Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
Page 69 of 312
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The democratic republic, governed by the Constitution, freedom of conscience and individual liberty,
- The Democratic Republic, governed by the Constitution, freedom of conscious and The Democratic Republic
- resistance, an abiding commitment to resolve political controversies by the ordinary means of our democratic
Summary:
The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and received communications including a temporary substitute appointment for Legislative District 20. The chamber also received several committee reports and House messages, and welcomed numerous guests, including Idaho Farm Bureau members and other visitors in the gallery.
The Senate acted on several gubernatorial appointments and memorials. It adopted committee reports confirming Brett Thomas to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council, and Representative John Weber to the State Insurance Fund Board. It also adopted House Joint Memorial 10, which urged federal officials to favor sugar over artificial sweeteners in school nutrition standards, with supporters arguing it promoted real food and Idaho’s sugar industry.
The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1233, the “Constitutional Courts Act,” which would bar state courts from enforcing or applying religious or cultural law that does not conform to the U.S. and Idaho constitutions. Supporters said it protected constitutional supremacy and religious neutrality, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, legally risky, and potentially targeted religious law in a way that could invite constitutional challenges. After roll call, the bill failed by a vote of 15 ayes to 19 nays, with one absent and excused, and was filed in the Secretary’s office.
The Senate also introduced and referred a slate of new bills, including measures on transportation, veterans, state employment, public employee retirement, accessory dwelling units, religious land development, housing covenants, and the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business, heard a few final announcements and introductions, and adjourned until 11 a.m. on February 12, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The Democratic Republic, governed by the Constitution, freedom of conscience and individual liberty,
- The Democratic Republic, governed by the Constitution, freedom of conscious and The Democratic Republic
- resistance, an abiding commitment to resolve political controversies by the ordinary means of our democratic
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats in Senate Hearing Room 3 and Republicans in ADC.
- Democrats in Senate Hearing Room 3 and Republicans in ADC.
- Make sure you sign the boards, and Democrats were caucusing right away across the hall, and with that
- Make sure you sign the boards and Democrats were caucusing right away across the hall and with that we're
Bills:
SB6194, SB5963, SB5909, SB5826, SB5988, SB5872, SB5879, SB5834, SB5835, SB5905, SB5832, SB6177, SB5970, SB5994, SB6047, SB5647
Keywords:
SB 6194, Washington Medicaid, medical assistance, fee-for-service, managed care, rural hospital, Indian reservation, tribal hospital, federally recognized Indian reservation, Indian Health, hospital reimbursement, Medicaid payments, inpatient services, outpatient services, psychiatric unit, health care access, rural health, tribal health, safety-net hospital, RCW 74.09
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats in Senate Hearing Room 3 and Republicans in ADC.
- Democrats in Senate Hearing Room 3 and Republicans in ADC.
- Make sure you sign the boards, and Democrats were caucusing right away across the hall, and with that
- Make sure you sign the boards and Democrats were caucusing right away across the hall and with that we're
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee held public hearings on several bills before moving into executive session. Substitute Senate Bill 6037 would change how single-city fire protection districts are funded by ending the requirement that a city reduce its levy dollar-for-dollar and instead reducing the city’s statutory maximum rate; testimony was generally supportive from cities and firefighters, while public hospital districts opposed it over prorationing concerns and some witnesses sought amendments on governance and accountability. Senate Bill 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid reimbursement for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations, with strong support from Toppenish/Astria representatives and the Yakama Nation, who said the bill is needed to address severe funding inequities and preserve services. Senate Bill 5963 would make Passport to Careers students automatically income-eligible for the Washington College Grant; it drew support from student advocates and foster-youth advocates, with staff noting modest estimated costs. Senate Bill 5909 would require public universities to review and report low-enrollment undergraduate programs and potentially discontinue them after repeated low enrollment; Eastern Washington University supported it as an accountability measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as unnecessary, costly, and potentially politicized. Senate Bill 5826 would require public postsecondary student health centers to provide access to medication abortion or referrals and related web information; testimony was sharply divided between supporters who framed it as needed student health access and opponents who raised moral, safety, and budget objections.
