Video & Transcript Research : 'informed consent'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The concern about informed consent is a basic patient right.
- Patients have a basic fundamental right in the United States for informed consent, which includes being
- If there's evidence of injury and patients are not told that, that's a lack of informed consent, which
- I support informed consent. I support full transparency in safety and efficacy.
- We've led before on informed consent and medical freedom, and we should lead again on this.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Beginning on page six, advise and consent.
- If there are no objections from the members, we will be taking advise and consent on consent.
- If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any... Have unanimous consent? Any reservations?
- If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any... Have unanimous consent? Any reservations?
- If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any... ...have unanimous consent? Any reservations?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Two of the items are on consent: SB 722, Wahab, and SB 1426, which is a housing committee bill.
- And when we are able to coalesce this information, it doesn't require any changes to anything.
- Consent item... Consent item number 2, SB 722.
- All right, the consent calendar is out. All right. Ms. Caballero, welcome.
- Adding on the consent calendar, item number two, SB 722, and item number eight, SB 1426.
Summary:
The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on streamlining housing production, preserving affordable housing, and reducing barriers to ADUs and EV charging in HOAs. SB 457 would direct HCD to develop statistical formulas based on historical development data to help cities complete housing element site inventories; supporters said it would replace costly parcel-by-parcel analysis with a more realistic, data-driven approach, while the California Building Industry Association raised concerns. SB 1091 would create a Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program to help acquire and preserve unsubsidized affordable rental housing; it drew broad support from housing nonprofits, local governments, and committee members who emphasized prevention and preservation, and it was advanced with a motion and second. SB 1117 would clarify that ADU impact fees above 750 square feet are charged only on the portion above that threshold; supporters said current practice creates a fee cliff that discourages ADUs, while cities, counties, special districts, and fire groups opposed it over infrastructure and service funding concerns. The committee members were split, but the bill ultimately advanced on a 10-0 vote with two not voting.
The committee also considered SB 904, which would codify and expand reporting and coordination practices used after wildfire disasters to speed rebuilding and identify permitting or code barriers. The author and supporters argued that future wildfire recoveries should not depend on ad hoc executive orders, while some members questioned whether the bill was duplicative of existing streamlining laws; it passed on a roll call after discussion. SB 1267 would require EV charger installers in HOAs to indemnify associations during installation and make homeowners liable for costs arising from use of a privately owned charger; HOA representatives and EV advocates supported it, the California Association of Realtors said it would remove opposition once amendments were in print, and the bill advanced unanimously. SB 1361 would prevent local governments from taking actions to avoid SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements at existing or planned transit stops; L.A. Metro, labor groups, and housing advocates supported it as protecting transit investments and jobs, while the City of Burbank opposed it, and it was approved on a 9-0 vote. The committee also took up consent items SB 722 and SB 1426, which were approved without controversy.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 31st, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I request House consent to... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I also request the House consent to correct my vote on Senate Bill 382 from absent to nay.
- I request House consent to correct my vote on House Bill 208 from yea to nay. Thank you.
- I'd like to request the House consent to change my vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I'd like to request the House consent to correct my vote on House Bill 210 from nay to yea.
Bills:
HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HCR112, HR307, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR79, HCR104, HB75, HB410, HB719, HB750, HB944, HB1098, HB1220, HB1252, HB359, HB210, HB468, HB1117, SB382, HB368, HB552, HB732, HB870, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB208, SB274, SB300, SB312, SB387, SB389, SB401, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB42, HB74, HB119, HB159, HB258, HB259, HB302, HB414, HB459, HB848, HB956, HB1017, HB1028, HB1095, SB217, SB283, SB469
Keywords:
oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Consent calendar number 27 is hereby passed by the House.
- I would like to have Consent Agenda P read in by bill number only. Mr.
- Chief Clerk, please read in Consent Agenda P by bill number only.
- Chief Clerk, please call the roll on Consent Agenda P. Mr.
- I could call the witness to present it, or I can share the information.
Summary:
The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout.
Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage.
The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Emergency Board 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, are there any objections to the consent grants?
- Objections to the consent agenda from the Public Safety Subcommittee.
- Objections to the consent agenda from the Public Safety Subcommittee.
- The information I have is 22.
- I'd like to find out that information and why the need. Thank you.
Summary:
The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment.
A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed.
The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections.
In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the website must exclude personal identifying information. If asked if the um...
- President, I'm informed the House... >> Mr.
- President, I'm informed the House has recommitted House Bill 1772.
- would also be sent on the Information would also be sent on the mobile device.
- I was informed...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we are moving to the consent calendar.
- Members, we are moving to the consent calendar for today.
- I would like to remove Senate Bill 1381, File Item 133, from the consent calendar.
- Any other members wishing to remove an item from the consent calendar?
- Seeing none, Secretary, please read all items on the consent calendar.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted.
Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- >> On the consent motion I get a second. >> On the consent motion I get a second.
- All in favor of consent say I. Hi. Okay. All in favor of consent say I. Hi.
- motion to go on consent. motion to go on consent. >> Second. >> Second.
- Motion for consent second. Second. All in favor of the consent motion. I send Abbas your bill.
- Good idea. >> All in favor of the consent motion. >> All in favor of the consent motion.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 12 Feb 19th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is the information that I'm going on.
- And that's the information that I have available.
- And that's the information that I have available.
- I'm saying I will definitely find that information for you.
- When I look online trying to find information to substantiate all of the information that we heard this
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/11/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:48.160>
economic a ton of information economic a ton of information economic information - He said that the more information you have about a given property, the more accurate the information
- He said there is a desire for more and more information because the more information you have about a
- requests for additional information requests for additional information potentially<01:01:10.440
- <01:09:26.759>
has would see this this information has would see this this information has
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and consent on consent. and consent on consent.
- If not, do we have unanimous consent? If not, do we have unanimous consent?
- on consent. on consent.
- <00:47:03.720>
Any have unanimous consent? Any have unanimous consent? Any reservations? - If not, do we have unanimous consent? If not, do we have unanimous consent?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/23/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You might get a information out of this.
- intelligence, you know, information intelligence, you know, information that's<01:08:50.799>
- <01:44:31.920>
was that I learned that information was that I learned that information was - Freedom of Information Act.
- And that's the that's one of consent.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 3rd, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, Representative, we don't have that information.
- License and vehicle information is what I'm going to ask for.
- So I knew a little bit, and I just want to get updated information.
- The first thing we do is ask for consent, and oftentimes we get consent.
- If you do and we arrest you, then implied consent means you're implying we have now consent for you to
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's just do the consent right now if we could. There's item...
- So this is not just about getting information out to the public.
- What information?
- Want to start with the consent calendar? On consent? Wicks? Aye. Wicks? Aye. Connolly? Aye.
- Want to start with the consent calendar? On consent? Wix? Aye. Wix? Aye. Connolly? Aye. Herbedian?
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion.
AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes.
The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We will now move to the second-day consent calendar.
- There are 61 coauthors on the consent calendar, moving to a vote on the consent calendar.
- There are 66 ayes, noes 0, on the consent calendar.
- There are 66 ayes, noes 0, on the consent calendar.
- Oh, there were no more remaining items on the consent calendar.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, completed the prayer and pledge, and then held a lengthy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support of HR 107, emphasizing AAPI contributions, resilience, and the need to oppose hate and discrimination. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 observance, including community leaders, educators, advocates, business leaders, and cultural institutions.
After guest introductions, the Assembly took up the Daily File and passed a series of measures, including AB 2050 on HOA reserve funding, AB 2106 on lawsuits involving licensed design professionals, AB 1794 on direct home delivery of enteral formula, AB 1829 on CalWORKs-related student aid, AB 2038 extending wildfire insurance moratorium protections, AB 2281 on election cybersecurity, AB 2448 on protecting sensitive medical information, AB 2568 on water district board compensation, and AB 1658 on county public contract change-order authority. Most of these bills passed with broad support, though AB 2050, AB 2038, and AB 2448 drew some no votes.
The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and election administration, after a contentious floor debate over election trust, voter access, and decorum. Additional measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, including AB 2125 on notice in water-rights adjudications, AB 2784 on State Bar fees, AB 1614 on e-bike passenger restrictions, AB 2503 on high school heat safety guidelines, AB 1703 on osteopathic title protections, AB 1920 on community college Promise eligibility, AB 1999 on veterinary workforce and animal shelter care, and ACR 123 recognizing Duan Wu Jie. The chamber then began consideration of ACR 189 designating May 2026 as Foster Youth Awareness Month, with supportive remarks from members, before the transcript cuts off.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/24/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Do I have any objection to consent? Nope. All those favored consent say I. I.
