Video & Transcript Research : 'Spaceport America'
Page 53 of 327
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- She is president of the Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters, and
- She is president of the Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters, and
- I'm also the president of the California Military Officers Association of America.
- this bill, but keep in mind we are also dual members of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America
- behalf of the California State Commander's Veterans Council, the Military Officers Association of America
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense.
The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense.
AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense.
The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 109 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:48 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- asked to remain standing and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to the fifth largest Puerto Rican population in the United States of America
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a Rules Committee resolution commending the National Alliance for Children’s Grief for Children’s Grief Awareness Day. It also concurred in several Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including proposals on manufactured home insurance costs, firefighting water supplies and a state cistern program, Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease, and short-term rental building inspections.
The chamber then took up several bills and local matters. It advanced and later enacted measures including a workplace violence prevention bill for health care employers, a bill amending use restrictions at Foxborough State Hospital, a bill authorizing disposal of certain Upton land, a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, and local bills for Ipswich, Palmer, Wareham, North Carver Water District, Lowell easements, and Westford agricultural preservation restrictions. The House also adopted a resolution rescinding prior Massachusetts Article 5 Convention applications, with Rep. Peisch explaining that the measure would withdraw old state requests for a constitutional convention; the resolution passed 155-3.
Much of the floor debate focused on House 4767, the workplace violence prevention bill. Supporters, including Reps. Lawn, Kane, and Fields, described frequent assaults and threats against health care workers, cited injury statistics, and said the bill would require facility-specific risk assessments, prevention plans, training, incident reporting, and paid leave for injured workers. An amendment narrowing language about covered workers was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by roll call 158-0 before later final enactment.
The House also heard a commemorative resolution recognizing the Iwagua, Taino, Lukyu, and Cario Tribal Nations and other Taino tribes and their heritage in the Commonwealth, with Leader González and other members speaking in support. Several final passage votes were taken by roll call or voice vote, with the bills and emergency preambles adopted and the House adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Lowering the High Cost of Healthcare | Senator Matt Klein May 1st, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Health care in America is in crisis almost at every stage of the delivery system, hospitals, clinics,
- Health care in America<00:03:27.280>
is <00:03:27.519>in <00:03:27.760>crisis <00 - :03:28.239>
almost <00:03:28.640>at <00:03:28.959>every America is in crisis almost - at every America is in crisis almost at every stage<00:03:29.599>
of <00:03:29.760>the
Summary:
The discussion focused on healthcare affordability in Minnesota and several related bills the senator said he is advancing this session. He described rising costs for Medicare beneficiaries, individual market purchasers, and hospitals, warning that federal changes to premium tax credits and Medicaid funding would worsen access and financial strain across the state. He said his goal is a comprehensive response to protect access to care, especially for safety-net and rural providers.
A major topic was Senate File 3769 on the 340B drug pricing program. The senator said the bill would empower the attorney general to enforce federal 340B requirements after pharmaceutical companies allegedly failed to provide discounted drugs to safety-net hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and North Memorial. He said the measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support, after a nearly two-hour floor debate and significant lobbying by drug კომპანიies, and argued it could have an immediate effect by restoring hospital revenue and lowering medication costs for patients. He also said 340B is part of a broader effort to stabilize HCMC and other struggling hospitals.
The senator also discussed Senate File 3859, which would create a Minnesota vaccine advisory council to provide science-based recommendations after he said the federal advisory process had been undermined. He emphasized that the proposal would not require vaccinations, but would help counter misinformation and require insurance coverage for recommended vaccines. In addition, he supported Senate File 3650, a bipartisan bill to ban direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, arguing that such ads raise costs and can steer patients away from appropriate medical advice. No additional votes or committee actions were taken in the interview itself beyond the senator’s description of the 340B bill’s passage.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- <00:07:30.400>
United <00:07:30.800>States <00:07:31.199>of <00:07:31.520>America - <00:07:32.800>
to <00:07:32.960>the the United States of America to the the United - States of America to the republic<00:07:33.840>
for <00:07:34.080>which <00:07:34.319>
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- <00:07:09.360>
United <00:07:09.880>States <00:07:10.400>of <00:07:10.480>America - <00:07:11.600>
and <00:07:11.760>to of the United States of America and to of the United - States of America and to the<00:07:12.160>
republic <00:07:13.000>for <00:07:13.160>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The body also heard introductions of guests, including DeSoto County Superintendent Cory Uselton and Dr. Becky Roberts, an OBGYN from Hattiesburg and clinical faculty at William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine, along with seven medical students.
On the calendar, Senate Bill 68, House Bill 1758, the Foster Youth Earned Benefits Protection for Success Act, was taken up. Senator Blackwell explained that the bill would place survivor benefits for foster youth into a special account for their direct needs rather than sending the money into CPS’s general operating budget. The Senate adopted the strike-all amendment, then passed the bill by the use of the morning roll call, and immediate release was granted.
During announcements, senators noted upcoming committee meetings, including Judiciary B, Insurance, Marine Resources and Ports, Energy, Government Structure, AET, Appropriations, and Judiciary A. Senator Chassaniol announced a legislative reception on March 4 with an Elvis impersonator, and several senators offered adjourning memories for deceased constituents and family members, including Shirley May, Tripp Jones, George Watson II, Jakolby and Jordan Long, and Representative Earl Banks’ mother. Senator Brumfield also reported that Senator Warren Barnett was recovering at home. The Senate then moved into recess until later in the day or the next morning, as specified in the motion.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-26-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- the flag of the United States >> aliance to the flag of the United States of<00:01:09.680>
America - 11.040>
the <00:01:11.200>republic <00:01:11.840>for <00:01:12.240>it of America - and to the republic for it of America and to the republic for it stands<00:01:13.439>
one <00:
Summary:
The Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and heard one agenda item, Senate Bill 156, which would close remaining loopholes in Kentucky’s child marriage law and require marriage at 18. Senator Julie Rocky Adams presented the bill, joined by Donna Simmons of the Revive Collective, who gave extensive testimony about her own experience with child marriage, abuse, and the legal and institutional failures she said allowed exploitation to continue. Adams said the 2018 law setting 18 as the marriage age had been undermined by the 17-year-old exception and that the bill would simply eliminate that exception.
Committee members responded sympathetically. Senator Boswell said he supported the bill but raised questions about how it would affect some 17- and 18-year-old couples, suggesting the issue might need further tightening. Senator Smith praised Simmons for sharing her story and said the committee should examine broader institutional failures that left her without protection. Adams reiterated that the bill was intended to close a loophole that had been exploited and not followed as intended.
A motion and second were made, and the committee voted unanimously in favor of SB 156. The chair announced that the bill passed with a favorable expression. No other business was taken up before adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- <00:05:11.320>
United <00:05:11.880>States <00:05:12.280>of <00:05:12.360>America - , of the United States of America, of the United States of America, and<00:05:13.800>
to <00
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate convened for opening day with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The agenda included receipt of executive and official communications, first reading of introduced Senate bills, and adoption of authors’ motions, all handled without recorded debate. Senator Fateh was noted as intending to vote remotely under Rule 40.7.
The main focus of the meeting was a series of remarks centered on grief, recovery, and the start of the session after recent violence and loss. Senator Hoffman delivered an emotional address describing the attempted assassination that injured him, his wife Evette, and their daughter Hope, thanking family members, first responders, law enforcement, medical staff, and colleagues from both parties for their support. He said the experience reinforced the importance of family, community, decency, and governing in good faith, and he pledged to protect vulnerable Minnesotans and pursue truth and fairness.
Senate leaders responded with tributes and messages of support. Senator Johnson acknowledged the deaths of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and Bruce Anderson, the injuries to the Hoffman family, and the chamber’s increased security measures, while welcoming new members Senators Holmstrom and Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Senator Murphy praised Hoffman’s return and his commitment to lead with dignity and compassion. The Senate then moved to adjourn, and the motion prevailed, adjourning the body until February 19 at 11:00 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- We cannot accept this in the United States of America. Thank you. Thank you. Senator Bronda.
- We insist that the people of America have the right to the facts, and to have local investigators join
- I am enraged for these killings that have happened of American citizens in the United States of America
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Arizona Society of CPAs, the Arizona Airports Association (with a proclamation designating Arizona Aviation Day), and students from Onyose Day Academy in Yuma for School Choice Week. Additional guest introductions included school choice and community advocates.
The chamber then handled executive nominations and a long list of bill introductions and committee referrals. Measures covered a wide range of topics, including veterans’ property tax exemptions, ESA reporting and spending limits, public school communications requirements, sentencing and expungement, SNAP work and audit provisions, immigration-related restrictions, water and land issues, election law, domestic relations, health insurance and fertility coverage, and several education, transportation, and public safety proposals. The Senate also moved through second-reading consideration of numerous bills and resolutions, including measures on voting security, prison sentencing, weather modification, water supply, emergency shelters, rural health, reentry programs, and foreign contributions.
A large portion of the floor time was taken up by personal privilege statements focused on human rights and immigration enforcement. Senators from both parties spoke about alleged abuses by federal immigration authorities, citing deaths and injuries in several states and calling for investigations, transparency, and an end to excessive force. Separate remarks also addressed a humanitarian crisis in Iran, with a resolution read in support of human rights and the Iranian people. The chamber recessed and later reconvened to continue reading bills and announcements.
