Video & Transcript Research : 'petting zoos'

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OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • reminder: in celebration of Earth Day, which is today, it is legislator night at the Oklahoma City Zoo
  • They're shutting down the zoo just for us.
  • One other thing: I brought the two boys to go to the zoo tonight.
Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171
Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol. A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state. The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response. No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Capital Improvement Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026

Capital Improvement

Transcript Highlights:
  • The next section is a correction in mini bond for the Brandywine Zoo.
  • We updated some language about funding that was going to the Delaware And for the Brandywine Zoo, we
  • transfer, new section Summit North Marina, new section Lums Pond State Park, and new section Brandywine Zoo
  • New section Brandywine Zoo. That'll do it for now. Thank you. I have a motion. Do I have a second?
Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Zoo animals, mascots on the floor.
  • This is regarding prohibiting selling of dogs or cats through pet stores.
  • So, you can no longer go buy your pet dog or pet cat at a pet store. Great bill. Number six.
Keywords: 981, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Go to Vancouver sometimes just to go furniture shopping or use the pools, or I actually find that zoo
  • Go to Vancouver sometimes just to go furniture shopping or use the pools or I actually find that zoo
Keywords: 904, all
Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Securing Human Services / Strengthening Election Integrity / Legislating Legacy Jun 8th, 2025

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that leaves the other 53%, and some of them are direct appropriations to our Minnesota Zoo, our science
  • appropriation<00:25:20.159><c> to</c><00:25:21.039><c> our</c><00:25:21.279><c> Minnesota</c><00:25:21.760><c> zoo
  • </c><00:25:22.400><c> you</c> appropriation to our Minnesota zoo you appropriation to our Minnesota zoo
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • beautiful, 74 degrees, and it's going to be perfect to take your family and staff to the Oklahoma City Zoo
  • And it's going to be perfect to take your family and staff to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
  • Let's go to the zoo.
  • Well, along with Representative Hefner, after you go to the zoo with her, tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.,
Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Policy - 03/16/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • to spending a week here at the Zoo to spending a week here at the Minnesota<00:30:08.640><c> State</
  • I don't know how often we get Zoo School students here, but I want to tell everybody that the School
  • of Environmental Studies, SES or Zoo School as we call it in 196, is such a unique school.
  • It is for juniors and seniors, and it is a partnership with the Minnesota Zoo, and frankly the coolest
  • kids go to Zoo School.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Transportation Mar 25th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • THE PLATE IS $25, PROCEEDS OF THE SAVE COASTAL WILDLIFE SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE ZOO
  • Rodriguez: THE AMENDMENT AUTHORIZES THE ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION INCORPORATED TO USE 10% OF THE FUNDS FROM
Keywords: 999, senate, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation Apr 20th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean, I'm thinking about a wide variety of nonprofits that provide educational programming from zoos
  • Nonprofits that provide educational programming from zoos to dance classes to all kinds of things like
Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously approved the nomination of Keith Ventress to the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority and then to the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority. Members noted his banking background and asked a brief question about the reference to old congressional district boundaries in the nomination materials, but there was no substantive opposition and both nominations advanced to the Senate. House Bill 1590, by Senator Daniels, would create an Oklahoma education infrastructure linked deposit program to provide reduced-interest loans for charter schools and nonprofit private schools for capital and building needs. Supporters said it would use existing state linked-deposit structures already used for agriculture and affordable housing, while opponents raised concerns about using taxpayer-backed funds for private schools, the bill’s broad nonprofit language, and whether it could lead to more state oversight of private education. The bill passed 9-2. House Bill 1242, which would add survey day to the list of agricultural sales tax exemption items, was discussed briefly but received no motion for a do pass recommendation and remained in committee. House Bill 3818, by Senator Coleman, would create tax-advantaged insurance loss savings accounts for homes and vehicles; members expressed concern about missing definitions, contribution limits, and the potential for abuse, but agreed the concept had promise and the bill passed 9-2 after the enacting clause was stricken for further work. House Bill 4305, as amended, clarified how affordable housing properties are assessed for ad valorem tax purposes by excluding certain income-based subsidies from valuation; after questions about prior court cases and assessment practices, it passed 6-5.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/08/25

Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next is Minnesota Zoo.
  • Next is Minnesota Zoo.
  • Minnesota Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.
  • Minnesota Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.
  • </c> Zoo, 38,000 above forecast.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 051 Mar 6th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Tomorrow is Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very. Every day is Zoo Day.
  • So, tomorrow is Denver Zoo Day, which is in my district.
  • And yay, Denver Zoo. Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very. Every day Zoo Day, everyone. Yay. Very.
  • </c> is Zoo Day.
  • So, tomorrow is Denver Zoo is Zoo Day.
Keywords: 981, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • you're familiar with the quasi-state agencies would be places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Zoo
  • you're familiar with the quasi-state agencies would be places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Zoo
  • 38.799><c> of</c><00:20:39.039><c> Minnesota</c> science museum of Minnesota science museum of Minnesota zoo
  • 42.400><c> m</c><00:20:42.799><c> Minnesota</c><00:20:43.280><c> and</c><00:20:43.520><c> others</c> zoo
  • University of m Minnesota and others zoo University of m Minnesota and others all<00:20:44.799><c> those
Bills: HF3426, HF3428
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Health and Welfare Apr 8th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • But as I was debating on the four aspects of it, I'm like, they have those at the Audubon Zoo: safety
  • “At the Audubon Zoo: safety, sanitation for the animals, privacy, habitability.
  • will improve somebody's quality of life, that will lift up a neighborhood, that will stop these type zoos
  • . ...lift up a neighborhood, that will stop these type zoos from operating in certain neighborhoods and
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Health and Welfare Apr 8th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • But as I was debating on the four aspects of it, I'm like, they have those at the Audubon Zoo: safety
  • ... ...at the Audubon Zoo: safety, sanitation for the animals, privacy, habitability.
  • will improve somebody's quality of life, that will lift up a neighborhood, that will stop these type zoos
  • . ...lift up a neighborhood, that will stop these type zoos from operating in certain neighborhoods and
Summary: The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments. HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection. The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • is interesting because a lot of our metro venues have, like, for instance, I used to represent the zoo
  • , and they had numerous serving points around the zoo if many of you have been to that event.
  • ><00:37:13.320><c> and</c><00:37:13.640><c> they</c><00:37:13.840><c> had</c> used to represent the zoo
  • and they had used to represent the zoo and they had numerous numerous numerous uh uh uh uh<00:37:16.000
  • if many of you've been to that zoo if many of you've been to that event.<00:37:19.720><c> And</c><00
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Mar 25th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Proceeds from the sale of the safe coastal wildlife specialty license plate will be distributed to the Zoo
  • The amendment authorizes the Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc. to use up to 10% of the funds from the sale of
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of transportation-related bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 532 would exempt 100% disabled veterans from paying Florida tolls. SB 1738 would allow certain counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in by maintaining current levels of service, though there were concerns about congestion and future growth. SB 1696 aimed to reduce transportation network company driver impersonation, allow transit authorities to contract with ride-share platforms, and permit those platforms to participate in state-funded paratransit trips. SB 1378, as amended, would allow courts to order restitution in standard leaving-the-scene crashes; the amendment made restitution discretionary and required that the driver caused or contributed to the crash. SB 1210 would increase penalties for red-light and stop-sign crashes and require bodily injury insurance for drivers who cause such crashes. SB 1820, via strike-all amendment, addressed dealer-manufacturer relations by requiring written explanations of performance measures, prohibiting retaliation against dealers asserting statutory rights, and limiting franchise termination or nonrenewal to substantial breaches. SB 1246 created a specialty license plate for safe coastal wildlife, with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation for conservation work and an amendment allowing up to 10% for administrative and marketing costs. The committee also considered SB 574, which would allow Florida residents with Purple Heart license plates to pass tolls free of charge; the bill was amended to change the plate reference to a specialty plate and was reported favorably. SB 1662, the FDOT department bill, was substantially revised by strike-all amendment covering a wide range of transportation issues, including USF’s role in the Florida Transportation Research Institute Consortium, Florida Transportation Commission provisions, seaport and airport-related changes, strategic space infrastructure, sewer lines in rights of way, small county road assistance, aggregate supply chain programs, and Jacksonville Transportation Authority board appointments. Testimony on SB 1662 included support from USF and the Florida Public Transportation Association, which raised concerns about added oversight and bureaucracy for transit systems. Most bills received support from affected stakeholders, and several were amended before final favorable votes. Roll calls were taken on each measure, and all of the listed bills were reported favorably by the committee. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on several bills, and the committee adjourned after a brief personal privilege remark from Chair Collins.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Government Efficiency Feb 12th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • Louis Zoo? Yes. Two. Have you been to the St. Louis Zoo? Yes. Would you call that a regional asset?
  • Don't get me wrong, I love the zoo. I'm glad it's there.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency heard public testimony on three bills. House Bill 1641, by Rep. Overcast, would expand JCAR oversight to include agency guidance documents and other non-rule policies, require agencies to notify JCAR of such actions, give JCAR subpoena and investigative powers, and tie noncompliance findings to the appropriations process. Supporters argued it would curb “shadow rulemaking” and restore legislative oversight; opponents were not heard in the excerpt, though the sponsor acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill was drafted more narrowly than earlier versions. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 1641. House Bill 2962, by Rep. West, would restore state appropriations authority for the Missouri-St. Louis Metropolitan Airport Authority and reconstitute the airport commission to help fund airport and surrounding infrastructure improvements. The sponsor and supporters said Lambert/St. Louis Airport is a regional and state asset in need of reinvestment, while opponents from the City of St. Louis warned the bill could create uncertainty and interfere with ongoing airport expansion plans and airline agreements. Members questioned whether the proposal would add another layer of government or disrupt already negotiated projects; the hearing was then closed. House Bill 2931, by Rep. Miller, would require airport-generated revenues from the St. Louis airport to be reserved for airport operations and improvements rather than flowing into city general revenue, with the sponsor arguing the airport is a regional asset and revenues should stay with that asset. Supporters cited federal airport-revenue restrictions and said most airport revenue already stays at the airport, while city representatives opposed the bill as state interference that could reduce funding for city services such as schools, police, and streets. Members debated whether the bill would protect airport funds or unnecessarily restrict local control, and the committee concluded the hearing without taking action on the bills.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 13th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I had a client who was doing a photo shoot out in public, and it was at the zoo in San Antonio.
  • I had a client who was doing a photoshoot out in public, and it was at the zoo in San Antonio.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director for the San Antonio Zoo.
  • On behalf of my family and the San Antonio Zoo, I'm here to testify in support of Senate Bill 2928.
  • As a senior leader at the San Antonio Zoo, I'm proud to share that alongside our conservation efforts
  • In 2024 alone, the San Antonio Zoo hosted over 110,000 school group kids, 1,500 campers, and we also
  • So as a representative of the San Antonio Zoo and... Team Vargas, I support SB 2928.