Video & Transcript Research : 'regular session'
Page 76 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- session or special session of the state legislature, including any extension of any regular session
- <01:20:35.199>
session contributions during any regular session contributions during any regular - c> session any regular session or special session any regular session or special session or<01:20
- fundraisers during session already. fundraisers during session already.
- session of the Legislature, any extension of the regular session, or any special session.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the state and by our constituents<00:20:03.600>
on <00:20:03.840>a <00:20:04.000>regular - <00:20:04.320>
basis constituents on a regular basis constituents on a regular basis regarding - On the last night of the session, I promise to bore you all with some longer, more sentimental remarks
- President, and although we will celebrate the Pro Tem at the end of session as well, this is our first
- as well, um prom at the end of session as well, um this<00:40:56.880>
is <00:40:57.040>our
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- record systems to make sure that we don't have a problem with the IT system that we created last session
- record systems to make sure that we don't have a problem with the IT system that we created last session
- He said there were multiple bill proposals this session from both sides of the aisle trying to address
- They ran on lowering costs for<01:28:32.000>
regular for regular for regular people.<01:28:34.080 - I'm hopeful by the end of session we I'm hopeful by the end of session we will<02:33:04.640>
have<
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The time being 10:00, we will start our work sessions.
- It's a work session.
- We need an amendment. and I'll close the executive session on and I'll close the executive session on
- session on um 1787 and 1800. session on um 1787 and 1800.
- He gives regular updates. He's guy. He gives regular updates.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- better each session as we've worked to improve it.
- So I ask the legislators of the 194th session: Are you listening? Our ask is for justice.
- This is an issue that affects my neighbors on a regular, often daily basis.
- Josh Cutler did it for me in the last session, and, you know, it really kind of struck...
- However, the discharges that are still a regular occurrence put all of our health at risk.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Last session, the act for the residency was favorably through the Joint Committee on Public Safety and
- This session, it's really a priority tool for us, and, you know, it makes sense for us.
- These bills are priorities of the PFFM this legislative session.
- before the end of the session.
- thank you very much thank you questions yes the legislative session.
Summary:
The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout.
A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility.
The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral.
Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Will we go into executive session? We have a motion and second to go into executive session.
- We're in executive session. I see a lot of retirement faces out there. Okay.
- Moving on to the regular package, page one. Mr.
- Moving on to the regular package, today.
- We have a out of executive session?
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are thankful to be here today on the last day of session, working on behalf of the people of Florida
- on the 105th day of session.
- I won't say that I'm not happy to see this session finally come to an end.
- ... ...reason during session because it needs work.
- This session has been an incredible member-driven experience.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1.
The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7.
HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 15th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The second was we merged, if you might recall, in the 2023 session, we merged banking.
- The second was we merged, if you might recall, in the 2023 session, we merged banking and securities,
- I just want to make sure I understand that, you know, during the last session, a priority for me and
- Once you hit 600, you get into the territory of regular Pell Grants.
- For a regular Pell, if you have a bachelor's, you're not eligible for regular Pell for those very reasons
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an Senator Betancourt: identical version passed out of this committee during the regular session
- Welcome to special session.
- session, members of the Ways and Means Committee acknowledged that mandatory newspaper Kelly Rasty:
- That would be a welcome step forward for next session.
- You all passed last session Senate Bill 843 by Kolkhorst, House Bill 3526 by Capriglione, and House Bill
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- MassDevelopment does informational sessions throughout the state that people can find.
- So they do a lot, and hopefully we can try and work this session to help support them.
- So they do a lot, and hopefully we can try and work this session to help support them.
- Yet there are bills this session to expand leave and the usage of leave.
- We look forward to working with you throughout the session. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THOSE LACKING REGULAR ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE IN ASSESSING APPROPRIATE CARE SETTINGS.
- WE CONDUCTED IT AT DISCUSSION SESSIONS.
- GREAT SESSIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY TO GET INPUT REGARDING ADVANCED BIRTH CENTER.
- I WILL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON FOUR BILLS THE PASSED THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
- I THINK THIS HAS BEEN A FEW SESSIONS SINCE WE HAD AN UPDATE.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, this bill comes before you again this session.
