Video & Transcript Research : 'temporary work'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is about making sure that communities and seek out work and opportunity.
- Senate Bill 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, relating to public works.
- So this bill unfortunately rolls back that work, and as a result I cannot support it.
- I want to thank the author for her hard work on this.
- I want to thank the author for her hard work on this.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Doreen Diyamo to the State Water Resources Control Board, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars to the State Athletic Commission, and Ronald Fiore to the State Athletic Commission. The chamber then took up a series of floor items, including SB 73 on election security, SB 929 on annual reporting by the California Energy Commission, SB 1370 on wildfire-related oversight testimony, SB 983 on Port of San Diego contracting authority, SB 1367 on restricting new detention-facility land use approvals, SB 1257 on annual reporting of immigration enforcement incidents, SB 1103 on retailer reporting related to immigration enforcement, SB 1399 on continuing DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, SB 873 on limiting ICE arrests near courthouses, SB 1292 on pilot camera/sensor enforcement for curb management, SB 878 on insurance prompt-payment penalties, SB 958 on CEQA clarification for building-height impacts, SB 924 on low-income energy assistance, SB 1057 on certification changes for nurse assistants and home health aides, SB 1092 on resident bid opportunities for mobile home park sales, SB 1123 on considering consumer benefits in regulatory analysis, SB 1233 on utility rate transparency, SB 1237 on pay equity reporting enforcement, SB 886 on data-center cost allocation, SB 905 on utility executive incentives and ratepayer protections, SB 909 on public works wage enforcement, and SB 925 on a statewide fusion-energy roadmap.
Most of the debate centered on election security, immigration enforcement, utility rates, housing and land use, and environmental/CEQA policy. SB 73 drew sharp support and opposition over ballot custody and law-enforcement access at voting locations, with supporters framing it as a response to election interference and opponents arguing it would hinder legitimate investigations and raise constitutional concerns; the urgency clause and the measure both passed. Immigration-related bills were defended as protections for vulnerable communities and court access, while opponents argued they would obstruct enforcement and public safety. Energy and utility bills were presented as ratepayer protections and transparency measures, with supporters emphasizing affordability and accountability and opponents warning about regulatory burdens and impacts on business and utility operations. SB 954 generated extensive discussion over whether it appropriately refined last year’s CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing or improperly rolled back housing-related reforms; supporters said it added needed guardrails and labor/environmental protections, while opponents said it would add bureaucracy and uncertainty.
Several measures passed on recorded votes, including SB 73, SB 929, SB 1370, SB 983, SB 1367, SB 1257, SB 1103, SB 1399, SB 873, SB 1292, SB 878, SB 958, SB 924, SB 1057, SB 1092, SB 1123, SB 1233, SB 1237, SB 886, SB 905, SB 909, and SB 925. SB 958 passed unanimously without objection, and SB 925 also passed unanimously. The transcript ends during continued debate on SB 954, with supporters and opponents still discussing the bill’s CEQA, housing, labor, and manufacturing provisions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of these students live in one state and work in another.
- ensure it was done in a temporary manner.
- Sean is a fearless and steadfast fighter for the working class.
- so much more work to be done.
- so much more work to be done.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer, pledge, and several procedural motions. Members approved a motion to re-refer AB 2690 and AB 1863 to Appropriations by roll call vote, 41-17. The body then adopted HR 92, recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week and launching the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards, with broad support from multiple caucuses. The resolution passed on a voice vote after 60 coauthors were added.
