Video & Transcript : 'Member orientation' :
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And citizen members, Bollinger, Buckelts, here. Collins. Johnson. Here. Lambrecht. Here. Mr.
- be gathering more information, but what I mean by legislative process is that I need all committee members
- So this is student-oriented.
- You've got to lower that mic or I can hear you, Chairman Sorvaag, committee members. Yeah.
- Chair Sorvaag, members of the committee, for the record, my name's Jamie Wilkie.
Summary:
The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review a proposed process for identifying and addressing low-producing academic programs, then moved into discussion of draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the ND University System described how other states and systems define low-producing programs, emphasizing multi-year enrollment and completion thresholds, cost and workforce review, and the role of governing boards. She reported that North Dakota institutions already review programs in varying cycles, often use shared resources and stackable credentials to keep low-enrollment programs viable, and cited recent system actions over five years: 100 programs placed on inactivation, 75 terminated, and 384 new programs created. Committee members raised concerns about workforce-critical programs, duplication, exemptions, and whether the legislature or the State Board of Higher Education should drive the process. The chair said he wanted the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting and suggested the legislature may use funding leverage, including a possible holdback, to encourage the review process.
The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft funding formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal used fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder rate of $7,000 per undergraduate FTE and $10,500 per graduate/professional FTE, plus incentives for completions in high-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council explained that the formula also included separate treatment for research funding, external grants, and capital building tiers, and that the MD program at UND would remain fixed funding outside the formula. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the in-demand program list, the treatment of external grants, and how the proposal compared with current appropriations. The chair noted that the formula numbers were illustrative and not final budget amounts.
A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. It used fall census FTE with no weighted economic factor, a higher undergraduate rate of $8,750 per FTE, and completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other credentials. Members noted that the proposal would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and questioned whether the same structure should apply across institutions with very different missions and sizes. Committee discussion focused on fairness, hold-harmless concerns, and whether the nine institutions should be grouped differently. The committee did not take formal action, but the chair indicated the formulas would continue to be discussed later in the meeting and in future work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regular Session Aug 20th, 2026 at 03:47 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, please call the absent members.
- I rise to present AB 2674 by Assembly Member Schiavo.
- Members, I am rising to support and present AB 1959 by Assembly Member Patel.
- Thank you, Madam President, distinguished members.
- Secretary, please call the absent members.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through motions and daily file items. Senator Ashby moved AB 2352 to the inactive file and AB 775 off the consent calendar. The body then considered a long series of concurrence and third-reading measures, with most receiving broad support and passing on largely party-line or unanimous votes.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1192 on domestic violence-related relief, SB 1263 on professions and vocations, SB 872 on water infrastructure and levee/subsidence issues, SB 934 on protecting LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public comment rules, AB 1573 on housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, AB 52 on farmer equity, AB 1758 on travel seller restitution fees, AB 1544 on court transparency, AB 1738 on virtual inspections for simple home work, AB 1820 on EV charger permit fees, AB 2150 on naloxone training for CPR-certified employees, AB 2274 on limiting secrecy in non-prosecution agreements for traffickers and child molesters, AB 2674 on public access to landfill monitoring data, AB 2010 on high-volume spay/neuter procedures, AB 1793 on cash rounding after the penny’s discontinuation, AB 1818 on CSU bargaining procedures, AB 1655 on CalWORKs support when children are detained by ICE, AB 1743 on firearm trace data sharing, and AB 2011 on preserving mental health parity enforcement. Members speaking in support emphasized consumer protection, transparency, public health, housing, labor rights, and equity; opposition was limited and appeared on a few measures such as AB 1743 and AB 1818.
Votes were recorded on each item, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Notable roll calls included concurrence on SB 1192 (30-0), SB 1263 (36-0), SB 872 (37-0), SB 934 (27-9), SB 1159 (37-0), and AB 2010 and AB 2150 by unanimous roll call. Several Assembly bills also passed with recorded opposition, including AB 52, AB 1758, AB 1820, AB 1793, AB 1818, AB 1655, AB 1743, and AB 2011. The session ended by returning to motions and consent calendars, where SCR 193 and a large slate of consent items were taken up, with SCR 193 granted reconsideration and the desk noting additional requests from members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture Oct 1st, 2025
Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's something I think a lot of members of the Legislature have some experience with and would like
- Thank you, Senator, committee members. I'd like to do three things.
