Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Resolution 125'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Government Organization Committee will come to order.
- Thank you, Senator Mendez.
- And with that, Senator Smallwood-Quivas moves the bill.
- Motion by Senator Archuleta.
- We have several members not here: Senator Ashby, Senator Cervantes, Senator Padilla, and Smallwood Cueva
Summary:
The Senate Government Organization Committee heard several Assembly bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of Sylvia Mendez and the Mendez v. Westminster case. The author and supporters described the case as a landmark civil rights victory that helped end school segregation in California and influenced Brown v. Board of Education. Witnesses from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU supported the bill, and committee members spoke in favor and asked to coauthor it.
The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a human contact option. Supporters said the bill is a transparency measure that would protect public trust and help people who rely on government communications. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, was presented as a support measure for restaurants and small businesses, with the author and industry witnesses citing pandemic-era changes and ongoing economic pressures. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, reserving licenses for Watsonville and southern county communities to address population disparities and high secondary-market prices. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, allowing travelers entering by land the same six-liter limit as other travelers, which the author said would correct an inconsistency affecting border communities.
There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. The committee initially lacked a quorum and took some items on call, but later established a quorum, took roll-call votes, and advanced the measures. AB 2294, AB 2663, AB 2731, and AB 2751 all passed with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while AB 2412 passed 12-1. The consent calendar items were also approved, and the meeting adjourned after all votes were completed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Wiener: present. Senator Choi: here. Senator Allen: present. Senator Cervantes: present.
- Senators Wiener: aye. Senator Choi: aye. Senator Allen: aye. Senator Cervantes: aye.
- I know the resolution has no implementation power, but it shows our position as the Senate.
- But this resolution doesn't really go to the question at all that you're raising, Senator Choi.
- Senator, indeed.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, Senator Cortese’s proposal to create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. Supporters, including education leaders and school employees, argued the measure would provide a stable, long-term funding source to improve student services and staffing. Charter school representatives opposed the bill, saying it excluded charter schools from the benefits and could raise equal protection concerns. Senator Cortese responded that the bill only addresses district funding and does not alter charter funding formulas. After quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard S.J.R. 18, a resolution by Senator McNerney condemning the Citizens United decision and urging limits on corporate influence in elections. The author argued that corporate and dark money have overwhelmed campaign finance and weakened public trust. There was no formal witness testimony in support or opposition, and members discussed the resolution’s symbolic nature and its relationship to free speech and campaign finance rules. The resolution was adopted and referred onward. The committee then took up ACA 7, Assembly Member Jackson’s constitutional amendment to clarify Proposition 209 and allow more race-conscious tools in education to address racial equity gaps. Supporters said current law prevents targeted, evidence-based interventions and that the measure would help close persistent disparities; opponents argued it would weaken Prop. 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail at the ballot or in court. After extensive debate, the measure was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations.
The committee next heard ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat to the University of California Board of Regents, ensuring both undergraduate and graduate student representation. The author and student regent witnesses said the UC board is the only major higher education governing board in California with just one student vote, and that more student representation would improve decision-making and reflect the student body. The measure drew support from student organizations and was approved. Finally, AJR 29 was heard, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration and defending California’s mail voting system as safe and secure. The author said the order would improperly interfere with state election administration. The resolution was adopted. Items 3 and 4 on consent were also approved, and the committee adjourned after all agenda items were acted upon.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cortese.
- Senator Caballero?
- Senator Cortese.
- Senator Cortese.
- Senator Cortese.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 647, a cleanup bill to AB 630 that would clarify that local agencies in Los Angeles and Alameda counties can use a pilot program to remove and dismantle certain abandoned, inoperable RVs valued at $4,000 or less. Supporters, including the author and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s representative, said the measure would help address public health and safety hazards tied to dilapidated RVs and homelessness. Opponents argued existing abandoned-vehicle laws already provide tools, and warned the bill could be used to remove vehicles occupied by unhoused residents without offering services. AB 647 was later approved on a due pass to Appropriations vote.
