Video & Transcript : 'troop withdrawal' :
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB683 , SB1579 , SB1389 , SB1387 , SB1390 , SB1391 , SB2063 , SB1829 , SB2060 , SB1842 , SB1398 , SB1212 , SB2158 , SB102 , SB1772 , SB1958 , SB2010 , SB1595 , SB1687 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1966 , SB1989 , SB1191 , SB1258 , SB1920 , SB1936 , SB2143 , SB2122 , SB330 , SB2071 , SB2169 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB2157 , SB1806 , SB1430 , SB206 , SB1547 , SB1849 , SB1428 , SB1653 , SB1984 , SB1644 , SB1561 , SB1813 , SB1570 , SB1796
Keywords:
education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 4/29/25
Transcript Highlights:
- United States, the Soviet Union, North Vietnam, and 10 other countries agreed to prohibit all foreign troops
- The U.S. and its allies honored that agreement by withdrawing the military personnel, but the North Vietnamese
- Thousands of North Vietnamese army troops remained in Laos, using the territory to bypass borders and
- threaten American positions in South Vietnam because the U.S. could not officially station troops in
Summary:
Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged.
Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities.
Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/29/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- As a state agency, we cover multiple different courts in all of our troop stations.
- As a state agency, we cover multiple different courts in all of our troop stations.
- stations we have a process of our troop stations we have a process with<05:15:52.120><c> our</c><05:
- I withdraw my motion to it." "I'll withdraw it as well." "It is withdrawn.
- Chairman, you don't have to withdraw your motion.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><02:14:36.960><c> President</c> of troops to the Middle East.
- President of troops to the Middle East.
- :23.440><c> their</c> Deploying troops while destroying their Deploying troops while destroying their
- It deployment of troops on DC streets.
- ,</c><06:00:06.240><c> and</c> hours, organized the withdrawal, and hours, organized the withdrawal,
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Rules allow for the majority to call back their troops and get in line to make these, all the bills that
- I withdraw that motion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a big problem in the military, especially with younger troops anymore.
- And there's a lot of younger troops in both locations.
- And there's a lot of younger troops in both locations.
- Do you say that when you withdraw $20 and you have a $3 fee, do you do the same thing?
- If a withdrawal causes an overdraft, the worker is left holding the bill.
Committee:
House House Commerce Committee of Reference
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee heard House Bill 2181, which would extend the deadline for funeral establishments or responsible individuals to complete and submit death certificates. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the maximum extension to 14 days and clarifying that the medical certification deadline for health care providers excludes weekends and holidays. Testimony from a mortuary owner and the sponsor described delays caused by doctors’ schedules, county processing, holidays, and families needing more time; some members argued the bill did not address the underlying accountability problems for doctors and counties, while others supported the added flexibility. HB 2181 was approved 6-4-1 with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Bill 2682, which creates a DES rental assistance program providing up to two months or $5,000 in aid and appropriates $5 million from the general fund for administration. Supporters said the bill would help families facing short-term crises stay housed, reduce evictions, and serve as a preventive measure that could save money downstream; a constituent testified in Spanish about receiving emergency rental help after falling behind. Some members raised concerns about the program’s cost, the limited target population, and whether seniors should be included, while others supported it as a pilot and asked for possible amendments. HB 2682 passed 7-4.
House Bill 2698, which creates a rental assistance study committee to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs and repeals the committee in 2028, was heard next and passed on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2476, revising CPA certification and reciprocity requirements by creating multiple pathways to licensure and updating related rules and fees. Supporters said the bill would help address a CPA workforce shortage and align Arizona with other states; after questions about whether the bill made licensure harder or easier, the committee unanimously approved HB 2476, 11-0.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 2308, which would bar dental insurers and certain holding companies from owning dental practices. The sponsor and Arizona Dental Association argued the bill would prevent conflicts of interest and preserve separation between payers and providers, while Delta Dental opposed the measure as overbroad and potentially burdensome for nonprofit insurers and investors. After discussion about private equity, nonprofit charity care, and vertical integration, the bill was approved 8-0 with three members present. The committee then started House Bill 2118 on mobile food vendors, with the sponsor and food truck operators arguing it would streamline duplicate local permitting, while cities and some vendors opposed it as a loss of local oversight and control; testimony continued, but no final action on HB 2118 appears in the excerpt.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's a big problem in the military, especially with younger troops anymore.