- We remain committed to staying engaged and providing solution-oriented support.
- We remain committed to staying engaged and providing solution-oriented support.
- And we've been active members of the Whale Working Group and the Dungeness Crab Task Force.
Summary:
The committee held its annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum to review the state of California fisheries and aquaculture, with panels planned on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, and ocean conditions. Chair McGuire opened by emphasizing the severe challenges facing West Coast fisheries, the importance of Proposition 4 funding for coastal resilience and habitat restoration, and the need to protect rural coastal economies and tribal fishing traditions. He also noted recent positives such as the first recreational salmon season in three years, the removal of four Klamath River dams, and a strong but shortened Dungeness crab season.
Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot and CDFW Director Charlton Bonham described the state’s salmon strategy, habitat restoration work, and efforts to reduce permitting delays and improve fishery management. They highlighted Klamath dam removal, Delta wetland restoration, floodplain and stream restoration, and use of Prop. 4 funds to support salmon recovery. Bonham reported limited but encouraging salmon openings in 2025, stronger returns in some runs, and ongoing concerns about federal funding cuts, reduced hatchery production at Nimbus, and the need for more monitoring and enforcement resources. He also said illegal cannabis cultivation is causing serious environmental damage through water diversion and toxic chemicals, and described increased enforcement through a unified state task force.
Testimony from tribal, commercial, and conservation witnesses focused on salmon recovery needs. Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath run remains extremely weak, with the tribe still unable to sustain a commercial fishery, but praised dam removal and new state legislation to secure minimum flows. PCFFA president George Bradshaw called for major investment in aging hatchery infrastructure, especially in the Central Valley, and said three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities. CalTrout’s Schneider stressed that salmon remain at risk statewide, urged more monitoring, habitat reconnection, water management improvements, and flexible restoration funding, and said the state must accelerate work to keep pace with climate change.
On Dungeness crab, CDFW’s Dr. Schumann reviewed the 2024-25 season, noting record prices per pound, about 8.5 million pounds landed, and roughly $55 million in ex-vessel value despite delays and trap reductions. He outlined new RAMP 2.0 rules, phased-in gear marking requirements, updated electronic monitoring, and alternative gear authorization, while warning that whale entanglements, warm water, and domoic acid remain major risks and could delay the 2025-26 opener. Committee members and witnesses discussed the need for certainty for the fleet, the growing use of ropeless or alternative gear, and the importance of continued monitoring and testing as the season approaches.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, Assembly Member Calra and then Assembly Member Rogers, if no one shows up.
- Chair and members.
- Chair and members.
- All right, Assembly Member Irwin. Hello, good afternoon, Chair and members.
- Assembly Member Patel, you're up. Sounds great. We're a service-oriented committee.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, Assembly Member Calra and then Assembly Member Rogers, if no one shows up.
- Chair and members.
- Chair and members.
- All right, Assembly Member Irwin. Hello, good afternoon, Chair and members.
- Assembly Member Patel, you're up. Sounds great. We're a service-oriented committee.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several measures focused on campaign finance, legal ethics, notarization, domestic violence, immigration detention transparency, workplace violence restraining orders, and divorce relief for domestic violence survivors. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges limits on corporate spending in elections; there was no opposition testimony, and committee members voiced support. Assembly Member Kalra presented AB 2305 to bar private equity, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions, with support from the Consumer Attorneys of California and other stakeholders; no opposition appeared, and the bill was framed as protecting client-centered legal judgment. Assembly Member Irwin’s AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, made technical and procedural fixes to the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030, with support from notary groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers’ AB 1657 would allow temporary restraining orders in domestic violence cases without prior notice in certain circumstances, and Assembly Member Lee’s AB 1801 would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for contracts involving private immigration detention facilities; both drew broad support and no opposition. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend electronic filing and remote appearance rules to workplace violence restraining orders, and Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors; both were supported and had no opposition testimony.