The committee then considered AB 1656, which would give courts discretion to consider a prosecutor’s scheduling conflict when deciding whether to continue a human trafficking case, with amendments making the continuance discretionary and limited. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and continuity for traumatized survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim support and constitutional rights, the committee voted AB 1656 out on a due pass as amended to the floor.
Members also heard AB 917, which would require prosecutors to file a motion to reinstate charges dismissed at a preliminary hearing rather than simply adding them back, with amendments clarifying procedures and violent felony refiling. Supporters said it would protect due process and respect judicial decisions; district attorneys opposed the bill as procedurally unnecessary and burdensome. The committee approved AB 917 on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2636, which would require courts to consider loaded-firearm possession when deciding whether a juvenile is eligible for deferred entry of judgment, also passed on a due pass to the floor after supporters emphasized public safety and opponents argued it would reduce rehabilitative opportunities for youth.
Finally, the committee heard AB 1632, which would replace the notarization requirement for 602 trespass authorization letters with a statement under penalty of perjury. Supporters said the change would reduce administrative burden and help property owners and police address trespassing more efficiently; opponents warned it could weaken safeguards and be misused against tenants or unhoused people. The bill passed on a due pass as amended to the floor. The hearing also began consideration of AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill inspired by Pierce’s Pledge, with the author and a survivor advocate presenting the measure, but the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Chair and Senators.
- So, yeah, thank you, Senator. Appreciate that. Other questions or comments? Senator Umberg.
- Thank you, Senator. All right. Now, anyone else?
- Been moved by Senator Gonzalez. I've been moved by Senator Gonzalez.
- Moved by Senator Reyes. Assembly Member Valencia. Moved by Senator Reyes.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three Assembly bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, would require developers to let copyright holders query whether their works were used to train generative AI systems. Supporters, including voice actors, artists, labor groups, and Professor Ben Zhao, argued the bill is a narrow transparency measure that helps creators protect their rights and that the underlying technology is feasible. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill goes ahead of unsettled copyright law, is technically difficult to implement at scale, and could burden startups. The author accepted committee amendments narrowing the bill, and the committee voted 6-2 to pass it as amended to the Judiciary Committee.
AB 2448 by Assembly Member Berman would require electronic health record vendors to implement technical safeguards that help providers protect sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. Planned Parenthood affiliates, the Attorney General’s office, and other supporters said the bill clarifies existing law and strengthens patient privacy amid threats to reproductive care access. There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted 7-1 to pass the bill to the Health Committee.
AB 2561 by Assembly Member Valencia would prohibit changes to consumers’ privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software updates from resetting user preferences. CalChamber and TechNet representatives said they now supported the bill after the author accepted their amendments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass AB 2561. The hearing included multiple roll calls as quorum was established and bills were held on call before final votes were taken, and the committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution 104 by Senator Becker relative to aging and chronic disease policy.
- Senate Resolution 104 by Senator Becker, relative to aging and chronic disease policy.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, under motions and resolutions. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senator Allen.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, referred AB 1457 to Rules, and moved SB 1241 and SB 1422 to the inactive file. The chamber then took up two gubernatorial appointments: Tanya Pacheco Werner to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board and Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines to the California Transportation Commission. Both nominees were presented by Senator Grove, noted as having been approved unanimously by the Rules Committee, and both were confirmed by floor vote, 34-0 and 36-0 respectively.
Senator Becker then presented SR 104, which recognizes healthy aging and longevity research as a public health and economic priority and encourages prevention, early intervention, and collaboration on aging-related research and innovation. Senator Weber Pierson spoke in strong support, emphasizing aging as a major risk factor for chronic disease, health inequities affecting communities of color, and the need for more diverse research participation. The resolution was adopted on a 35-0 vote.