The chamber then recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, including leaders in higher education, philanthropy, immigrant advocacy, health and science, advocacy, business, environmental justice, human rights, journalism, culinary arts, and music. After the ceremony, members resumed floor business and passed a series of bills, including AB 1657 on domestic violence restraining order procedures (64-0), AB 2042 on civil process and default judgments (66-0), AB 1660 on probate enforcement for public guardians (45-10), AB 1917 on reinstating dismissed criminal charges by motion (43-15), AB 2148 clarifying public school employees are human beings (69-0), AB 1647 protecting juvenile transfer-hearing statements (63-0), AB 1555 expanding community college access in Siskiyou County (66-0), AB 1608 on high-speed rail inspector general transparency and confidentiality rules (45-18), AB 1803 adding anti-hate speech training to workplace harassment prevention training (50-9), and AB 2128 protecting tenants in subsidized housing from certain work requirements and time limits (44-16). Several items were passed and retained or continued without debate.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 159, declaring the importance of indigent defense and public defenders, with 59 coauthors added before a voice vote. Later, ACR 179 designated May 1 as Wildland Urban Interface Preparedness and Resilience Day and passed with 65 coauthors, and ACR 183 proclaimed Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, with members speaking about racial health disparities and the need for investment and accountability. Throughout the day, members also introduced guests from their districts and organizations, including public defenders, union leaders, agricultural advocates, students, and civic groups.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you for your work in this space.
- So still working on that.
- Is that how it would work?
- Is that how it would work?
- Is that your understanding of how it works?
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on health care planning, mental health court participation, homeowners association governance, groundwater enforcement, pet-policy disclosure in rentals, and post-disaster property speculation. SB 1088 would update California’s POLST and DNR laws by renaming POLST to Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, allowing electronic signatures, clarifying who may sign on a patient’s behalf, and making clear that these forms are voluntary; it drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and no opposition. SB 1242 would let original family petitioners participate in CARE Court for care coordination and information-sharing, while preserving judicial discretion to exclude them if harmful; supporters said it would improve treatment coordination, while Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and a removal of patient consent. The committee advanced SB 1242 on a 7-0 vote, with the bill placed on call.
The committee also considered SB 1007, which would require more HOA budget transparency, disclosure of evidence for violations, and a lower cap on regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and protect homeowners from steep fee hikes, while HOA industry groups warned it could undermine funding for insurance, maintenance, and other operating costs. Members raised concerns about the cap and the need for flexibility for large expenses; the bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. SB 1364, as amended, would prevent a person convicted of sexual assault from obtaining custody or visitation of a child conceived from that assault, while preserving the possibility of voluntary co-parenting and aiming to qualify California for federal grant funding; it passed 8-0 and was placed on call.
Later, SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and its groundwater sustainability plan, addressing an enforcement gap for a GSA created by special legislation rather than a joint powers agreement. It drew support from agricultural and county groups and passed 9-0, placed on call. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front on applications, websites, and ads, and allow refund of an application fee if disclosure was not provided before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted application costs and pet relinquishment, while rental housing groups said the ad disclosure requirements were impractical. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. The final bill, SB 1090, was introduced to prohibit large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire-disaster areas, responding to investor activity after the Eaton and Palisades fires; the author and a SAGE witness described it as a protection against disaster capitalism and predatory low offers to displaced residents.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-3-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- How's that going to work?
- How's that going to work? How's that going to work?
- We work with um uh mortgage course.
- We've seen we've seen that it works.
- So, um, this is working.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 369, which would add post-traumatic stress disorder to an existing 2018 hyperbaric oxygen therapy-related law for veterans. Representative Scott Sharp and HBOT for KY Vets representatives testified that PTSD and traumatic brain injury often overlap, that veterans are frequently misdiagnosed, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefits in clinical trials and in Kentucky’s own funded program. Members asked whether the bill would require insurance coverage; the sponsors said it would not, and noted they are seeking broader approval through medical and congressional channels. The committee voted favorably on HB 369, with members expressing support based on personal experience and the needs of veterans and their families.
The committee then considered House Bill 419, for which a committee substitute was adopted before testimony. Representative Suzanne Miles and Kentucky Fire Commission/KCTCS representatives explained that the bill would expand the fire commission board from 14 to 18 members, clarify that KCTCS’s 5% administrative fee applies collectively to all funds rather than separately to each fund, and allow excess funds to help cover out-of-pocket cancer screening costs for volunteer and paid firefighters. A question about board staggering was answered by explaining that staggered terms were originally used to avoid all terms ending at once and were expected to continue. The committee passed HB 419 with favorable expression.