No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the transcript beyond routine procedural actions, and the meeting ended with committee announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled session.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/28/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , in, we're far less safe than America, in, we're far less safe than America, right?
- Uh the biotech jurisdiction of America.
- that I think we expect here in America. that I think we expect here in America.
- Hampshire, it's good for America. Hampshire, it's good for America.
- Americanmade businesses in America. Americanmade businesses in America.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- of the United States of America of the United States of America and<00:04:01.920>
to <00:04 - <00:48:45.200>
This <00:48:45.440>story in the history of America. - This story in the history of America.
- When they made their journey here to America.
Summary:
The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received a chaplain’s prayer and the pledge, and then proceeded through routine business. Members adopted the committee reports except those relating to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave second reading to Senate File 203 and several House files, and referred Senate File 5200 to Rules and Administration. The chamber also adopted a motion to return Senate File 4390 from the general orders calendar to the Finance Committee.
The main floor activity centered on a series of motions to send withdrawn executive appointments back to their originating committees under Senate Rule 8.2. Senator Putnam moved to return appointments from the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, including the Board of Animal Health, the Veterans Affairs commissioner, and the Rural Finance Authority. Senator Swadzinski moved a similar action for Education Policy appointments, and Senator Her did so for Environment, Climate, and Legacy appointments, including the DNR commissioner, the PCA commissioner, the Clean Water Council, and related boards. Senator Wicklund later moved to return Health and Human Services appointments, including the Children, Youth and Families commissioner, Health commissioner, VNSHUR Board, and EMS director.
These motions prompted extended debate. Supporters of returning the appointments argued that the Senate has a constitutional advice-and-consent duty and that committee hearings should occur before floor consideration. Opponents, mainly Republicans, argued that sending the appointments back without floor action avoided accountability and transparency, especially in light of fraud concerns in state programs and agencies. Some authors said hearings had not yet been scheduled or that the committee process should come first; others noted at least one hearing had already occurred on a health nomination. The debate repeatedly focused on whether the Senate was fulfilling its constitutional role or delaying confirmation review.
Roll-call votes were requested on the appointment motions. The Putnam, Swadzinski, Her, and Wicklund motions were each adopted by narrow 34-33 margins, returning the appointments to committee rather than leaving them on the confirmation calendar for floor action.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 20th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
- Then, Lyndon Baines Johnson, President of the United States of America, from Texas.
- And in today's prayer, the pastor said, and I quote, "Let's give thanks for America."
- Let's give thanks for an America where people are free, where people can live.
- Because America is about us.
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (3-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not willing to have Jewish students die so that we don't raise anti-Semitism in America.
- I'm not willing to have Jewish America.
- <00:44:52.560>
My <00:44:52.800>students anti-semitism in America. - My students anti-semitism in America.
- And it's by America is a religious Jew.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 77, which would allow comprehensive universities to pursue doctoral programs under a new approval process and, in the original bill, would also change who may serve on the EPSB board for small colleges and universities. The sponsor and Council on Postsecondary Education representative explained that the committee substitute removed the current statutory prohibition on comprehensive universities offering certain doctoral degrees, but added eligibility guardrails: a 77% first-to-second-year retention rate, a 56% six-year graduation rate, and three months of unrestricted cash reserves. They said the thresholds were based on national data placing institutions in roughly the top quartile, and that CPE would still review proposals for mission fit, workforce need, fiscal impact, and, where applicable, programmatic accreditation and legislative appropriations. EKU President David McFaden supported creating a pathway for comprehensive universities, said Kentucky is unusual in having an explicit statutory prohibition, and urged the committee to keep the standards attainable and durable. The committee approved the bill and adopted a title amendment, with the motion passing unanimously.
The committee then heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, which addresses antisemitism on postsecondary campuses. Senator Tichenor said the resolution responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, and would require campuses to notify students each semester of Title VI rights, complaint procedures, existing harassment policies, and available Jewish student resources. It would also direct campuses to disband student organizations found to provide material support to known terrorist organizations, report such matters to law enforcement, and collect and report antisemitism data to CPE for posting on its website. A guest speaker from the Kentucky Jewish Council described a sharp increase in reported incidents, including harassment, threats, vandalism, and hostile campus activity, and argued that schools have often done too little to respond. He said the resolution was amended to protect free speech while ensuring Jewish students receive the same protections as other protected groups. The transcript ends while testimony on the resolution was still underway, before any committee vote on SJR 55.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guests, and staff will rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- Feeney, resolutions congratulating Eleanor Jane O'Leary on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting America
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls.