The Senate also heard remarks introducing guests from USC, UC Berkeley, the Buck Institute, the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, Retro Biosciences, California Chronic Care Coalition, LeadingAge California, and AgingBio, in connection with the healthy aging resolution. Committee announcements followed, and members then offered adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Vane of Pacific Palisades and David Sandell, an educator and former Air National Guard member. The session concluded after those memorials, with the Senate set to reconvene on June 11, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Caballero. Senator Caballero. I just have a question.
- Do you pass to Senate Appropriations Committee? Senators Allen. Aye. Allen, aye. Ochoa Bogh? Aye.
- Moved by Senator Wahab.
- We have a motion by Senator Richardson. Senator Reyes, thank you.
- Senator Becker, thank you. Yeah, so thank the author.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications met to hear several bills; ACA 9 was announced as postponed to a later hearing. The committee first approved the consent calendar, then heard AB 2458 by Assemblymember Bennett, which would extend California Energy Commission appliance efficiency standards to appliances that are rented or leased rather than only sold. Supporters from Ceres and Southern California Edison testified in favor, and Senator Caballero asked whether the bill would affect commercial food processors; the author said the CEC indicated it would not. The bill passed on a unanimous roll call and was sent to Senate Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 2476 by Assemblymember Ellis, which would remove an outdated pre-2020 state-funding requirement for pumped storage hydro projects to qualify for the state’s central procurement program, while keeping the 500-megawatt cap. The author and supporters from Rye Development, GreenGen Storage, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers argued the bill would expand competition for long-duration storage, support grid reliability, and help lower costs for ratepayers. Senator Rubio and others asked how the bill would produce savings, and the author explained that more eligible projects would increase competition in procurement. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.
Finally, the committee heard AB 2518 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins, a San Diego County pilot program to speed utility connection timelines for affordable housing, hospitals, municipal projects, EV infrastructure, and other projects. The San Diego Housing Commission and SDG&E supported the measure, saying it would reduce costly energization delays; members asked about possible impacts on other customers and whether the bill conflicted with existing SB 410 work, and the author said it was intended to complement current utility timelines. AB 2518 also passed on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee later reopened the roll to record an additional vote on AB 2518, confirming its passage before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs will begin, and we have two resolutions on the
- Any other speakers that would like to speak in support of Senate Joint Resolution 14, you're welcome
- Any other speakers that would like to speak in support of Senate Joint Resolution 14, you're welcome
- Well, thank you, Senator Choi. This resolution highlights the important truth, no doubt.
- Open up the rolls on the first resolution presented by Senator Galgiani. Call the roll.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard two resolutions. S.J.R. 14, authored by Senator Gabaldon, urges California’s congressional delegation to support federal legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and Navy Nurse Corps who served in World War II. Brigadier General Ruth Wong testified in strong support, describing the nurses’ frontline service, harsh conditions, discrimination, wartime trauma, and long-overdue recognition. Senators echoed support, noting the nurses’ sacrifices and the importance of honoring their service.
The committee also heard S.J.R. 17, authored by Senator Choi, which honors Republic of Korea veterans who fought alongside American troops in the Vietnam War and later became U.S. citizens. Senator Choi explained that the resolution asks Congress and the President to allow states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries without jeopardizing federal cemetery funding. The resolution was presented as a narrow request to recognize allied veterans who served with U.S. forces.
There was no opposition testimony on either measure. Both resolutions were moved and approved by the committee on roll call votes, ultimately passing 5-0 each and being placed on call before final adoption.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Niello.
- Senator Choi. Senator Choi.
- Seeing Senator Caballero. Thank you. Senator Caballero.
- Seeing none, members on the committee, Senator Arreguín, followed by Senator Niello.
- Senator Smallwood Quince.
Summary:
The committee began with announcements about consent items and then heard AB 72, which would create an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County. Supporters said the bill would help bring EV manufacturing jobs and training to the Inland Empire, while some senators questioned whether the state should favor one region over others and whether local economic development groups should handle the effort. The bill was passed on a roll call vote and sent to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement.
