Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :

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ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 25th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would have power over performance reviews and promotions.
  • This bill's primary effect is a structural power shift.
  • ICUA represents 20 rural electric co-ops and municipal power companies across the state.
  • by the governor.
  • by the governor.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The committee first approved the March 16 and March 17 minutes, then introduced RS 33798, a Department of Administration procurement-related bill from Senator Van Orden. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1422, a major rewrite of Idaho campaign finance law sponsored by Senator Harris and Secretary of State Phil McGrane. The bill would move campaign finance provisions from Title 67 to Title 74, reorganize the law into clearer parts, add disclosure and reporting requirements, prohibit foreign contributions, require “paid for by” language, add pre-primary and pre-general reports, create a more graduated fine structure, and clarify rules for independent expenditures, electioneering communications, and donation timing. Questions focused on enforcement, reporting thresholds, and whether the bill addressed ad truthfulness; McGrane said it did not regulate speech content, only spending and disclosure. The committee voted to send SB 1422 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 889, a broad overhaul of the State Procurement Act presented by Representative Britt Raibolt. The bill updates procurement definitions, clarifies best-and-final-offer procedures, requires use of agency subject-matter experts, allows multiple-award contracts, clarifies bid scoring and analysis, lets prior state contract performance be considered, requires vendor agreement before federal contracts are sent to CMS, protects certain technical information while requiring disclosure if a vendor later bids, adds a debarment process for bad-faith conduct, creates a cooling-off period for certain former officials and employees, establishes a protest bond for bid challenges, and requires reporting of procurement-related spending over $50. Raibolt said the bill was prompted by practical procurement problems and aimed to improve consistency, transparency, and cost savings. The committee sent HB 889 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Two additional bills related to the ITD building and surplus property were also advanced. House Bill 890 would repeal a special surplus-property disposal provision and return disposal of administrative property to the regular process under the State Board of Land Commissioners. House Bill 900 would set procedures for insurance claims over $100,000, require an appraisal opportunity for affected agencies, require public notice of settlement offers, and mandate a public hearing and legislative notice if an agency relocates services or sells property after a damage-related claim. Both bills were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. The longest discussion was on House Bill 898, which would move the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society into the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Sponsor Senator Den Hartog said the move would improve coordination on federal permitting, strengthen Idaho’s voice with federal agencies, and preserve all federally required SHPO functions, with funding and staff continuing. Many preservation professionals, local officials, and citizens testified in opposition, arguing the current structure works well, that SHIPO benefits from being housed with the Historical Society, and that moving it under an office focused on energy and minerals could create conflicts of interest or pressure to weaken preservation review. Supporters, including water and utility representatives, argued the change would improve coordination, reduce delays, and help small entities navigate complex federal processes. The sponsor closed by saying the bill complies with federal law and would not change the underlying preservation review process, though the committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Feb 4th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Amen. Thank you.
  • With that, I need to appoint three Senators who will be escorting the governor.
  • Governor, I want to thank you.
  • I will do all in my power to...
  • So, one of the things is getting to be lieutenant governor I get... ...getting to be lieutenant governor
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Also very appreciative to the Lieutenant Governor for the appointment.
  • Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor for allowing me to be on Finance for the second time.
  • I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor for entrusting me with this responsibility.
  • So I always think in terms of purchasing power. That is correct.
  • So we didn't increase our purchasing power.
Bills: SB 1
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Two - Wednesday, March 4 - Morning Session

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Almighty King, our source of eternal wisdom, power, and love, lead us through the changes of this life
  • What it will do is make sure that those who are appointed from the governor will be two from the city
  • You know, I wouldn't think it was fair for the governor to call the shots and not pay the bill.
  • You know, I wouldn't think it was fair for the governor to call the shots and not pay the bill.
  • It's very common in Power and Light in Kansas City.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The Missouri House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for March 3, 2026 by a 122-0 roll call vote. The chamber also spent a long portion of the morning recognizing special guests, including Special Olympics athletes, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, civic leaders, and other visitors in the gallery. On legislation, the House perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2974, which would codify telehealth access within Missouri’s licensed reciprocity law. Supporters said it would help seniors and rural residents access care and ensure reciprocity licensees can provide telehealth services. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention-center governance bill that would merge existing entities, create a new board with city, county, and state appointments, and clarify funding and tax authority for the convention district. An amendment narrowing governor appointments to two city, two county, and one at-large member was adopted before final approval. The House likewise perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2057, a technical fix allowing Osage Beach to create an entertainment district; supporters said it would promote tourism and economic development and align the city with similar districts elsewhere in Missouri. The most contentious debate was on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3515, which require age verification for pornographic websites. Supporters framed the measure as child protection and cited the Supreme Court’s Texas decision and the Attorney General’s enforcement rule; opponents raised privacy concerns, questioned effectiveness, and argued it could push users toward less scrupulous sites. A proposed amendment to extend the bill to firearms and ammunition websites was ruled not germane, the previous question was ordered 92-44, and the substitute was adopted. The combined bill package was then perfected and printed by a 104-16 vote with 20 present, and the House recessed until 2 p.m.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Republican Press Conference 4/2/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've received calls from Governor Walz, so as President Johnson, um, we have bipartisan support with
  • wal so as President from Governor wal so as President Johnson<00:06:51.560><c> um</c><00:06:51.759><
  • Does the power-sharing agreement in the House help the odds this year? Absolutely, right?
  • sharing agreement in the house the power sharing agreement in the house help<00:15:05.240><c> the</c
  • and this is actually a place of power and this is actually a place where<00:15:17.199><c> the</c><00
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 3030, the Minnesota Miners Relief Act, was presented as a response to layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs facilities in Minorca and Hibbing, where more than 600 workers were expected to be affected. Supporters said the bill combines an extension of unemployment benefits for laid-off miners with two policy provisions: a site-specific standard intended to address long-running MPCA permitting and rulemaking issues, and standards for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. Speakers argued the package would provide immediate relief while also creating more certainty for future mining jobs and critical minerals development on the Iron Range. The event featured remarks from Representatives Spencer Igo and Cal Warwas, St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Jugovich, Senator Rob Farnsworth, and union and mine representatives, all of whom emphasized the personal and community impact of the layoffs. They described the potential ripple effects on suppliers, local businesses, young workers, and public revenues, and said the bill was about livelihoods rather than politics. Several speakers stressed that the policy provisions were meant to provide clearer, safer standards rather than weaken environmental protections, and they urged bipartisan cooperation to preserve mining jobs and support the region’s long-term future. In response to questions, Igo said the bill had strong bipartisan support for the UI extension and that the policy provisions should not threaten its chances. He said the UI portion was about three pages of the six-page bill and estimated the cost to the UI trust fund at between $1 million and $12 million. He also said the other provisions would require only modest statutory changes. The bill had been heard in the labor committee and was laid over for possible inclusion or further action.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • But the moment Governor Newsom signed that bill on July 12, 2019, the fund was on risk, and it needed
  • Department of Water and Power is an integrated part of the city.
  • And I really think we, as the Senate, as the Assembly, and the governor, need to be...
  • We're looking at businesses that power our economy.
  • for not getting power.
