Video & Transcript : 'floor consideration' :
Page 54 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 20th, 2025
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Transmission is very important to our energy transition, and we appreciate your consideration.
- This is, this is the exact same argument that I made on the floor with UNM.
- Thank you for your consideration and thank the sponsors for bringing it. Thank you for that.
- It was part of a big discussion on the Senate floor today.
- I'm gonna pass it now, but you know what I need to see on the floor. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I received no indication of opposition previous to the floor vote.
- I found out when I was on the floor presenting the bill.
- I appreciate the time and consideration.
- The motion passes, and it'll be sent to the floor.
- So thank you for your consideration. All right.
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we could provide the senator an opportunity to bring a floor amendment to the Senate.
- We could provide the senator an opportunity to bring a floor amendment to the Senate.
- And we could deal with that on the Senate floor. Is that a reasonable thing to do?
- </c><00:42:38.160><c> Amendment</c> prime sponsor provide a floor Amendment prime sponsor provide a floor
- Senate Bill 283, calculation of floor area ratios under local building ordinances.
Committee:
Senate Commerce
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for consideration today with a unanimous do pass recommendation.
- The next bill under consideration for final passage is House Bill 1393.
- Consideration of messages from the House.
- The next bill under consideration will be Senate Bill 2398.
- Moving to the 12th order of business, considerations. Passed.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- So I would take that advice into consideration, though.
- This is going to go to the floor for a vote.
- So I honestly don’t know how I’m going to vote on the floor.
- So I honestly don't know how I'm going to vote on the floor.
- But does it have to come to the floor with a do not pass? Well, it wouldn't come to the floor.
Bills:
HB1623
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action.
The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you for your consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions.
- So thank you for your consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions.
- The Harris County Sheriff's Office would appreciate your favorable consideration of this bill.
- on the floor.
- I've had to, you know, on the same floor ordering different things.
Bills:
HB18 , HB37 , HB116 , HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
Summary:
The committee first reopened testimony on House Bill 2216, which would strengthen child welfare requirements by expanding “active efforts” to help families avoid removal and support reunification, while also raising standards related to removals and terminations. Supporters from child welfare and family defense groups said the bill would better protect families and align Texas more closely with ICWA-style principles, but several warned it would require significant new funding, staffing, and community services such as mental health care, housing, child care, and substance use treatment. The committee then left HB 2216 pending.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 1782, aimed at boarding and group homes. Senator Miles said the bill closes enforcement gaps left by prior law by requiring retention of background-check records and creating misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct or keep them, or for knowingly hiring people with serious convictions. Harris County sheriff’s investigators testified in support, describing illegal boarding homes, operators who evade permits and background checks, and exploitation of vulnerable residents; the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 481 on emergency preparedness for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, adopted a new committee substitute that softened some requirements and removed the fiscal note, and left the bill pending.
The committee then heard House Bill 388, which would require the Texas Department of Insurance to create a single standardized coordination-of-benefits form for dual health plans to reduce errors and surprise bills; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1590 would move paternity registry searches for adoptions to an electronic process with a 10-day target, and House Bill 2809 would track child suicide attempts in managing conservatorship and require related reporting and parental notice; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1887, which would prohibit administering mRNA-containing products for immunization for 10 years, with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Supporters argued the bill was needed for safety, informed consent, and medical freedom, while opponents from the medical, research, and public health communities said mRNA vaccines are well-studied, save lives, and that the bill would harm access, research, and Texas’s biotech economy. The bill remained under discussion as testimony concluded.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I move that we send House Bill 531 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Second.
- We send House 531 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Any further discussion?
- I assume, Senator, you'll be carrying this on the floor. Next we have Senate 1288.
- I move that we send Senate Bill 1288 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
- So with that, I appreciate your support and consideration. Thank you. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Education
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your consideration. I stand for questions. Representative Gardner.
- Thank you for your time and consideration. I will stand for any questions.
- Thank you for your time and consideration. I will stand for any questions.
- I move to send House Bill 918 to the floor with no recommendation."
- That bill did not even meet the gentleman on the second's floor desire for a cut.
Committee:
House Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Commissioner Snell replied that their view on their own safety has to be given consideration.
- <00:23:42.360><c> representative</c><00:23:42.880><c> Hudson</c> consideration representative Hudson
- different uh considerations nine different uh considerations<00:26:54.559><c> that</c><00:26:54.679>
- I do not believe the safety of the women of Shakopee has been taken into consideration at all.
- </c><00:38:25.119><c> thank</c><00:38:25.280><c> you</c> house floor thank you house floor thank you
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Turning to privileges of the floor, there are none. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read.
- Proceeding next in consideration of the daily file. Second reading files.
- Proceeding next in consideration of the daily file. Second reading files. Secretary, please read.
- Our next floor session is Thursday, June 11th at 9 a.m.
- Our next floor session is Thursday, June 11th at 9 a.m.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, referred AB 1457 to Rules, and moved SB 1241 and SB 1422 to the inactive file. The chamber then considered two gubernatorial appointments: Tanya Pacheco Werner to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board and Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines to the California Transportation Commission. Both nominees were presented by Senator Grove, received unanimous support, and were confirmed by roll call votes of 34-0 and 36-0, respectively.