Members then took up AB 685, which would establish the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs for small businesses. The author and supporters emphasized the importance of TAP and related programs for women-owned, minority-owned, immigrant-owned, veteran-owned, and rural businesses, while some chambers of commerce raised concerns about amended eligibility language and whether the funding would be truly supplemental. After discussion, the bill was passed and sent to Senate Appropriations.
The committee also approved ACR 173 on a 7-0 vote, and consent items AB 375 and AB 1587 were adopted 10-0. Later, AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill, and AB 1637, which would limit who may alter physician-authored medical records, both passed unanimously. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing safeguards, also passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding abortion-care authority for advanced practice clinicians, drew strong support and opposition and passed 7-3 after senators raised safety and training questions. AB 2025, requiring disclosures for digitally altered rental listings, passed 8-1, and AB 2697, allowing locally approved drive-through cannabis sales with security requirements, passed 7-3. The committee then heard AB 2249, which would tighten cannabis packaging rules to reduce child appeal, and the author described it as a response to poison-control calls and an audit finding that current law is too vague.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolution J.2314 by Senator Ramos.
- >> RESOLUTION J.2314 BY: SENATOR RAMOS.
- >> SENATOR HINCHEY. >> SENATOR SANDERS ON THE RESOLUTION.
- Senator Ramos on the resolution.
- Resolution is adopted. Resolution 2346, Senator Stewart-Cousins...
Summary:
The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games.
The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually.
The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- By Senator Harkham, Senator Harkham, Senator Hernandez. All in favor, opposed?
- Senator Dabob, Senator Myrie, Senator Mary, and Senator Mary, said by Senator Mary.
- Senator Vannees, Senator Dabal, all by Senator Daboadle.
- In fact, Senator Miree, Senator Marry, saying by Senator Comri, on favor, Senator Comrie, on favor of
- Moved by Senator Mired, Senator Mado, same way, Senator Mado.
Summary:
The meeting was a lengthy floor session in which Senator Loo’s Senate Bill 82B and a large number of other bills were taken up and reported. The transcript repeatedly notes bills being moved and seconded by various senators, with most items described as enacted or reported under different laws, including Education, Labor, Capital, Executive, Vehicle and Traffic, Tax, General Business, Social Services, Public Service, Public Health, Retirement and Social Security, Local Finance, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Civil Service, Penal, Judiciary, Senate, and Supreme Court-related laws. The discussion appears to have been a rapid series of bill readings and motions rather than substantive debate on the merits of each measure.
For many of the bills, the record states that there was no opposition or that the bills were reported after a voice vote. A few items note opposition before being reported, but no detailed arguments or testimony are included in the transcript. The session also references amendments and chapter-law updates, suggesting the chamber was processing a broad package of legislative actions.
The main action taken was the reporting of the bills, with the transcript indicating that the measures were advanced out of the chamber or committee. No roll-call vote details, amendments adopted, or defeats are clearly described beyond the repeated “all in favor, opposed?” style of proceedings and the final statement that the bills were reported.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Moved by Senator Comrie, seconded by Senator Harkham.
- Moved by Senator Harkham, seconded by Senator Dabo.
- Moved by Senator Dabo, seconded by Senator Comrie.
- Moved by Senator Gallivan and Senator Tedisco.
- Moved by Senator Comrie, seconded by Senator Harkham. In favor, Senator Harkham.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a long list of bills, mostly reported out without debate. The measures covered a wide range of subjects, including insurance, criminal procedure, social services, retirement, tax, education, military, civil service, public authority, and local authorization matters. For each bill, a member moved the item and another seconded it, followed by a voice vote; the transcript repeatedly notes that the bills were reported, with no recorded opposition or substantive discussion on the merits.