- have any objection to consent? Nope. have any objection to consent? Nope.
- Is there objection to consent? All those in favor of consent say I.
- Senator Lang, you get to take that one out. consent? All those in favor of consent consent?
- Is there objection to consent? it. Is there objection to consent?
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Women's Issues - 05/13/2026
Women's Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- The key thing I want to lift up is that it's informed, written, or oral consent.
- It doesn't mean that pregnant persons cannot be tested, but they have to give consent.
- Similarly, when you go to a doctor, you have to consent to care.
- to amend the Public Health Law in relation to directing the Department of Health to create an informational
- to amend the Public Health Law in relation to directing the Department of Health to create an informational
Summary:
The Women’s Issues Committee met on May 13 at 9:34 a.m. with a quorum present and several members voting by sheet. The committee first considered S-845, which would prohibit drug, cannabis, or alcohol testing and screening of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns without informed consent. Supporters emphasized that the bill is about requiring written or oral consent and addressing disproportionate impacts on Black and brown mothers. The bill was reported to the Committee on Alcoholism, with Senator Weik voting no and several members recorded as aye without recommendation or in favor.
The committee then advanced several public health measures. S-2121, on education and outreach related to home visiting programs, and a bill directing the Department of Health to create an informational pamphlet about liposcopic power motion surgery technique both moved to first reading. S-3576A, establishing a statewide fibroid study program, was approved and referred to finance. S-8584, requiring two EBT cards for certain WIC households, and S-9084, creating a maternal health monitoring pilot program, were also approved and referred to finance, with Senator Weik recorded as without recommendation on both and one opposition noted on S-9084.
The final bill, S-9733, would require maternal mortality review boards to share annual information with New York City and county health departments, including patterns, best practices, and data related to maternal mortality and morbidity. It was approved and referred to health, again with Senator Weik recorded as without recommendation. The meeting ended at 9:49 a.m., and the chair noted another Women’s Issues Committee meeting would be held the following week with bills and a guest speaker.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Health & Human Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We will also be sharing this information during the public comment portion of the hearing.
- stay as long as you consent for.
- If after that point you consent to stay longer, great.
- DHSS will publish this information on its website.
- Harm reduction is a key component of public health-informed approaches.
Keywords:
healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released.
Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Unanimous consent to return to the sixth order of business.
- I ask unanimous consent to introduce a resolution from the floor.
- President, I ask unanimous consent to introduce a resolution from the floor.
- I request unanimous consent to introduce a resolution from the floor. Sir, objection.
- I request unanimous consent to take Senate Bill 197 from the table.
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of House amendments and conference-related actions on multiple bills, mostly concurring with the House and passing the measures. Bills approved included SB 194 on the disabled veteran taxpayer definition, SB 499 on auto accident toxicology testing, SB 672 on Real Estate Commission license discipline, SB 724 on home confinement officers and EMS retirement, SB 897 on alcohol and drug counselor licensure, SB 982 creating the Neighborhood Access Road Program, SB 197 increasing penalties for sex crimes against minors, SB 648 on the Strategic and Critical Resources Act, SB 182 on minor boundary adjustment annexation, SB 5101 on strangulation penalties, SB 4364 on juvenile offender bail/counsel provisions, SB 4412 on age verification for websites, SB 5564 on deputy sheriff vacation carryover, SB 4138 on sex offender registration fees, SB 4951 on continuing education for MDs and DOs, SB 4 on officer protections, and SB 927 on agricultural rulemaking and municipal regulation of beekeeping. In several cases the Senate also adopted effective-date motions, including making SB 724 effective July 1, 2026 and SB 648 effective from passage.
The chamber also handled a disagreement on House Bill 4588, refusing to recede from its amendment and appointing a conference committee. On SB 389, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendment and asked the House to recede after the House amendment stripped operative provisions from the historic rehab building credit bill. SB 182 was briefly reconsidered and then passed again after a motion to reconsider the vote.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to adopting Senate Resolution 67 honoring Senator Michael Andrew Woelfel and Senate Resolution 68 honoring Senator Charles Houston Clements. Members from both parties gave extended remarks praising Woelfel’s candor, mentorship, and long service, and Clements’s steadiness, institutional knowledge, and public service. Both resolutions were adopted by roll call vote, and the Senate then recessed briefly to present the honorees with resolutions and flags flown over the Capitol.