The committee then took formal votes. The consent calendar passed 12-0. SJR 18 passed 10-2. AB 2305 passed 12-0. AB 1801 passed 10-2. AB 1657 passed 12-0. AB 2179 passed 8-0. AB 1875 passed 10-0. AB 1977 passed 8-2. The chair announced the committee would adjourn until the following Tuesday, June 16, at 1:30 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member.
- We'll look for other available members to present. Yeah. Do you see any Assembly Members?
- Thank you, members.
- Chair and members.
- Chair and members.
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 23rd, 2025
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We will leave it open for absent members.
- Chairman and members.
- We'll now turn it to committee members. Questions, comments from committee members. Mr.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Schultz.
- Absent members: Hoover, aye. Wicks, aye. We'll leave the roll open for absent members. Pellerin.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with an initial quorum delay, then approved a consent calendar including SB 234, SB 484, and SB 839. The committee then heard SB 88, which would direct state agencies to support biomass utilization and biochar/low-carbon energy strategies; supporters argued it would reduce wildfire and agricultural burning emissions and create rural economic opportunities, while opponents said woody biomass energy is dirty, costly, and harmful to forests and public health. The bill was amended and passed to Appropriations on a due-pass vote.
The committee next considered SB 653, defining “environmentally sensitive vegetation management” to support wildfire fuel reduction projects that also protect biodiversity. Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District and the California Invasive Plant Council supported the measure as a voluntary framework with no new mandates, and a committee member requested to be added as a coauthor. The bill passed to the floor. SCR 50, urging the state to define maladaptation and better evaluate climate resilience policies and investments, was also adopted with no opposition.
Later, the committee heard SB 567, a pilot program to convert idle oil and gas wells into gravity-based energy storage wells. Supporters said it could help meet energy storage needs and accelerate well plugging, while the Water Replenishment District opposed unless amended, seeking protections for groundwater basins and stronger leak-notification requirements. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 831 clarified the Geological Survey’s role in mapping geologic hazards, including those tied to climate change such as post-fire debris flows, subsidence, and coastal erosion; it received support from CalCIMA and passed to Appropriations. The committee concluded by recording votes on absent members and closing the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, clerk will call the roll.
- Members, the quorum is present.
- Speaker and members.
- Speaker and members.
- Members.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chairman, members of the committee. Good morning, Madam Chairman, members of the committee.
- Madam Chair and members, my name is Rocco Bonini.
- Madam Chair and members, my name is Nini Kyoto.
- Members, any questions for staff?
- Valuations, Madam Chair and members.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to community standard of care at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise to reduce confusion and align prescription validity with medical judgment. The Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill, saying it codifies best practice and gives clearer standards for patients and practitioners. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1023 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using hiring or personnel policies based on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered and adopted to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill ensures public jobs are awarded based on qualifications, experience, and merit, and several witnesses testified in favor, including representatives from Do No Harm.
Opponents argued the bill could undermine diversity efforts and existing equity-focused hiring practices, and several members raised concerns about the veterans’ preference language and the definition of merit. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SB 1013, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chairman, members of the committee.
- Madam Chair and members, my name is Rocco Bonini.
- Madam Chair and members, my name is Rocco Bonini.
- Madam Chair and members, my name is Nini Kyoto.
- Members, any questions for staff?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair, and Ranking Member. I'm Senator Michael Padilla.
- Chair, members of the committee, good morning.
- Other members? Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Other members?
- Thank you, members of the committee. Thank you. Senator Lopez. Thank you, members of the committee.
- Good member. Good member. Gosh, I had my coffee this morning. That's my argument.
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 132, a Department of Information Technology modernization measure sponsored by Senator Padilla. The bill would update state IT statutes to explicitly include software and cloud-based services alongside hardware and equipment, with the goal of improving planning, procurement, security, and efficiency. Secretary Manny Budettas said the change would help modernize secure services, reduce emergency fixes, and better align state purchasing with current software-as-a-service models. Members asked about centralized integration across branches of government, cybersecurity protections, the revolving fund, and agency billing; the bill was reported out with a do pass on the committee substitute.