- “And when those airmen came to you, or those troops came to you with the financial problems, was it due
- And there's a lot of younger troops in both locations, and they're the ones that were running into more
- Do you say that when you withdraw $20 and you have a $3 fee, do you do the same thing?
- If a withdrawal causes an overdraft, the worker is left holding the bill.
Bills:
HB2118 , HB2181 , HB2308 , HB2309 , HB2402 , HB2476 , HB2682 , HB2698 , HB2875 , HB2877 , HB2903 , HB2910
Committees:
House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference
Keywords:
mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And not counting against the Gann limit deposits, but withdrawals will incentivize savings.
- And not counting against the Gann limit deposits, but withdrawals will incentivize savings.
- Proposition 2 also requires that there is a declaration of a budget emergency in order to withdraw funds
- from the BSA, and the Legislature must approve those withdrawals with a majority vote.
- “The National Guard, as an example, is called out for something and keeping those troops on salary for
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review held an informational hearing on ACA 20, the Save for California’s Future Act, and took no votes. The chair described the measure as a way to strengthen the state’s Rainy Day Fund by increasing reserves during strong revenue years and helping pay down long-term obligations. The vice chair said he preferred a broader spending rule tied to a rolling average of revenues, rather than the proposal’s reserve-focused approach.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained how Proposition 2 currently requires deposits into the Budget Stabilization Account and debt payments when revenues are strong, and how ACA 20 would change those rules by increasing required reserve deposits, raising the BSA target from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, creating a “super excess capital gains” deposit requirement, extending debt-payment requirements through 2040, and expanding eligible debt uses to include Proposition 98 settle-up, budgetary borrowing, and federal unemployment insurance debt. The Department of Finance said the administration supports the measure and believes it improves Proposition 2. Members asked about the Gann limit, whether the measure would allow more spending or simply change how deposits are counted, the impact on infrastructure and other programs, the size of the UI debt, and how the proposal would affect future budget flexibility.
Several senators supported the goal of saving more in good years and using reserves to avoid painful cuts in downturns, while others questioned whether the proposal was sufficiently simple or whether a larger structural spending rule would be better. Public comment largely supported the measure, with one former legislative staffer arguing it follows earlier reserve reforms and helps address the state’s UI debt. The chair closed by noting the committee would not act that day and that the measure would be considered on the Senate floor the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Rules allow for the majority to call back their troops and get in line to make all the bills that they
- I withdraw that motion.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through introductions of guests and several ceremonial recognitions. Guests included a local justice of the peace, the doctor of the day, McDonald’s representatives visiting for the All-American Games, and AFL-CIO members at the Capitol. Senators also read proclamations recognizing Lobo Week in support of the Mexican gray wolf and McDonald’s All-American Games Week, highlighting the economic and charitable impact of McDonald’s in Arizona and the importance of wolf recovery efforts.
During floor business, Senator Gonzalez submitted a statement criticizing Senate rules as undemocratic and unconstitutional, particularly in relation to House Bill 2072 and broader chamber procedures. The Senate then took up a motion by Senator Mesnard to reconsider House Bill 2874, which had previously passed third reading. After a division vote, the motion to reconsider passed 16-12.
House Bill 2874, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, was then brought back for third reading. Senator Gonzalez spoke against the emergency clause, arguing there was no emergency and objecting to the bill’s reconsideration process. The Senate voted to pass HB 2874 on reconsideration without the emergency clause and ordered it transmitted to the House. The chamber also noted that Senate Bills 1125 and 1415 had been transmitted to the governor, announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our troops can't train on promises. Our allies can't fight with doubt.
- How can you abandon the American people, the Constitution, our troops, our national security?
- How can you abandon the American people, the Constitution, our troops, our national security?
- </c><04:11:16.080><c> It's</c><04:11:16.399><c> time</c> troops, our national security?
- It's time troops, our national security?
Keywords:
defense appropriations, military funding, national security, Department of Defense, fiscal year 2026, House of Representatives, election, Speaker, Clerk, Congress, budget authority, rescission, fiscal policy, government funding, impoundment, Federal Reserve, digital currency, monetary policy, financial services, privacy
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They are Girl Scout Troop No. 6354.
- Thank you, ladies, for standing. ...and their troop leader, Alyssa.
- These young ladies are only in second grade, but are learning civics in their Girl Scout troop.
- Chairman, I withdraw the Health and Human Services Committee amendment. Mr.
- Chairman, I withdraw the Health and Human Services Committee amendment. All right.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing judges, medical and mining guests, students, and Girl Scout Troop 6354. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of bills, with most measures receiving committee amendments and do-pass recommendations. Bills discussed included SB 1272 on the Douglas port of entry, SB 1327 on Arizona Board of Regents restrictions involving foreign countries, SB 1400 on public safety employee information, SB 1519 on off-highway vehicles, SB 1627 on unmanned aircraft, SB 1630 on AHCCCS home and community-based services and mental illness, SB 1720 on parenting time, SB 1763 on school district finances, SB 1826 on rural wayfinding signs, and SB 1827 on vertiports/advanced air mobility. Several bills drew floor amendments and brief explanations, including changes to off-highway vehicle use, drone restrictions near schools, parenting-time standards, and school finance reporting.
On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1272, SB 1327, SB 1400, SB 1519, SB 1627, SB 1630, SB 1720, SB 1763, and SB 1826. SB 1827 initially failed on a 15-15 vote. Members also debated SB 1111 on automatic license plate readers during a later Committee of the Whole session; supporters said it added guardrails such as warrant requirements, training, logging, and felony penalties for misuse, while opponents argued it still enabled broad surveillance and contained loopholes. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then proceeded to third reading votes on the earlier bills.
In the later session, the Senate considered SB 1111, SB 1214 on stem-cell/regenerative therapy, SB 1683 on foreign ownership/advisory limits for real property, SB 1686 on a memorial designation, and SB 1745 on local excise tax rate limits. SB 1214’s sponsor said the bill created a framework for regenerative medicine and medical tourism, while opponents said the policy was too significant for floor amendment and should be developed through stakeholder meetings. SB 1683 and SB 1745 were amended and advanced, and SB 1686 passed without amendment. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the Senate then took up a motion to alter the report on SB 1111 to include the Hoffman amendment and exclude the Payne amendment, with debate centered on whether the bill was a necessary surveillance safeguard or an unconstitutional mass-surveillance measure.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Aren't these adults that if they are unhappy will withdraw from the union?
- I utilized Troops to Teachers. I actually just had a procedure to remove some cancer off my face.
- After my time in the Navy, running water plants for fellow troops, I worked for KBR, where I went over
- After my time in the Navy, running water plants for for fellow troops, work for.
- After my time in the Navy, running water plants for fellow troops, I worked for KBR, where I went over
Keywords:
public records, public meetings, property rights, transcripts, settlement negotiations, Veterans Day, K-12 schools, holiday observance, education, Florida statutes, cybersecurity, local government, grant program, data-sharing, Florida Digital Service, ransomware protection, county administrators, city managers, exemption, privacy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- And not counting against the Gann limit deposits, but withdrawals will incentivize savings.
- Proposition 2 also requires that there is a declaration of a budget emergency in order to withdraw funds
- from the BSA, and the Legislature must approve those withdrawals with a majority vote.
