Video & Transcript Research : 'conditional ballots'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The third issue is that this is new money for the ballot question, and the minority had a hard time understanding
- The third issue is that this is new money for the ballot question, and the minority had a hard time understanding
- The third issue is that this is new money for the ballot question, and the minority had a hard time understanding
- The third issue is that this is new money for the ballot question, and the minority had a hard time understanding
- Representative Hakken-Phillips said that this is new money for the ballot question, and the minority
Summary:
The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71.
The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation.
HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- able to move the water that we need to move in wet conditions when it is safest for the environment.
- I think conditions on the ground have changed.
- We're also looking at a realistic assessment of current and future market conditions.
- And also looking at the realistic assessment of the current and future market conditions.
- I was in middle school when this passed on the ballot. I'm now serving in the state Legislature.
Summary:
The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review.
The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections.
The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- candidates for public office to list their residential addresses on their nomination papers and on all the ballots
- candidates for public office to list their residential addresses on their nomination papers and on all the ballots
- of Massachusetts, we are an extreme outlier when it comes to what we actually print on our public ballots
- In fact, 44 states in this country only print the party affiliation on a public ballot.
- Only Massachusetts includes the information that we have on our ballots.
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn.
A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee.
The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/08/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, it develops and supports online voter tools like online voter registration, online absentee ballot
- <01:22:16.480>
So, <01:22:16.880>I'm access the ballots is protected. - So, I'm access the ballots is protected.
- Page 50, section 16 eliminates age and health as a condition that would allow MMB to approve a salary
- eliminates age and health as a condition eliminates age and health as a condition that<01:52:18.639
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- As everyone indicated their presence, cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk.
- Administration and Corporal Landon Mills, Law & As everyone indicated their presence, cast up the ballot
- As everyone voted, cast up the ballot with a vote of 96 ayes, zero nays, and one present.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members granted leave for Representatives Brad Hall and Brandon Achor, dispensed with reading the previous day’s journal, and recognized several guests, including law enforcement officers, the doctor and nurse of the day, leadership groups, family members of a representative, representatives-elect, and other visitors in the galleries.
The main item of business was House Bill 1001, an appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Representative Vaught presented the bill as the fiscal-session appropriation, and no one spoke against it. The House passed the bill and its emergency clause by a vote of 96 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present.
After passage, Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1:00 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried. Members also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings, including House Management, Joint Budget Committee, Rules, personnel, Energy Caucus, and House Prayer Caucus meetings scheduled for later that day or the next morning.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- people, some in critical condition. people, some in critical condition.
- And debate on amendments to protect access to the ballot box, the foundation of our democracy.
- box. the foundation of our ballot box. the foundation of our democracy.<02:46:55.520>
They <02 - In my opinion, I think it's absolutely nuts that we protect our beer more than we protect our ballots
- <08:00:14.240>
caused <08:00:14.878>by other debilitating conditions caused by other
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- people because they fear the tweet of a President more than they fear the wrath of the voters at the ballot
- /c><02:48:49.040>
voters <02:48:49.359>at <02:48:49.600>the <02:48:49.680>ballot - <02:48:51.439>
This of the voters at the ballot box. - This of the voters at the ballot box.
- first elected, I told the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District that it may be my name on the ballot
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As in 1460, agricultural and approval, district, mail ballots. Judd in elections.
- As we 14, 36, soldiers, demands of rights and ballots. As 24, 37, public records to form of fees.
- As 14, 18, H.O.A. 5 voting elections ballot measures.
- H.O.A. voting elections ballot measures.
- Because the citizens of Arizona... ...overwhelming support at the ballot. Why?
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and heard several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items in the transcript.
The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which criticized Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract the statements, support law enforcement, issue corrective guidance, and resign. The Senate first voted to suspend rules and place the resolution into Committee of the Whole, then debated a motion to read the resolution by number and title only, and later considered a floor amendment adding findings about law enforcement organizations’ criticism and alleged use of state resources to target ICE officers. Supporters argued the Attorney General’s remarks were dangerous, misleading, and politically motivated; opponents said the resolution distorted her comments, was a partisan stunt, and skipped normal committee review. After extensive debate, the Committee of the Whole recommended the resolution do pass, and the Senate adopted SR 1036 on third reading by a vote of 17 ayes to 13 nays.