Later, USA Cares presented an update on how it has used prior state funding. The organization described its grant-based assistance for veterans and military families facing housing, vehicle, and utility crises, as well as career transition and housing-related support programs. Testimony emphasized that the aid helps prevent homelessness and reduce suicide risk, and the group reported it had used nearly all of the $2 million awarded in the last budget cycle to assist 364 families and more than 500 dependents. No vote was taken on the USA Cares presentation.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you for your work in this space.
- So still working on that.
- Is that how it would work?
- Is that how it would work?
- Is that your understanding of how it works?
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on end-of-life medical orders, CARE Court participation, HOA fee transparency, custody protections for sexual assault survivors, groundwater enforcement, pet policy disclosure in rentals, and restrictions on post-wildfire property solicitation. SB 1088 would modernize POLST and pre-hospital DNR rules by renaming POLST as Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, allowing electronic signatures, clarifying who may sign on a patient’s behalf, recognizing out-of-state forms, and reaffirming that completion is voluntary; it drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and no opposition. SB 1242 would let original family petitioners participate in CARE Court care coordination and information-sharing even without the respondent’s consent, while preserving judicial discretion to limit participation; supporters said it would improve care coordination, and Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and harmful to respondents who may not want family involvement. The committee discussed the balance between family support and privacy, and SB 1242 passed 7-0 on call.
SB 1007 would require more HOA transparency, including clearer budget comparisons and evidence for violations, and would limit regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote, while leaving special and emergency assessments intact. Supporters argued homeowners need more information and protection from steep fee hikes; opponents said the cap could impair associations’ ability to cover rising insurance and maintenance costs. Members raised concerns about flexibility and planning, but the bill passed 6-1 on call. SB 1364, as amended, would lower the burden for survivors of sexual assault to block custody or visitation rights for a perpetrator when a child was conceived through the assault, using a clear-and-convincing standard and aligning the law with federal grant requirements; it passed 8-0 on call after opposition argued the bill could deny children a relationship with a parent.
The committee also approved SB 997, which grants the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and sustainability rules, with supporters saying it would help avoid litigation and maintain local control; it passed 9-0 on call. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front on applications, websites, and ads, and allow application-fee refunds if disclosure was not provided before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted fees and pet relinquishment, while landlord groups said the ad and disclosure requirements could be impractical for small owners. That bill passed 8-0 on call. Finally, SB 1090 was presented to bar large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire disaster areas, aimed at preventing predatory post-disaster speculation; the author and a supporter described aggressive investor outreach to fire victims, especially in Altadena, as the committee moved on to that bill’s testimony.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Cam, if you don't mind coming back up, I think in the current bill there's two temporary positions.
- And you're saying that even if the two temporary or full-time permanent positions, it still wouldn't
- If they were temporary, it would be enough to get the program going, but I anticipate the other bills
- We're definitely going to need a permanent position to be permanent, but yes, the temporary positions
- I'm available for questions, and thank you for the opportunity to testify. temporary position um this
Summary:
The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345.
The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments.
Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 27th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- HCR 4 puts a temporary pause on the feeding ban.
- It's worked well in Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, and other states.
- This is a cleanup bill from last year’s work that we did with DOTD.
- Live, work, and worship right next to people with income levels at all levels.
- Now we have standards of conduct and all those things that we work on.