Summary: The hearing focused on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study and its recommendations for addressing California’s wildfire risk, utility liability, and the financing of catastrophic losses. Committee members and presenters discussed the history of the wildfire fund created after the 2018 fire crisis and PG&E bankruptcy, the role of the California Earthquake Authority as fund administrator, and the report’s three broad policy pathways: continuing mitigation investments, more equitably allocating catastrophe costs, and considering expanded state involvement in catastrophe financing. Presenters emphasized that the report was intended as a neutral, stakeholder-informed analysis rather than an advocacy document, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities. CEA, CPUC, and the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety each described their contributions and recommendations. CEA outlined options such as risk-tolerance standards for utilities, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, confidential near-miss reporting, liability reforms, and a fast-pay facility for survivors. CPUC stressed that wildfire mitigation and liability costs are a major driver of electricity affordability problems, and said the state should broaden how wildfire recovery and mitigation are funded beyond ratepayers alone. Energy Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan oversight and recommended stronger safety reporting and stronger safety weighting in utility executive compensation. The modeling portion of the report estimated that a more durable wildfire fund could require about $36 billion in capitalization, with lower initial capital needs if risk transfer or liability reforms are used, but potentially higher ongoing premium or assessment costs. The report also examined state-backed insurer or backstop models, post-event funding mechanisms, and targeted community wildfire mitigation, which could reduce overall funding needs. Members raised concerns about the cost burden on ratepayers, the financial stability of utilities, the fairness of asking communities outside high-risk areas to pay, the role of local governments and home hardening, and whether broader climate-related liability or insurance reforms should be considered. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with plans for further committee hearings and stakeholder discussion.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So they're under the direct supervision of the governor.
  • So is there a ranking in terms of priority and getting power back on?
  • So is there a ranking in terms of priority and getting power back on?
  • I remember when the governor issued his executive order.
  • Quite simply, Representative, in order for my boss, from the governor.
Keywords: 965, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (06/10/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:09.519><c> is</c> that is because the governor is that is because the governor is apparently
  • And I read through that, and there was not a single mention of nuclear power.
  • </c><00:14:19.600><c> nuclear</c><00:14:20.079><c> power</c> million subsidizing nuclear power million
  • </c> So what what should the uh hydro power So what what should the uh hydro power sources?
  • </c> potentially expand uh that uh that power potentially expand uh that uh that power source.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session F Jun 2nd, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The governor vetoed it. Think about that.
  • It's a consolidation of power, centralized power as a result of weakening our cities and our counties
  • Why is there a rush for the governor to shove this through?
  • And I thank the governor.
  • And I thank the governor for doing it.
Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services. Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details. After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Mar 10th, 2026

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> from the governor. from the governor.
  • ><c> to</c><01:48:12.560><c> my</c> Governor Governor Folsom spoke to my Governor Governor Folsom spoke
  • </c> lot of power. lot of power.
  • </c><02:19:09.240><c> And</c> &gt;&gt; Power. And they has a lot of power. And &gt;&gt; Power.
  • And they has a lot of power.
Keywords: 920, all
Summary: The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed. Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0. The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 29 (2-18-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows the governor to extend a term not more than one year if the expiration of that term causes
  • ALPRs provide a powerful real-time crime-fighting tool for carjackings, car theft, kidnapping, missing
  • </c><00:56:37.599><c> takes</c> window before a new governor takes window before a new governor takes
  • can agree on what needs to the governor can agree on what needs to be<00:57:51.280><c> done.
  • powered or rather battery<01:18:36.719><c> charged</c><01:18:37.199><c> security</c><01:18:37.760><c
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Labor - 01/28/25

Labor

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am the chief judge, appointed first by Governor Dayton and reappointed by Governor Dayton and recently
  • appointed by Governor Walz.
  • appointed by Governor Walz.
  • by Governor recently appointed by Governor walls<00:12:52.639><c> I</c><00:12:52.720><c> wanted</c><
  • </c> equal an equal power equal an equal power base<00:13:42.240><c> and</c><00:13:42.480><c> we</c><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • BUT WE HAD COMPLETE POWER RESTORATION WITHIN FOUR DAYS A LANDFALL.
  • THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE LINE CREW AND THE UTILITY COMPANIES WITH POWER
  • TIME AND TIME AGAIN THE GOVERNOR AND THE DIRECTOR WOULD SAY IT'S NOT ABOUT GOING 300 MILES HOW ABOUT
  • AND I THINK FOLLOWING OF OUR GOVERNOR WE INTEND TO DISPLAY AND PROVIDE THAT.
