Video & Transcript : 'lead ban' :
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MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And one of the first things they asked me about was, did I vote for the cell phone ban?
- “And surprisingly, I get good receptions around the banning of social media accounts.
- And, you know, all those 18 other states who are also trying to attack this, we could follow their lead
- So all those 18 other states who are also trying to attack this, we could follow their lead in some of
- Everybody would be mad in the type of way everybody would be mad, but, like, I feel like it should be banned
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- departments in cities and towns, and sheriffs, who lead county sheriff's departments.
- This power and authority is even more significant for those who lead law enforcement agency.
- Please fix the plastic bag ban. Pass SB 5965. Thanks. Good evening.
- A full ban will not get you a revenue-neutral bill.
- Plastic is willing to absorb additional increases in lieu of a ban.
Bills:
SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151
Keywords:
local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And one of the campaigns that I helped to lead and to successfully win was the organizing of private
- California already leads the nation with strong proponents of training.
- SB 1203 adds 18 hours on top of our already nation-leading 40-hour standard.
- In Orange County, at my request, we have banned nitrous oxide in the County of Orange, and we now have
- As California continues to lead the nation in both behavioral health transformation and technological
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several Senate bills, with most of the discussion focused on worker training, public safety, and consumer protection. SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would expand training and de-escalation requirements for private security officers. Supporters, including security workers and labor groups, said the bill would better prepare officers who often respond first to mental health crises and violent incidents. Opponents, including security industry representatives and business groups, argued it would impose major costs, create training bottlenecks, and could reduce licensed security coverage. The committee ultimately voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Labor and Employment, with some members noting future amendments to address training capacity and employer-provided training.
The committee also approved SB 936 by Senator Blakespear, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams while preserving legitimate medical, dental, culinary, and automotive uses. Support came from county officials, public health groups, waste management organizations, law enforcement, and local governments, who described rising misuse, impaired driving, and recycling hazards. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed to Public Safety.
SB 1271 by Senator Reyes, aimed at strengthening California’s midwifery training pipeline by requiring data collection on licensed midwife preceptor capacity, also passed unanimously to Health. Supporters said the bill would help address shortages in rural birth care and improve access to training for aspiring midwives. SB 903 by Senator Padilla, which would place guardrails on the use of AI in mental health and psychotherapy settings and prohibit AI from being marketed as a therapist, drew emotional testimony from a mother whose son died by suicide after extensive chatbot interactions. Health and behavioral health groups supported the measure, while several industry and health organizations were opposed unless amended; the committee nevertheless sent it to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a unanimous vote. The committee also approved SB 1165 on consent and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- And one of the campaigns that I helped to lead and to successfully win was the organizing of private
- California already leads the nation.
- SB 1203 adds 18 hours on top of our already nation-leading 40-hour standard.
- In Orange County, at my request, we In Orange County, at my request, we have banned nitrous oxide in
- As California continues to lead the nation in both behavioral health transformation and technological
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- There were library bans during the Red Scare. to sit in the back of the bus.
- There were library bans during the Red Scare. ...plans during the Red Scare.
- There were, let's see, Los Angeles banned communists from owning guns.
- I think that leads us down a bad road of litigation. But that...
- So... ...do sometimes lead to arrest; very often they don't.
Summary:
The committee first considered RS-33841, a draft related to Idaho’s library/obscenity law and pending litigation. Senator Lakey said it would update definitions such as “adolescent youth” and “harmful to minors,” clarify what is and is not obscene, and strengthen the bill’s defensibility in court. Senator Wintrow asked about Mason’s Manual and whether the active case created a problem, but Lakey said the draft was simply a refinement of existing law. The committee voted to send the RS to print.
The committee then heard House Bill 896, a civil enforcement measure aimed at public officials who knowingly violate state law. Lakey said it would create a process for certain leaders to request Attorney General review, require notice and an opportunity to cure, allow the AG to seek court enforcement, authorize attorney’s fees for the prevailing party, and permit a court to bar a willful violator from office for up to five years. Senators Wintrow and Ruchti raised concerns about state overreach, partisan or selective enforcement, and the possibility of weaponizing the bill against local officials; the Association of Idaho Cities and the Idaho Association of Counties also warned about local control, political conflict, and unclear enforcement and funding provisions. Despite those objections, the committee voted to send HB 896 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1442, which would require reporting on refugee resettlement contracts, prohibit entities involved in resettlement from assisting illegal aliens in certain ways, and require law enforcement to verify and record immigration status for arrested individuals. Supporters, including Senator Anthon, said the bill was about transparency and accountability and that the reporting would be limited to people arrested in Idaho. Sheriffs and county representatives argued the bill was poorly worded, could create duplicate or inconsistent reporting, impose administrative burdens, and potentially expose local agencies and officers to liability; they also objected to the funding-withholding provision and said existing law already covers much of the arrest-related immigration reporting. Several senators questioned the refugee section and the inclusion of language covering investigated or detained individuals, while Anthon said he was willing to remove some wording later. The committee ultimately voted to send SB 1442 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with Senators Shippey, Ruchti, and Wintrow recorded as voting no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This can easily lead to discrimination against individuals with physical disabilities.