Following passage of SR 1036, members continued to offer personal privilege remarks, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education. The Senate then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- question is, would you be amenable to continuing this practice and making it effective for the 2028 ballot
- rather than the 2026 ballot?
- the fact that you have some school districts that already are in the works for their own cities' ballot
- counties or the school districts are in the decisions that they have, giving them time to put on the ballot
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 522 by Vasut relating to the ability of voters with certain disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
- HB 522 by VESA, relating to the ability of voters with certain disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
- HB 565 by Tepper relating to the requirement for the ballot for an election to amend the state constitution
- HB 569 by B.C. relating to an opportunity to correct certain defects in an early voting mail ballot voted
Summary:
The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations.
Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions.
The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- and the his full championing of mercy and the rights<00:18:45.360>
and <00:18:45.480>conditions - of<00:18:46.440>
those <00:18:46.680>who <00:18:46.800>are rights and conditions - Section 78 amends the type of school budget ballot vote that would happen for the supplemental district
- >> amends the type of school budget ballot >> amends the type of school budget ballot
- when they cast their ballots. when they cast their ballots.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tiffany Lumley focused on lessons from horses and horsemanship, using the imagery to encourage legislators to lead, listen, stay patient, and remain attentive to constituents outside the chamber. The chamber then welcomed newly appointed Representative Kevin Scully of Burlington, who was sworn in and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.
Members took up several procedural items and resolutions. Senate Bill 239, relating to a child abuse and neglect reporting working group and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 157, relating to recovery residence certification and affecting state revenue, was referred to Ways and Means after a favorable report with amendment from Human Services. The House also read and adopted concurrent resolutions honoring the federal TRIO programs in Vermont, recognizing tourism economy day and the importance of the visitor economy, and honoring former Representative John Killacky of South Burlington for his artistic and legislative contributions. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John Killacky/Colacci, his arts career, activism, and service in the House, and guests connected to the resolutions were welcomed from the gallery.
The House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 237, which would allow certain doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medications. The committee explained the Senate’s changes, including revised training and rotation requirements, a later effective date, and a future OPR report, and said the bill was intended as one tool to address mental health provider shortages; the House agreed by voice vote. The chamber next began second reading of House Bill 955, a major education reform bill titled “next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system,” with the Education Committee describing mandatory cooperative education service areas, merger study committees, and related changes intended to improve efficiency, support local voice, and strengthen public education. No final action on H.955 was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They have two full years to find an appropriate time to put the referendum on the ballot.
- They have two full years to find an appropriate time to put the referendum on the ballot.
- And as a matter of fact, the city of Scanlon wouldn't have to put it on the ballot at all.
- <00:53:34.319>
Is <00:53:34.480>that it on the ballot at all. - Is that it on the ballot at all. Is that correct? correct? correct?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reading of the bill: an act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington to place upon a town ballot
- House No. 4815, an act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington to place upon a town ballot
- town valid equest An act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington to place upon a town ballot
Summary:
The Senate took up several local bills out of the orders of the day and advanced them through third reading and engrossment. These included a bill for Arlington allowing a town ballot question to increase off-premises liquor licenses, a Brookfield land conveyance bill amended by a substitute draft, a Beckett bill authorizing alternative members for the Conservation Commission, and a Swampscott bill authorizing a fall annual town meeting. The Senate also ordered to a third reading and then engrossed a bill clarifying call firefighter rights, after accepting a third-reading committee report recommending a new draft.
The chamber also acted on a House bill concerning teacher preparation and student literacy. After the House disagreed with a Senate amendment, the Senate insisted on its amendment and agreed to a conference committee, naming Senators DiDomenico, Lewis, and O'Connor as conferees. In addition, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several concurrent Senate petitions to committees, including a House petition on manufactured housing community accommodations in Attleboro, which was sent to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
The Senate adopted resolutions congratulating Owen Kirby and Jonathan Rothwell on attaining Eagle Scout rank. Later, the Senate gave final passage to two bills: the Agawam charter amendment striking a reference to the Board of Appeals, and the Arlington liquor-license bill. The session ended with adoption of an order to reconvene the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar, followed by adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Every new home in Texas is already being built with air conditioning. It's easy to see why.