After the bill list was completed, members briefly exchanged remarks about the chair and ranking member’s working relationship and the length and efficiency of the meetings. Senator Lansing offered thanks and praise for the bipartisan partnership, and the chair responded in kind, noting the long-standing friendship and cooperation across party lines.
The meeting then adjourned. No amendments, roll-call votes, or other formal actions beyond reporting the bills were recorded in the transcript.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to move to the introduction of guests, and I recognize Senator Rosenwald for a resolution
- . >> Senator Waters, no. >> Senator Apprentice, yes. >> Senator Gray, yes. >> Senator Inis, yes. >> Senator
- :20.719>
Senate with the Senate amendment and the Senate with the Senate amendment and the Senate - Senator Roart, yes. Senator Lang, yes. Senator McConi, yes. Senator Waters, no.
- Senator Senator Dlesandro. Senator Senator Dlesandro.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Under privileges of the floor, Senator Becker.
- on our Senate floor.
- Under motions, resolutions, and notices, first, pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10, the following bill is
- Senator Menjivar is asking for an aye vote. Senator Valadares is asking for a no vote.
- Secretary, please read: Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129, 164, and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 166
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a series of privileges of the floor recognitions. Senators honored California Interscholastic Federation Scholar-Athletes Ryan Liu of Burlingame High School and Mona Sugawata of West Torrance High School for their academic, athletic, and community achievements, and welcomed a delegation from Jiangsu Province in China to mark the 15th anniversary of the California-Jiangsu sister-state relationship. The chamber also recognized the California Taxpayers Association on its 100th anniversary and welcomed Senator Ochoa Bogh’s district staff visiting Sacramento.
Under motions and resolutions, the Senate referred AB 782 to the Rules Committee. A motion by Senator Menjivar to rescind the vote on AB 1457 and place it on third reading was debated, with Senator Valadares opposing; the roll call passed 28-9. The Senate then took up the consent calendar, adopting Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 129, 164, and 166 by a unanimous 38-0 vote, with the same vote applying to the remaining consent items.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senators Becker, Wiener, and Rubio honored Clarence Jones, Rita Semmel, and Deputy Levi Vargas, respectively, describing their public service, community leadership, and lasting legacies. The Senate then announced that the next floor session would be Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m., and recessed.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Transportation and Corporations - 06/03/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me say that we're joined by Senator James Skoufis, Senator Rachel May, Senator Peter Harckham, Senator
- Andrew Gounardes, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Senator Monica Martinez, Senator Jessica Ramos, Senator
- Roxanne Persaud, Senator Michelle Hinchey, Senator James Sanders, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and the
- So Senator Matao, Branky, and Senator InSers. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.
- Thank you, Senator Gounardes. Thank you, Senator Liu. Good evening.
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas.
Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers.
At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Senator, Senator, Senator, all in favor, post. Bill report, 4725, Scufusus.
- Second, Senator Dabba. Second, by Senator Cobb.
- And then the Senate-Myer, and Senator Harkham, Senator Harkham, Mr. Fernandez.
- Thank you, Senator Sopoldold. In fact, Senator, Senator Sopolde, all right.
- By Senator Dabbo, second, Senator Condrell.
Summary:
The transcript appears to be a committee vote session on many bills across a range of subject areas, including media rules, highway law, education, health, social services, business, insurance, real property, arts and culture, banking, navigation, and vehicle traffic. For each item, a senator moved the bill, another seconded it, and the chair repeatedly announced that the motion carried, with bills being reported out of committee. The transcript is heavily garbled, so many bill titles and bill numbers are unclear, but the overall pattern is consistent: sequential consideration and reporting of numerous measures.
Most items were approved without recorded opposition, though the transcript occasionally notes “all in favor” or “all in favor, opposed,” suggesting routine voice votes or unanimous consent. A few specific references are legible, such as the highway law, education law, health law, insurance law, social services law, business law, and arts and cultural affairs law, indicating the committee was processing amendments or related bills in those areas. The session also includes repeated references to particular sponsors or bill numbers, but the text is too distorted to reliably identify them all.