Bills:
HR195, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR202, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, SB235, SB416, SB425, SB435, SB439, HCR15, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR3, HB91, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB264, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB623, HB624, HB660, HB689, HB708, HB719, HB802, HB804, HB884, HB906, HB926, HB934, HB940, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1022, HB1028, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1185, HB1187, HB1199, HB1201, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB306, HB366, HB911, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB525, HB1058, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB225, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240
Keywords:
Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, LPB, house resolution, ceremonial resolution, special observance, youth recognition, student achievement, community service, public service, high school students, youth leadership, disability advocacy, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, foster care, STEM, robotics, literacy
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, adopted the journal, and spent much of the day on recognitions and resolutions. Members honored NAMI and proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized fourth graders from Alpine Christian School, Hunter Nation supporters, Vermilion Parish guests, and the 2026 Louisiana Young Heroes. The House also observed a moment of silence for Martha Odom after the Mall of Louisiana tragedy, and one member spoke against political violence and harassment. Several resolutions were adopted, including measures for Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Rural Mental Health Day, Nurses’ Day/Week, a study of child abuse reporter training, a memorial on FISA/privacy, and studies on civil bench warrants, property transfer/public records issues, the term “foreign” in state law, and carbon sequestration-related property issues. The House also adopted HCR 4 by a 63-30 vote to suspend certain Louisiana Administrative Code provisions on supplemental feeding, baiting, and chronic wasting disease control areas for 18 months.
The chamber then moved through a large number of committee reports and bills, mostly advancing them without objection. Notable measures included bills on criminal discovery and law enforcement records, impaired driving task force, sexual assault nurse examiners and oversight, election commissioner pay, Medicaid dental coverage tied to other procedures, judicial salaries, teacher phased retirement, TOPS Tech eligibility, school emergency operations plans, pharmacy benefit manager transparency, and school-based health services. Several bills were recommitted to Appropriations or sent to third reading, while others were adopted as titles or amended in committee reports.
In floor action on final passage, the House approved a series of bills with broad support: H.B. 12 on survivor benefits for reserve and auxiliary law enforcement officers (102-0), H.B. 402 on phased retirement for higher education employees (97-2), H.B. 205 on supplemental compensation for election commissioners (98-0), H.B. 224 on Medicaid dental coverage for medically necessary procedures (98-0), H.B. 267 on Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors appointments (70-19), H.B. 324 on judicial salary increases (98-0), H.B. 325 on TOPS Tech eligibility changes (90-7), H.B. 350 expanding a charter school’s grade levels (98-0), H.B. 745 extending special permit authority for tandem loads (100-0), H.B. 749 transferring administration of 529/ABLE savings programs to a third-party platform while keeping state oversight (94-0), H.B. 797 creating the Bayou Gold Program for digital gold businesses (101-0), H.B. 807 creating a workforce instructor capacity investment program (90-0), H.B. 821 moving the Center for Safe Schools to the Law Enforcement Commission (103-0), H.B. 896 on toll signage, dispute procedures, and customer service centers (103-0), H.B. 979 increasing first responder survivor benefits to $404,000 after amendment (103-0), H.B. 992 assigning student IDs in early childhood programs (94-6), H.B. 1000 adjusting highway priority program procedures and local district contract limits (96-0), H.B. 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate (100-0), H.B. 1050 clarifying CDL age and vision requirements (98-0), and H.B. 1173 easing late-fee treatment in license reinstatement payment plans (94-0).
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 27th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I apologize, but thank you for all the work that you do here in the state of Louisiana. Thank you.
- HCR 4 puts a temporary pause on the feeding ban.
- It's worked well in Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, and other states.
- This is a cleanup bill from last year’s work that we did with DOTD.
- Now we have standards of conduct and all those things that we work on.
Bills:
HR195, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR202, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, SB235, SB416, SB425, SB435, SB439, HCR15, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR3, HB91, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB264, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB623, HB624, HB660, HB689, HB708, HB719, HB802, HB804, HB884, HB906, HB926, HB934, HB940, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1022, HB1028, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1185, HB1187, HB1199, HB1201, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB306, HB366, HB911, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB525, HB1058, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB225, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240
Keywords:
Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, LPB, house resolution, ceremonial resolution, special observance, youth recognition, student achievement, community service, public service, high school students, youth leadership, disability advocacy, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, foster care, STEM, robotics, literacy
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and then spent much of the day on recognitions and resolutions. Members recognized NAMI and proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month, honored fourth graders from Alpine Christian School, Hunter Nation supporters, Vermilion Parish visitors, and Louisiana Young Heroes. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Martha Odom, a Lafayette student killed in the Mall of Louisiana tragedy, and heard remarks condemning political violence and social-media harassment. Several resolutions were adopted or advanced, including measures on rural mental health day, domestic violence prevention, nurses’ day, wildlife studies, child abuse reporter training, privacy/FISA reform, and Law Institute studies on property, foreign-entity terminology, and carbon sequestration issues.
