Video & Transcript Research : 'chapter 12B'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- But, you know, both looking at Chapter 70, Chapter 90, we recognize a lot of it's attributable to health
- But, you know, both looking at Chapter 70, Chapter 90, we recognize a lot of it's attributable to health
- Regarding the $242 million increase, I think many of us know Chapter 70 is not equitable for a lot of
- Is there any efforts being made to revisit Chapter 70, especially with the new secretary coming in?
- Chapter 70 and how we think about that.
Summary:
The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness.
A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law.
Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/01/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Print 7158A, O'Mara, an act to amend Chapter 412 of the Laws of 1990.
- act to amend the Chapter U of the Laws of 2018.
- Senate Print 10524, Stavisky, an act to amend Chapter U of the Laws of 2018.
- Senate Print 10567, Ramos, an act to amend Chapter 831 of the Laws of 1981.
- Senate Print 10569, Ramos, an act to amend Chapter 451 of the Laws of 2012.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar.
The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family.
Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1083, an act amending title 33, chapter 9, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
- Amending title 33, chapter 9, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 33-1261.01; amending
- title 33, chapter 16, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 33-1816.01, relating to
- Senate Bill 1252, an act amending Title 44, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Chapter 6, relating to
- Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Chapter 6, relating to the assignment for benefit of creditors.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests and issued proclamations, including honors for the Maryvale High School basketball program and Maryvale’s gifted and talented micro school, a Black History Month proclamation, and a remembrance for Emily Pike, with Senator Hatathlie urging continued attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and to changes in the turquoise alert law. The chamber also marked Arizona’s statehood anniversary with cake for members and staff.
The body then moved through Committee of the Whole and third-reading action on several bills. SB 1107, relating to peace officer certification pathways, was amended in committee and passed 27-2-1. SB 1032, appropriating money to the Corrections Oversight Fund, passed 29-0-1 after supportive explanations from senators. SB 1083 on condominiums and planned communities, SB 1252 on assignment for benefit of creditors, and SB 1259 on campaign-related provisions all passed 29-0-1. SB 1198, relating to the Arizona Beef Council, passed 23-6-1 after debate over whether the council used tax dollars or industry checkoff dollars.
SB 1020, relating to special plates, initially passed 26-3-1 but was later reconsidered at Senator Bolick’s request and then passed again 25-4-1. The Senate also requested the House return SBs 1333 and 1368 for reconsideration. Committee meetings were announced for the following Monday, and the chamber adjourned until February 16, 2026.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (1-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:20.959>
Update compliance with KRS chapter 13A. - Update compliance with KRS chapter 13A.
- drafting requirements of KRS chapter drafting requirements of KRS chapter 13A.<00:04:50.240>
- The staff-suggested amendments amend various sections to comply with KRS Chapter 13A.
- The staff amendments for 2011 KAR 2:155, 160, 171, and 280 all make changes to comply with KRS Chapter
Keywords:
0:00– Meeting start/roll call
0:39 – Approval of minutes
1:11 – Council on Postsecondary Education
3:06 - State Board of Elections
5:33 - Office of the Attorney General; Office of Regulatory Relief
7:02 - Board of Examiners of Psychology
16:38 - Energy and Environment Cabinet; Department for Environmental Protection
17:37 - Education and Labor Cabinet - Department of Education
19:14 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met for its January meeting, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and welcomed the new regulations compiler. The first item was a repealer from the Council on Postsecondary Education, 13 KAR 2:111, which was explained as necessary because Senate Bill 77 from the 2025 session removed the regulatory authority for advanced practice doctoral degree programs at comprehensive universities. No questions were raised, and the repealer moved forward without objection.
The subcommittee then reviewed a large package of State Board of Elections regulations with staff-suggested amendments. The package would update definitions and election procedures, require e-poll books to be ready before polls open, change the standard and timeline for removing an election officer, add oversight by a State Board appointee on election days, recognize the Kentucky party, require voter registration records to be added to electronic voter records, require ballots to fit all races and questions on a single sheet, adjust precinct consolidation petition deadlines, and update incorporated forms and identification references. The package was approved without objection.