- Today, for the 2026 legislative session, Today, for the 2026 legislative session, occurring during America's
- The Senate's Rural Renaissance Bill, which we will call, excuse me, which we will recall from last session
- And our scholarship funding structure doesn't track students on a regular basis.
- We met with the staff and worked with him last session. The bill that I absolutely love.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted.
During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Last session, this committee voted out this exact same bill unanimously.
- I've been on this committee for two sessions; I don't remember...
- I remember you coming by, perhaps you did last session. So why did the Amtrak CEO...?
- Well, we've bought 25% of the parcels thus far in a regular way.
- Espinoza, can you stay and come right back after the session, please?
Bills:
HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832
Keywords:
affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- MY GUESS IS WE WILL TAKE UP ANOTHER IMMIGRATION BUILDER IN REGULAR SESSION BUT THIS IS TO GET US KICK
- SESSION BUT IT'S NOT A BAD IDEA. >> Chair Hooper: IT WAS NOT YOUR FINAL QUESTION. >> Sen.
- Polsky: I DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE IN SPECIAL SESSION, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN
- DEALT WITH IN REGULAR SESSION OR AT A MINIMUM NEXT WEEK OR THE WEEK AFTER OR THE WEEK AFTER THAT AND
- IMAGINE IF THIS WAS HELD DURING SESSION AND WE HAD AMAZING STUDENTS COMING FORWARD TO TALK ABOUT THEIR
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:17:14.320>
Um, noticed executive session. Um, noticed executive session. - The executive session for House Bill 1163 is closed. We are now out of executive session.
- Uh House Bill the executive session for Uh House Bill the executive session for 1163<02:09:20.560>
- As a notice to executive session.
- to have a work session on this bill. to have a work session on this bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Senate. our session staff, Faith Cantua. And in our session staff, Faith Cantua.
- session hire, and then two more session session hire, and then two more session hire,<00:29:59.520
- I move the Senate of the 33rd Legislature regular session of 2025 adjourn sine die.
- >
session <01:17:38.880>of <01:17:38.960>2025 33rd Legislature regular session of - 2025 33rd Legislature regular session of 2025 adjourn<01:17:40.640>
sine <01:17:40.840>die
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Second item on the agenda is to discuss BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, which is an act relating
- /c><00:04:24.000>
act <00:04:24.320>relating regular session which is an act relating regular - <00:15:19.120>
Um to deal with in the upcoming session. - Um to deal with in the upcoming session.
- on a regular and ongoing basis. on a regular and ongoing basis.
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf.
Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee - Policy Division Jan 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Session bills need to have an effective clause in them.
- session.
- Probably not tomorrow, but in time for special session. But in the special session next week?
- So you don't want any amendments until we're in special session.
- Any amendments can be adopted, just like we do in regular session.
Summary:
The committee reviewed four bill drafts for the Rural Health Transformation effort. The first required the presidential physical fitness test in PE classes; members asked about DPI and school support, then moved and approved the draft. The second required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and included legislative intent encouraging other health boards to consider nutrition-related CE; it was approved after brief discussion.
The third bill adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Members discussed a separate issue involving occupational therapy compact background checks and whether that fix could be added now or would need to wait until later; the committee also discussed Board of Medicine input and the compact’s workforce benefits. The draft was moved forward to the full committee. The fourth bill expanded pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Legislative Council explained the draft, and Senator Roars proposed substantial amendments to narrow motion sickness, UTI, diabetes supply, and substitution provisions. Members debated whether to vote on amendments now or wait for the special session public hearing; concerns were raised about transparency, stakeholder input, and avoiding premature action. No amendment vote was taken, and the bill was left for later consideration. The committee then recessed until the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/12/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Infectious waste comes in on trucks mixed with tons of regular waste.
- Infectious waste comes in on trucks mixed with tons of regular waste.
- garbage, but it something in the regular garbage, but it came<00:29:08.520>
from <00:29:09.000 - the regular garbage. the regular garbage.
- uh close to near the end of the session uh close to near the end of the session on<01:36:14.480>