No substantive debate, testimony, or amendments are clearly described in the transcript. The main action was procedural: motions, seconds, and repeated announcements that bills were reported out. The meeting ends with additional garbled references to later bills, again suggesting continued routine reporting of measures rather than extended discussion.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Chairperson of the State Senate Finance Committee, joined by our Ranking Member, Senator Thomas
- O'Mara, who are joined by the members of the majority, Senator James Skoufis and Senator Michelle Hinchey
- Senator Liu, I have a question. Sure.
- And we've also been joined by Senator Connery and Senator Gannardis.
- I've also been joined by Senator Connery and Senator Gannardis.
Summary:
The New York State Senate Finance Committee met to consider a slate of roughly 30 gubernatorial nominations to state boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory councils. The nominations included appointments to the Advisory Council on Agriculture, the Dormitory Authority, the Power Authority, NYSERDA, the Public Health and Health Planning Council, the Gaming Commission, the Thruway Authority, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, SUNY and Cornell boards, and several other entities. Senator O’Mara introduced the list, and Senator Liu presided in place of Chair Liz Krueger.
During the meeting, Senator O’Mara asked whether Mark Schroeder listed for the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority was the same person nominated to the Convention Center Operating Corporation; Senator Liu confirmed that it was the same individual. No testimony on the merits of the nominations was presented, and no discussion of the nominees’ qualifications was recorded beyond that clarification.
Members were instructed to mark their vote sheets with aye, nay, or aye without recommendation for each nomination. After a brief period for voting, the committee adjourned. No roll-call results or final disposition of the nominations were announced in the transcript.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 06/03/2026
Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the committee chair, Senator Julia Salazar [member_7073].
- Hi, Senator Rolison. Good evening, Madam Chair. Good to see you, too.
- We are also joined by Senator Luis Sepulveda [member_6959], Senator Jamaal Bailey [member_7027], Senator
- So I'll take a staff for senators who would like to ask questions.
- Second by Senator Bailey and Senator Bullitt.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met to consider the nomination of Alexander Dockery to serve as a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of Correction (SCOC). Chair Julia Salazar introduced the nomination, noting that the role was created under recent prison reform legislation and that one commissioner must be a formerly incarcerated person. Dockery described his background as a justice-impacted individual who spent years incarcerated in New York, earned a master’s degree, and now works with justice-impacted people on reentry, housing, employment, and education. He said his lived experience and work in a youth detention setting would help him bring both an incarcerated-person and staff perspective to the commission.
Senators asked Dockery about why he wanted the position, how his experience would inform oversight, how to improve correctional conditions, how to reach young people before they enter the system, and how to support the Correctional Medical Review Board in investigating deaths in DOCS custody. Dockery emphasized rehabilitation, education, humane conditions, and collaboration with other commissioners and community networks. He said people with direct experience, including formerly incarcerated individuals and former gang members who have turned their lives around, should be brought back into facilities to speak with youth. On deaths in custody, he said existing reporting laws should be enforced and that timely information to families is important.
Several senators offered supportive comments, calling the nomination historic and stressing the importance of lived experience, credibility, and the responsibility of being the first formerly incarcerated commissioner. After discussion, the committee moved the nomination, with Senator Harckham making the motion and Senator Bailey and Senator Bullitt seconding. The committee voted to report the nomination to Finance, and the motion carried without opposition.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will read on the resolution. >> Resolution 2164, Senator Brisport, to proclaim June 2026 as
- Senator Bottcher on the resolution. >> Senator Bottcher on the resolution. >> Thank you, Mr.
- Senator Gianaris. Let's now take up previously adopted Resolution 2259 by Senator Cleare.
- >> THANK YOU, SENATOR SENATOR BOTTCHER ON THE RESOLUTION.
- , previously adopted Resolution 2052, Senator Myrie.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no.
The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber.
The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators.
Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Health will come to order.
