Video & Transcript : 'congression disapproval' :
Page 6 of 254
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee May 7th, 2025
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- That gaming compact was ultimately disapproved by the federal Department of the Interior.
- I am pleased to say that in a context last year where Interior had at one point threatened to disapprove
- Unfortunately, this seventh compact, Big Sandy, was ultimately disapproved.
- In its disapproval letter, the Interior Department did make clear that it would have approved, or at
- put those two items within the four corners of the compact to address Interior's stated basis for disapproval
Committee:
House Governmental Organization
Summary:
The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on the tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians. Chair Blanca Rubio explained that the hearing was for briefing only and that no formal vote would be taken, though SB 49 by Senator Grove is the ratification bill that would later come before the Assembly floor. She noted the compact reflects recent agreements on regulatory oversight, patron protections, labor, and health and safety standards.
Matthew Lee, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations for Governor Newsom, said the package included two amendments extending an existing 1999 compact to keep it in effect while the new compact is finalized, and a new compact substantially similar to one previously negotiated. He explained that the prior compact was disapproved by the federal Department of the Interior, which objected to certain terms not being included within the compact itself. The revised compact adds CEQA exemptions and a gaming exclusivity guarantee into the compact to address those concerns, while retaining standard provisions on tribal labor relations, minimum wage, revenue sharing, state regulatory cost recovery, local government distributions, and a 3,000-device limit at up to two facilities.
Big Sandy Rancheria Chairwoman Elizabeth Hutchins testified in support of SB 49, saying the compact is important to the tribe’s long-term economic development, continued gaming operations, and ability to fund member services. She said the tribe is rooted near Fresno and values preserving its culture while pursuing economic opportunities, and she highlighted an impact mitigation fund to support local law enforcement, emergency services, and neighboring jurisdictions. No committee questions were raised, there was no public comment, and the chair adjourned the hearing without any vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- When two-thirds of the states, that's 34, apply to Congress to call a convention, Congress is required
- But the idea is to remove Congress from the process. Why would Congress be involved?
- It would be ideal if Congress...
- We had League of Women voters testify that Congress has no, Congress has the authority to write laws
- Whereas for members of Congress, Congress controls its own membership.
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia.
Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books.
A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- know you all know this, but for those others that might be listening, as a reminder to all of us, Congress
- While Congress is handing over its power to Trump, the courts still stand largely independent.
- But this is something we can, and we should, fix in Congress.
- But this is something we can and should fix in Congress.
- Congress must not stand by. The courts must not stand by. The people must not stand by.
Summary:
The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms.
Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism.
A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources & Energy.(7-2-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, I say think because LIHEAP funds are appropriated by Congress every October.
- funding for that, so we do it this year, but we'll have to reevaluate next year based upon what Congress
- </c><00:12:29.440><c> does</c><00:12:29.680><c> in</c> year based upon what Congress does in year based
- upon what Congress does in October.
- </c><00:58:44.760><c> a</c> the power currently to disapprove a the power currently to disapprove a special
Bills:
SB8
Committee:
Joint Natural Resources & Energy
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They have to approve or disapprove your rolls within 50 days after the July 1 submission.
- The department has not disapproved a tax roll in a long time, since the mid-'80s.
- The department has not disapproved a tax role in a long time since the mid 80s.
- There's not been a roll disapproval since the mid-'80s.
- Jerry said, you know, disqualify, I mean, or disapproved a tax roll.
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Property Appraisers Association of Florida on ad valorem valuation, exemptions, and the property tax process. Lauren Levy reviewed the legal and historical framework of Florida property taxation, including Save Our Homes, the 10% cap on non-homestead assessments, portability, tangible personal property exemptions, TRIM notices, and the distinction between taxable value and millage rates. He emphasized that property appraisers are independent constitutional officers who assess just value, administer exemptions, and are overseen by the Department of Revenue, with values and exemptions generally determined as of January 1 and subject to challenge through the Value Adjustment Board or circuit court.
Mike Twitty described the mass appraisal process in Pinellas County, explaining how property appraisers value large numbers of parcels using the same core approaches as fee appraisals but with statistical testing, field reviews, aerial imagery, and technology. He discussed the importance of budget, staffing, and the January 1 valuation date, and noted that recent hurricanes caused significant damage, increased petitions, and required new procedures to help property owners with value reductions and FEMA-related issues. Paul Polk focused on Department of Revenue oversight, explaining sales ratio studies, uniformity measures such as COD and PRD, time adjustments, sales qualification reviews, and in-depth studies that can lead to corrective action if assessment standards are not met. He also noted that the Department reviews property appraiser budgets to preserve independence from county pressure.