  • WITH BLUE ORIGIN ENGINES POWERING THAT VEHICLE. HERE IN FLORIDA WE HAVE A LARGE PRESENCE.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Constitution, there's plenary power. So you look for the restrictions on power.
  • Shame on Governor Abbott.
  • I am in sixth grade, and I use a power wheelchair.
  • I am in sixth grade, and I use a power wheel. sixth grade and I use a power wheelchair because I have
  • So I actually looked and saw that the governor posted on X.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Feb 7th, 2026

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • is the business as determined by the governor.
  • Benjamin Baker, Public Safety Advisor to the Governor. I will be brief.
  • And this commission is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
  • The commission shall provide an annual report to the governor and legislature.
  • Madam Chair and Speaker, the original draft had only the governor.
Summary: The committee first heard two related House Joint Resolutions sponsored by Representative McQueen. H.J.R. 6 would equalize the legislature’s 60-day and 30-day sessions into two 45-day sessions, remove the germaneness requirement from the second session of a biennium, and clarify veto-override language. H.J.R. 7 would keep the current 60-day and 30-day session lengths but make the same germaneness and veto-override changes. Supporters argued the measures would modernize the legislature, improve internal control of the agenda, and make the flow of work more efficient; opponents warned of more bills, lobbying fatigue, and reduced public participation. Both resolutions were moved on due pass and passed the committee 8-0. The committee then heard House Bill 120 on limiting student restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor and LESC staff said the bill arose from a stakeholder working group and would clarify definitions, prohibit dangerous practices such as mechanical, chemical, and prone restraint, require training and school safety plans, improve reporting to parents and the Public Education Department, and strengthen oversight. Testimony from educators, disability advocates, parents, and state officials strongly supported the bill, describing harmful and sometimes underreported restraint and seclusion incidents and emphasizing the need for clearer rules and de-escalation training. Some members raised concerns about implementation, definitions, teacher safety, and whether the data were sufficient; the sponsor and staff said the bill was meant to give teachers tools and minimum standards, not to require intervention in every situation. The bill passed on a due pass motion 9-1. Next, the committee considered House Bill 60, which would add certain crimes against peace officers to the Victims of Crime Act so officers injured in the line of duty would receive the same notification, participation, and restitution-related rights as other victims. The sponsor and the district attorney supporting the bill said it was a public safety measure with negligible cost and would also extend protections to affected family members. Support came from law enforcement, business, and public safety groups. Members asked about whether the officer must know the assailant is a peace officer, how the rights would work if the officer is also a witness, and how restitution interacts with workers’ compensation; the sponsor said the bill applies when the officer is acting in the lawful discharge of duties and the defendant knows the person is an officer. The committee passed HB 60 unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 151, a committee substitute on the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations. The sponsor said the bill, called the Survivor’s Justice measure, would extend the time for survivors to file claims from age 24 to age 58, add public actors to the bill’s scope, and create an administrative compensation fund supported by an appropriation, with $12.5 million already in the budget and a request for another $12.5 million. The sponsor explained that the change reflects the average age at which survivors come forward and that the bill is part of a long-running effort to address childhood sexual abuse claims.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/10/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We further propose the appointment of a joint committee to escort the governor to the House Chamber.
  • lieutenant governor to the house<00:21:53.520><c> chamber.
  • to the chamber of the House the governor to the chamber of the House of<00:22:31.200><c> Delegates.
  • to the House chamber by order governor to the House chamber by order Nicole<00:22:40.320><c> M.
  • Here's what many revealed about power.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 2462 directs the governor to promulgate rules for countering threats posed by UASs.
  • And so I think it's more about who we're giving the power to, not what we're doing with that power.
  • We serve the Governor and protect Washingtonians when they need us most.
  • This is governor-request legislation.
  • We want to thank the prime sponsor and the governor for introducing this bill.
Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2462 would direct the governor to create rules for countering threats from unpiloted aircraft systems and authorize National Guard support for law enforcement in certain circumstances; the prime sponsor and National Guard witnesses said it would improve coordination for events like the FIFA World Cup, while one testifier supported it with amendments related to law enforcement authority, data privacy, and a web portal. HB 2401 would create a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission, contingent on non-state funding through 2029; supporters described concerns about boys’ and men’s mental health, suicide, loneliness, education, and workforce outcomes, while some asked that physical health and fatherhood be more explicitly addressed. HB 2198 would expand and standardize statewide credential and permit reporting, require agencies to publish timelines and fee refunds for missed deadlines, and consolidate reporting; the governor’s office, business groups, labor, ports, and the Department of Health testified in support, citing faster processing, predictability, and economic benefits. HB 2419 would extend Address Confidentiality Program eligibility to administrative law judges and certain Office of Administrative Hearings staff; OAH, county officials, and county clerks supported the bill, citing threats and safety concerns, and some asked to include county clerks as well. The committee then took executive action on HB 2210, HB 2205, and HB 2249. It adopted an amendment to HB 2210 preserving existing ranked choice voting systems and advanced the bill 4-2 with one excused. It adopted an amendment to HB 2205 making threats against sports officials, coaches, or participants involved in wagered events a Class C felony and barring offenders from future wagering, and advanced the bill 5-1 with one excused. HB 2249, reclassifying certain WATEC employees performing network and security duties, was advanced unanimously 6-0 with one excused.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/5/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> there are Min ones who rely on power there are Min ones who rely on power from<00:48:15.680><c>
  • That's from Governor Walz. I thought that was interesting.
  • And since that's a question from Governor Walz, or a quote from Governor Walz, I get to ask that question
  • </c> that criteria that's from Governor that criteria that's from Governor walls<01:05:10.000><c> just
  • </c> Governor walls or quote from Governor Governor walls or quote from Governor walls<01:05:20.039><
Keywords: 1183, house
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I was the acting governor.
  • And in the 10 years I've been lieutenant governor with Governor Abbott, we've had a lot of tragedies
  • Thank you, Governor. First, let me thank the Lieutenant Governor. Thank you, Governor.
  • “So, do you report to the governor, what you’re appointed by the governor?”
  • And I know that the governor has the power to use emergency funds today, and this is an emergency.
Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness hearing convened in Kerrville with quorum, public testimony limited to three minutes and invited testimony to 10 minutes. Leaders from both chambers, along with the lieutenant governor and speaker, framed the hearing as an unprecedented joint effort focused on learning from the July 4 flood, honoring victims, and identifying actions to reduce future loss of life. The committee also heard opening remarks about decorum, logistics, and the intent to continue work in future sessions. The first panel included Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas IV, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, Upper Guadalupe River Authority representative William Rector, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, and Real County Judge Bella Rubio. They described the flood as sudden and catastrophic, with Kerr County reporting 108 deaths and two missing. Local officials emphasized that they received no timely warning of the scale of the event, that responders and volunteers acted heroically under extreme conditions, and that communications, cell coverage, and rural emergency resources were strained. Several witnesses said the county’s existing alert systems were limited by geography, sparse broadband, and the speed of the flood. Testimony focused on possible improvements, including real-time flood gauges and predictive monitoring, stronger rural emergency management staffing and training, better interoperability and alerting tools such as IPAWS, CodeRED, WENS, and sirens, and expanded broadband and radio coverage. Kerrville asked for a flood warning system before next summer and state help for stormwater, floodplain, and disaster recovery funding. UGRA described its past and current flood-warning and mitigation efforts, including gauge funding, a new software-based flood prediction project, and consideration of additional retention dams. Kendall and Real counties highlighted successful or needed alerting and evacuation practices, while also stressing the difficulty of funding and maintaining such systems in small rural counties. Members asked detailed questions about the timeline of the flood response, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and whether regional consolidation or additional infrastructure could improve future preparedness.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Feb 27th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
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