Video & Transcript Research : 'expressive activities'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Similar levels of concern are expressed Similar levels of concern are expressed for<00:17:33.840
- We do provide for some general fund appropriations to support all of these elements and activities.
- when active.
- when active.
- activities and in life in Minnesota. activities and in life in Minnesota.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh we we do classroom<00:17:57.480>
activities. - Um so, and I I classroom activities.
- Shade reduces heat stress and activity.
- out active out outdoors for to remain out active out outdoors for longer<00:21:02.440>
periods - increase in ICE enforcement activities increase in ICE enforcement activities in<00:23:26.600>
Summary:
The Committee on Education heard three tandem resolution packages. HCR 13 and HR 15 sought collaboration among the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and DLNR to develop a student coral stewardship program. DOE said it was willing to work with DLNR, and DLNR supported the measure but said it did not want to be the lead agency for reporting or curriculum development because of existing reporting burdens and because it was already active in school outreach. Testimony in support was received, and the committee later amended the measure to restore DLNR as the lead for the report while keeping DOE and the Charter School Commission as collaborators. The committee then voted to pass HCR 13 HD1 and HR 15 HD1 with amendments.
HCR 91 and HR 83 proposed a long-term collaborative program between DLNR and DOE to expand and sustain tree canopy coverage at public schools statewide. DLNR strongly supported the measure, DOE offered comments, and the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute testified in support, citing research on heat reduction, student health, and academic impacts of shade trees. Additional supportive testimony came from the Kaululu Nani Urban and Community Forestry Program Advisory Council and others. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 and HR 83 unamended.
HCR 183 and HR 183 addressed guidance and protections related to immigration enforcement in schools. DOE said it supported the resolution but noted it already had guidance in place; the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute, Roots for Warren Maui, ACLU, 50501 Hawaii, General Strike Hawaii, and others testified in support, emphasizing student safety, attendance, and the effects of enforcement-related fear. A committee member asked about a reported Konawaena Elementary incident, and DOE clarified that the student was not deported and the event occurred off campus, with some newspaper details said to be inaccurate. After discussion, the committee deferred HCR 183 for further work with DOE and the Board of Education on definitions, enforcement, and guidance.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Then the fees are based exactly on that particular activity.
- The department is coming forward and asking for authority to raise fees for any activities within an
- And that's the main division that really governs CARB's activities related to air pollution.
- It also covers various activities related to GHG reduction.
- Certainly important activities,” The proposal is very broad because it could cover not only existing
Summary:
The committee hearing focused heavily on CARB’s broad trailer bill request for regulatory fee authority. Finance and CARB argued the proposal would let CARB develop fees to recover reasonable costs for implementing and enforcing regulations, while the LAO recommended rejection because the authority was too broad, could apply to an entire division of code, and would delegate core legislative taxing/fee-setting power without enough guardrails. Members from both parties raised concerns about the breadth of the authority, accountability, affordability impacts, and whether the Legislature would be put in an up-or-down position after CARB had already developed regulations. CARB responded that fees would still go through a budget change proposal and legislative approval before collection, and cited existing examples such as transport refrigeration units and commercial harborcraft fees.
The committee then reviewed CARB’s request for permanent resources to implement SB 905 on carbon capture, utilization, storage, and carbon dioxide removal. CARB said the Legislature had previously authorized limited-term positions and funding, but it had struggled to recruit and retain staff with specialized regulatory and technical expertise, and that the work had included pre-rulemaking contracts, technology review, and permit-related preparation. Members questioned the pace of work, the use of limited-term positions, and whether additional permitting authority would be needed. CARB said it hoped to begin rulemaking later in the year if permanent resources were approved.
