Video & Transcript Research : 'debate'
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, we are now at the debate stage. Is there anyone wishing to debate the bill?
- Any additional debate? We'll wait. No, anyone else wish to debate? We'll wait. We have time.
- Any other senator wishing to debate the bill? Any other senator wishing to debate the bill?
- We're in debate, Senators. Senator Sharif, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- We're in debate on the memorial.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met to hear SB 2-C, a major immigration enforcement bill sponsored by Senator Gruters and co-introduced by Senator Fine. The sponsor described the bill as a response to federal immigration priorities and said it replaces a single immigration officer with a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expands local-federal cooperation, increases penalties for crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants, requires detention in certain cases, broadens information sharing, funds detention-bed expansion and law-enforcement training, and ends in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The bill also includes provisions related to sanctuary policies, voter fraud, transport of unauthorized aliens, and driver’s license-related offenses. The sponsor said the bill appropriates roughly $300 million overall, including $250 million for grants and $48 million for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for interdiction and border-related enforcement work.
Committee members questioned the bill’s scope, costs, and implementation. Senators focused heavily on the tuition-waiver repeal, asking how many students would be affected and whether the bill would harm students who have long lived in Florida. They also pressed on whether the bill should include stronger E-Verify provisions, how sanctuary-policy enforcement would work, whether local officials could be penalized for policy choices, and how immigration status would be verified in court and jail settings. The sponsor and Senator Fine said the tuition waiver would be removed for undocumented students, that the bill does not address E-Verify, and that the measure is intended to make immigration status a factor in detention and sentencing. Questions also addressed detention-bed capacity, reimbursement rates, and whether corrections staff would receive bonuses or salary increases; sponsors said bonuses are included for participating law enforcement, while broader salary issues would be handled in the regular budget process.
Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters and information-only witnesses, including Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and former officials, said the bill would help Florida coordinate with federal authorities, expand bed space, and close loopholes in existing immigration enforcement. Opponents from the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU of Florida, Florida Policy Institute, labor groups, and immigrant advocates argued the bill is unconstitutional, likely to trigger litigation, and harmful to families, schools, and the economy. They warned that the pretrial detention provisions could lead to wrongful detentions and that the tuition changes would reduce access to higher education and cost the state tuition revenue. No final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee continued through public comment and extended the meeting to complete the agenda.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 15, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in debate on the amendment. Chair: Representative Gantt, you are recognized.
- Representative Blanco, you are recognized in debate.
- Chair: Member Eskamani, you are recognized in debate.
- Members, we are getting into debate soon.
- We are in debate. Chair: Representative Nixon, you are recognized in debate.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a debate on the substitute amendment?
- Is there any debate on the bill as amended? Brooke, please call the roll on CS for CSSB.
- Seeing none, any appearance forms, no appearance forms, any debate. Senators, any debate?
- Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close on your bill. Wave closed, Mr. Chair.
- Senators, any debate. Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close on your bell. Wave closed, Mr.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met and first considered CS for SB 620, which authorizes a new specialty license plate for Miami-Dade College with a $25 annual use fee. The bill’s proceeds would go to the Miami-Dade College Foundation for student scholarships, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimated implementation costs of $8,280. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that clarified how revenues would be allocated among administrative costs, marketing and promotion, student scholarships, and student success initiatives.
The committee then heard SB 654, which designates the railroad overpass on State Road 100 in Starke, Bradford County, as the Heroes Memorial Overpass to honor those who have died in service to others. There was no debate or public testimony on either bill. Both measures were reported favorably by committee vote.
After the votes, members were asked whether they wished to be recorded as voting on the bills, and no additional requests were made. The committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But in no event shall debate 5 minutes.
- Garcia, each will control 30 minutes. shall be debatable for one hour equally shall be debatable for
- one involved in this debate. one involved in this debate. um<02:46:45.200>
for <02:46:45.600 - <06:39:36.958>
He truth and invite honest debate. He truth and invite honest debate. - should be debated, not silenced. should be debated, not silenced.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, we are in debate, members. Any debate? Recognize to close. Debate closed.