Senators asked about the supersized homestead concept, DOR review and rejection standards, value trends, and the impact of storms and new construction on taxable value. Twitty and Polk said value growth has been driven by a mix of new construction, market appreciation, cap resets, and storm-related adjustments, while noting that some counties saw market value decline even as taxable value rose. They also said some property tax relief proposals would be easier to implement than others depending on how local tax bills are structured, especially where law enforcement millage is separately identified. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Resolution 2004, concurrent resolution expressing disapproval of certain public statements by the
- She also urged Congress to pass pharmacy benefit manager reform legislation. the lives of Arizonans.
- She also urged Congress to pass pharmacy benefit manager reform legislation, which the majority Republican
- Congress did.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- During the Biden administration, Congress passed two major laws establishing tax credits for EVs and
- What tax credits will Congress repeal? What might survive? Again, it changes from day to day.
- resolutions that would disapprove common-sense refrigerant regulations.
- So they've submitted those to Congress through the CRA.
- So they've submitted those to Congress through the CRA.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn.
Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits.
The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will read: 'Whereas in 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt urged Congress to set aside a day to recognize
- What's being stricken is 'and submitted the course for' approval or disapproval for college admissions
- is now not allowing the Oklahoma State regions for higher education to weigh in on approval or disapproval
- My question is what was the issue with them providing approval or disapproval.
Bills:
SR44 , HCR1027 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HB1185 , HB1937 , HB2035 , HB2137 , HB2166 , HB3148 , HB3323 , HB3466 , HB3498 , HB3661 , HB3678 , HB3710 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB4104 , HB4108 , HB4142 , HB4191 , HB4274 , HB4275 , HB4322 , HB4336 , HB4484 , HB3880 , HB1687 , HB3673 , HB1170 , HB2959 , HB3718 , HB3021 , HB3443 , HB3501 , HB4143 , HB4326 , HB2992 , HB3660 , SB171 , SB1325 , SB1980 , SB2045 , HB4422 , HB4423
Keywords:
SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The commissioner must approve or disapprove that application within 45 business days of the deadline
- If the commissioner does disapprove the application, the commissioner has to notify the applicant of
- The commissioner has to approve or disapprove the affidavit within 60 business days of receiving it.
- ,</c> commissioner disapproves the affidavit, commissioner disapproves the affidavit, the<00:11:45.600
- </c><00:12:12.000><c> is</c> satisfaction, uh the disapproval is satisfaction, uh the disapproval is
Committee:
House Education Policy
Keywords:
anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:57:27.280><c> this</c> make a motion to disapprove this make a motion to disapprove this contract
- </c> favor to disapprove. favor to disapprove.
- >> The motion to disapprove fails.
- So my votes uh yes for disapproval. disapproval. disapproval.
- </c> >> The uh the motion uh to disapprove >> The uh the motion uh to disapprove fails.<01
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting.
The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings.
Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I move for final passage of House Bill 2, disapproved by the governor in part, all the vetoes
- Speaker, I move final passage of House Bill 501, disapproved by the governor in part, all of the vetoes
- by the governor in part all disapproved by the governor in part all of<01:27:15.280><c> the</c><01:27
- You know what we've seen in this country for quite a while is that Congress and even we've done it in
- You know what we've seen in this country for quite a while is that Congress and even we've done it in
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I was able to provide testimony before Congress four times in the last year, and one of those times I
- Appointments are made by the governor that we are obliged to hear and to approve or disapprove.
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers.
The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices.
The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, February 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Joint Resolution 142, disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council and approving
- 58.800><c> Joint</c><00:07:59.120><c> Resolution</c><00:08:00.080><c> 142,</c><00:08:01.120><c> disapproving
- </c> >> House Joint Resolution 142, disapproving >> House Joint Resolution 142, disapproving
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Resolution 2004, concurrent resolution expressing disapproval of certain public statements by the
- She also urged Congress to pass pharmacy benefit manager reform legislation. the lives of Arizonans.
- She also urged Congress to pass pharmacy benefit manager reform legislation, which the majority Republican
- Congress did.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several recognitions and guest introductions, including Arizona medical, dental hygiene, hearing-access, and Taekwondo Day visitors. Members also observed a moment of silence for two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. The chamber then moved through committee reports, first and second readings, and multiple Committee of the Whole calendars.
On the first and second calendars, the House advanced a series of bills with mostly unanimous or near-unanimous committee-of-the-whole votes, including HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, H.R. 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, and HB 2395. Several of these measures dealt with health and education topics, including Medicaid lactation services and lactation consultant certification, while HB 2203 was described as an education efficiency bill reducing duplicative reporting requirements. HB 2043 drew the most debate, with supporters calling it a cleanup measure to allow felony-murder charges involving unborn children and opponents warning it was an anti-abortion/personhood bill with broader implications for contraception, IVF, and other care; it still received a do-pass recommendation.