The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court.
The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 49 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- are asked to remain standing and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- Representative Roy of Franklin, congratulating Rachel Cohen on achieving the rank of Eagle of Scouting America
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules, including ceremonial resolutions recognizing the Concord-Nenezi sister city relationship, the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, and congratulating Rachel Cohen on earning Eagle Scout. The House suspended the rules and adopted those resolutions. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a number of petitions, including proposals involving neuropsychology evaluations for persons with intellectual disabilities, pharmacists’ participation as preferred providers, a sick leave bank for a Department of Transportation employee, and land/easement authority for the City of Lowell.
The main substantive issue was House Bill 4001, the fiscal year 2026 state budget, which came from the Senate with a full substitute amendment. The House suspended the rules but voted not to concur with the Senate amendment. The chamber then agreed to reappoint a conference committee, naming Representatives Michlewitz, Ferrante, and Smola to negotiate with the Senate. The House also considered and advanced several Public Service Committee bills establishing sick leave banks for state and local employees, including Kendra Winner, Dana Johnson, Stephen Forget, Daniel Yender, and Martin Kratman; each was ordered to a third reading after suspension of the rules.
Later, the House took up Senate No. 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. After suspension of the rules, the bill was read a second time, ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed, and then enacted. The emergency preamble was separately adopted by a recorded vote, and the bill was finally passed. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 3 (1-8-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- United States of America and to the United States of America and to the republic<00:03:42.239>
for
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present. Absent senators were excused and the journal from Wednesday, January 7, 2026 was approved as written. No committee reports, second-reading business, or floor amendments were taken up.
The clerk reported a number of new measures, including Senate Bill 10 on limiting the governor’s pardon and commutation powers, Senate Bill 91 on standardizing real property tax bills, Senate Bill 92 on Medicaid coverage for palliative care, Senate Bill 93 on Medicaid expansion, Senate Bill 94 on motor vehicle dealers, Senate Bill 95 on school transportation with an emergency clause, and Senate Bill 96 on sickle cell disease. Several resolutions were also introduced, including memorial resolutions and measures honoring Donna Sue Baker and designating the Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge. Members also requested to be added as co-sponsors to several bills and resolutions.
No substantive debate or votes on the merits of the bills occurred. The only action taken was the routine approval of the journal, the excusal of absent senators, and the filing of co-sponsorship requests. The Senate adjourned by motion until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-26 (3:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- If we are successful, we will become the only state in the history of the United States of America to
- In America, you have a right to vote at the age of 18.
- In America, if you're a man, you must sign up for selective service at the age of 18, which means in
- America, we think you're mature enough to fight Which means, in America, we think you're mature enough
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations.
Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins.
The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- work on because that's where we're talking about folks who have probably their only allegiance to America
- I generally believe people are coming to America as the best country in the world.
- We don't find many people leaving America, even those who threatened to leave America.
- There are people all across this country, legal, not legal, that don't have goodwill towards America.
- an enemy that regularly chant things like 'Death to America,' burn American flags.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 3/6/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we do not have a safe retreat epidemic in America. We don't have that.
- We have a gun violence epidemic in America.
- Members, we do not have a safe retreat epidemic in America. We don't have that.
- We have a gun violence epidemic in America.
- <00:25:17.960>
we <00:25:18.080>don't Retreat epidemic in America we don't Retreat
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- , one nation, under God, to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum of 30 present and approved the Journal from January 27, 2026. Several senators used points of personal privilege to welcome guests, including Aliento students visiting for an education day, gun safety advocacy groups, constituents, a legal studies shadowing guest, a scientist from Tempe, and aging-services advocates. Senators also spoke in support of student walkouts protesting ICE activity and praised the students’ activism.
The chamber then moved through the second reading calendar, listing a large number of bills and resolutions covering topics such as water policy, health care, public records, education, insurance, elections, housing, utilities, criminal justice, and appropriations. No floor debate or votes on those measures were recorded in the transcript, and committee reports were placed on the journal without being read.
After a recess, the Senate took up first-reading introductions and referred additional bills to committees, including measures on public benefits eligibility, public safety counseling, missing kidnapped children reporting, solar energy, elections, firearms instruction in schools, HOA and condominium issues, housing restrictions, water quality testing, and cargo theft. The Health and Human Services Committee was announced to meet Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 2, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, thank you so much and congratulations on the 28th anniversary of Read Across America Day.
- <00:04:03.519>
Congratulations ReadAcross America Day. - Congratulations ReadAcross America Day.
- <00:04:40.320>
We <00:04:40.479>are of ReadAcross America Day. - We are of ReadAcross America Day.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School.
The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles.
Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment.
One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.