The Senate also took up SR 104 by Senator Becker, a resolution recognizing healthy aging and longevity research as a public health and economic priority for California. Supporters argued that aging drives chronic disease, that California’s growing older population will increase health care needs, and that the state should lead in prevention, early intervention, and research partnerships. Senator Weber Pearson emphasized health equity concerns, including disparities affecting Black Californians and underrepresented communities in clinical research. SR 104 passed unanimously, 35-0.
After adoption, Senator Becker introduced guests from USC, UC Berkeley, the Buck Institute, and other longevity and health organizations. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming meetings of Energy, Utilities and Communications; Military and Veterans Affairs; and Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. The Senate then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Vane, a Pacific Palisades community volunteer who helped with wildfire recovery, and David Sandell, an educator, coach, National Guard veteran, and school administrator. The session concluded after completion of the daily file, with the Senate set to reconvene on June 11, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 47 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling reports that the matter be scheduled for consideration
- The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling reports the matter be scheduled for consideration by
- The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling reports the matter be scheduled for consideration by
- The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling reports the matter be scheduled for consideration by
- It seems so simple, yet it took a long time to get to the floor.
Summary:
The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology.
Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters.
The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome any questions. Thank you so much, Bruce.
- There's three floors. One of the floors is the trial court and the probation department.
- Vincent, the floor is yours. Co-chairs, Senators, Representatives, and staff.
- Yes, the floor is yours. Thanks. My name is David Sherbach.
- Thank you for your consideration, and I welcome any questions. Thank you.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 9, 2025 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I am excited to talk to you today about some of the legal considerations that agencies need to account
- I'm a fan of set the floor, not the ceiling.
- As long as the very foundational floor. We don't set.
- I think it's really important to set the floor, not the ceiling. This technology is here.
- They have the floor, not the ceiling. And that's a big part of that.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So again, this is talking about a ceiling and a floor.
- We have current law: a $6 million floor and a $35 million ceiling.
- of 10 and the other has a floor of five.
- You have the floor. Mr.
- House Bill 594 will be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 18 (2-2-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:29:21.840><c> two</c><00:29:22.159><c> for</c> Senate floor amendment two for Senate floor amendment
- >> Senate floor amendment two to Senate >> Senate floor amendment two to Senate committee
- </c><00:30:03.840><c> amendment</c> President that uh the floor amendment President that uh the floor
- </c> floor amendment two. floor amendment two.
- </c> Senate Bill 3 as amended by Senate floor Senate Bill 3 as amended by Senate floor amendment<00:33
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill passes 9 to 0 and should do so on the floor.
- And we expect to do so on the floor. Thank you very much, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- And we expect to do so on the floor. Thank you very much, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- </c> the right to change my vote on the floor the right to change my vote on the floor thank<00:15:14.480
- Thank you very much for your consideration. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 30, which addresses pension spiking and retired state troopers returning to work. The sponsor and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority staff said the bill would codify court language clarifying that across-the-board raises from the General Assembly do not count as pension spiking, and the committee substitute would also give retired troopers rehired on a year-to-year basis the same vacation, sick leave, and bereavement benefits as new troopers. The committee adopted the substitute and a title amendment, and HB 30 passed 9-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 27, which removes an arbitrary 2023 date from the Planned Communities Act that had created confusion over political signage rules in HOA and planned community phases. The sponsor said the change would preserve HOA authority to regulate sign size, duration, and placement while eliminating inconsistent treatment of neighboring properties. The bill passed 10-0.
House Bill 45 followed, proposing to ban foreign funding in Kentucky elections and ballot measures and to require disclosure for express advocacy ads related to ballot measures. Supporters said the bill would put ballot measures on the same footing as candidate and PAC restrictions and prevent foreign nationals from influencing Kentucky elections; one senator raised concerns that the language could unintentionally chill participation by noncitizens, especially in one-on-one discussions, and the sponsor said he would work on that issue. The committee adopted the bill as amended, and it passed 8-1.
The final major item was House Bill 211, which would create a narrow exemption allowing cigar bars under defined conditions, including a revenue threshold, age restrictions, ventilation requirements, and local permitting options. The sponsor said the bill would not roll back general smoke-free laws but would allow tightly regulated cigar bars and grandfather existing ones from some requirements. Public health witnesses, including a nurse, a physician, and a thoracic surgeon, opposed the bill, warning it would weaken strong smoke-free protections, harm workers and patrons, and reverse progress against tobacco-related disease. The transcript provided did not include a final vote on HB 211.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- or the House floor.
- Thank you for your time and thank you for your consideration.
- $20 an hour and charge the flooring contractor $28 an hour.
- And so then the flooring contractor will cut...”
- Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it.
A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions.
The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
LHSAA Study Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I wanted to have some discussion around those and consideration for adoption.
- And I've certainly heard members on the floor and in committee say, you know, we want to, and I don't
- We did not issue it as a recommendation, but a consideration should proffer it for informational sake
- Tier 1 is not a recommendation, but a consideration for discussion. We seem clear.