- If homebuilders and constructors just install a heat pump for that air conditioning, and as a primary
- how important good air conditioning and heating is to the health and welfare of people.
- Heating and air conditioning can use a large portion of a home's total energy consumption, some place
- They're just a 100% heat pump, and they will still condition the home just fine.
Bills:
HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427
Keywords:
collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Mar 10th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot
- Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot
- may May reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot
Summary:
The Senate convened, adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills, and then proceeded to first reading and committee referral of a large number of measures. The bills covered a wide range of topics, including judicial qualifications, alcohol sales at racing facilities, health care provider participation programs, abandoned land receiverships, local mental health authority governance, school trustee employment eligibility, DFPS review procedures, groundwater district management plans, early voting by mail, contracts with companies from foreign adversaries, wastewater permitting, nondisclosure provisions involving child sexual abuse, child abuse reporting, veterans’ claims assistance, hotel occupancy tax collection by accommodations intermediaries, apprenticeship grants, Sunset Commission renaming, health care entity ownership reporting, firearms and school trespass offenses, water trust and water bank issues, construction contract trust funds and payments, Medicaid recoupment, colonia real estate contracts, epinephrine use in schools, forensic analyst apprenticeship training, online ticket sales disclosures, and public water system security incident reporting.
The chamber also received and read several resolutions, including SCR 27 authorizing burial of Guy Herman in the State Cemetery, SCR 28 urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment on regulating money in campaigns and ballot measures, SCR 29 designating El Paso as the official boot capital of Texas, and multiple joint resolutions. Those included proposals on county tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting and graywater systems, creation of a Texas Health Care Workforce Education Fund, authorization of sports wagering, dedication of state tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, a statewide referendum on standard time versus daylight saving time, and clarification of impeachment-trial and removal provisions for public officers. After the readings and referrals, the Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the challenges are filed, we need some type of prompt finality because we still have to print the ballots
- the challenges are filed, we need some type of prompt finality because we still have to print the ballots
- Uh, yeah, we've submitted comments on the measure, uh, just noting that yes, this is a similar condition
- 29.520>
already <00:54:29.799>in <00:54:29.960>place <00:54:30.280>by condition - that is already in place by condition that is already in place by the<00:54:31.000>
federal <00
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken.
SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases.
The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, Committee Substitute SB2363 seeks to protect the right to a secret ballot by making it illegal
- to publish someone else's ballot. ...vote without their consent.
- This new language ensures an equal playing field and due process protection for the voter whose ballot
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention Jun 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we oftentimes are talking about how do we replicate those conditions elsewhere.
- So we always wait until the conditions are right.
- , you have changing conditions, which is obviously frustrating for folks.
- You have changing conditions, which is obviously frustrating for folks.
- The Marin Wildfire Authority was set up as a result of a ballot measure.
Summary:
The hearing focused on lessons from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and local partners have changed wildfire prevention, recovery, and rebuilding practices since then. Assemblymembers emphasized that the region has become a model for the state, with a shift from suppression to prevention, and panelists described improvements in defensible space, home hardening, vegetation management, alerting, and community coordination. The discussion also highlighted the continuing importance of sharing Sonoma County’s experience with other wildfire-impacted communities across California and beyond.
Fire officials and local leaders described specific prevention measures now in place, including Santa Rosa’s vegetation management ordinance, ignition-free/Zone Zero requirements in rebuilding, restrictions on certain mulches, removal of dead and dying trees near roads and defensible space zones, and expanded prescribed burning authority. They also stressed the importance of community organization through block captains, Firewise/COPE-style networks, and the Mark West Area Community Fund. Speakers said these networks helped residents navigate recovery, avoid fraud and bad contractors, coordinate with local agencies, and support neighbors, but they argued that such efforts need more formal structure and stable funding.
Water and permitting officials discussed how the fires changed their work. Santa Rosa Water described new regional coordination, generator and backup power upgrades, emergency training, and lessons learned about wildfire-related contamination in water systems, including the need to restore pressure, flush, and test quickly after a fire. Permit Sonoma said rebuilding was balanced by streamlining permits while still requiring safer, more resilient construction, and noted that reduced fees and one-stop permitting helped speed recovery. United Policyholders described helping residents maximize insurance proceeds, organize information, and avoid scams, while warning that insurance availability and affordability remain major barriers and that insurers are increasingly rewarding risk-reduction measures.