The committee then considered Senate Memorial 16, which asks Higher Education to convene a task force on parenting students in New Mexico’s higher education system. Senator Harmeo and witnesses described barriers such as child care, transportation, flexible scheduling, and financial hardship, and said the memorial would gather data and recommendations rather than create a new program. Members discussed how the survey would be administered, whether it would include full-time and part-time students, and how online or out-of-state students would be handled; the memorial was approved with a do pass.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Memorial 17, sponsored by Senator Lopez, directing DPS and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits. Witnesses reviewed the 2016 task force that addressed a backlog of more than 5,000 untested kits and said a new backlog of 1,419 kits is now beyond the 180-day testing target. Members expressed strong concern about the delays, asked about lab capacity, possible use of private or additional labs, and the lack of penalties for missing the deadline. The memorial passed with a do pass, and the committee then recessed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- With the members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery, please rise.
- Secretary, please call the absent members. Strickland? Aye. Wiener? Aye. Ayes 40, noes 0.
- It was women who cared for members of our community at the height of the AIDS crisis.
- It was women who cared for members of our community at the height of the AIDS crisis.
- And once again, members of the Women's Caucus, please come to the front for the photo.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Would the members and our guests be on the rail and in the gallery please rise?
- Secretary, please call the absent members. Richardson, aye. Aye. Aye. Wiener. Ayes 39, noes 0.
- Members, Members, under privileges of the floor, can we please give a very happy birthday to Senator
- Members, the Committee on Appropriations will Caballero, you are recognized.
- Because he was a member of the military academy and then later the Army...
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing & Land Use Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Housing & Land Use
Transcript Highlights:
- in accordance with our Senate rules, we are authorized to meet in a hybrid format with committee members
- and members of the public participating both in person and virtually through Zoom.
- We are going to begin by taking roll call attendance of committee members present, which will not take
- Any questions from the committee members? Okay. Seeing none, thank you. Members? Okay.
- Members of the committee, Scott Kidner on behalf of the Delaware Department Association.
Committee:
Senate Housing & Land Use
Summary:
The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated.
The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training.
Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/25/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It impacts individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
- they work to not only heal their lives but also to rebuild their lives and those of their family members
- Members may have seen a number of people walking throughout the Capitol today wearing purple.
- I AM HONORED THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATES HAVE JOINED US TODAY, MEMBERS MAY HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF
- She was also an active member of DC 37 Local 1549. You could always count on seeing Ms.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space.
The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration.
A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A quorum is present, and members.
- The forum is present, and members, please, and guests beyond the rail, please rise.
- Please call the absent members. Allen, aye. Blake Spear. Durasel, aye. Yes, 37, no zero.
- President and members.
- Thank you, members. And as it is the year of the fire horse, fire horse. Fire horse.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote.
At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This will be my sixth budget now as the ranking minority member, and I just want to really thank you.
- I just wanted to really thank the Chair of Ways and Means and the other members of the Ways and Means
- This will be my sixth budget now as the ranking minority member, and I just want to really thank you.
- This will be my sixth budget now as the ranking minority member, and I just wanted to really thank the
- Chair of Ways and Means and the other members of the Ways and Means Committee leadership that are here
Summary:
The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability.
Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt.
After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A quorum is present, and members...
- The quorum is present, and members and guests beyond the rail, please rise.
- Please call the absent members. Allen. Aye. Blake Spear. Durasel. Aye. Yes, 37, no zero.
- President and members.
- Thank you, members. And as it is the year of the fire horse... Fire horse.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A quorum is present, and members.
- The forum is present, and members and guests beyond the rail, please rise.
- Please call the absent members. Allen. Blake Spear. Durasel, aye. Yes, 37, no zero.
- President and members.
- Thank you, members. And as it is the year of the fire horse, fire horse. Fire horse.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Assembly Member.
- All righty, we will wait until we get more members, Assembly Member Baines.
- And for now, we'll... ...until we get more members, Assembly Member Baines.
- Hello, Chair and members.
- Thank you, members.
Committee:
Senate Education