- I'm not. ...future discussion and consideration. I think that's the way. Does that work?
Summary:
The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted the minutes from prior meetings, and heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute affecting Terrell’s ability to play varsity sports after moving from Anacoco High School to Leesville High School in the same parish. They described the move as family-driven and in the student’s best interest, but said he was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics for a year despite strong grades and a positive adjustment to the new school. Several members responded that the current transfer rules can unfairly punish students for adult decisions and that the case illustrated broader concerns about student-athlete eligibility and consistency in enforcement.
The committee then discussed and adopted factual findings about the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), with members criticizing inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and the association’s absence from prior meetings. Members noted that LHSAA has previously argued in court that it is a private corporation, which limits the legislature’s direct authority. Despite that, the committee adopted three recommendations: a structured transfer-eligibility process allowing one one-time transfer through junior year; making the House and Senate representatives on the LHSAA executive committee voting members; and adding a governor-appointed voting member to the executive committee.
The Speaker Pro Tem then presented broader policy options. The committee adopted a “Tier 2” recommendation calling for high school athletics to be managed through a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit administering organization, with legislative oversight, public-records compliance subject to privacy exceptions, audit authority, and the ability for nonpublic schools to opt in. The committee also included a “Tier 1” concept for a new state-run sanctioned athletics office under BESE, but only as a discussion item for future consideration, not as a committee recommendation. Staff was authorized to incorporate the adopted findings, recommendations, meeting details, technical corrections, and to send the final report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair, staff, and one another, and then adjourning.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When you come back under consideration, you can close. Yes, sir, I do.
- We have to take fundamental rights into consideration.
- You have another amendment you want to do on the floor.
- This bill goes to the floor.
- This bill goes to the floor.
Summary:
The committee took up public comment on a package of similar local-option bills related to carbon capture and sequestration, including House Bills 5, 6, 497, 498, 501, and 504. The bills would let parishes, or in some cases specific parishes such as Rapides and Livingston, decide by local vote whether Class VI wells, CO2 sequestration, and related pipeline infrastructure could be permitted. The chair grouped the bills together for testimony, adopted a three-minute public comment rule, and noted that the bills were not yet under consideration for a vote during the public-comment portion.
Supporters, including Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, parish officials, local activists, and residents, argued that communities affected by carbon capture projects should have a direct voice through local option elections. They said the bills were about self-determination, local control, and allowing residents to decide whether the risks are worth the benefits. Several speakers said their parishes had passed resolutions opposing carbon capture or asking for local choice, while others emphasized concerns about eminent domain, aquifer protection, lack of public understanding, and the need for more information about project impacts and financial benefits. Some supporters also said a local vote would force industry to engage more directly with communities and could improve transparency.
Opponents, including representatives of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, warned that the bills would create uncertainty, undermine Louisiana’s primacy over Class VI permitting, and invite litigation under federal preemption and the Supremacy Clause. They said the state already has a strict permitting process with public input and technical review, and that allowing parish-by-parish approval could delay or block billions of dollars in investment, jobs, and export-related projects. The department testified that if the state adopted a local-option referendum system, EPA could determine Louisiana was not implementing the program consistently and could move to remove primacy. No committee vote was taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 19th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, without objection, Senate Rule 55 will be suspended to allow guests on the floor for today's
- And the Senate is pleased to welcome some of our former members, both houses, to the floor today.
- Moving to privilege of the floor, we have none at this time.
- of your guests on the floor and in the gallery.
- Our next floor session is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd at 2:30 p.m.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, welcomed former legislative leaders and members to the floor, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The session then focused on several ceremonial resolutions and a lengthy adjourn-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Members repeatedly described Burton as a forceful, unvarnished advocate for foster youth, the poor, and other vulnerable Californians, while also sharing personal stories about his humor, bluntness, and bipartisan relationships. The Senate also announced upcoming committee hearings and birthday recognitions for several members and former Speaker Willie Brown.
Three resolutions were taken up and adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. SCR 133, by Senator Grayson, recognized California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day; Grayson spoke about the dignity, autonomy, and contributions of people with Down syndrome, and introduced guests from the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and several families. SCR 134, by Senator Wahab, recognized Nowruz and the Afghan American community; Wahab and Senator Caballero highlighted the holiday’s themes of renewal and the contributions of Persian and Afghan Americans, and members received baklava gift boxes. SCR 139, also by Senator Wahab, recognized Afghan American Heritage Month; Wahab and Senator Grove emphasized Afghan Americans’ history, resilience, and service, and Wahab introduced leaders from the Afghan Coalition and other community advocates. Each resolution was adopted by roll call vote.
The remainder of the session was devoted to memorial remarks for John Burton, with speeches from the President Pro Tem, minority leader, and many senators recalling his work on foster youth, public service, and California politics. Members also suspended and later reinstated Mason’s Manual rules to allow direct quotations during the tribute. The Senate concluded by expressing condolences to Burton’s family and colleagues, inviting members to a reception, and announcing that the chamber would reconvene later in the week for the formal adjourn-in-memory motion.