- As there is debate, you were recognized to close. Debate closed. Having waived close, Ms.
- Now we are in debate. Is there a debate? Seeing none, you recognize, close on your bill.
- Members, we're in debate. Is there a debate? Representative Rainer in debate.
- Representative Driscoll in debate. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, McFarland.
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups.
The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THAT DOES IT FOR PUBLIC APPEARANCE FORMS, IS THERE DEBATE MEMBERS?
- IS THERE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? SEEING NO DEBATE YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE.
- MEMBERS, WE ARE IN DEBATE.
- MEMBERS, WE ARE IN DEBATE. SENATOR ROUSON YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Senator Rouson: THANK YOU.
- GOOD JOB SENATOR YARBOROUGH. >> Chair: ANY OTHER MEMBERS IN DEBATE?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (05/06/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- [clears throat] And then, of course, these matters are debatable on the floor as well.
- So whatever debate happens on the floor as well. Thank you very much, Representative Bville.
- <00:39:57.680>
So debatable on the floor as well. So debatable on the floor as well. - as whatever debate happens on the floor as well. well. well.
- So the motion is up for debate. Thank you. >> Further questions? Good.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/12/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> “First debate of the year.”
- And thank you, Senator Walczyk, for the debate.
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
- We talked about this a little bit earlier in our debate.
- That's why I debated that bill and that bill and that bill and that bill.
Summary:
The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal.
On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate.
On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- President, if I know we have debated President, if I know we have debated cannabis<01:29:33.520>
- All in favor of the non-debatable.
- non-debatable. All in favor say I. I. non-debatable. All in favor say I. I.
- It's non-debatable. Oh, it's excuse me. It's non-debatable.
- non-debatable. All in favor say I. I. non-debatable. All in favor say I. I.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I look forward to cultivating those seeds with him in the ensuing debate. So, Mr.
- We will debate as municipalities gather...
- And I know after our debate, it will be that much better.
- I'm just looking forward to the debate. I hear it will be a sweaty one.
- I'm just looking forward to the debate.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two commendatory resolutions honoring the Plimpton Historical Society’s Deborah Sampson Day recognition and Megan’s Light’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month observance, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committee. The chamber also briefly recognized Diane Talk of the South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center on her retirement after 30 years of dispatch service. Later, the Senate passed two local bills to enactment: House No. 4006, authorizing Dartmouth to grant an additional all-alcoholic beverages license, and House No. 473, relating to the charter of Westwood.
The main business was the Senate Ways and Means presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling about $63.3 billion. The chair described the budget as balanced, with no new taxes or tax cuts, based on a consensus revenue estimate of $986 million in growth over FY26 (2.4%), and including about $15.8 billion in federal financial participation and roughly $2.7 billion from the Fair Share surtax. The budget emphasized record local aid, including $1.376 billion in unrestricted general government aid, $7.66 billion for Chapter 70 education aid, increased minimum school aid, higher regional school transportation reimbursement, rural aid, and the revival of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. It also highlighted major investments in MassEducate free community college, food security, housing, and support for vulnerable residents.
Members then engaged in extended colloquy on the budget’s major cost drivers and policy choices. Questions focused on debt service, pension and OPEB liabilities, MassHealth caseload and rising per-enrollee costs, child care funding, and program integrity in DTA and other benefit programs. The chair said debt service would be about $2.67 billion, pension payments would be $5.1 billion, OPEB would receive a $150 million payment, and MassHealth enrollment was projected at about 2 million with costs driven by acuity and medical inflation. He also said the budget includes no collective bargaining agreements and no state tax changes. Senators supporting the budget praised its investments in education, local aid, homelessness prevention, public health, libraries, and housing, while minority leaders and others stressed the need for fiscal discipline, transparency, and further work on affordability and municipal support. The Senate also received a House message on House No. 5316, which the House had nonconcurred in, and a conference committee was appointed on the disagreement.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Please help us to be kind and debate these bills with... ...kind and debate these bills with reverence
- That's not debatable. That's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes.
