Video & Transcript Research : 'January 12'
Page 81 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Pursuant to the order of the House, January 6th, 2026, the Chair will now recognize Members from
- Pursuant to clause 12(a) of Rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until 2 p.m.
- LAST YEAR'S JANUARY 29TH MID-AIR COLLISION AT NATIONAL AIRPORT TRAGICALLY TOOK 67 LIVES.
- On January 29th, 2025, a U.S.
- Speaker, I rise to honor the 67 lives that were lost on January 29th, 2025.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 01:12:11.719>
that <01:12:11.960>they <01:12:12.159>not <01:12:12.400>be - <01:12:13.360>
103d <01:12:14.360>typically <01:12:14.840>the <01:12:15.199>< - ><01:12:18.440>
is <01:12:18.560>to <01:12:19.440>procure <01:12:19.840>a - in the committee<02:12:06.040>
report <02:12:07.040>um <02:12:07.880>that <02:12 - 12:34.079>
of <02:12:34.199>work <02:12:34.360>to <02:12:34.440>try <02:12
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes.
The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project.
The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , to January 1, 2030.
- , to January 1, 2030.
- , to January 1, 2030.
- The PALM project supports year 12...
- For other questions, so on Pre-K-12.
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.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (10/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:23.840>
um <01:12:24.159>were <01:12:24.400>that <01:12:24.640>to< - :12:31.360>
new <01:12:31.679>legislation <01:12:32.719>and <01:12:33.040>not - >
any <01:12:33.840>time <01:12:34.719>um <01:12:35.679>by <01:12:36.080>< - c> by<01:12:36.640>
taking <01:12:36.960>it <01:12:37.520>uh <01:12:37.840>- is almost 12 months instead<01:12:48.480>
of <01:12:49.520>um <01:12:49.760>working - is almost 12 months instead<01:12:48.480>
Summary:
The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent.
The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent.
House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-WTL, TCA-WTL, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:03.800>
is <00:12:04.079>the <00:12:04.200>alaw <00:12:04.720>canal - >
several <00:12:09.760>years <00:12:10.160>ago <00:12:10.639>I <00:12:10.760- :30.639>
where <00:12:30.839>do <00:12:30.959>we <00:12:31.120>want <00:12- :31.320>
to <00:12:31.920>be <00:12:32.920>well <00:12:33.000>I <00:12:33.079- and<00:12:40.519>
the <00:12:40.680>program <00:12:41.040>the <00:12:41.199> - >
Summary:
The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem.
The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making.
The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They added the word non-statewide political party on page 12.
- He adds on page 12.
- So we’ve got the January 1 and we’ve got May 1, October 1.
- January 1 of 2025? January 20, yeah, 26, thank you. Yeah, that's a good point.
- January 20, yeah, 26, thank you. Yeah, that's a good point.
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 2156, a campaign finance and reporting bill tied to the Secretary of State’s new software system. Members and staff walked through the bill section by section, explaining that much of the text is existing law being reorganized into a new chapter, with technical updates to make reporting easier and more consistent in the new electronic “checkbook” format. The bill also adds or clarifies several categories and definitions, including political donations and volunteer appreciation, and changes the reporting threshold from $200 to $250 to align with a separate inflation-adjustment bill. Other discussed changes included using the deposit date as the contribution receipt date, removing contributor addresses from public disclosure, adding non-statewide political parties to disclosure requirements, and adding political committees to the foreign-national contribution prohibition.
The Secretary of State’s office testified that the new software is being developed with a vendor already used in other states, and that it will automatically track contributions, expenditures, balances, deadlines, and reminders, while preserving current public/nonpublic disclosure rules. Members asked about public access, enforcement, maintenance costs, training, and whether the system would allow both checkbook-style entry and aggregation; staff said both options would be available and that the system would flag discrepancies and carry amendments forward through later reports. The committee also discussed late-filing and amendment fees, keeping some existing deadlines such as the 48-hour supplemental statement, and making late fees more visible to the public.
The committee adopted the proposed amendments by voice vote and then passed the bill as amended on a 13-0 roll call vote. Members expressed appreciation for the work of the bill sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office, and the chair indicated the bill would likely go to caucus and then the floor before moving to conference with the Senate if needed.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:12:24.079>
eyes <00:12:24.560>appear <00:12:24.959>to <00:12:25.120>have - <00:12:27.920>
And <00:12:28.160>you <00:12:28.399>have <00:12:28.560>voted - :31.920>
Swanton <00:12:32.639>and <00:12:32.880>expunge <00:12:33.519>those< from <00:12:34.639>Friday's <00:12:35.200>House <00:12:35.519>Journal. - Are there<00:12:37.120>
any <00:12:37.360>further <00:12:37.760>announcements?