The House then moved through a long series of committee reports and floor actions on bills covering criminal justice, education, health, insurance, transportation, alcohol regulation, wildlife, elections, retirement, and public benefits. Many bills were advanced unanimously or near-unanimously, including measures on school emergency plans, impaired driving, victims’ compensation, sexual assault response, Medicaid dental coverage tied to other procedures, TOPS Tech eligibility, early childhood student IDs, highway priority program deadlines, CDL rules, and toll dispute procedures. Some bills were recommitted to Appropriations or returned to the calendar, and several were amended before being sent onward.
On final passage, the House approved H.R. 1 adopting the annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for FY 2026-2027 by 101 yeas, and also passed H.R. 17 on TOPS return-on-investment study, H.C.R. 4 suspending certain feeding and baiting restrictions in chronic wasting disease areas by 63-30, H.C.R. 47 on child abuse reporter training, H.R. 30 on FISA reform, H.B. 12 expanding death benefits for reserve auxiliary law enforcement officers, H.B. 205 allowing parish supplementation of election commissioner pay, H.B. 224 on Medicaid dental coverage for related procedures, H.B. 324 on judicial salaries, H.B. 325 on TOPS Tech eligibility, H.B. 350 expanding a charter school’s grade levels, H.B. 745 extending special vehicle permit sunsets, H.B. 797 creating the Bayou Gold Program, H.B. 807 creating a workforce instructor capacity investment program, H.B. 821 moving the Center for Safe Schools, H.B. 896 on toll signage and customer service, H.B. 979 increasing first responder survivor benefits to $404,000 via amendment, H.B. 992 assigning early childhood student IDs, H.B. 1000 on highway priority program administration, H.B. 1024 creating a Democratic Party license plate, H.B. 1050 on CDL age and hazmat rules, and H.B. 1173 on installment agreements for OMV fines and late fees. Several other bills were reported favorably, amended, or recommitted, with no recorded opposition on most of the final votes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force (9-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- working uh to develop. working uh to develop.
- dedicated team working together. dedicated team working together.
- the people we work alongside. the people we work alongside.
- hired as temporary federal employees. hired as temporary federal employees.
- this work forward. this work forward.
Summary:
The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site.
The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- But if the committee sees it in its good work and leadership to advance a change in there and work, I'm
- The current flexibility works.
- And I hope, and I really appreciate this committee's hard work, Chairman Cabral, your work on this, and
- I work for the town of Hadley in Western Mass.
- Litigation, whose work at Prisoners' Legal Services proceeded to work at the Disability Law Center, has
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- been working on this one.
- But they try to work with their tenants because they want it to work.
- I work for Q10 Property Advisors.
- I've seen in working with tenants...
- This sort of thing doesn't work without everybody working together to find a plan.
Bills:
HB32, HB15, HB171, HB421, HB581, HB644, HB745, HB349, HB917, HB204, HB923, HB15, HB171, HB204
Keywords:
eviction, landlord rights, tenant rights, justice court, property law, court procedures, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, deep fake, digital impersonation, age verification, private cause of action, explicit content, consumer protection, HB 581
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- We have people who work for us.
- the work they do for survivors.
- It's working where we are.
- I work for B.D.
- No, I used to work there, and now I work... And how long did you work at the DA's office?
Keywords:
fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- They've got that worked out.
- Thank you for your work, Representative Phelps.
- I'll keep working it. Okay. Okay.
- I'll keep working it. Okay. Okay.
- And you said temporary—temporary because these people had to relocate until they can get back into their
Bills:
HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148
Keywords:
rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government
Summary:
The committee met on April 29 and considered a series of local and special bills affecting municipal and parish governance, blight enforcement, development districts, and term limits. Early action included a motion to apply a three-minute rule. House Bill 483, concerning the Fulberg/Marini Security and Improvement District in Orleans Parish, was voluntarily deferred after discussion and no support cards. House Bill 484, which revised the New Orleans Regional Business Park board by reducing membership from 12 to 11 and giving the mayor four direct appointments with removal authority, was adopted as a substitute and reported favorably. Senate Bill 78, dealing with the Shreveport Downtown Development District, was amended to correct a legislative district reference and then reported favorably. The committee also heard announcements that several previously deferred bills would not be heard that day.
Several Shreveport-related blight bills were advanced. House Bill 1051, authorizing demolition of certain dilapidated properties in Shreveport, was amended to allow the city to rely on findings from code enforcement, fire, police, or other public safety officials, and then reported favorably. House Bill 1080, addressing condemned commercial property in Shreveport, was also reported favorably, though the author said he would continue consulting with the city attorney before floor consideration. House Bill 66 for Alexandria expanded the city’s administrative adjudication authority to cover a broader range of ordinance violations, including building, zoning, vegetation, nuisance, sewer, drainage, licensing, and permit matters; it was supported by the city and reported favorably. House Bill 326, requiring the Tickfaw police chief candidate to reside within the village, also passed favorably.
House Bill 793, a contentious bill concerning recorded subdivision plats and prescription, drew extensive testimony from the author, parish officials, a former appellate judge, and the McCormick family. Supporters said the bill closes a loophole exposed by recent court rulings that could let noncompliant plats become enforceable after five years without actual notice to local governments, while opponents argued the current substitute still creates uncertainty and could burden property owners; the author said the bill was prospective only and would also go to the Law Institute. Despite the debate, the committee moved the substitute favorably. Senate Bill 148, allowing municipalities to pay a modest per diem to planning and zoning commission members by local ordinance, was reported favorably with support from Lake Charles.
The committee rejected House Bill 208, which would have let St. Helena Parish voters decide whether to impose term limits on parish governing authority members. The bill’s author argued the people should decide, but the St. Helena Police Jury opposed it and committee members emphasized local control; the final vote was 3 yeas to 10 nays. House Bill 1215, concerning the disposition of historical statues and monuments, was amended to bar the Office of State Parks from placing transferred monuments back in the parish from which they were removed, and then was reported favorably. House Bill 472, authorizing local rent stabilization ordinances during a governor-declared emergency, was amended to limit such ordinances to the emergency period, tie increases to the consumer price index, and cap them at 365 days; discussion continued on whether the measure duplicated existing price-gouging laws and whether a broader study would be preferable.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- What works for one survivor may not work for another. What works on Maui may not work on Oahu.
- for one survivor may not work for works for one survivor may not work for another.<00:11:56.480>
- What works on Maui may not work another. What works on Maui may not work on<00:11:58.480>
Oahu. - at Work Hawaii.
- transparency in our work. Thank transparency in our work.
Summary:
The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline.
The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation.
Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine.
The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/22/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article II
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Help these distinguished men and women in their work to promote and work for the common good, especially
- While the paper may no longer publish new editions, its work and its influence will remain.
- continued to work on for my House Bill 1220 is also mirrored in this bill as well.
- We still have some differences we need to work out.
- We still have some differences we need to work out.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- People can't go to work if they have nowhere to put their children.
- Title 15 relative to temporary release of an inmate for limited purposes.
- So, members, look, last year I think it was when this law was passed, we worked very hard to work on
- So, members, look, last year I think it was when this law was passed, we worked very hard to work on
- They have long work days, often before 6 a.m. and until after polls close.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Opening Day Floor Session 01-15-2025 10:00am
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- efforts in the interim working Senate's efforts in the interim working group<00:36:13.440>
that - She's doing great work out at W.I.
- would not be met she chose to go to work would not be met she chose to go to work at<00:59:06.200
- effort every day they show up to work effort every day they show up to work maybe<01:06:26.200><
- [Music] inspiration to carry the hard work that inspiration to carry the hard work that we<01:26:17.840