Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign espionage'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- to have a quorum, has asked that I provide him a quorum in a competing markup about to start the Foreign
- significant potential as a domestic source of critical minerals to reduce our reliance... on minerals from foreign
- Beyer. is your plan to develop domestic sources of lithium and assure that we're not reliant on foreign
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- encryption states can stay ahead of cyber threats and safeguard critical systems from both domestic and foreign
- threats. foreign adversaries.
- encryption states can stay ahead of cyber threats and safeguard critical systems from both domestic and foreign
Bills:
HB3146, HB3719, HB3895, HB3923, HB4748, HB4751, HB4936, HB4952, HB4990, HB4991, HB5061, HB5196, HB5238, HB5246, HB5487
Keywords:
State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Inspector General or Auditor General requirements to ensuring that a company is not owned by a country of foreign
- kind of the statement on some of the legislation that's been passed on working with countries of foreign
- of that's the statement on some of the legislation that's been passed on working with countries of foreign
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online.
Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more.
The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, this committee heard four bills on foreign adversaries. Five after today. It's just...
- So that one just needs to change a couple words based on what happens in 2160. 1555 is the foreign adversary
- So that one just need to change a couple words based on what happens in 2160. 1555 is the foreign adversary
Bills:
HB1162
Keywords:
Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change.
House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0.
The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill ensures that no corporation, private entity, or foreign interests Airspace.
- The bill ensures that no corporation, private entity, or foreign interests can conduct weather modification
- And the bill also provides statutory rules for foreign series LLCs, which are already transacting business
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way.
Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose.
Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 2nd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- defense manufacturing, or energy technologies, the United States cannot afford to be dependent on foreign
- Texas is the number one state in the country for foreign direct investment, and our office continues
- and in other states, and these Texas science parks can provide familiarity and consistency to these foreign
Keywords:
school district, bond issuance, election dates, voter approval, Texas Education Code, HCR 9, Texas State Cemetery, Hill Country flood, July 4 2025 flood, Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic, memorial, monument, concurrent resolution, disaster remembrance, natural disaster, flood victims, survivors, State Preservation Board, Texas secretary of state
Summary:
The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so.
A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony.
The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- demand continues, the industry will receive economic signals to open new operations to compete with foreign
- produce advanced chips in the United States and will significantly reduce the country's dependence on foreign
- Too dependent upon foreign resources for both. There is no this side or that side.
Keywords:
rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- comptroller in certain accounts, as well as ERS and TRS, can invest. in various ways that do access foreign
- The thing is foreign currencies are always backstopped or at a at least, compared to the United States
- relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign
Bills:
SJR34, SB10, SB18, SB19, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB480, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB767, SB790
Keywords:
parental rights, parents, children, custody, care and control, upbringing, family law, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, child welfare, education policy, medical decisions, parental authority, primary decision makers, family autonomy, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display, First Amendment
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed ses Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- Talk, Admiral Halsey in particular, about whether you're seeing any impact of the stop on our foreign
- How will President Trump's decision to freeze foreign assistance and dismantle USAID affect SOUTHCOM's
- So what concerns do you have, if any, that foreign-reliant actors, not just South American immigrants
Keywords:
national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy
Summary:
In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We're looking to create a foreign trade zone to take advantage of this.
- including easy access to BNSF, Interstate 40, and our revitalized transportation system, along with a foreign
- You get a foreign trade zone designation with passenger service. then you can start building your market
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- If they would listen to a foreign station or read a foreign newspaper, some of our neighbors got taken
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered personal tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, who died in a motorcycle accident, and observed a moment of respectful silence in his honor. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups and individuals, including members of the Arizona Muslim Association for Muslim Day, Holocaust survivors and descendants for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Arizona Dental Association representatives, food bank and anti-hunger advocates for Food Bank Day at the Capitol, and students and seniors from Arizona Cultural Academy and GCU.
The main floor action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in local, state, and federal public service, his advocacy for public education, environmental protection, tribal sovereignty, and social justice, and his family legacy. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and ordered it transmitted to the Senate, followed by a moment of respectful silence. Members also introduced the Grijalva family on the floor.
Later, Representative Alma Hernandez read a proclamation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing remembrance of the Holocaust, opposition to antisemitism, and the importance of education and human dignity. Holocaust survivor Oscar Noblach and Dr. Mark Olski, along with Hannah Sperberberger, shared personal remarks about survival, loss, resilience, and the need to reject hate. The House also received announcements about committee meetings, including Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Regulatory Oversight, Government, International Trade, Judiciary, and Ways and Means, and then adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 518 by Leo-Wilson relating to the ownership of agricultural land by nonresident aliens or foreign
- Development, HB 518 by Leo Wilson, relating to the ownership of agricultural land by non-resident aliens or foreign
Summary:
The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations.
Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions.
The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- made it easier for bad actors to evade the rules remaining on the books, including the bar against foreign
- on the books, including the<00:10:13.680>
bar <00:10:14.080>against <00:10:14.520>foreign - <00:10:14.880>
entities the bar against foreign entities the bar against foreign entities - That bill contained provisions that amended Minnesota Statutes 211B.15 to bar so-called election foreign
- It's also important to note that the same originators of the so-called Foreign Influence Corporation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- higher education from soliciting or accepting gifts, grants, donations, or investments from certain foreign
- This is the bill that stops hostile foreign nations from having influence over our public universities
- This is the bill that stops hostile foreign nations from having influence over our public universities
- they have to, you know, this is the provision that says that you can't accept funds from a hostile foreign
- It says a flag that represents a foreign country or political subdivision of that country.
Summary:
The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:45.160>
competitors <00:37:46.160>why of out ofate or foreign competitors why - of out ofate or foreign competitors why would<00:37:46.400>
the <00:37:46.480>Minnesota <00:50:15.280>- Representative Johnson, if there's subject to the state corporate franchise tax, so if there's a foreign
there's <00:50:16.000>so <00:50:16.559>a <00:50:16.640>foreign - Franchise Tax so if there's so a foreign Franchise Tax so if there's so a foreign corporation<00
Keywords:
taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, January 13, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Like President Trump, I know that energy independence moves us away from relying on foreign actors for
- ><00:14:18.720>
from <00:14:19.000>relying <00:14:19.600>on <00:14:19.839>foreign - moves us away from relying on foreign moves us away from relying on foreign actors<00:14:20.680>
- We can protect us from foreign interference on algorithms, but we should not ban TikTok.
- <02:14:12.719>
interference can protect us from foreign interference can protect us from foreign
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- None of those allow foreign wine to be blended into their national label.
- Current law allows wine labeled American to contain up to 25% foreign bulk wine.
- We have been getting taken advantage of, and why are we bringing in foreign grapes and then saying that
- I personally think that we should have much higher tariffs on foreign imported grapes.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely split between supporters and opponents on policy and implementation. Assembly Member Wynn presented AB 2507 to strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early consultation across agencies. Supporters from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance said the bill would improve respect, coordination, and program outcomes; no opposition was heard. Wynn also presented AB 2024, a cleanup bill intended to reduce delays in outdoor advertising permit processing by requiring agencies to act on submitted applications. Supporters said it would clarify existing law and reduce uncertainty, and members expressed interest in the measure as a final fix to longstanding interpretation problems. Both bills were later approved and sent to Appropriations.
Assembly Member Connolly presented AB 1585, which would require wine labeled “American” to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” designation with California’s 100% sourcing rule for California-labeled wine. Supporters, including growers, farm bureaus, consumer advocates, and family wineries, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling, protect consumers, and help an industry facing bankruptcies, vineyard removals, and job losses. Opponents from major wineries and Wine Institute argued the bill could confuse consumers, create costly label changes, and disrupt blends and cross-regional products that are currently legal under federal law. After extended debate, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations.
Assembly Member Ransom presented AB 1605, a DUI safety bill that would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, limiting their ability to purchase alcohol. Supporters from law enforcement and roadway safety groups said the measure would address recidivism and help prevent alcohol-related crashes and deaths, while retailers and restaurant groups raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens. The committee discussed committee amendments and the bill passed to Appropriations. Assembly Member Hoover’s AB 2211, allowing craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the distilling industry and no opposition. The committee also took up AB 1578, which would require local and state elected officials to take anti-hate speech training; supporters said it responds to rising hate crimes, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and objected to the lack of a clear definition of hate speech. After a lengthy exchange, the bill passed on a party-line-leaning vote to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2717, extending a sunset for off-site advertising displays at large sports venues, was introduced as a venue-revenue and fan-experience measure tied to major upcoming events, and the transcript indicates it was being considered with committee amendments.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/20/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- leave their homelands due to war, occupation, oppression, and systemic violence, sometimes the U.S. foreign
- FOREIGN POLICY.
- They can, in fact, receive foreign monies. Is there any prohibited...
- I would say if you have received foreign monies into your nonprofit, that you can't lobby in the State
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship.
The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 083 Apr 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of this joint resolution be sent to Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan; Lin Chia-lung, Minister of Foreign
- Chia-lung, President of Taiwan, Lin Chia-lung, Minister<00:34:02.200>
of <00:34:02.360>Foreign - /c><00:34:02.640>
Affairs <00:34:03.000>of <00:34:03.080>Taiwan, Minister of Foreign - Affairs of Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, and<00:34:03.760>
Debbie <00:34:04.000
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. Health and Human Services reported appointments to the Commission on Aging and the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission for consent-calendar confirmation, and also advanced or killed several bills, including favorable recommendations on SB 140, HB 1229, and HB 1244, while postponing indefinitely HB 1096 and SB 8. Business, Labor, and Technology reported SB 114 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for resolutions and later for selected bills.
The Senate adopted SJR 19, which celebrates Colorado’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, supports stronger trade and academic ties, backs a double-taxation agreement, and urges Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. The resolution was adopted 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also passed consent-calendar HB 1234 on access to child abuse or neglect records unanimously.
On third reading, HB 1186 on bail bonding agents passed 34-1, and HB 1044 on maternal health equity passed 30-5. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate advanced a large consent calendar of technical and policy bills, including HB 1303, 1297, 1296, 1295, 1294, 1293, 1220, 1219, 1218, 1217, 1216, 1215, 1135, 1238, and 1079, all of which were adopted and ordered to third reading. The committee report was adopted 35-0.
Later, the Senate took up several House-amended Senate bills and concurred or re-passed them, including SB 77 on epilepsy-related mortality awareness, SB 31 on lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I substance, SB 9 on charitable organizations for sales and use tax, SB 126 on teacher licensure for out-of-state applicants, and SB 53 on eligible mortgage borrowers. The chamber also passed HB 1311 on using a bond in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, HB 1107 on standardized information for medical-care facilities, and HB 1101 on adding critical-infrastructure-related offenses to commodity-metals crimes. The remainder of the calendar was laid over to April 7, 2026, and the Committee of the Whole report reflecting those actions was adopted 35-0.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Mar 4th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So I don't think that what I'm going to say is anything foreign or whatsoever maybe to some of you all
- 02.320>
anything that what I'm going to say is anything that what I'm going to say is anything foreign - 35:05.200>
maybe <00:35:05.440>to <00:35:05.599>some <00:35:05.839>of foreign - or whatsoever maybe to some of foreign or whatsoever maybe to some of you<00:35:06.160>
all.
Bills:
HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159, HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159
Keywords:
HB125, sunset law, Alabama Sunset Committee, Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, veterinary medical examiners, veterinary board, veterinary licensing, veterinary regulation, professional licensing board, state board continuation, sunset review, regulatory board, animal health, veterinarians, disciplinary authority, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding