Video & Transcript : 'Sisters of Mercy' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So gracious and merciful God, of our past and of our present, help us to continue to learn from the nonviolent
- her sister, Alicia Arón, and guests who are in the gallery today in support of SCR 152.
- In the opening prayer, Sister Michelle spoke of the work of Dolores Huerta, specifically about the nonviolent
- In the opening prayer, Sister Michelle spoke of the work of the Lordes Huerta, specifically about the
- And, of course, across the United States and California for our Cambodian brothers and sisters.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several routine announcements. Senator Weber Pierson removed SB 977 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, including Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission; all were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls after brief presentations by Senator Grove.
The Senate also considered several commemorative resolutions. SCR 152, by Senator Reyes, designated April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators from both parties spoke in support, praising Huerta’s lifelong labor, civil rights, and nonviolent organizing work, and noting her role in the farmworker movement and the contributions of Filipino farmworkers. The resolution passed unanimously. SR 91, by Senator González, recognized Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week; SCR 149, by Senator Valadares, marked World Autism Awareness Day and emphasized early intervention and adult services; and SCR 150, by Senator Choi, recognized National Librarian Day and the public value of librarians. Each of these resolutions was adopted with broad support.
The Senate also passed SB 1078 by Senator Laird, an urgency measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to consider a local tax increase above the combined local tax rate cap to help fund services, including medical services; the bill passed 29-9 on both urgency and final passage. SR 98 by Senator Wiener, designating Heat Pump Week in California, also passed with strong support, highlighting energy savings, emissions reductions, and the state’s electrification goals. After lifting the call, the chamber confirmed the earlier appointments and adopted the remaining consent calendar items without objection. The session ended with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a nurse and community leader, with the Senate scheduled to reconvene on April 20, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And I said the prayer that you and I recited one time: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our
- Turn then, O most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us.
- And you were one of the first people to reach out to me after my sister-in-law committed suicide.
- A couple of folks who've made a comment about you being like a big sister to them.
- I want to leave an offering, a child of mercy and grace, who bless your name, unapologetic Grace, who
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, page introductions, and recognition of guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy basketball team and a student intern. The chamber then took up executive appointment reports from the Ethics and Elections Committee and related committees, which covered a large slate of gubernatorial appointees to state boards and commissions. Senators were given the opportunity to separate nominees for individual votes, and several members spoke in support of or opposition to specific appointees based on qualifications, ideology, and prior public service.
The first major confirmation vote covered most of the 186 appointments on the report, with debate centered on three nominees highlighted by Senator Polsky: Ilya Shapiro, Thomas Zachary Smith, and Dr. John Lattell. The report was adopted 31-0 after those objections, and Jeffrey Aaron was then considered separately for the Public Employee Relations Commission. Senators Smith and Polsky opposed Aaron’s confirmation, citing his role as legal counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and alleged involvement in the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds to political entities; Chair Gates defended Aaron as a lawyer representing a client and noted no disciplinary or law-enforcement action against him. Aaron was confirmed 26-10.
The Senate next confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after debate focused on her prior leadership at the Department of Children and Families, Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage issues, Hope Florida-related concerns, and a women’s shelter inspection dispute. Supporters emphasized her work stabilizing Medicaid funding and her responsiveness to agency problems, while opponents argued she had overseen serious failures and lacked suitability. The confirmation passed 32-5. Taylor Hatch was then confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families after committee members noted serious operational concerns at DCF, including SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, forensic audit issues, and questions about Hope Florida, but also cited her commitment to child welfare and willingness to address problems; the vote was 33-4.
After the confirmations, the Senate recessed and later returned for a lengthy tribute to outgoing Senate President Kathleen Pasadomo. Senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising her leadership, diligence, toughness in committee, mentorship, and resilience after personal loss, while also joking about her reputation as a strict rules chair and “bill killer.” The session concluded with the recognition of her service and presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I said the prayer that you and I recited one time: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our
- Turn then, O most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us.