In executive session, staff briefed a series of bills, including measures on opioid treatment accreditation fees, a pre-K donation account, JLARC report elimination, retirement trust fund expense authority, pension lump-sum thresholds, port employee retirement exemptions, lemon law arbitration fees, LEAP website disclosures, limits on corporate ownership of single-family homes, a permanent senior center property tax exemption, timber tax distributions for school districts, capital project administration rules, and a real estate excise tax exemption for affordable housing. The committee then took action on the listed bills.
The committee voted to give due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee for Senate Bills 5872, 5879, 5834, 5835, 5905, 5832, 6177, 5496, 5970, 5994, 6047, and 5647. Amendments were adopted on SB 5834, SB 5905, SB 6047, and SB 5647 before those bills were advanced as substitutes. SB 5988 was noted as taking action later, but no vote on it was recorded in the transcript excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrat and Ranking Member Campbell? Here. Representatives Barnaby? Here. Bartleman? Here. Booth?
- Democratic Member Campbell? Yes. Representative Barnaby? Yes. Bartleman? Yes. Booth? Yes. Brackett?
- Democratic Member Campbell? Yes. Representatives Barnaby? Yes. Bartleman? Yes. Booth? Yes.
- Democratic Ranking Member Campbell? No. Representatives? Is this Barnaby? Bartleman? No. Yes.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And forgive me, whoever you were, I don't remember who the Democratic senator was.
- Seeing none, thank you very much for participating in your democratic institution and processes.
- Seeing none, thank you very much for participating in your democratic institution and processes.
- Democrats will be adjourning to caucus following... will be adjourning to caucus following the adjournment
Summary:
The House Education Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2142 would replace statutory references to “alternative learning experience” with “remote and hybrid learning.” Committee staff and the prime sponsor said the change is intended to reduce stigma and more accurately describe programs that may be online, hybrid, or site-based. Several members raised concerns that the terminology could unintentionally affect fully in-person programs; the sponsor and a retired principal testified that the bill is meant as a name change and would not materially alter current programs. The bill drew 52 pro, 4 con, and 0 other sign-ins.
House Bill 2369 would create a Washington Local Food for Schools program in OSPI to help schools procure and distribute Washington-grown foods through existing USDA food distribution systems. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce logistical barriers for farmers and districts, support local agriculture, and improve the quality and appeal of school meals. Testimony came from school nutrition advocates, farmers, a school superintendent, students, and OSPI, with broad support and discussion of how the program would work through catalogs, ordering windows, and existing warehouses. The bill drew 455 pro, 64 con, and 1 other sign-in.
House Bill 2432 would allow school districts and ESDs to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students and recent graduates at depreciated value, with priority for students with greater need. The sponsor said the goal is to help students transition to work, college, and other postsecondary opportunities. Committee members asked about whether the bill should address assistive devices and whether devices could be reserved for future graduating classes; staff noted existing law already covers transfer of assistive devices for students with disabilities. Testimony from district technology and finance staff supported the bill as a practical way to extend the life of devices and benefit students. The bill drew 57 pro, 5 con, and 0 other sign-ins. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced amendment deadlines for several bills scheduled for executive session later in the week and then adjourned the committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- At a time when people across the country and around the world are questioning whether democratic institutions
- At a time when people across the country and around the world are questioning whether democratic institutions
- By the way, that request was supported by every member of the California delegation—every Democrat, every
- of the fires, not just because of the federalization of the National Guard or the assault on our democratic
Summary:
The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address.
In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action.