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Rep. Chris Keyser centered on Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” using the poem as a reflection on legislative choices, compromise, and service to the common good. After the devotional, the chamber took up a large slate of introductions, with 21 House bills read by number only after a successful motion to suspend the rules. The House also read HR12, a resolution supporting the principles behind Gov. Phil Scott’s statement regarding federal ICE and CBP activity in Minnesota, and placed it on the calendar for action the next legislative day.
The House then concurred in JRS38, a joint Senate resolution setting weekend adjournment for January 30, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 3, 2026. During announcements, members recognized guests from Third Act Vermont, wished the member from Burlington a happy birthday, invited members to a Universal Health Care Caucus meeting, and promoted an evening Farmers Night performance. The House also voted to rescind journalization and expunge remarks previously entered by the member from Swanton from Friday’s House Journal.
In orders of the day, the House rejected concurrence with the Senate’s further proposal of amendment to S.23, an act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections, and instead requested a committee of conference; the chair appointed Reps. Byron, Hango, and Waters Evans as conferees. The chamber then passed H532, relating to mandatory retirement of college professors. It also adopted the committee’s strike-all amendment to H270, relating to confidentiality for peer support counseling among emergency service providers, after favorable 11-0 committee action; the bill was then ordered to third reading. Finally, the House amended and ordered to third reading H516, approving amendments to the charter of the town of Essex, after discussion of charter changes including select board vacancies, moderator procedures, town appointments, accounting requirements, and related technical updates. The House then adjourned until January 29, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- 12:29.240>
then <00:12:29.519>drop <00:12:29.800>it <00:12:30.000>off <00: - 12:30.440>
I <00:12:30.560>guess <00:12:30.720>I'd <00:12:30.880>be drive - c> this<00:12:31.880>
law <00:12:32.160>even <00:12:32.320>if <00:12:32.480>< - >
I <00:12:45.199>may <00:12:45.399>use <00:12:45.720>so <00:12:46.440> - <00:12:49.199>
you <00:12:49.519>is <00:12:49.639>there <00:12:49.800>anyone<
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition.
Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.160>
in <00:12:00.240>the <00:12:00.399>field <00:12:00.800>and <00:12 - >
really <00:12:03.839>doesn't <00:12:04.200>do <00:12:04.399>much <00:12: - :05.320>
a <00:12:05.399>lot <00:12:05.560>of <00:12:05.720>those <00:12:05.920 - > just<00:12:10.320>
reiterate <00:12:10.920>that <00:12:11.079>the <00:12:11.200 - >
taking <00:12:12.200>away <00:12:13.120>any <00:12:13.360>of <00:12:13.600
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:12:31.720>
in <00:12:32.120>fiscal <00:12:32.399>year <00:12:32.680>26< - > little<00:12:34.440>
more <00:12:34.639>than <00:12:34.720>$8 <00:12:35.040 - in fiscal<00:12:36.120>
year <00:12:36.680>27 <00:12:37.680>for <00:12:37.880>- Governor's<00:12:39.040>
ready <00:12:39.399>Ki <00:12:39.839>initiative <00:12:- in fiscal<00:12:49.279>
year <00:12:49.560>26 <00:12:50.279>and <00:12:50.440> - Governor's<00:12:39.040>
Summary:
The committee met in decision-making only and first took up HB 300, the Senate majority budget package. The chair described the bill as a response to economic uncertainty and reduced revenue forecasts, and outlined a wide range of appropriations and staffing changes across state agencies, including agriculture, education, health, public safety, housing, labor, natural resources, and corrections. The package emphasized one-year funding for many new programs, vacancy reductions, and investments in services such as preschool, mental health, wildfire mitigation, cybersecurity, public access, and workforce development. HB 300 was recommended to pass with amendments and was adopted unanimously, with members voting yes and no reservations noted only as procedural responses.
The committee then acted on HB 794 and HB 795, both recommended to pass with amendments by changing the defective date to 2050; both measures were adopted without discussion. On the 101 agenda, HB 400, the Judiciary budget bill, was recommended to pass with amendments. The bill included vacancy reductions, security funding, permanent staffing for several court and justice programs, and support for civil legal services, immigration-related services, and technology licenses. HB 400 was adopted. HB 410 was also adopted with amendments and a defective date change to 2050.
On the 102 agenda, the committee passed several bills either unamended or with targeted amendments. HB 3, HB 134, HB 177, HB 237, HB 648, HB 713, HB 735, HB 1391, and HB 1462 were passed unamended. HB 214 passed with amendments expanding eligibility for retired employees to fill labor-shortage or succession-planning positions, including certain management positions excluded from collective bargaining; one member raised concerns about school resource officers and community fit, which the chair said could be addressed in the committee report. HB 441 passed with amendments to direct cigarette tax funds to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund, with a discussion about whether e-cigarettes should be included. Other measures passed with amendments included HB 448, HB 667, HB 727, HB 740, HB 806, HB 1020, HB 1345, and HB 1365, generally involving date changes, blank appropriations, or technical language. HB 1391 was adopted with a reservation from Senator Kim. The meeting concluded with HB 1462 adopted unamended.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- incorporated on January 29th, 1913. incorporated on January 29th, 1913.
- Woods. 34 I Senate Bill 12 passes. Thank you, Senator Gudger. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
- <00:15:56.399>
Thank <00:15:56.480>you, 34 I Senate Bill 12 passes. - Thank you, 34 I Senate Bill 12 passes. Thank you, Senator<00:15:56.880>
Gudger. - 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January p.m., not 2, 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20th,<00:44:14.640>
leaving
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures.
The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed.
Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 099 Apr 23rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:44.080>
I <01:12:44.239>wish <01:12:44.480>to <01:12:44.560>be - I wish to be a no<01:12:45.040>
vote <01:12:45.280>on <01:12:45.600>Senate <01:12 - >> Senator<01:12:54.640>
Mora <01:12:54.880>Wilson <01:12:55.120>be <01:12: - :12:57.120>
of <01:12:57.199>the <01:12:57.280>bills. - >
pass <01:12:58.000>of <01:12:58.080>consent <01:12:58.400>calendar <01:12
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and House messages. Committee reports advanced a number of bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 163, House Bill 1320, Senate Bill 160, House Bill 1210, and several board and commission appointments recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also received House action on multiple bills, including concurrence in Senate amendments to House Bills 1239, 1262, and 1110, a request for a conference committee on House Bill 1084, and transmission of several other measures to the Revisor of Statutes.
The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 12-18, 2026, as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Senator Cutter spoke in support, arguing that plastic pollution harms environmental and human health, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and cannot be solved by recycling alone. The resolution was adopted on a 25-9 vote, with several senators recorded in opposition, and co-sponsors were noted. The chamber also recognized guests from the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals, as well as visitors from the Colorado School of Mines and former Senator John Evans.
Later, the Senate considered special orders on the consent calendar, including House Bills 103, 1026, and 1051, and adopted the committee reports and the bills. House Bill 1026 was amended and House Bill 1051 was advanced to third reading and final passage. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 117, concerning permissible methods for the sale of lottery tickets. Senator Bridges explained that the bill was intended to respond to lottery rules allowing online sales and credit card purchases, but said the measure had been narrowed in committee and then raised constitutional concerns under Colorado’s prohibition on slot machines outside limited gaming areas. The transcript ends during that debate, before final action on Senate Bill 117 is shown.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 065 Mar 20th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll<01:12:22.080>
be <01:12:22.200>a <01:12:22.240>no <01:12:22.440>vote - Um I<01:12:25.200>
understand <01:12:25.960>the <01:12:26.040>concept <01:12:26.760 - public service.<01:12:27.680>
I <01:12:27.760>understand <01:12:28.360>the <01:12 - for<01:12:31.320>
good <01:12:32.360>people <01:12:33.400>to <01:12:33.600>< - Thank<01:12:58.560>
you, <01:12:58.640>Madam <01:12:59.000>Chair.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports and appointment recommendations. Committees reported favorably on a number of bills and appointments, including local government, health and human services, transportation and energy, business/labor/technology, and judiciary items. The chamber also announced a change on the Senate Finance Committee, with Senator Adrian Benavidez appointed to replace Senator Julie Gonzales for the remainder of the session.
A major floor item was House Bill 1136, creating the Pathways to Public Service Program in the Department of Personnel and Administration to identify coursework that could qualify students for entry-level state government jobs. Supporters said it would help attract young people to public service and fill state vacancies using existing resources; opponents argued it promoted government employment over private-sector careers and could expand government unnecessarily. After debate, the Senate adopted the bill on second reading, and the Committee of the Whole report later reflected that HB 1136 passed second reading and was ordered revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage.
The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1023 recognizing Latino/Latina Advocacy Day after reading it at length and hearing remarks in support of civic engagement and Latino participation in policymaking. In addition, the chamber concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 74, which clarifies penalties and procedures related to excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes; the bill then passed again on re-passage. Several other bills, including Senate Bill 63 and remaining calendar items, were laid over to later dates, and the Senate also considered and began processing consent-calendar gubernatorial appointments.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then with the 1971 Legislative Assembly, they repealed 52-12.