- And you were one of the first people to reach out to me after my sister-in-law committed suicide.
- A couple of folks who've made a comment about you being like a big sister to them.
- I want to leave an offering, a child of mercy and grace, who bless your name, unapologetic Grace who
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course you did. Of course you did.
- of mine.
- Some of us dig into rules, some of us dig into people. Some of us dig into rules.
- And we see that reflection of you in each of them.
- of Edmond as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs to serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Bills:
HB1168
Summary:
The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man.
After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- would be orders of the order of business would be orders of the day.<00:07:58.000><c> Senator</c><00
- </c> of shareholder votes. of shareholder votes.
- </c> of our society. of our society.
- generating a lot of coal and putting a lot of energy.
- generating a lot of coal and putting a lot of energy.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- As a group of paramedics, we recognized that we were not well trained in how to take care of some of
- So a lot of it is awareness and permission, you know, kind of that idea of reminding you, “Oh, yeah,
- So going back to the STARS program, if Mercy all of a sudden decides to participate, how much is that
- that because of the kind of work that I have done.
- I haven't heard of this, but I appreciate you kind of addressing some of my concerns. Thank you.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Front of it.
- Attempted to prove, and the judge gave jury instructions on the possibility of guilt of the crime of
- of lesser of second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, and they had a fourth option of guilty
- of Lesser of second-degree murder with a finding of use or possession of a firearm, and that the jury
- Not because of intent, not because of planning, but because of who the victim is.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A BRCA2 gene mutation, and a sister who was diagnosed at the age of 41.
- Jessie Marie died on April 8, 2023, while in the care of Mercy San Juan Medical Center.
- I'm asking you on behalf of Jessie Marie, her sisters, and every family affected, please pass this bill
- In the Mercy San Juan case, the Department of Public Health issued federal deficiencies for governing
- The author gave one of them of where the information of the...
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call.
The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598.
The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations for the Department of Human Services
- So from all of that, now we can get to really the root of the question.
- , of course, at the end of that two years.
- Does any of the members have any other questions for any of...
- Does any of the members have any of the questions for any of these contracts?
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
Summary:
The committee reviewed three DHS service contracts: a $690,000-plus sole-source contract for DCFS with Evident Change for maintenance and operation of the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making Assessment tools; a $1.2 million contract with Sifter Solutions for a SNAP waiver compliance solution and related app; and a $156,000 contract with Samaritan Integrative Services for psychiatric services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. Staff said the Evident Change contract was needed to keep daily safety risk assessments, case planning, and reunification tools functioning, and that the vendor’s proprietary system made it sole source. Members questioned DHS about reliance on the vendor, the lack of an off-ramp, whether the state was paying more or less annually, and why the contracts were not aligned on the same cycle. DHS and the vendor said the new Evident Change contract was limited to maintenance and operations, that no additional services or employees were being added, and that the broader CQI/review contract would come up separately later.
For the SNAP waiver contract, DHS explained that the waiver is intended to exclude certain unhealthy foods from SNAP purchases to improve nutritional value, and that Sifter Solutions would provide a dynamic list for retailers and an app for clients to check products by barcode. DHS said the contract is sole source because it is tied to the waiver implementation and because the vendor can provide the needed dynamic list and education features. Staff said the contract would be funded with remaining federal SNAP Nutrition Education dollars that would otherwise revert to the federal government, and that the University of Pennsylvania would conduct the evaluation at no cost. Members asked about the public benefit, future renewals, and whether the state would own the application; DHS said the two-year term was designed to match the waiver period and allow time to reassess future procurement options.
Members also asked about the nutrition education component, and DHS said it is developing videos with a nutritionist on preparing budget-friendly healthy meals and plans to link them to the app and website. After discussion, no objections were raised, and the items were reported as reviewed. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of Nowruz.