The Office of the Attorney General’s Office of Regulatory Relief also presented multiple regulations with staff amendments, covering funeral planning declarations, cemetery companies, pre-need cemetery merchandise and funeral/burial contract sellers, and crematory contract sellers. These changes were described as adding specificity, streamlining forms and reporting, and bringing the regulations into compliance with KRS Chapter 13A; they were approved without objection.
The Board of Examiners of Psychology presented several regulations, including compact rules, grace-period extensions, and significant fee increases for applications, renewals, reinstatements, exam retakes, and reciprocity. Board representatives said the increases were needed because many fees had not been raised since 2002, the board was operating at a deficit, and legal and administrative costs had risen sharply after the termination of state legal services. Members expressed concern about the size of the increases, but the chair said he would not hold the matter up and would raise the issue with the committee of jurisdiction. The subcommittee also approved staff amendments for the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s air quality regulations and the Education and Labor Cabinet’s education regulations, which updated nontraditional instruction procedures, waiver requests, instruction topics, superintendent assessment requirements, and academic standards. The meeting ended with the next meeting scheduled for February 9 at 1 p.m., and the agenda was adjourned without further objection.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- That proposes a general license for those kinds of projects under Chapter 91.
- And so that it meets the requirements of the Chapter 91 statute for that particular project.
- Chapter 91 protects interests of, I think, navigation.
- Restoration, receive a license under Chapter 91.
- Chapter 91 protects interests of, I think, navigation.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on natural and working lands, carbon sequestration, and related provisions in Governor Healey’s $3 billion Mass Ready Act. EEA officials described the bill’s investments in flooding, land protection, tree planting, wetlands restoration, biodiversity, dams, seawalls, and coastal resilience, along with permitting reforms intended to speed ecological restoration projects. They also outlined current programs on resilient lands, healthy soils, forest climate solutions, forest reserves, and urban tree planting, and said the administration expects natural and working lands to offset up to 7 million metric tons of residual emissions by 2050, while acknowledging that additional strategies will be needed to close the gap to the state’s 10-million-ton offset target.
Committee members pressed EEA on the cost of reaching the 30% conservation-by-2030 goal, the loss of a federal USDA grant of about $22 million, the adequacy of current sequestration estimates, and whether the state should consider regional approaches or statutory changes. EEA said current state conservation spending has been about $35 million to $40 million annually, that the Mass Ready Act is intended to help double the pace of conservation, and that federal funding remains uncertain. Senators also raised concerns about PILOT payments for state-owned land, the management of state forests, and the proposed Chapter 91 general license for restoration projects. EEA said the bill’s forest reserve language is meant to create a more durable designation process while still allowing limited active management.
Advocates from The Nature Conservancy and Mass Audubon supported stronger investment in land conservation and restoration, saying natural and working lands are a cost-effective climate strategy that also provides biodiversity, water quality, and public health benefits. They urged passage of legislation to increase funding, improve PILOT equity, and strengthen land-use planning and mitigation requirements. They also backed removing Chapter 91 licensing requirements for ecological restoration, arguing that the current process adds cost and delay. In a later panel, a forest scientist and an urban forestry advocate emphasized the carbon and cooling benefits of mature trees, called for greater protection of older forests, and supported bills to expand municipal reforestation and modernize public shade tree law. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was honored and privileged to be initiated into the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
- I'm proud that my district is home to the Ventura County Alumni Chapter. Yes.
- And to all the chapters present today, welcome to the State Senate, your State Senate, and thank you
- a couple points to point out: our chapter was chartered on August 28, 1966, as the 253rd chapter of
- The Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter was founded during a pivotal movement in Los Angeles...
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions.
Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes.
The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2232 is a bill for an act to create a new section of Chapter 50-25.1 of the North Dakota
- They listed that, but alcohol misuse—so again, if you go to the repeal, it's Chapter 50-25.1.
- Engrossed Senate Bill 2239 is a bill for an act to create and enact a new section of Chapter 54-60 of
- new sections to chapter 26.1-39, a new section of chapter 26.1-44, and a new subsection to section 26.1
- Engrossed Senate Bill 233 is a bill for an act to create a new section of chapter...
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements.
The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 67 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4307 proposes approximately $1.2 billion in bonding for the Chapter 90 program, along with
- The Chapter 90 program, along with three additional key transportation programs and projects.
- The bill proposes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 program, a 50% increase
- Of this funding, $200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter
- The standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula is 58% for road mileage, 21% for population, and
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first took up a Rules Committee report recommending adoption of a resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Bedford. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then reported a series of local bills for consideration, including measures on legal notices, charter changes for Chicopee, Bridgewater, Wellesley, Weston, Somerville, and Watertown, as well as bills on firefighter residency, a checkout bag fee in Sudbury, senior tax exemption eligibility in Williamstown, and liquor licenses in Lexington. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading.
The House also considered a Ways and Means report on H. 4257, financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. The committee recommended an amendment in the form of a substitute bill, H. 4307, authorizing $1.185 billion in general obligation bonds. After suspension of the rules, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, during floor debate on H. 4307, members spoke in support of the bill as a major transportation funding package, emphasizing Chapter 90 aid, road mileage-based distribution, culvert and small bridge repairs, congestion relief projects, and the bill’s fiscal and credit-rating benefits. A roll call was ordered, and the bill passed to be engrossed 156-0.
The House also passed to be engrossed a bill validating the results of a special election in Hardwick. In addition, the House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and agreed to adjourn in memory of former Representative and Senator Matthew C. Patrick of Falmouth. The session included several guest introductions, including Mandela Fellows studying at Bridgewater State University, former legislator Vincent Dimacido, Bellingham Council on Aging guests, and interns in Representative Linsky’s office.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 169A, and railroads and other forms of motor carriers under chapter 218 or chapter 221.
- uh the statutory reference in chapter uh the statutory reference in chapter 168<00:12:43.959>
- Authority uh is spelled out in chapter Authority uh is spelled out in chapter 174<00:13:16.360><
- regulations in chapters uh 218 and<00:13:21.639>
chapters <00:13:22.240>221 <00:13:23.240 - >
218 <00:15:15.639>or <00:15:15.800>chapter either 218 or chapter either 218 or
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- on Education's leadership, on getting this law past the finish line, increasing the dire need for Chapter
- We need, and we propose that I would work with several of you on this, to have a full new Chapter 70
- then this would be something calculated outside of Chapter 70 and over and above the Chapter 70 allocation
- And obviously I think that alongside that comes a Chapter 70 formula study that would want to include
- And hopefully we will... would be something calculated outside of Chapter 70 over and above the Chapter
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution.
The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3892 is a bill that addresses vagueness and closes loopholes that exist in chapters 232 and
- chapter 233 of the Texas Local Government Code.
- Um, as Chairman Bell pointed out, Chapter 232 is clear that counties cannot regulate density.
- allow counties to control density through setback requirements, which is in direct contradiction to chapter
- Clarifying that Chapter 43 Development Agreement, landowners are entitled to exercise their rights to
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill would add uniformed members of police departments to the provisions of General Law 32, Chapter
- These bills simply amend MGL Chapter 32, Section 94B, to add the words police department to an already
- The bill would also help Chapter 32, Section 7, the accidental disability statute, catch up to current
- However, this benefit did not extend to correction officers who fall under Chapter 152 of the workers
- This legislation will add a new section to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 32, which covers retirement
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions.
Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval.
Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Feb 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- FINALLY WE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 120 PREPARED BY STAFF AND SENATOR GRALL THAT
- WE THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT AND PROPER THE COMMITTEE WOULD REVIEW THE LANGUAGE THAT WILL IMPROVE CHAPTER
- WE ARE DISCUSSING TODAY EITHER DO OR DO NOT COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 120 AND FINALLY THIS OBJECTION YOU ARE
- SAYING THIS RULE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 120, YOU ARE NOT IN ANY WAY COMMENTING ON WHAT IS INSIDE
- YOU'RE ONLY COMMENTING ON IF IT COMPLIES WITH CHAPTER 120 AND OUR STAFF DIRECTOR AND TEAM SURROUNDING
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Natural Resources May 30th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The initial language that we had proposed pretty much just kept it in Chapter 407, which is the chapter
- I don't know. kept it in Chapter 407, which is the chapter of NRS that pertains specifically to State
- When the language came back, it actually came back in Chapter 322, which is a state lands chapter of
- The language itself wasn't necessarily bad, but it brought to light a problem with Chapter 32, which
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Chapter 115. Other states don't have Chapter 115.
- The guidelines for disability under Chapter 115 are different than what is federal.
- That's the problem with Chapter 115.
- Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 90, Section 2, Paragraph 7 uses the 5th.
- These invisible wounds are currently missing from the definition in Chapter 90.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Mar 4th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Replace line 107 on page four with the following: Article one of chapter 30 of title 36.
- However, a firefighter's eligibility for workers' compensation benefits shall be governed solely by chapter
- <00:03:35.120>
30 the following article one of chapter 30 the following article one of chapter - chapter 5 of title 25. chapter 5 of title 25.
- 5 of title governed solely by chapter 5 of title 25. 25. 25.
Keywords:
Monroe County, sheriff, sheriff compensation, county salary, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, law enforcement pay, public official salary, county budget, Alabama local legislation, service contracts, consumer protection, advertising disclosure, insurance, contract cancellation, parole procedures, advocacy, parole board
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1834, an act amending laws 2024, chapter 211, section 6, making capital outlay appropriations for
- SB 1835, an act amending section 5572, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, repealing section 5572,
- as under 5575, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, section 3, relating to commerce.
- SB 1838, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to health
- Next bill, please: SB 1840, an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes,
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills.
The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds.
Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines.
At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/24/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the policy consideration. places in Chapter 13 and I'm just sort places in Chapter 13 and I'm
- c> so Amendment changing section to chapter so Amendment changing section to chapter so it's<01:27
- <01:27:54.239>
15D chap this newly created chapter 15D chap this newly created chapter 15D - <01:28:24.840>
in 2.10 delete section insert chapter in 2.10 delete section insert chapter - Eing, do you think chapter will be satisfactory to close that loop? Mr.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee - Policy Division Jan 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And the Board of Medicine does have the authority under another section in that chapter to adopt rules
- , Chapter 43-17.5, in the code.
- The draft also includes corresponding changes to implement the compact in Chapter 43-17, The corresponding
- But if you jump to page four, that is where you will see the creation of the new chapter, which adopts
- 03, and it adds pharmacists to the list of professionals that are exempt from the requirements of Chapter
Summary:
The committee reviewed four bill drafts for the Rural Health Transformation effort. The first required the presidential physical fitness test in PE classes; members asked about DPI and school support, then moved and approved the draft. The second required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and included legislative intent encouraging other health boards to consider nutrition-related CE; it was approved after brief discussion.
The third bill adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Members discussed a separate issue involving occupational therapy compact background checks and whether that fix could be added now or would need to wait until later; the committee also discussed Board of Medicine input and the compact’s workforce benefits. The draft was moved forward to the full committee. The fourth bill expanded pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Legislative Council explained the draft, and Senator Roars proposed substantial amendments to narrow motion sickness, UTI, diabetes supply, and substitution provisions. Members debated whether to vote on amendments now or wait for the special session public hearing; concerns were raised about transparency, stakeholder input, and avoiding premature action. No amendment vote was taken, and the bill was left for later consideration. The committee then recessed until the next day.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida Statutes.
- The Florida Elections Commission is the administrative agency charged with enforcing chapters 104 and
- You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida statutes.
- The Florida Elections Commission is the administrative agency charged with enforcing chapters 104 and
- Chapter 114 of the Florida Statutes outlines the procedure to be followed when a vacancy in office is
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees.
The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges.
Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.