs and statewide access to information. The House explained its cuts to student parent support and other items as necessary to work within a zero target and to prioritize direct aid to students, while the Senate said it focused on direct appropriations and access-related programs. On hunger-free campus grants and emergency assistance grants, the Senate said it was changing the distribution method and direct appropriations rather than reducing the overall money, while the House noted differences in whether nonprofit institutions remained included.
The committee also reviewed Senate-only additions and reductions in Minnesota State, including free course materials, Lake Superior College remediation, and changes to the Kids on Campus appropriation. A representative from Lake Superior College testified that the PAS remediation funding would help address contamination issues at an emergency training site near Lake Superior and that the money was shifted from the Kids on Campus initiative. No final conference agreement or vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee continued discussing differences and testimony.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:49:00.799>
books gun you know to scan the library books gun you know to scan the library - in that safe space for being a library in that safe space for being a library all<00:49:31.799><
- James Campbell High School only has state libraries, but it's considered an off-campus library system
- :35.119>
Library <00:51:35.720>System <00:51:36.480>but considered off-campus Library - use their libraries at the students use their libraries at James<00:51:39.000>
at <00:51:39.200
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/11/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Green, are you referring to the... officer CEO maybe that's you but uh and officer CEO maybe
- We conduct this programming in over 150 public schools, libraries, and community centers from A to Z,
- <00:25:24.559>
and <00:25:24.760>community libraries and community libraries and community - young people in their own libraries young people in their own libraries schools<00:29:23.039>
- And we want to thank Senator Hauschild and the co-authors for supporting legislation that ensures...
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- IT ACTUALLY REFERS TO PEANUT AND IT IS A WEST AFRICAN WORD.
- They have organized and legislated and led, often without recognition.
- We keep referring to it that way, but that's not what this is.
- We keep referring to it that way, but that's not what this is.
- We keep referring to it that way, but that's not what this is.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 52 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nosa Senora Das Candiaas for receiving a Portuguese Heritage Award from the Portuguese American Legislative
- Pupilo Jr. and Samantha Montanio relative to school library standards. The petition of Angelo J.
- Pupilo Jr. and Samantha Montaño relative to school library standards to the Committee on Education.
- The Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling, to whom was referred this day the Senate bill designating
Summary:
The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of committee reports and routine legislative actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognition of Grupo Nosa Senora Das Candiaas, Karen Dejean, and Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer two petitions, one on school library standards to the Committee on Education and one on damages for employees aggrieved by Massachusetts Wage Act violations to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
The House then considered several bills and special matters. It approved a sick leave bank bill for J.O. Charlatan of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, ordering it to a third reading, and later passed to enactment a Senate bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera of the Trial Court after adopting the required emergency preamble. The House also advanced and enacted Senate 2152, as amended, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, again first adopting the emergency preamble and then passing the bill to be enacted.
In addition, the Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling reported the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill for House consideration, and the House suspended the rules to take it up. The Speaker welcomed guests from Weymouth High School’s Scrap Robotics Team. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.