- They allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
- It provides up to 12 weeks of family leave, partially paid.
- We will recess the committee until 12:30 and then we will convene again on the 12:50 agenda item.
- January 1, 2020, this would mean an increase from 2 to 2.25.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/12/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- :31.440>
I <00:12:31.520>don't <00:12:31.680>know <00:12:31.800>that <00:12 - Both<00:12:47.640>
the <00:12:47.760>school <00:12:48.240>and <00:12:48.360>the made <00:12:50.520>up <00:12:50.680>of <00:12:50.800>black <00:12:51.160>- >
I <00:12:56.760>knew <00:12:56.960>I <00:12:57.040>would <00:12:57.160>< - :58.160>
but <00:12:58.320>instead <00:12:58.640>of <00:12:58.720>me <00:12
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- um audit here<01:12:54.239>
or <01:12:54.400>in <01:12:54.560>the <01:12:54.719> - >> I<02:12:02.320>
I <02:12:02.560>think <02:12:02.639>the <02:12:02.800>- > bottom<02:12:03.119>
line <02:12:03.280>is, <02:12:03.920>you <02:12:04.079- :12:06.159>
in <02:12:06.320>person, <02:12:06.560>superintendent, <02:12:07.119>- <02:12:12.480>
I <02:12:12.639>think <02:12:12.719>I <02:12:12.960>think< - > bottom<02:12:03.119>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:29.760>
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unless January 20 January 1st, 2026 unless January 20 January 1st, 2026 unless
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 16, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- K through 12 are already exempt, so we're just giving the preschools the same tax treatment.
- 1 of '26 and be fully implemented by January 1 of '27.
- The bill changes the effective date of the imposition of these taxes to January 1 of 2030 and removes
- the reduced Imposition of these taxes to January 1 of 2030 and removes the reduced first-year rate.
- 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031, and requires local governments to prioritize the use of local CST revenues
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26.
Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage.
During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you're looking at hotline volume, you want to compare January to January, December to December
- So January 2020... So January 2022, but you are correct.
- So therefore, I have January Contreras here.
- January Contreras here on behalf of Children's Action Alliance.
- No, from 12 months to—say it took it from a year to 60 months.
Summary:
The committee met for a presentation-only hearing on the Arizona Department of Child Safety, with no bills on the agenda. Chair Blackman opened by emphasizing that the hearing was intended to be data-focused and respectful, and that personal attacks or false accusations would not be tolerated. Director Catherine Patak then presented DCS data on hotline volume, investigations, reunifications, adoptions, guardianships, foster care entries and exits, kinship placement, congregate care, missing youth, and extended foster care. She said the department investigated more than 43,000 cases in 2025, kept the out-of-home care population relatively steady, and had reunified about 3,000 children with parents, while also noting that older youth and behavioral-health-driven removals are creating a mismatch with available foster homes. She also described kinship supports, foster parent recruitment, and the impact of Family First on funding, saying DCS lost federal drawdown for congregate care while waiting on approval for prevention programs.
Members questioned the director about kinship caregivers, behavioral health access, reunification services, parental rights terminations, notice and documentation practices, and the effect of increased reimbursement rates. Patak said unlicensed kin can receive support through the kinship supports contract, that behavioral health assessments are done quickly at the welcome center or within 24 hours for kin placements, and that provider capacity remains a major constraint outside DCS control. She explained reunification conditions and services, said the department is working on documentation and notice issues flagged by the Auditor General, and noted that kinship reimbursement increases have helped some families step forward. She also said DCS procurement for group homes is handled internally through an RFP process and that about 10% of kinship caregivers become licensed.
Representative Gillette then delivered a lengthy presentation arguing that the child welfare, Medicaid, and disability systems are structurally intertwined and that procurement and funding rules create incentives for volume and congregate care use. He criticized DCS, DES, and AHCCCS/Access oversight structures, argued that the system diffuses accountability, and said the committee’s work and related materials would be referred to special counsel. He also raised concerns about documentation, placement decisions, and the cost of congregate care, while asserting that the system over-relies on large providers and that reforms should focus on structural and financial incentives. Vice Chair Fink followed with a brief slide noting that congregate care costs far more per child than foster or kinship care, reinforcing the committee’s concern about placement costs and the need to shift children toward family-based care when possible.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair will entertain a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 8th meeting.
- From the report from January of 2022 through October 2025.
- Our review covered the period January 1, '23 through December 31, '24.
- Our review covered the period January 1, '23 through December 31, '24.
- But let's say it was in July, and then it would be October and January.