Members also discussed the cap-and-trade spending plan, noting lower-than-expected auction revenues but higher interest earnings, and the need to monitor the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and possible May Revision changes. The committee then heard overviews of the zero-emission vehicle package, the Community Air Protection Program, demand-side grid support, and e-bike incentives. CARB described ongoing investments in community-based transportation equity, drayage trucks, harbor craft, and other clean technology demonstrations, while members pressed on affordability, program duplication, and whether enough funding was being directed to incentive programs. No formal votes were taken during the portion provided, and the chair repeatedly indicated that the hearing was intended to surface concerns for later budget negotiations.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 501 passes with favorable expression, actually unanimously, and the same should pass on the
- <00:10:35.079>
actually favorable expression actually favorable expression actually unanimously - We've come a long way from that to where we are today, but because sometimes the father is not active
- with the mother anymore and so active with the mother anymore and so these<00:37:01.680>
plans - engaged in a though he's not actively engaged in a relationship<00:37:12.880>
with <00:37:13.000
Keywords:
00:34 Call to Order/Roll Call
02:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 389
04:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 389
05:16 Discussion of 25RS HB 501
09:31 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 501
10:50 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 (Discussion Only)
42:05 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 389, a cleanup measure related to the CASPER prescription monitoring program. Representative Duval and staff explained that the bill addresses implementation issues the Office of Inspector General encountered and aligns the definition of “practitioner” for in-state and out-of-state providers. The committee took no questions, then approved the bill unanimously and reported it favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 501, which would allow a pharmacist to fill a prescription for a limited period after the prescribing provider has died, so patients can maintain continuity of care. Sponsors and a pharmacist witness said the bill is intended to reduce uncertainty and liability for pharmacists, excludes controlled substances to comply with federal law, and leaves professional judgment with the pharmacist. Members asked about documentation and verification, and the sponsor said the bill applies when the pharmacist knows of the death and that pharmacies would document the situation as they normally do. The committee discussed the issue briefly and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 414 for discussion only. Representative Tate and Adia Wisher described it as “Love Them Both,” a perinatal palliative care proposal meant to provide wraparound support for women and families facing fatal fetal anomalies or other serious pregnancy complications. Testimony emphasized that the bill would encourage referrals to programs offering medical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and bereavement support, with examples such as Footprints at St. Elizabeth. Members discussed access, referrals, counseling, coverage language, and the role of fathers, and supporters stressed that the services would be optional and intended to broaden support rather than impose penalties. No vote was taken on House Bill 414.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Either active veterans, or military families. in M-Central Texas through formula funding, comprehensive
- How many of those are active duty?
- That's a great idea, but how many active duties?
- It talks about our activities.
- In the last 61 months, 58 independent activations of the state emergency operation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're currently planning for further work for the programs that remain at HCD, both legacy and active
- concerns with the requests, particularly for the limited-term funding for the comparatively new activities
- the Legislature to consider gathering some additional data and evidence on the outcomes of these activities
- Tim Lynch on behalf of the Receivables Management Association International here to express our concerns
- We are here to strengthen access to the arts, to culture, and creative expression as the tools to create
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally.
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation.
The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered.
The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE BILL STATES THAT ANY UNLICENSED ACTIVITY MUST BE PERFORMED OR IN GOOD FAITH START TO PERFORM WORK
- THIS IS NOT EXACTLY GETTING AT THAT THIS IS THE UNLICENSED ACTIVITY WERE NO LICENSE EXISTS AND THEY GO
- MY CONCERN HERE IS LOOK, THERE IS A PRESUMPTION NOT BEING ABLE TO USE YOUR BILL TO STOP CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
- , ESPECIALLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TARGETING MINORS, OBVIOUSLY THAT IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND IS SOMETHING THAT
- WERE NOT SAYING YOU CANNOT GO ONLINE AND EXPRESS YOURSELF IN ANY FORM.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 118 Part 2 May 12th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- state resources, potential lawsuits from platforms or users claiming overreach, and loss of economic activity
- And the moment the trigger was activated, they... They built a new way around it.
- bill basically does infringe on people's First Amendment rights, freedom of religion, freedom to express
- class based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression
- We're feeling like we can't express our faith and families are leaving. And...
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (7-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think it's physical activity.
- So I encourage you to consider not only food, but also physical activity and education.
- In the state of Kentucky, 280,771 active SNAP households.
- Our members, your neighbors, are actively building up Kentucky.
- members, your neighbors are actively members, your neighbors are actively building<01:37:23.119>
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting.
The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill's clear prohibition on out-of-state, unapproved military activity reinforces the Governor's
- without the express permission of the Governor of our state.
- I want to clarify that this bill does not affect the activation of the Guard under Title 10.
- But like many of my colleagues already expressed, it is a little bit of a concern, and I want to thank
- It is about all active solar projects, including residential.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through gubernatorial appointments and third-reading measures. Three appointments to the California Housing Finance Agency Board and the State Mining and Geology Board were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body then considered a series of bills on criminal procedure, military authority, housing, refinery safety, land use, music festivals, homelessness planning, solar tax assessment, HOA assessments, privacy, utility accounts, refrigerant disposal, law enforcement training, natural gas planning, school transfers, and regional transportation planning.
Among the more debated measures, SB 1173 on lesser related offense instructions passed 25-10 after opposition centered on judicial discretion and consistency. SB 1354, limiting out-of-state military or law enforcement activity without the Governor’s permission, passed 29-9 after supporters framed it as a sovereignty measure and opponents argued federal command authority controls. SB 1090, the Altadena disaster-speculation bill, passed 29-9; supporters said it would curb predatory investor purchases after wildfire disasters, while opponents raised concerns about property rights and market effects. SB 966 on refinery worker participation in safety standards passed 30-9 amid a dispute over worker protections versus regulatory burden, and SB 1256, a local housing/subdivision bill, passed 32-0 despite concerns about fire-safety amendments.
The Senate also approved SB 865 on music festivals, SB 866 on homelessness planning with a commitment to exempt smaller cities, SB 1007 on HOA assessment transparency and homeowner approval thresholds, SB 923 on privacy deletion rights, SB 1098 on utility balancing accounts, SB 1010 on refrigerant recovery, SB 937 on flashbang and breaching-device restrictions, SB 1082 on inter-district transfer timelines, and SB 1087 on modernizing regional transportation planning. SB 1329 on solar farm property tax assessment drew extensive debate over county revenues, solar development certainty, and fairness to rural communities, but ultimately passed after the call was lifted. Several measures were supported by authors and committee chairs as balancing consumer, worker, or local government protections against concerns about costs, regulatory stability, and local control.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What types of activity? What would you fund with your allocation?
- What types of activities would be funded?
- I'm an active member in the elementary school system.
- I'm an active member in the elementary school system.
- But right now, the proposal is $30 million to extend activities until 2034.
Summary:
The committee first took up the May Revision update on Proposition 98 and the school rainy-day fund. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with lower average daily attendance projections offsetting some of the revenue gains. Finance also described a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up proposal, increased deposits into the Public School System Stabilization Account, and an ending reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF adjustments were reasonable, but urged the Legislature to be cautious about delaying settle-up payments and to consider more budget resiliency, including larger cushions or other tools to protect ongoing programs.
Members then questioned the administration and LAO about the size of the settle-up, the rationale for the reserve deposit, declining enrollment, and how lower attendance is creating savings that can be redirected to other school priorities. The LAO said the May Revision’s mix of one-time and ongoing spending was generally reasonable but recommended keeping a strong cushion and considering alternatives such as advance payments or pension-related savings. Questions also focused on how the May Revision’s funding mix affects districts if revenues weaken, and on the treatment of special education, discretionary block grants, and paid family leave costs for LEAs and community colleges.
The committee next heard the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described a higher SCFF COLA, increased apportionment costs, a student support block grant, deferred maintenance, Common Cloud, Calbright, credit for prior learning, and a one-time adult learner demonstration project. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the SCFF growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended funding the statutory COLA increase, noted a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall not yet included in the May Revision, and suggested the Legislature could instead direct some funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time uses. Members also clarified how COLA and hold-harmless rules apply to different community college districts.
Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed state implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career data work, plus trailer bill changes to set up state approval of eligible programs. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, with new federal rules just released and significant data, regulatory, and systems work still needed; it said the state will not be ready by July 1 and that ongoing funding will likely be necessary. The LAO agreed that implementation will require careful trailer bill language and noted that ongoing administrative costs remain unresolved. Members asked about other states’ approaches and the practical effect on short-term workforce programs in California.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings regardless of the viewpoint they express
- I have an MA in Counseling Psychology and I focus on expressive arts there.
- There's a typo in the sex in the operative section of the bill that Concern is being expressed because
- I in any conversation that I've had leading up to this this hearing have expressed deep concern with
- transform and improve that society and he believed that our public schools were created to support active
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas Tech argued that anonymity via masks could encourage demonstrators to engage in violent activity
- Chris Harris, and those are the only witnesses who have expressed a desire to testify for or against
- . exceptions for health considerations and religious expression.
- My colleagues and I have expressed ...many concerns of safety for many years.
- I'm speaking today to share my lived experience and express my opposition to Bill SB2487.
Keywords:
flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that there is a long line of members of the public also who want to be able to express themselves
- I know that there is a long line of members of the public also who want to be able to express themselves
- , my name is Elspestol, and I'm the mother to two kids, including a biological daughter who is an active
- I think a lot of that's been expressed, and I won't repeat a lot of that.
- This bill would require that a pupil's participation in sex-segregated school programs and activities
Summary:
The committee met on April 1, 2025, first adopting its rules and then taking up AB 89, a bill to require CIF to align girls’ high school sports with federal policy and restrict participation to biological females. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect fairness, safety, privacy, and competitive opportunities for girls, citing individual student-athlete stories and examples of transgender participation. Opponents, including parents, athletes, advocates, and technical witnesses, argued the bill would stigmatize transgender youth, invite invasive scrutiny and harassment, and solve a problem they said was extremely rare or unsupported by data. After lengthy public testimony and debate, the committee rejected AB 89 on a 2-7 vote and sent it to the Committee on Education as a failed motion.
The committee then heard AB 844, a related measure framed by the author as restoring competitive integrity, protecting student privacy, and bringing California into compliance with Title IX and federal directives. Supporters, including Matt Walsh and a student athlete who said she lost a varsity spot to a transgender student, argued that sex-based sports rules are necessary because biological males retain athletic advantages and that California risks federal funding if it does not change course. Opponents, including educators, parents, LGBTQ advocates, and trans youth, said the bill would increase bullying, harassment, and exclusion, and that existing policies have worked without evidence of harm from transgender athletes. Public comment was again heavily divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript ends during public testimony on AB 844, before any final committee vote or action is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/24/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So express interests in uh any 169 C.
- <01:13:54.880>
interest not affect the child's express interest not affect the child's express - If the case child's express interest.
- what the child's expressed wishes are. what the child's expressed wishes are.
- they felt there was a conflict expressed they felt there was a conflict expressed or<01:57:23.840
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- forward to concentrating on law enforcement and economic development as a deterrent to criminal activity
- Of those, 11,000 have active felony warrants right now or have active warrants right now, and we've identified
- Of those, 11,000 have active felony warrants right now or have active warrants right now, and we've identified
- We don't want cartel activity dictating that.
- We don't want cartel activity dictating that. And so any way we can. Can can fix that.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration.
Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings.
Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At 6:37 a.m., the EOC was fully activated.
- Was there any activity to call you?
- Food expresses love and nourishment.
- Food expresses love and nourishment.
- They were very active. Colonel Wilson and Senator Schwertner were very active.
Summary:
The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness hearing convened in Kerrville with quorum, public testimony limited to three minutes and invited testimony to 10 minutes. Leaders from both chambers, along with the lieutenant governor and speaker, framed the hearing as an unprecedented joint effort focused on learning from the July 4 flood, honoring victims, and identifying actions to reduce future loss of life. The committee also heard opening remarks about decorum, logistics, and the intent to continue work in future sessions.
The first panel included Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas IV, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, Upper Guadalupe River Authority representative William Rector, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, and Real County Judge Bella Rubio. They described the flood as sudden and catastrophic, with Kerr County reporting 108 deaths and two missing. Local officials emphasized that they received no timely warning of the scale of the event, that responders and volunteers acted heroically under extreme conditions, and that communications, cell coverage, and rural emergency resources were strained. Several witnesses said the county’s existing alert systems were limited by geography, sparse broadband, and the speed of the flood.
Testimony focused on possible improvements, including real-time flood gauges and predictive monitoring, stronger rural emergency management staffing and training, better interoperability and alerting tools such as IPAWS, CodeRED, WENS, and sirens, and expanded broadband and radio coverage. Kerrville asked for a flood warning system before next summer and state help for stormwater, floodplain, and disaster recovery funding. UGRA described its past and current flood-warning and mitigation efforts, including gauge funding, a new software-based flood prediction project, and consideration of additional retention dams. Kendall and Real counties highlighted successful or needed alerting and evacuation practices, while also stressing the difficulty of funding and maintaining such systems in small rural counties. Members asked detailed questions about the timeline of the flood response, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and whether regional consolidation or additional infrastructure could improve future preparedness.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/14/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There certainly might be other ways where we could become a more active swing state once again, as we
- of active campaigning um interfering<00:55:53.000>
and <00:55:53.280>campaigning <00:55 - As town moderator, I consider voting to be a civic duty and not a partisan activity.
- As town moderator, I consider voting to be a civic duty and not a partisan activity.
- So I just want to caution... leering activity at the polls also apply leering activity at the polls also
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- clinical trials, nutrition-based prevention strategies, drug repurposing, and all of these research activities
- they are doing what they said they were going to do and holding them accountable for all of the activities
- that they had stated that they... ...holding them accountable for all of the activities that they had
- I am speaking to express our strong support for Senate Bill 312 and House Bill 369, sponsored by Senator
- Line 122, I'll start with 120: clearly expresses the principal's preferences and instructions for care
Summary:
The committee first received an update from the Department of Health on the Cancer Connect Collaborative, the Cancer Innovation Fund, and the new Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, created and expanded by recent legislation. The department reported that the Cancer Innovation Fund has awarded $80 million to 95 researchers to date, with $60 million available in the current cycle and 65 projects funded across 28 institutions in 16 cancer areas last year. The new pediatric cancer incubator received $30 million and awarded four Florida children’s hospitals $7.5 million each. Senators asked about outreach to oncologists statewide, peer review and accountability, funding for National Cancer Institute-affiliated institutions, and whether underserved and rural areas are being prioritized; the department said it uses website notices, listservs, collaborative outreach, and eligibility criteria favoring rural and high-cancer-care providers, and that it monitors projects through reports, expenditures, and contract provisions.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 312 on patient-directed medical orders, which would create a voluntary, portable, physician-authorized electronic registry for patients to document end-of-life and serious-illness treatment preferences. Supporters, including nurses, hospice and emergency care advocates, and medical professionals, said the bill would help ensure patient wishes are accessible in emergencies, reduce unwanted interventions, and improve continuity of care. Opponents, including Florida Right to Life, argued the bill could broaden end-of-life decisions too far, raise privacy and coercion concerns, and allow withdrawal of care inappropriately. The sponsor said the measure is intended to support patient autonomy and is not anti-life, and noted she was open to amendments.
After public testimony, the committee voted on SB 312 and reported it favorably. The roll call showed support from Senators Berman and Harrell, with the bill passing on the committee vote. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the rise of Antisemitism and supporting older Americans. Apr 30th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Aging (Special) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Federally funded activities like the not-for-profit security grant program which helps organizations
- going to shoot up a synagogue, an indication of possessing weapons with intent to use them, or an expressed
- Particularly concerning is the 84% increase in anti-Semitic activity on college campuses.
- While not all campuses have seen the same level of disturbing activity, what we are witnessing on some
- Senator Kim, yes we're we're tracking it very closely I but I I can't let the moment pass to express