- You know, National Guard, as an example... ...is called out for something and keeping those troops on
- the very Paul Gann, supported publicly while he was still alive, excluding deposits and counting withdrawals
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill requires the department to create a standard withdrawal form to be used by scholarship applicants
- I wish I could say that in public schools and in homeschooling and in Boy Scout troops and in softball
- I wish I could say that in public schools and in homeschooling and in Boy Scout troops and in softball
- I wish I could say that in public schools and in homeschooling and in Boy Scout troops and in softball
Summary:
The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections.
The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They have deployed into combat, flown missions overseas, and led troops through danger.
- They have deployed into combat, flown missions overseas, and led troops through danger.
- </c><02:07:52.079><c> and</c> provisions, support for troops and provisions, support for troops and families
- In conclusion, God bless our troops as the war on terrorism continues.
- Even this deterrent to the troops below.
Bills:
HB3351 , HB3095 , HB1450 , HB1716 , HB1764 , HB3395 , HB2384 , HB3357 , HB3339 , HB1469 , HB3343 , HB3382 , HR1043 , HR131 , HR183 , HR672 , HB2625 , HB2170 , SB201 , SB423
Keywords:
small business, capital formation, financial regulation, Securities Exchange Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, ZIP Code, postal service, community designation, local governance, postal infrastructure, OFAC, Office of Foreign Assets Control, sanctions, licensing, investigators, private sector firms, nominal transactions, financial transactions, pilot program, FinCEN
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 47 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw. Mr.
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw a quorum roll call. Is there objection?
- Paisal Bosley asked unanimous consent to withdraw the last roll call. Chair: Objection?
- Paisal Bosley asked you the innocent consent to withdraw the last roll call. Chair objection.
- And so at this particular juncture, I'm going to withdraw that amendment, but know that all of those
Summary:
The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology.
Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters.
The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 4/2/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- From 1962 to 1975, these Mong soldiers held back 70,000 North Vietnamese troops, preventing them from
- I do withdraw my amendment. Chair Bliss withdraws the DE1 amendment.
- We are being supported by Duke Cannon support for the troops.
- We are being supported by Duke Cannon support for the troops.
- Um Minnesota Power is um having troops.
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 47 May 20th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw. Mr.
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw a quorum roll call.
- Paisal Bosley asked unanimous consent to withdraw the last roll call. Chair: objection?
- And so at this particular juncture, I'm going to withdraw that amendment, but know that all of those
- McKenna of Sutton asked unanimous consent to withdraw his amendment; the chair had no objection.
Summary:
The House took up several Senate and House bills, often suspending rules to advance them quickly. Early in the session, the chamber handled a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a conference committee. It also referred a poverty-related petition away from Judiciary to the Committee on Children and Families after suspending Joint Rule 12. The House then considered a series of Ways and Means bills, including measures on police interactions with people with autism, honoring Blue Star families, Bolton land conveyances, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology; most were amended, ordered to third reading, or passed to be engrossed.
The most extensive debate centered on House 5441, requiring newborn screening for congenital CMV. Supporters described CMV as a common but often overlooked infection that can cause hearing loss, developmental delays, and other serious harms, arguing that universal screening would allow earlier treatment and better outcomes. An amendment to add several rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment to create a broad parental opt-out was rejected by a roll call vote of 153-1. The bill then passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed House 5443 on expanded public access to epinephrine after emotional testimony about fatal anaphylaxis cases; that bill passed 149-0.
Another major measure, House 5444 on civil rights and technology, would prohibit weaponized drones and robotic devices, restrict threatening or harassing use, and set rules for law enforcement use and warrant requirements. Members emphasized both public safety and civil liberties, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed the Blue Star families bill, which creates commemorative license plates for immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, with members speaking about fallen officers and the importance of honoring their families. Additional bills passed included the autism-related Blue Envelope bill, the Bolton land conveyance bill, and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The session included multiple recesses, quorum checks, memorial tributes to Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, and concluded with the House adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Aren't these adults that if they are unhappy will withdraw from the union?
- I utilized Troops to Teachers. I actually just had a procedure to remove some cancer off my face.
- After my time in the Navy, running water plants for fellow troops, I worked for After my time in the
- Navy, running water plants for fellow troops, I worked for KBR, where I went over Tirek and worked in
Summary:
The committee first heard a committee substitute for SB 332, which creates a narrow public meetings and public records exemption for certain pre-suit settlement communications in Bert Harris claims involving local governments and private property rights. The sponsor said the change is intended to allow confidential legal strategy and negotiation during the 90-day pre-suit period while keeping settlements and outcomes public. The strike-all amendment was adopted, supportive testimony was waived in, and the bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved several other measures, including SB 464 requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day as a school holiday; SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, which was amended to add a statement of important state interest and reported favorably after testimony from firefighters both supporting the bill and urging a longer benefit window; SB 576 on local government cybersecurity, which was amended to route the program through the Florida Digital Service and strengthen state-local coordination; SB 964 clarifying how certain gift and honoraria disclosures are filed with the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with a delayed effective date; SB 830 creating public records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096 clarifying the filing deadline for employment discrimination complaints; and SB 1656 designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship. All were reported favorably.
The committee also considered a slate of appointments, including a separate vote on Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employees Relations Commission, which was recommended favorably after Senator Polsky objected to the appointment and cited concerns about political ties and prior work. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably. After a recess, the committee took up SB 1296 on the Public Employees Relations Commission, as substituted by a committee PCS. The PCS would change union certification and recertification rules, require stronger showing-of-interest and voting thresholds, limit paid union leave in some cases, require equal access to employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for state-funded salary increases. The bill drew extensive testimony, with supporters arguing it would improve accountability, transparency, and taxpayer fairness, and opponents—many of them teachers, bus drivers, and other public employees—saying it would weaken collective bargaining, burden workers, and function as union busting. Members raised constitutional concerns about the single-subject rule and collective bargaining protections, and debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Feb 16th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- The most difficult part of quitting opioids is the physical sickness from withdrawal.
- this study, 80% of participants reported that ibogaine eliminated or drastically reduced those withdrawal
- The data suggests that ibogaine has the potential to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and support long-term
- Hundreds of thousands of troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq have sustained TBIs in recent decades
- Hundreds of thousands of troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq have sustained TBIs in recent decades
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 3037, House Bill 2760, House Bill 1778, and House Bill 2830, each by recorded roll call. HB 3037, HB 2760, and HB 1778 all passed 8-4, while HB 2830 passed unanimously 12-0. The committee also said it would not take up HB 1746 and HB 1769 yet, because more work was needed on an amendment.
The public hearing began with House Bill 3005, sponsored by Representative Justice, which would require public and school libraries to adopt and post reconsideration policies for challenged materials, limit requests to local residents or parents/guardians, extend the process to digital materials, and prohibit tracking or retaining personalized user data from digital library resources. Justice said the bill was developed with the Secretary of State’s office and library groups and was intended to add transparency, local control, and privacy protections. Testimony from EBSCO Information Services and the Missouri Library Association supported the bill as a codification of existing library practices and a way to create clearer procedures.
The committee then heard a group of similar bills on AI-generated or digitally altered depictions, including measures by Representatives Lucas, Farnan, Gallick, Schmidt, Williams, Houseman, and Dolan. The sponsors described the bills as closing loopholes in child pornography, revenge-porn, and digital impersonation laws, creating civil remedies, criminal penalties, and in some versions platform takedown requirements for nonconsensual altered images. Members raised questions about how to combine the bills, whether sunsets should be included, and how the proposals relate to existing revenge-porn law. No votes were taken on these bills during the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2817 and 2961 on ibogaine research for veterans and other trauma-affected populations, followed by House Bills 1717 and 1643 on psilocybin and other alternative therapies. Supporters, including veterans, first responders, clinicians, and family members, described severe PTSD, TBI, addiction, and suicide crises and said these treatments had helped them when conventional care had not. Opponents, including the Missouri State Medical Association, said they did not support non-FDA-approved drugs. Members questioned the cost and structure of the proposed studies, the role of the FDA, and whether similar research is already underway. The hearing ended without a vote on these bills.