On the third calendar, the House considered HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. HB 2108, described by supporters as a pro-law-enforcement bill addressing fleeing or eluding police, drew concerns about broad criminal definitions and potential overreach, but advanced. HB 2310, on independent contractor status, and HB 2135, with a floor amendment, also advanced. The chamber then took up third readings: HB 2008, concerning school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25; H.R. 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Kris Mayes’s public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive partisan debate and several points of order. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- This act, facts about this government shutdown that we had, you know, when it occurs in Congress, fails
- You know, when it occurs in Congress, [it] fails to pass funding legislation, forcing federal agencies
- Existing laws allow districts to bypass voter disapproval to raise tax rates.
- Congress, because it's assumed that the electorate, the voters, are intelligent enough and discerning
- There's no place, not Congress, not any state, that has this restriction.
Committee:
House Administration
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met to consider a series of resolutions and bills covering arts districts, child care background checks, federal worker relief, health care reform, court transparency, school tax reassessment, municipal charter changes, constitutional amendment procedures, data center nondisclosure agreements, state employee benefits governance, and lieutenant governor vacancies. Members also noted that House Concurrent Resolution 12 had been removed from the agenda and that public comment would be limited to one minute per speaker.
The committee released SCR 167 to study arts, culture, and creative districts in Delaware; HB 438 to close a loophole in the child care service letter requirement; SB 268 to provide interest-free loans, free transit, and tax deferrals for federal workers during shutdowns; SS2 for SB 1 to expand and permanently strengthen primary care investment while also addressing hospital cost growth; HCR 147 to request a Court of Chancery report on audio recordings and automated case assignment; SB 322 to replace the current post-reassessment 10% school revenue increase authority with a 2% annual increase option under safeguards; SB 306 to amend the Rehoboth Beach charter; HB 440 to require voter approval for constitutional amendments after legislative approval; SB 312 to bar nondisclosure agreements for large data center projects; SS1 for SB 289 to change State Employee Benefits Committee governance; and SB 264 to require a special election to fill a lieutenant governor vacancy.
Testimony was mixed on several measures. Arts, child care, federal worker relief, primary care, court transparency, data center transparency, and the lieutenant governor vacancy bill drew mostly supportive testimony, while SB 322 and SB 306 drew both support and opposition, especially over tax impacts and the proposed spouse/partner restriction in Rehoboth Beach. HB 440 prompted debate over whether 55% voter approval was the right threshold for constitutional amendments, and SB 312 was supported as a transparency measure by residents affected by prior data center NDAs. All of the listed measures were released from committee by roll call vote, with some members voting no on HB 440, SB 306, SB 312, SS1 for SB 289, and SB 264.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And as the TikTok legislation continued and was passed by Congress, the Senate, signed by President Biden
- Congress, the Senate, signed by President Biden, and as it went through the Supreme Court, and then the
- The organization advocates or disapproves of legislation that will curtail certain things. ...that I
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule-waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved a series of non-appearing appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, multiple appointments to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission, with most votes unanimous and Hurt’s appointment approved 3-2. The committee also approved bill referrals, rule waivers for guests on the Senate floor, and floor acknowledgments.
The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, and said her priorities would include helping students connect to livable-wage jobs, supporting Vision 2030, improving data and digital infrastructure, expanding dual enrollment, and considering regional bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges where workforce needs justify them. Senators questioned her about achievement gaps, the role of data in improving student outcomes, the expansion of community college bachelor’s degrees, faculty staffing, and her employer New America’s positions on privacy, age verification, and TikTok. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
The committee also heard from Paul Tupi, nominated to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Tupi described a career in law enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, and enforcement against irresponsible operators. Senators asked about ABC’s enforcement tools, including decoy operations, shoulder-tap checks, delivery compliance, and investigations tied to alcohol-related crashes; funding stability; delivery alcohol violations during COVID; and ABC’s approach to entertainment zones and other alcohol-policy changes. Support testimony came from industry and advocacy representatives, who praised his responsiveness and open-door approach. The committee approved his appointment 5-0 for consideration by the full Senate.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It was disapproved through that action, and so it was...
- It was disapproved through that action, and so it was kind of put on the shelf for a number of years.
- I mean, Congress right now is looking at this at a much higher level, which frankly, I hope gets done
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, with particular attention to Massachusetts ports, federal scallop management, the proposed reopening of the Northern Edge on Georges Bank, and permit stacking/consolidation. The chair opened by noting the hearing would take written and oral testimony, that time was limited, and that the discussion was intended to inform legislative engagement with federal regulators rather than decide the issue directly. Dan McCarron of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council outlined the federal management structure under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the role of annual catch limits and rotational closures, and the economic importance of scallops to New Bedford, Gloucester, and other Massachusetts ports. O’Keefe said the council’s current scallop framework is based on annual management, research surveys, and public input, and that recent environmental changes and uncertainty are affecting catch advice and biomass.