- And he told me a story of how he had hoped to emigrate to Canada because his sister was there.
- Title of the bill will be the title of the act. Title of the bill will be the title of the act.
- Title of the bill will be the title of the act.
- largely members of our Chambers of Commerce.
Bills:
SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:39.759><c> Lord,</c><00:04:40.160><c> have</c><00:04:40.400><c> mercy</c> way of the ice storm
- Lord, have mercy way of the ice storm.
- </c> of $50,000. of $50,000.
- /c><01:09:43.359><c> on</c> significant rate of in of of return on significant rate of in of of return
- </c> achievement of 30 of of of 33%. achievement of 30 of of of 33%.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- matter of fact.
- I am proud of the efforts of the co-chairs of this committee, the committee overall, and the legislature
- If Massachusetts had such a program, residents would not be at the mercy of recent federal proposals
- Patients should not continue to be at the mercy of corporate business.
- Patients should not continue to be at the mercy of corporate greed.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- presence of HCD insignia of approval.
- million. of presence of HCD insignia of approval.
- Way out of my league. Good luck to all of you.
- of maybe Lad; he's got decades of experience.
- team of people to build a series of buildings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Day yesterday, let us remember the significance of our place in the universe as we pray a poem by Mercy
- It sings the endurance of faith and the confidence of love.
- the risk of growing produce and, um, ...of life, who accept the risk of growing produce and working
- every mother, auntie, grandma, sister, family member that has endured this impact of childhood abuse
- When you think of Rob, you think of a big presence.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection.
On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment.
Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As a constituent of both of these...
- Some of them had more, some of them less.
- of this.
- For today's purposes, I'm a certified crime-victim advocate and the sister of Trey Carlock, for whom
- Many of whom were also victims, to write letters of lenience on behalf of the abuser.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> especially in the city of of Birmingham. especially in the city of of Birmingham.
- It matters that you're there for one purpose and one purpose only: to be a band of brothers and sisters
- ><c> sisters</c><01:11:39.120><c> in</c><01:11:39.360><c> a</c> band of brothers and sisters in a band
- of brothers and sisters in a fraternity,<01:11:40.480><c> in</c><01:11:40.680><c> a</c><01:11:40.800
- of the state of Alabama to represent the state of Alabama.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Walter Fisher Memorial Jun 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Give him a vision of Your eternal realm of glory.
- of that office is to preside over the opening of the Texas House and the election of a new speaker at
- in 1824, and was a drafter of the Constitution of 1836 for the Republic of Texas.
- , but also his love of the University of Texas.
- The owners of...
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She's there because of what her sister has testified to us, Mr.
- She's there because of what her sister has testified to us, Mr.
- 32.000><c> sister</c><05:24:32.480><c> has</c><05:24:32.798><c> testified</c> because of what her sister
- </c><08:26:19.280><c> It</c> hundreds of our brothers and sisters.
- It hundreds of our brothers and sisters.
Keywords:
organized retail crime, retail theft, cargo theft, supply chain crime, shoplifting, organized theft groups, cargo diversion, stolen goods, fencing, online marketplace, e-commerce, gift cards, prepaid cards, money laundering, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, interstate theft, transnational crime
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The doctor of the day. Is the doctor of the day? There we are. All right.
- An exemplary leader, he has served as president of the board and board member of a variety of several
- Whereas since the founding of the city of Phoenix, residents of Irish heritage have contributed to the
- House of Representatives for the purpose of reconsideration.
- House of Representatives for the purpose of reconsideration.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I would be in hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical debt.
- A BRCA2 gene mutation, and a sister who was diagnosed at the age of 41.
- Jessie Marie died on April 8, 2023, while in the care of Mercy San Juan Medical Center.
- I'm asking you on behalf of Jessie Marie, her sisters, and every family affected, please pass this bill
- In the Mercy San Juan case, the Department of Public Health issued federal deficiencies for governing
Committee:
House Health