- This technology is leading the way for giving that up.
- This technology is leading the way for giving that up.
- But our concern really stems from the fact that the bill is a straight ban on that technology rather
- And I would argue that that's a question not necessarily of banning that technology, but if there is
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several workplace-related bills. AB 1803 would require anti-hate speech training as part of existing harassment prevention training for employers with five or more employees; supporters said it would help workers recognize and report workplace hate, while opponents raised First Amendment and definitional concerns. The bill passed on a do pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 1940 would add perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause to FEHA’s sex protections and clarify related workplace protections; supporters emphasized workplace equity and retention, while business groups said existing accommodation laws already cover many issues and raised concerns about expanding protected classifications. It also passed and was re-referred to Judiciary with the roll open. AB 1838 would require bidders on public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations and how they were addressed; labor groups supported the transparency measure, while contractors and business groups questioned definitions and disclosure scope. It passed and was re-referred to Judiciary. AB 1859 would give joint labor-management committees access to public works job sites to help identify labor-law violations; supporters said it would improve enforcement of wage theft laws, while opponents raised due process, property access, and constitutional concerns. It passed and was re-referred to Judiciary.
The committee also considered two workplace AI and surveillance bills. AB 1883 would prohibit certain invasive surveillance technologies in the workplace, including facial, gait, and emotion recognition, while placing limits on some facial recognition uses; supporters argued these tools are discriminatory and unreliable, and opponents said a ban was too broad and could eliminate useful safety and operational tools. The bill passed and was re-referred to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI tools to surveil or manage workers, including disclosure of the tool’s purpose, data collected, and affected decisions; supporters framed it as a basic transparency measure, while opponents objected to the breadth of notice requirements, possible veto power over deployment, and enforcement language. It also passed and was re-referred to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee additionally took up AB 1707, which passed and was re-referred to Appropriations with a consent-calendar recommendation, though the transcript does not provide the bill’s subject matter.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Jacqu... men and I'm with Authors Against Book Bans.
- So, from 2022 to 2023, PEN America recorded 3,362 cases of book bans.
- Nothing in this testimony supports book bans. No one has ever suggested book banning.
- Nothing in this testimony supports book bans. No one has ever suggested book banning.
- book Banning this is about suggested book Banning this is about limiting<01:31:09.040><c> access</c>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Bennett will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, but the continued impact of its members who lead
- Dempster has committed his life to the pursuit of global human rights, having served as lead campaigner
- People who carry these experiences quietly, showing up to work, to serve, to lead, to keep going.
- People who carry these experiences quietly, showing up to work, to serve, to lead, to keep going, I'm
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assemblymember Valencia will lead us in the pledge. Colleagues.
- Larisa Ortega leads the Chicano Youth Leadership Project, advancing.
- Her work centers around Latino voices in conversation, helping to pass bans on shark fins and plastic
- It continues a process that is not helpful, that does not lead to positive, proactive solutions.
- Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death for both men and women.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-15 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- chambers, Father, we ask that you would grant them the wisdom, the strength, and the clarity as they lead
- It is time for this nation and this state to lead in that process.
- You start with a single cavity, which leads to a filling.
- Additional leading questions, Senator Polsky. Additional leading questions, Senator Polsky.
- How does banning fluoride help Florida farmers or the agricultural industry? Senator Trunow.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments.
The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs.
The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed.
At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- As you've heard, Minnesota campuses can currently ban students from carrying guns and they can ban employees
- </c> post-secondary institutions to ban post-secondary institutions to ban firearms.<00:02:19.360><c>
- 25.120><c> from</c> guns and they can ban employees from guns and they can ban employees from carrying
- While many businesses can ban firearms on campuses, we cannot.
- While many businesses can ban firearms on campuses, we cannot.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- message transcends boundaries, calling all people to live with dignity, to act with compassion, and to lead
- Our state is leading the way and pumping dollars into this.
- is on the line: students in these programs graduating at rates over 90%; CAPE certifications that lead
- I'm concerned this could be a backdoor abortion ban. ...seeking health care.