After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- At a time when people across the country and around the world are questioning whether democratic institutions
- At a time when people across the country and around the world are questioning whether democratic institutions
- By the way, that request was supported by every member of the California delegation—every Democrat, every
- of the fires, not just because of the federalization of the National Guard or the assault on our democratic
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Texas Ethics Commission Dec 10th, 2025 at 09:12 am
Transcript Highlights:
- There have to be four Republicans and four Democrats.
- I happen to be a Democrat that was appointed by Governor Abbott.
- Commission look at our decisions, I think you'd be hard-pressed to say which decisions were made. by the Democrats
- I always thought Steve and the Democrats were the hard ass in the group.
Keywords:
Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation
Summary:
In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, we're certainly ready as Democrats to talk about what it is that we need to do.
- certainly And you know, and and so we're certainly ready<00:15:16.079><c> as</c><00:15:16.399><c> Democrats
- > talk</c><00:15:17.440><c> about</c><00:15:17.760><c> what</c><00:15:18.000><c> it</c> ready as Democrats
- to talk about what it ready as Democrats to talk about what it is<00:15:18.320><c> that</c><00:15:18.480
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have testimony and support from Jun Shin, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
- My name is Jun Shin, and I am testifying in support of SB 441 on behalf of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi
- We just performed Beethoven's 9... democratic party of Hawaii uh you have a democratic party of Hawaii
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on March 14, 2025, and heard two measures. On SB 441 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, the committee received strong support from the orchestra, the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, IATSE Local 665, and an in-person testifier, with testimony emphasizing statewide access to music, education and community programming, cultural value, economic impact, and job stability for musicians and staff. The Attorney General’s office offered comments and suggested language related to the State Endowment Fund. Committee members asked about how the funding would be used, the orchestra’s reach, and its history; the orchestra said it preferred direct operating support and described its audience and employment footprint, neighbor-island outreach, and plans to expand season length and education programs.
The committee then heard SB 1581 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Japan Pacific Peace Monument. No testifier from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts was present, and no one testified on Zoom. With no discussion from witnesses, the measure was briefly taken up and later advanced.
In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments to SB 441 SD1, including a preamble describing legislative intent and the orchestra’s history, references to the State of Hawaiʻi endowment fund and statewide public benefits, and language ensuring the funds support statewide purposes and neighbor-island access to music and educational opportunities. The committee also added a deferral date of July 1, 3000 and technical amendments, then voted to pass the measure with amendments. SB 1581 SD1 was also passed forward with amendments, including a July 1, 3000 deferral date and technical changes, and the meeting adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 68 Jul 13th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In a formal session with roll calls at one, there will be a 12 o'clock caucus for Democratic members
- There will be a 12 o'clock caucus for Democratic members in Rooms A1 and A2. Thank you.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine committee reports and local matters. It adopted resolutions honoring A Path in the Woods Foundation and the Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc., and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee: one on creating a Great Brook State Park Trust Fund and another on designating a regional lockup as part of the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction.
The House also advanced and approved several local bills. House Bill 5417, authorizing the town of Linfield to impose a local sales tax on restaurant meals, was ordered to a third reading. Senate Bills 2628 and 2895, concerning liquor licensing in Bolton and a conservation restriction amendment in Hanson, were passed to be enacted. Senate Bill 2577 on parking fines in Situate, House Bill 4585 on expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, and House Bill 5463 on a conservation restriction in Middleton were each passed to be engrossed.
Later, the House concurred in a further amendment to Senate Bill 2903 honoring Blue Star Families and then passed that bill to be enacted. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Fitchburg Deputy Chief Patrick James “P.J.” Roy. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., with a Democratic caucus scheduled for noon and a formal session with roll calls at 1 p.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 32 Apr 6th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Court officers will notify the Democratic members of a Democratic caucus in Rooms A1 and 2 at 12:10,
Summary:
The House convened, suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Mark J. Cusack concerning military credible service for judges, and referred it to the Committee on Public Service. The House then took up several local bills, including measures for Harwich affordable housing, a Charlemont tax on commercial recreation services, a Millis senior property tax exemption for school building construction projects, and Falmouth funding for low-pressure pumps in future sewer service areas. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered those bills to a third reading.
The chamber also passed to be engrossed several bills on third reading: designating a Hopkinton bridge as the Major General Frank D. Merrill Memorial Bridge, amending the Nantucket town charter, creating a disability-related real property exemption in Swampscott, amending Arlington’s means-tested senior property tax exemption, and revising the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter. No objections were raised during these actions, and the bills advanced unanimously by voice vote.
The House then considered House No. 5348, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill reported by Ways and Means with a total appropriation of $300 million. The House suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and then approved it on final passage by the required separate constitutional vote, with three members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative. The House also adopted an order to adjourn until Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's a bipartisan piece of legislation that's sponsored by three Democrats and three Republicans.
- assume you'll change the co-sponsor, and so it's good to have a balance between a Republican and a Democrat
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 558, sponsored by Representative Tanner. The bill concerns Social Security survivor benefits for foster youth and aims to ensure those funds are preserved for the children rather than used by the state for administrative purposes. In response to questions, Tanner said the measure applies to foster youth survivor benefits and can include benefits tied to a deceased veteran as well. He also said there is no specific federal guidance, and described the bill as codifying an existing Idaho executive action. The committee voted to send HB 558 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard RS 33377 from Representative Cannon, a bill draft to ban copay accumulator practices in health insurance. Cannon explained that these programs prevent third-party assistance, such as manufacturer coupons, from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, shifting the benefit away from patients. He said the proposal was brought by a constituent, had been worked on with Representative Furman, and would align Idaho with similar laws in other states and with pending federal legislation. Representative Furman moved to introduce the bill draft, and the committee approved the motion.
After the introduction vote, the chair noted the bipartisan sponsorship and the committee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Committees' Committee Jan 20th, 2026
Senate Committees' Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In the interim, for the, I'll just talk about for the Democratic side, we had some people with health
- Can you point out the Democrat?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen a recent example of it, and I think it's Curtis Johnson was a Democrat candidate in Roseville
- We've seen a recent example of it, and I think it's Curtis Johnson was a Democrat candidate in Roseville
- We've seen a recent example of it, and I think it's Curtis Johnson was a Democrat candidate in Roseville
- partisan committees in this legislature, where very little Republican bills are heard and every Democrat
- </c><00:59:51.920><c> and</c> of the priorities between Democrats and of the priorities between Democrats
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, in 1957 every bill was a Democratic bill because every member of the legislature was a Democrat
- because you guys were still hiding out in the Democratic Party in those days.
- And this is not just me as a Democrat saying this, because Republicans and Democrats in...
- Republicans and Democrats across the state oppose this voucher bill.
- And Democrat vice chair, don't overestimate my influence here, right?
Bills:
HB 3
Keywords:
emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're a Democrat, you cannot vote in the Republican primary.
- If you're a Republican, you cannot vote in the Democratic primary.
- But then in 1970, he decided to run for the Democratic State Rep.
- But then in 1970, he decided to run for the Democratic State Rep.
- It wasn't Democrat or Republican, but it really was recognizing...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Democratic and Republican caucuses will be meeting during this time.
- Democrats will meet in the Maddie Lounge, room 205.
- It's not just a Republican answer or a Democrat answer.
- Yet those appointments are often Democrats too, but at least there is flexibility and the possibility
- Yet those appointments are often Democrats too, but at least there is flexibility and the possibility
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to grant our Democrat colleagues excused absences.
- And I think, and I don't mean this by any jest, but typically, Democrats, your side of the aisle have
- That date, though, is so arbitrary, and I know the Democratic caucus really has no say in the budget
- And yet when the left, when Democrats get their way...
- But when it got its final vote in the legislature, the Democrats, heavily controlled, right?
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting.
Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control.
The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.