Dr. O’Keefe and later Dr. Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the fishery’s recent condition: abundance has increased in some areas, but biomass has fallen because many scallops are still too small to harvest, and changing ocean conditions and natural mortality are affecting the stock. They said the Northern Edge action was considered as a joint scallop/habitat framework but was discontinued in 2024 because the council could not reconcile competing objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and impacts on other species such as cod, lobster, and herring. Stokesbury emphasized the long-running collaborative survey work with industry, said the fishery remains highly productive, and argued that the science supports careful rotational management and that the Northern Edge could be highly productive for scallops, though he acknowledged habitat tradeoffs. Committee members pressed both witnesses on why the issue had remained unresolved for so long and whether the council could revisit it through a future framework.
Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund, including attorney Drew Kavage, John Lees, Sam Blasley, and Tony Alvernes, urged support for reopening the Northern Edge and for permit stacking, which would allow more than one scallop permit on a vessel while keeping ownership caps in place. They argued the fishery is a major economic driver, that industry-funded research has supported sustainable management, and that stacking would help family-owned operators reduce costs, improve safety, and avoid financial distress. They also stressed the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure in New Bedford and other ports. The chair said he was not opposed to stacking in principle but wanted to avoid a slippery slope toward excessive consolidation or private equity control; he noted that any stacking change would require an amendment to the fishery management plan or federal action. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded with an invitation for continued engagement and future updates on the council process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/8/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the chairs, I don't know, but zero formal input, zero opportunity to register their approval or disapproval
- the chairs, I don't know, but zero formal input, zero opportunity to register their approval or disapproval
- their input zero opportunity to register their approval<00:17:07.839><c> or</c><00:17:08.079><c> disapproval
- c> or</c><00:17:09.199><c> to</c><00:17:09.520><c> have</c><00:17:09.679><c> an</c> approval or disapproval
- or to have an approval or disapproval or to have an impact<00:17:10.240><c> on</c><00:17:10.400><c>
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This Congress.
- </c> for the Constitution, but Congress must. for the Constitution, but Congress must.
- </c> what is this Congress doing about it? what is this Congress doing about it?
- And this Republican Congress Congress Congress shrugs.<01:11:32.159><c> The</c><01:11:32.400><c> majority
- </c> such as heird solutions in Congress. such as heird solutions in Congress.
Keywords:
Congressional Gold Medal, Army Rangers, World War II, ceremony, Emancipation Hall, colorectal cancer, Hispanic community, screening disparity, awareness, healthcare access, health education, chronic illness, cancer research, colon cancer, rectal cancer, cancer screening, Hispanic health, Latino health, racial disparities, health equity
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, as it stands, OID is not able to disapprove any rates.
- right now claiming that, you know, it can only be deemed excessive and the Commissioner can only disapprove
- right now claiming that, you know, it can only be deemed excessive and the Commissioner can only disapprove
- Like I've said time and time again, the system that we have right now, they are not able to disapprove
- The fact that OID is not able to disapprove a rate is very alarming to me.
Bills:
HB3048 , HB3259 , HB3646 , HB3696 , HB3780 , HB3781 , HB3802 , HB3818 , HB4294 , HB4488 , HB2929
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The committee heard a series of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on homeowners insurance rates, transparency, and regulatory oversight. House Bill 3696, a proposed rate-approval style measure for homeowners insurance, drew extensive questioning about whether it would actually lower premiums, its comparison to Texas, the role of the Insurance Department and Attorney General, and possible effects on carriers and agents. The author said the bill was intended to increase transparency and consumer protections, acknowledged it was a work in progress, and agreed to strike the title and keep working with the committee. The bill ultimately passed the committee on a recorded vote.
The committee also advanced House Bill 3259, which would prohibit certain health care contract clauses such as all-or-nothing, anti-steering, gag, and most-favored-nation provisions; House Bill 4294, a follow-up to Dylan’s Law dealing with epilepsy-related insurance coverage and neurostimulator devices; and House Bill 4488, which would let the Insurance Commissioner appoint an impartial umpire when a body shop and insurer cannot agree on a loss value. House Bill 3646, a broad and still-developing insurance bill involving rate review, litigation, venue, AI use, and Attorney General involvement, generated substantial concern from members about workability, litigation, and agent exposure. Its author said it was not final, but the committee voted it down.
Later, the committee passed House Bill 3048, a cleanup measure for surplus lines licensing laws; House Bill 3780, requiring an independent actuary review as a transparency measure; House Bill 3781, changing the timing from use-and-file to file-and-use with a 60-day review period while the author said he did not want rate approval; House Bill 3802, delaying rate adjustments after a spouse’s death until renewal; House Bill 3818, creating a home and auto savings account framework intended to help policyholders raise deductibles and lower premiums; and House Bill 2929, which limits how far back insurers may look at homeowners and auto claims for underwriting purposes. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition after brief questioning.