- The state's near-total abortion ban, and they want us to roll that back to allow for private medical
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy.
Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions.
The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have any other lead witnesses? Seeing none. Lead opposition witnesses? Seeing none.
- Do we have any other lead support witnesses? Do we have any lead opposition witnesses?
- Lead opposition. Lead opposition, lead support, any others?
- Do we have any other lead support witnesses? Seeing none. Lead opposition? Seeing none.
- Do we have any lead opposition witnesses? Lead opposition only, two minutes. Thank you.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We know we can’t just ban social media for obvious reasons.
- It does not ban the use of bots.
- AB 410 doesn't ban AI.
- AB410 doesn't ban AI.
- Rather than outright banning these fees, as the FCC approved, Rather than outright banning these fees
Summary:
The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open.
AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.
AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Moreover, while not the intention of the author, the bill will likely lead to increased fines for those
- As noted in the analysis, simply leaving a sleeping bag on a sidewalk for three days can lead to nearly
- Misdemeanors for DV and animal cruelty will get you a 10-year ban.
- One in particular that I'll highlight is that we think it ultimately works almost as a de facto ban on
- One in particular that I'll highlight is that we think it ultimately works almost as a de facto ban on
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call.
The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call.
SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Baptist churches: South Coast in Santa Barbara, Freedom's Way in Santa Clarita, Mountain Avenue in Banning
- Moreover, while not the intention of the author, the bill will likely lead to increased fines for those
- As noted in the analysis, simply leaving a sleeping bag on a sidewalk for three days can lead to nearly
- Courts have upheld serialization; they've upheld bans for misdemeanors on firearms-related offenses and
- Misdemeanors for DV and animal cruelty will get you a 10-year ban.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- X, I’d ask you, could you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? My honor. Thank you.
- It codifies a permanent ban on free weights in medium- and maximum-security facilities and mandates that
- Staff to dangerous carcinogens that could lead to serious long-term health consequences.
- Youth with disabilities lose out on vital work experiences, which leads to a huge unemployment rate.
- This is not the way to lead on prison reform or criminal justice reform.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed.
The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- California should be leading on this issue, not watching.
- , which is not something that I think we are used to hearing: California following Montana's lead.
- Rather than banning participation, we should focus on transparency and accountability, and a fair and
- And again, let's continue the conversation and see where these national outcomes lead us to. Great.
- And again, let's continue the conversation and see where these national outcomes lead us to. Great.
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Finance met as a subcommittee at first due to a lack of quorum, then established quorum and proceeded with an informational hearing on AB 1984 by Assemblymember Rogers. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce the influence of money in politics by limiting political spending by corporations and other state-created entities, with supporters arguing that Citizens United has fueled dark money, eroded public trust, and distorted democracy. Testimony in support came from the author, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Nancy Price of the Alliance for Democracy, and several advocacy groups and individuals, who emphasized corruption concerns, the need for transparency, and the view that the bill would make elections more accountable and less dominated by anonymous spending.
Committee members raised concerns about constitutionality, the definition of covered entities, and whether the bill could unintentionally favor wealthy individuals or independent expenditures over ordinary candidates. Assemblymember Rubio argued that the measure could disadvantage candidates from poorer districts and shift power toward self-funded or IE-backed campaigns, while Assemblymember Schiavo and others noted the corrosive effect of dark money and the difficulty of running in a system shaped by large outside spending. The author and witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate all spending, but would require spending to come from identifiable individuals and reduce anonymous corporate and dark-money channels.
Opposition testimony came from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill would be unconstitutional under First Amendment precedent and would silence businesses and nonprofits rather than solve the underlying problem. Additional opposition was voiced by the California Building Industry Association and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The committee also briefly considered and passed the consent calendar, including AB 2607, by roll call vote. The hearing on AB 1984 remained informational only, and no vote was taken on the bill before the meeting adjourned.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is one of the leading diseases that is avoidable.
- This is one of the leading diseases that is avoidable in our country.
- I just love how you lead.
- After this, this bill is not an outright ban.
- It also removes a 10-year voting ban for certain election offenses.
Summary:
The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote.
Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program.
The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention Jun 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- During the '17 fires, I was in our emergency operations center and also was the lead of the task force
- I happened to be—we didn't touch on it during my introductions—but I served as one of the lead recovery
- When you look at the City of Santa Rosa, there are only a couple of us that were part of leading the
- task force and leading recovery and have been helping all these communities.
- Expanding off the Zone Zero, real quickly, we actually have now banned certain types of mulch within