- Not debatable. All in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Thank you.
- That's not debatable. All in favor? That's a proper motion. That's not debatable. All in favor?
- Not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
Summary:
The meeting was a Girl State House session in which members received a brief orientation on chamber rules, decorum, voting procedures, and how to use the floor, followed by prayer, the pledge, and attendance. The parliamentarian and House leaders emphasized respectful conduct, recognition procedures, live microphones/cameras, and how motions such as immediate consideration work. After the rules overview, the chamber began considering bills in order.
House Bill 1001, which would have prohibited over-the-counter diet pills from being sold or transferred to anyone under 18, drew debate over eating disorders, teen health, and whether parents or sellers would be affected. Supporters argued it would protect minors from harmful diet culture, while opponents raised concerns about medical exceptions and whether the age limit should be 21 instead. The bill failed, 42-55 with two present. House Bill 1002, allowing lottery winners to remain confidential, was amended during discussion to cover a $100,000 threshold and special rules for elected officials; supporters said it would protect winners from scams and harassment, while opponents raised transparency concerns. It passed 79-17 with one present.
House Bill 1003, requiring schools to provide resources and courses on child labor/workplace laws, was debated as a workforce-readiness measure, but members questioned whether it should be a required course, an online option, or limited to older students. The bill failed 22-73 with three present. House Bill 1004, creating the Arkansas Head Injury Act and requiring helmets and face protection for motorized cycle operators and passengers, received strong support based on safety and personal testimony about motorcycle deaths; it passed 94-4. House Bill 1005, the Adult Preparedness Act, would have required a year-long personal finance course before graduation; members debated whether the material was already covered in existing classes and whether schools had time and staffing to implement it. It failed 35-60 with four present.
House Bill 1006, increasing the teacher classroom investment tax deduction from $500 to $1,000, was broadly supported as a way to help teachers pay for classroom supplies and student needs, and it passed 97-0 with one present. House Bill 1008, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial businesses by limiting national franchises in local economic zones, sparked debate over how to define zones, whether existing chains would be affected, and the impact on jobs and affordable shopping options; it failed 23-69 with six present. The session then moved to House Bill 1009, establishing a blue envelope program for people with intellectual disabilities during police interactions; the sponsor explained it would be optional and included in law-enforcement training, and supporters said it could reduce confusion and improve safety. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s final action.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We’ve had a number of debates right here when we speak.
- You know, most of us non-lawyers don’t have any formal training in debate.
- But in all honesty, our discussions, our debates have made me a better lawyer.
- I had seen get into heated debates in the past.
- And the Senator from Cabell is the epitome of that debate.
Summary:
The Senate first handled several House amendments to Senate bills and passed them, including SB 194 updating the definition of disabled veteran taxpayer, SB 499 requiring toxicology tests in auto accidents, SB 672 on Real Estate Commission licensing discipline, SB 724 on home confinement officers and the EMS retirement system, SB 897 on alcohol and drug counselor licensure, and SB 982 creating the Neighborhood Access Road Program. In each case, the chamber agreed to the House changes and then passed the bill, with some measures also given effective dates, including SB 724 effective July 1, 2026 and SB 648 effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 197, doubling penalties for sex crimes against minors, and SB 648, which removed restrictions on foreign entities in the Strategic and Critical Resources Act.