- Senator Weber Pierson? Aye. Senators Weber Pierson, aye. Valadares, aye. Caballero, aye.
- Senators Weber Pierson? Aye. Valadares? Aye. Call the roll. Senators Weber Pierson. Valadares.
- I might add that this committee heard this bill last year, carried by Senator Menjavar, and the Senate
- Senators Gonzalez, aye. Grove. Thank you. Senators Gonzalez, aye. Grove. Perez. Rubio.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health met in Room 2100 and first established a quorum, then approved a six-bill consent calendar on a 6-0 vote, placing it on call. The committee then heard AB 2233, which would ensure that once applied behavior analysis services for autistic patients are authorized, families can use those approved hours across the authorization period rather than losing them to weekly utilization caps or scheduling barriers. The author and supporters, including behavior analysts and family advocates, said the bill would not expand benefits but would improve access to already authorized care; health plan and insurance representatives initially raised fraud and utilization-management concerns but said they would remove opposition after amendments preserving those safeguards. AB 2233 passed 7-0 and was placed on call.
The committee next heard AB 96, which would remove the high school diploma or equivalent requirement for certification as a Medi-Cal peer support specialist. Supporters from county behavioral health, peer services, and local governments argued that lived experience, training, and certification standards—not a diploma—should determine eligibility, and that the change would help address workforce shortages and expand culturally competent peer support. One opposition witness from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals testified against the bill, but the measure advanced on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations and was placed on call.
The final major item was AB 1876, the Fair Care for All Act, which would codify federal non-discrimination protections in state law for health care coverage and services. Supporters said it would protect transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex patients from discriminatory coverage practices and preserve access to medically necessary care; opponents argued it would force coverage of gender-affirming interventions and reduce insurer safeguards. After debate over whether the bill expanded coverage, the author said it simply mirrored existing federal non-discrimination law. AB 1876 passed 7-1 and was re-referred to Judiciary, then placed on call. The committee later opened the roll to record absent members and concluded the meeting after all items were disposed of.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Rules will come to order.
- Senator Reyes? Thank you.
- Senator Reyes? I don't know. Thank you, Senator Reyes. I don't know.
- Senator Laird. I beat out the other senators. Senator Laird. I beat out the other senators.
- Thank you so much, Senator.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a reference of bills to committee. The committee first approved or advanced a series of appointments not required to appear, including Paulette Brown Hines to the California Transportation Commission, Christopher Clark and Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections, Maggie Hallahan to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Kent Sasaki to the Building Standards Commission, and Danielle N. Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees.
The committee then heard from Tanya Pacheco Warner, PhD, for reappointment to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Board. She described her public health background, her family’s experience with asthma, and her work on agricultural burning phaseouts, mobile-source emissions strategies, AB 617 community programs, and climate and air-quality education. Members questioned her about the economic impacts of air rules on agriculture, the district’s approach to mobile-source reductions amid federal uncertainty, AB 617 community outcomes, and how she communicates climate and air-quality issues. The appointment was approved and moved to the full Senate.
The committee next considered three California Horse Racing Board reappointments: Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Thomas Hudnut, J.D. The nominees and committee members discussed horse and rider safety improvements, the sharp decline in equine fatalities, the impact of Golden Gate Fields’ closure on Northern California racing, declining interest in the sport, and possible revenue options such as racing-on-demand machines and other gambling-related changes. Public witnesses from the racing industry spoke in support. All three appointments were approved and sent to the full Senate.
Finally, the committee heard from Julie Lee and Ann Patterson, J.D., for the Delta Stewardship Council. Both emphasized the Delta’s importance to statewide water supply, ecosystem protection, science-based decision-making, climate adaptation, and community engagement. Senators asked about the council’s co-equal goals, the role of science and social science, public trust, and whether the council’s mission should continue after specific projects are resolved. A public witness from the Association of California Water Agencies supported both nominees. Both appointments were approved and moved to the full Senate.