Across the panels, the main policy requests were for faster and more flexible grant processes, more stable long-term funding for prevention and community programs, stronger support for home hardening and defensible space, better training and tools for local governments and legislative staff, and continued attention to insurance and utility-related resilience. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript excerpt; the hearing was informational and ended with a transition toward public comment and further discussion of remaining statewide wildfire policy needs.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But I believe it would be helpful if we begin by providing some brief information on the condition of
- We've had a number of ballot measures be unsuccessful in the past.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with eight members present and deferred HB 127. It then considered a series of bills, most of which were reported favorably without opposition. HB 22 revised COLA rules for the clerks of court retirement system, allowing more frequent COLAs when the system is better funded; HB 324 made judicial stipends permanent and added future COLAs subject to available funding; HB 233 increased jury mileage reimbursement; HB 47 reorganized assessor retirement COLA statutes; HB 533 allowed St. Tammany Parish to transfer unused witness-fee account balances to the 22nd Judicial District Court; HB 980 adjusted eligibility for the Firemen’s Supplemental Pay Board; HCR 45 urged Congress to clarify ARPA deadlines for water projects; HB 559 increased court costs in the 4th Judicial District; HB 290 recreated the Department of Treasury and related entities in statute; and HB 382 addressed Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget review authority over Group Benefits plans. The committee also reported HB 1157 favorably, creating a financing bank mechanism for infrastructure projects, and HB 575 favorably, giving youth aging out of foster care preferred access to surplus state vehicles through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency.
Several measures drew more discussion. HB 1236, dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and professional dispensing fees, prompted extensive testimony from the sponsor, the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Department of Insurance, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens enforcement of existing PBM law and protects independent pharmacies; opponents argued the bill’s requirement that PBMs bear dispensing-fee costs would be difficult to implement and could raise premiums. The sponsor said he would work on amendments, including clarifying language and a delayed effective date, and the bill was nevertheless moved favorably. SB 25, on registrar of voters compensation, was amended to a revised pay structure and then reported favorably. HB 47 and HB 533 were also presented as funding and administrative cleanups for retirement and court-related accounts, with local support noted.
The committee also heard HB 233 on jury duty mileage reimbursement, which the sponsor said updates a 1961 rate and would be funded locally at an estimated average increase of about $4,000 per judicial district. HB 324 on judicial salaries was described as self-funded by the judiciary and subject to available funding, with no budget impact. HB 575 on foster youth transportation was presented as a non-appropriation measure aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care by giving them preferred access to surplus vehicles. HB 382, which concerns the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget’s role in approving Group Benefits plans, was reported favorably with little discussion. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/10/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Act and some of the most robust election protections, adding more early voting places and drop-off ballot
- Period poverty is a real condition.
Summary:
The Senate met on March 9, 2026, approved the prior journal, and took up several procedural items, including substituting identical Senate Bill 6734A for Assembly Bill 4382A and adopting a resolution calendar with exceptions for Resolutions 1718 and 1723. The chamber also received amendments on another bill and heard multiple guest introductions, including students from Ahavas Bas Yaakov of Monsey and Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, who was recognized for her work on food and nutrition policy and health equity.
A major portion of the session was devoted to Resolution 1680 commemorating Bronx Day. Senators Fernandez, Bailey, Myrie, Serrano, Sepúlveda, Krueger, and others spoke in praise of the Bronx’s history, diversity, culture, resilience, and contributions to music, fashion, sports, and civic life. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1718 recognizing Harriet Tubman Day, with remarks highlighting Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad, her Civil War service, and her later life in Auburn, and adopted Resolution 1723 marking the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and emphasizing the continuing importance of voting rights protections.
The Senate then passed a series of bills from the calendar. These included measures on general municipal law, public health, executive law, education, vehicle and traffic law, criminal procedure, labor law, and legislative law. Several members explained their votes on health-related bills: Senator Cleare spoke about period poverty and access to free menstrual products in educational institutions; Senator Webb supported a bill requiring hospital governing boards to include a registered professional nurse; and Senator Murray, joined by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, described personal experiences with blood clots and pulmonary embolism in support of a bill creating a working group on the issue. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable negative votes, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.