The chamber then took up a series of additional bills and conference actions. It appointed a conference committee on HB 4588 after refusing to recede from its amendment. The Senate passed HB 4009, the Portable Benefit Account Act, after adopting a Banking and Insurance committee strike-and-insert amendment that moved the program to the Division of Labor, expanded portable benefit definitions, and made technical changes. Later, the Senate also passed SB 182 on annexation by minor boundary adjustment after amending the House changes to allow one annexation per year instead of one every two years, and it passed HB 5101 increasing strangulation penalties, HB 4364 on juvenile offender bail and counsel language, HB 4412 on age verification for certain websites, HB 5564 on deputy sheriff vacation carryover, HB 4138 on sex offender registration fees, HB 4951 after receding from its earlier amendment on continuing education, SB 4 after receding from its amendment, SB 389 after refusing to concur in a House amendment that would have stripped the bill, SB 927 on beekeeping and municipal regulation, and HB 5214 on drug testing for parents before reunification.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 67 honoring Senator Michael Andrew Woelfel and Senate Resolution 68 honoring Senator Charles Houston Clements. Numerous senators gave extended remarks praising Woelfel’s legal skill, candor, mentorship, and service, and Clements’s long service, institutional knowledge, steadiness, and friendship. Both resolutions were adopted by roll call votes, with SR 67 passing 34-0 and SR 68 passing 33-1. After the resolutions, the Senate recessed briefly to present the outgoing senators with resolutions and flags flown over the Capitol.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any debate on the bill.
- Is there debate Senator Stewart, you're recognized in debate. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Thank you. >> Further debate further debate. Senator Leak, thank you.
- Is there debate is there debate?
- With that any further debate seeing no with no further debate, please call the roll on Mr.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Insurance REVISED: SB1592 - Removed Apr 7th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing a do pass in a second, will there be any discussion or debate?
- Debate, please open the queue for a recorded vote. Need votes. Marty, Heffner, Norwood, Tedford.
- Will there be any discussion or debate?
- Seeing no discussion or debate, please open the queue for a recorded vote. Sneed, votes.
- Will there be any discussion or debate? Another discussion or debate.
Keywords:
SB1684, Oklahoma Highway Remediation and Cleanup Services Act, highway cleanup, roadway remediation, tow truck, wrecker service, liability insurance, DEQ, Department of Environmental Quality, motor vehicles, licensing, public safety, cleanup operators, roadside services, commercial towing, insurance requirement, license fee, revocation, suspension, Turnpike Authority
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 16th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Will there be debate? Seeing no debate, the vote will now occur.
- Will there be debate on the amendment? Although it's in favor of adopting the amendment.
- Will there be debate? Seeing no debate, the vote will now occur.
- Will there be debate? Seeing no debate, the vote will now occur.
Bills:
SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405
Keywords:
sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Please help us to be kind and debate these bills with...
- That's not debatable. That's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed, nay. Motion passes.
- Not debatable. All in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Thank you.
- That's not debatable. All in favor? That's a proper motion. That's not debatable. All in favor?
- Not debatable. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
- SEEING AND HEARING NONE, THE DEBATE IS CLOSED. SENATOR GIANARIS.
- That came up today, plenty of times in debate.
- SEEING AND HEAR NONE, THE DEBATE IS CLOSED. SENATOR GIANARIS.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced.
Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded.
Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there debate?
- We welcome open debate. We welcome that diversity of ideas. We welcome open debate.
- Is there debate? Is there debate? Senator Bracey Davis: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Is there debate? Is there debate? Sure. Gracie Davis. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Any further debate?
Summary:
The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative.
The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions.
Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/20/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed. Senator Liu. >> Mr.
- MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE KEPT THIS ON DEBATE A LITTLE BIT LONGER.
- Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed.
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship.
The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Will there be debate? Senator Reller, you're recognized for debate. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Seeing no further debate, Senator Pugh, would you care to close debate?
- Will there be debate? Senator McIntosh, you're recognized for debate. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
- Seeing no further debate, Senator Rossino, you're recognized to close debate. Thank you, Mr.
- That concludes debate. The vote will now occur.
Bills:
SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061
Keywords:
reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations