Video & Transcript : 'holiday observance' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , recognized federal and state observances, promoting patriotic observances.
- Recognized federal and state observances, promoting patriotic observances, promoting or supporting a
- The amendment clarifies that local governments may recognize all community cultural observances and observances
- And yes, I mean, it's not a federal holiday, it's not a state holiday.
- So the point by the bill sponsor is made about, you know, only promoting holidays, observances that,
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You should exempt all recognitions for holidays and observances.
- You should exempt all recognitions for holidays and observances.
- This vague buckshot approach to You should exempt all recognitions for holidays and observances.
- Across Florida, local governments fund and promote dozens of holidays, celebrations, and community observances
- Across Florida, local governments fund and promote dozens of holidays, celebrations, and community observances
Committee:
House Commerce Committee
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/HB 1263 on insurance regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen the Office of Insurance Regulation’s tools to oversee property and auto insurance markets, including market conduct and solvency exams, mitigation discounts, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others.
Members then considered CS/HB 527, which would require a qualified human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence is used in the process. After an amendment removing the word “algorithm” was adopted, insurers and trade groups testified in opposition, arguing current law already covers claims handling and that the bill could create duplicative work and slow innovation. Supporters, including a consumer and labor representative, said human judgment is needed to protect claimants. The bill passed favorably.
The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” rights, with an amendment clarifying consumer definitions, refund rights, repair-period extensions, and a July 1, 2026 effective date. CS/HB 107 on data centers also passed after an amendment narrowing the five-mile siting restriction to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements; business groups supported a framework but opposed the NDA ban and siting limits, while several members raised competitiveness and local-impact concerns. Later, the committee passed CS/HB 1291 on NICA funding and solvency, CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on historic African-American cemetery preservation, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS package. The final major item discussed was CS/HB 1001 on local government DEI restrictions, which drew extensive questioning about definitions, exceptions, cultural and religious observances, advisory councils, and contracting rules; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- , recognized federal and state observances, promoting patriotic observances. ...recognized federal and
- state observances, promoting patriotic observances, promoting or supporting a nonprofit entity that
- And yes, I mean, it's not a federal holiday, it's not a state holiday.
- That in the time that he was in office, but the reality is that the holidays and the observances you
- So the point by the bill sponsor is made about only promoting holidays and observances that, quote, we
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities.
The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0.
Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- As an official state holiday? Yes.
- It's an official state holiday? Yes.
- It's the only month of the year in the Commonwealth that we don't have a holiday.
- Let's create a holiday in the month of August.
- We certainly do not need to be observing a holiday that celebrates a man who brought colonialism, slave
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education.
Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to make this observation.
- </c> that second amendment tax holiday that second amendment tax holiday that<01:09:20.560><c> one</c
- </c> And we're prioritizing giving a holiday And we're prioritizing giving a holiday for<01:33:10.639
- </c> going to wait till a sales tax holiday going to wait till a sales tax holiday comes<01:38:01.920
- tax holidays do we currently have?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 39 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:41 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , and his wife, two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Lauren Holiday.
- Please, please stand up and welcome Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday! Thank you. Thank you.
- Drew Holiday and his wife, Lauren, will be in the members' lounge for a reception. Thank you.
- We ask that we now observe a moment of silence in memory of Molly.
- We ask that we now observe a moment of silence in memory of Molly McGovern. Thank you.
Summary:
The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday.
The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin.
The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She is a freshman at Anthem Prep, Great Hearts, and is observing us today to learn more about the legislative
- called Clarendale, and I’ve been told that some of our residents from Colorado are here today to observe
- SB 1255, Arizona Jazz Day observed; Government.
- SB 1266, Dolores Huerta, Cisa Chavez holidays.
- Sve 1266 Dolores-Werta, Sisa Chavez, Holidays. Government. S.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let us all keep hope alive as we observe a moment of silence to remember and honor the life of Reverend
- Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, Solal, Ortet, is one of the most important holidays
- of the year for many East Asians, Solal, Ortet, is one of the most important holidays of the year for
- So let us honor Lunar New Year, the diversity of our state, not as observers but also as neighbors.
- Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic California.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file.
The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage.
The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let us all keep hope alive as we observe a moment of silence to remember and honor the life of Reverend
- Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, Seollal, or Tet, is one of the most important holidays
- So let us honor Lunar New Year, the diversity of our state, not as observers but also as neighbors.
- Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian.
- Members, let us now observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this truly historic Californian,
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-LBT, LBT Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:40.200><c> which</c> relating to state holidays which relating to state holidays which designates
- Um, this is a wonderful holiday that we had, and I'm just wondering: we have a number of holidays, what
- So if the committee were to designate it as a holiday, it could be observed as a holiday, but not necessarily
- So we do have a number of holidays which are considered observed but are not a day off for state employees
- We need to negotiate when employees get off. necessarily A a holiday that state necessarily A a holiday
Summary:
The joint committees on Labor and Technology, Transportation, and Culture and the Arts heard testimony on Senate Bill 396 and Senate Bill 47, then later the Labor and Technology committee took up Senate Bill 136 and Senate Bill 1523. SB 396 drew support from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and others, with a question raised about implementation costs; the director said costs would depend on the scope of the benefit package and the transportation mode involved. The committees recommended passing SB 396 with technical amendments and added appropriation language with a blank amount, and the motion was adopted by recorded votes in both committees.
SB 47, which would designate the Lunar New Year as a state holiday, received support from the Office of Collective Bargaining and several individuals, including Charlene Chun, who spoke about family traditions and cultural recognition. Members asked about the cost and whether the day would be a paid day off for state employees; the response was that observance would be subject to collective bargaining. The committees moved SB 47 forward with amendments, noting the collective bargaining and cost issues, and adopted the recommendation by vote.
In the Labor and Technology committee, SB 136 on the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund drew strong support from iron workers and related supporters, who argued the bill was about safety, training, and keeping dismantling work within the ironworkers’ trade. Several other unions, including operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and plumbers and fitters, opposed the bill as too broad and potentially infringing on their jurisdiction. The measure was not decided in the portion provided, but members discussed possible amendments and jurisdictional concerns.
SB 1523, which would expand private-sector collective bargaining rights under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and others under NLRB jurisdiction, received broad labor support, including from IATSE, AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Unite Here Local 5, and many individual testifiers. Supporters framed it as protecting workers’ rights and strengthening labor protections, while the Hawaii Labor Relations Board warned it could significantly increase workload and require more staffing, space, and operating resources; the board estimated the bill could expand its caseload substantially and suggested an appropriation would likely be needed. The committee then moved on to the next measure, SB 1440, before the transcript ended.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- , recognized federal and state observances, or patriotic observances. ...recognized federal and state
- observances, promoting patriotic observances, promoting or supporting a nonprofit entity that provides
- And yes, I mean, it's not a federal holiday, it's not a state holiday.
- But the reality is that the holidays and the observances you just beautifully mentioned are going to
- So the point by the bill sponsor is made about, you know, only promoting holidays and observances that
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement guests, a Spina Bifida Week presentation, and a salute to the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot team. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to floor consideration of Senate bills.
Members passed several bills unanimously or near-unanimously after brief debate and, in some cases, floor amendments. CS/SB 590 clarified that changes to the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters of child abuse apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 required law enforcement autism-interaction training and allowed the blue-envelope program to be offered in electronic or physical form; it passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 addressed NICA’s actuarial soundness and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 expanded the Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund to broader health science programs and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 set baseline standards for memory care providers and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1030 revised recovery residence rules, including MAT-related provisions, and passed 168-0. CS/CS/SB 178 changed FHSAA rules so school coaches may use limited personal funds for student welfare with parent consent and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 422 barred use of ADS-B data for airport billing and passed 108-2. CS/CS/SB 598 modernized funeral, cemetery, and consumer services licensing and passed 111-0.
The House also considered CS/CS/SB 1134, a controversial bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related official actions and contracting. Sponsor Rep. Black described broad prohibitions with numerous exceptions, while members asked about effects on observances, special events, parade participation, and local economic-vitality offices. Rep. Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing vague prongs, arguing the language was ambiguous and could chill local government action; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended. The chamber then moved into farewell remarks, including an extended address from Rep. Eskamani reflecting on her service, family, staff, constituents, and policy priorities, followed by remarks from the Speaker praising her energy and preparation. Rep. Overdorf also delivered farewell remarks highlighting his work on environmental policy, human trafficking, development regulation, property rights, and property taxes, with the Speaker commending his contributions.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- First, what I observed was an incredible synchrony through living in the U.K. that when attacks were
- And even holidays such as Sukkot and Passover and Shavuot, those are the three pilgrimage holidays, and
- the pilgrimage holidays are going to Jerusalem to make a sacrifice at the Temple.
- And even holidays such as Sukkot and Passover and Shavuot, those are the three pilgrimage holidays, and
- the pilgrimage holidays are going to Jerusalem to make a sacrifice at the Temple.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall.
The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings.
Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence.
A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- says, And honor him and celebrate this holiday.
- Day and support SCR 107, not just as a ceremonial holiday, not as a convenient quote for social media
- Martin Luther King when we observe this day.
- Martin Luther King when we observe this day.
- It is why we observe this holiday, not simply to celebrate, not simply to idealize one individual...
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine announcements and motions. Senator González obtained unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 107, honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with extensive floor remarks from many senators reflecting on King’s legacy, civil rights, nonviolence, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to democracy.
Speakers from multiple caucuses and affiliations supported the resolution, including Senators Richardson, Archuleta, Choi, Smallwood-Cuevas, Blakespear, Pérez, Weber, McNerney, Wiener, Reyes, Cabaldon, Rubio, and Alvarado-Gil. Their comments emphasized King’s leadership, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, the Poor People’s Campaign, and the need to continue his work through policy and civic action. Senator Richardson closed on the measure, and the Senate adopted SCR 107 by roll call vote.
After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory. Senator Pérez honored Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, who died in a vehicle pursuit accident while on duty. Senator McGuire remembered Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, with additional remarks from Senators Becker and Laird about his cultural impact and philanthropy. Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil then honored the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, including children Journey Rose Guerrero, Maya Lupian, and Amari Peterson, and a 21-year-old, Susanna Archeletta, describing their lives and the community’s loss. The session ended with the Pro Tem noting the day’s reflection and announcing the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- that are designated by federal law and observances, patriotic, national observances, ...voting state
- holidays that are designated by federal law and observances, patriotic, national observances that are
- For any effort that's not listed in the state holiday, special observance, or on the national code that
- You've got carve-outs for federal holidays and state holidays, and according to the last committee stop
- You've got carve-outs for federal holidays and state holidays, and according to the last committee stop
Committee:
Senate Rules
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- and those designated in 5 U.S.C. section 6103 of federal law, official state observances, holidays and
- and those special events, but I do want to know ...whether there any holiday or special observance that
- That is the only special observance or holiday that I could not find a carve-out for.
- and holidays, days. ...both counties and municipalities that said that state observances and holidays
- That's a list of legal holidays and special observances. Senator Smith: Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0.
The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 20th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a holiday of unity, of reflection, and of rejuvenation.
- It is a holiday of unity, of reflection, and of rejuvenation.
- What I find remarkable and beautiful about this holiday, it is that is not specific to one religion,
- Every year we observe this day, marking the very day when people in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened
- Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian, Eric Lopez
Summary:
The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine procedural motions, including unanimous consent requests and a re-referral of AB 506. The chamber then moved through a series of guest introductions and second-reading items before taking up several resolutions recognizing awareness days and cultural observances.
Members adopted ACR 41 on Down Syndrome Awareness Week/Day and HR 24 on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month after extensive bipartisan remarks focused on family experiences, inclusion, bullying, funding for services, and support for people with disabilities. The Assembly also adopted ACR 48 recognizing Women in STEM Day, ACR 49 recognizing California STEM Robotics Day, HR 18 celebrating Nauruze, and ACR 2 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Each resolution drew co-authors and supportive comments from members across the aisle.
The body then debated and passed AB 248, which would remove the state wage cap on county jail inmate labor and allow counties more discretion; supporters framed it as local control and rehabilitation, while opponents argued it would raise costs and conflict with voter sentiment. The Assembly also passed AB 100, a budget-process measure moving a large package of bills to the Senate, and used a substituted roll call for the remaining related bills. Consent calendar items were approved, and the chamber concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric Lopez, Johnny D. Giles, and Roger Diamond, before adjourning until March 24, 2025.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we proceed with the prayer and pledge, let us observe a moment of silence for our departed civil
- I rise to celebrate the Lunar New Year today, a holiday deeply meaningful to millions of Californians
- A holiday deeply meaningful to millions of Californians and especially to people of Asian countries.
- American holidays, which is, when are you getting married? Why not?
- So this holiday is an important one, and it has come so far.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we proceed with the prayer and pledge, let us observe a moment of silence for our departed civil
- I rise to celebrate the Lunar New Year today, a holiday deeply meaningful to millions of Californians
- Families gather to honor ancestors, strengthen bonds, and begin. a holiday deeply meaningful to millions
- But Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year.
- So this holiday is an important one, and it has come so far.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (1-16-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- a personal statement verifying the observance of said holiday. >> Yeah, it's the same trend of thought
- a personal statement verifying the observance of said holiday. >> Yeah, it's the same trend of thought
- a personal statement verifying the observance of said holiday. >> Yeah, it's the same trend of thought
- Thank you. calendar if the teacher or employee submits a personal statement verifying the observance
- of said holiday. >> Yeah, it's the same trend of thought, and, you know, dealing with the sick days and
Summary:
The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt.
The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- and recognized federal and state observances, promoting patriotic observances, recognizing or honoring
- and recognized federal and state observances, promoting patriotic observances, recognizing or honoring
- Martin Luther King holiday.
- National holidays, state holidays, national observances, and state observances are exempt under the bill
- So they would be able to come and seek recognition as a holiday or state observance or some such thing
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote.
The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.