Video & Transcript Research : 'queer studies'

Page 81 of 496
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are figures our client has studied and seen in other jurisdictions.
  • The bill requires the study committee to, by December 31st, 2026, submit a report of its findings and
  • Finally, the bill repeals the study committee on October 1st, 2027.
  • I'm wondering, on your study committee, why are there no members appointed by the minority leaders?
  • It would just require qualified people to do the study committee. So I'm a yes. Senator Payne. Aye.
Summary: The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it handles roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill making technical and policy updates to liquor statutes, including changing “manufacture” to “produce,” allowing rather than requiring cities and towns to levy certain liquor-related taxes or fees, repealing a federal food-safety preemption reference, and clarifying cider’s definition to include products up to 8.5% alcohol by volume. Supporters described it as an annual stakeholder-driven cleanup bill, and the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control testified neutral. The committee adopted the Bolick amendment and then passed the bill as amended. It also passed SB 1108, which creates a Swedish-rounding framework for cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; the Leach amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax treatment. The Greater Phoenix Chamber supported the bill, and the committee passed it as amended. The committee next approved SB 1205, regulating private-property vehicle booting by prohibiting local bans, setting signage, written permission, rate limits, release rules, and misdemeanor penalties. Supporters said it would provide a more transparent, less costly alternative to towing, while members raised concerns about signage, appeals, and consumer protections. The Bolick amendment made a technical change, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1241, allowing private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects, drew the most debate: supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities with backlogs, while cities and counties warned about public-safety risks, loss of local control, and liability concerns. After adopting the Payne amendment on immunity, the committee passed the bill 5-2. Finally, the committee passed SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS and public-property towing practices. Some members objected that the study committee lacked minority-leader appointments, but supporters said the review was needed before making permanent changes. The committee then began hearing SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript ends before any action on that measure.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Child Custody Review Task Force Apr 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Child Custody Review Task Force

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know that my voice is necessarily required for this study.
  • , maybe more than one study to be on is probably a lot.
  • If we're actually, you know, this is gonna happen, it's exactly what it is: a study.
  • I think it's an important part of the study and overview of the problems that give rise to it.
  • So before we go on to four, let's just look at what the study must include.
Keywords: 908, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I think that we remain committed to the college work-study strategy and funding that we have.
  • That relationship between federal work studies, state work studies, and other financial aid programs
  • That relationship between federal work-study, state work-study, and other financial aid programs can
  • Based on the study they conducted, that request is not included in our recommendations.
  • Has there ever been studies that said one or the other is more efficient? Senator Perry.
Bills: SB1, SB 1
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • Grant those exemptions are granted so that providers and hospitals can study this sensitive information
  • we're pulling sensitive information that we're pulling in<00:20:54.640> to<00:20:54.960> study
  • <00:20:55.520> that's<00:20:55.919> very<00:20:56.480> hospital in to study
  • that's very hospital in to study that's very hospital specific<00:20:57.520> and<00:20:57.840>
  • :17.200> to give us the information that we have to give us the information that we have to study
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered three House bills. House Bill 515, described as a measure allowing radiologist assistants to discuss preliminary findings with physicians after a test, was presented as identical to an earlier bill and passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion without debate. House Bill 1637 would create a fetal and infant mortality review panel under the Department of Health to align state law with federal requirements and mirror existing maternal mortality review work. The bill prompted extended questioning about broad exemptions from the Open Meetings and Public Records Acts, with Senator Blunt and others expressing concern that the language was too broad and could shield records beyond individual patient privacy. Dr. Edney of the Department of Health testified that the protections were needed so hospitals and providers would share sensitive information for performance improvement and mortality review work, and that final reports would still be issued. After the debate, Senator Blunt moved to lay House Bill 1637 on the table subject to call, and the motion passed. The committee then took up House Bill 814, which would raise fees for inspections and investigations of food establishments and wastewater systems; it was described as a Department of Health measure supported by the regulated entities because they want inspections. The bill was characterized as maintaining an arm’s-length relationship between regulators and regulated parties, and it passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion. The chair closed by noting the committee had completed its agenda and would not meet the next day.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Community Affairs Dec 9th, 2025

Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the interim director of the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.
  • So we did update the rental market study in 2025. It's the ninth one we've done.
  • So a lot more detail in the rental market study.
  • So a lot more detail in the rental market study. for working households in Florida.
  • So a lot more detail in the rental market study.
Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and first took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 governing local business taxes while allowing municipalities that already levy a gross-receipts-based business tax to continue doing so, with limits on changing the tax rate. The sponsor’s proxy and committee members discussed whether local business taxes fund identifiable services, with supporters saying the bill would reduce burdens on businesses and opponents arguing it would remove a capped home-rule revenue source used for general services, economic development, inspections, fire and police support, and business regulation. The Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities opposed the bill, citing a statewide revenue loss and concern that costs would shift to residential taxpayers, while one member noted the bill should be considered in the context of broader property tax changes. SB 122 was reported favorably by a roll call vote, with Senators Leek, Passidomo, Pizzo, Trumbull, and Chair McClain voting yes and Senator Sharief voting no. The committee then held an extended informational panel on Florida’s housing shortage and affordability challenges. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven primarily by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs far more units each year, that local comprehensive plans and zoning often fail to prioritize housing, and that the state should focus more on measurable impacts, density, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other ways to let the market respond. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center presented data showing increased single-family and multifamily construction but limited condo growth, highly concentrated new development in a handful of counties, and continued high cost burdens for renters, especially lower-income and older households. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research and Consulting said the national housing market is slow, Florida prices are easing but remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and affordability problems are being driven by land, construction, financing, and insurance costs; she urged more product diversity, including build-to-rent, townhomes, manufactured housing, and higher-density redevelopment tailored to local demographics. Members questioned the panel about density, vertical development, impact fees, construction costs, and incentives for local governments. Several senators said local governments need clearer direction or incentives to approve more housing, while others emphasized preserving local character and avoiding overdevelopment. The panel generally agreed that no single policy will solve the problem, but that Florida needs more housing types, more density in appropriate places, updated zoning and building codes, and a more market-responsive regulatory framework. After the presentations and discussion, the committee adjourned with no further business.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • for the feasibility study to be published.
  • One particular study that I'm thinking of right now is, Mr.
  • Have you done any studies on how this would affect them? Mr.
  • Have we done any studies?
  • Has our congressional delegation put money aside for these studies?
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Jul 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Unfortunately, recent studies have revealed alarming levels of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic,
  • The GAO found lead in half of all sampled prenatal vitamins, and other independent studies have found
  • Recent studies have shown this deeply troubling information, that these toxic elements have been found
  • There are studies after studies that show Uplifting their lives, we're making their lives better.
  • There are studies after studies that show that lack of access to certain things can impact someone's
Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sir, you mentioned, was it a Minnesota study? Objective evidence.
  • Sir, you mentioned, was it a Minnesota study in Wisconsin? Wisconsin? Yes. Somewhere cold.
  • And that hope thing's been studied in the 1950s psychologist. This is great.
  • Let's study that.
  • It has no training, no studies, no science, no certification, and no regulation of any kind.
Summary: The committee heard several House bills, most of them relating to family law and court procedure, and left each bill pending after testimony. House Bill 1916 would clarify that the court that issued a final divorce decree retains exclusive jurisdiction over later actions involving undivided property. House Bill 1973 would require a certified birth certificate, if reasonably available, to be filed with a SAPCR petition or allow alternative proof of parentage while keeping the information confidential. House Bill 2530 would add qualifications and procedural safeguards for appointing amicus attorneys in SAPCR cases, including notice and hearing requirements, minimum qualifications, conflict rules, and limits on what amicus attorneys may do. House Bill 2524 would make Family Code references to attorney’s fees consistent by using “reasonable and necessary” language. House Bill 3180 would correct a scrivener’s error in the civil discovery rules by changing “settlement” to “statement.” The committee also heard House Bill 4213, which would change the interest rate on overdue child support from the current 6 percent simple interest to a fixed 5 percent and require the Attorney General to report on the impact of the change. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued lower interest could improve collections and help low-income obligors catch up, citing research and the size of child-support arrearages; opponents said lowering the rate would reduce incentives to pay and harm custodial parents and children. The Attorney General’s office raised implementation concerns about a House version that would have created a variable rate, while the committee substitute was described as restoring a simple fixed rate. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also discussed House Bill 40, updating business court provisions and supplemental jurisdiction; House Bill 3421, streamlining probate procedures for original wills and copies; and House Bill 417, clarifying venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property. Each drew limited testimony and was left pending. Finally, House Bill 3783 drew extensive testimony on court-ordered counseling and reunification therapy in family cases. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect children and abuse victims from coercive, unregulated reunification practices, while opponents argued it was too broad, could interfere with legitimate therapy and judicial discretion, and might affect military families and other high-conflict cases. The committee heard testimony from judges, therapists, parents, survivors, and advocates, but took no final action and left the bill pending.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 28th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there's lots of data on this, but there's a really excellent study done.
  • There was a study done from... to 2017 of 100 metro areas around the country.
  • I can create a study today that says anything.
  • Representative Bolson, you mentioned that this Rocky Mountain Institute study was pre-COVID.
  • I will say that in 2024, we actually did pass a bill to have a study.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 15th, 2025 at 12:30 pm

North Dakota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then secondly, they did a study.
  • And then secondly, they did a study.
  • And then secondly, they did a study.
  • Management study to provide for a legislative management report. Mr.
  • Section 11 is a study.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum. It then took up a series of appropriations and policy bills, with the most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The House approved amendments that shifted governance of the department and veterans’ home from ACOVA to the governor, citing concerns about ACOVA’s salary-setting actions and broader appropriation oversight. Members opposed to the change argued ACOVA had studied compensation and acted within its role. The amended bill passed 57-34, and the final bill passed 69-22 with the emergency clause carrying. The House also passed Senate Bill 2001, the legislative branch budget, which funds the 2027 session, legislative staff, chamber upgrades, IT improvements, and salary adjustments for legislative leaders; the bill passed 62-29, but the emergency clause failed. Senate Bill 2019, the Career and Technical Education budget, passed 82-10 with emergency clause. Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget, passed 75-17 after discussion of data center migration, service automation, mainframe transition, ERP study, and DPI’s move from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Other measures passed included Senate Bill 2228 for rural grocery store sustainability grants, Senate Bill 2390 creating a rural catalyst community grant program, Senate Bill 2188 adjusting the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, and Senate Bill 2265 authorizing a veterans national cemetery grant and line of credit with added reporting safeguards. Several House bills returned from the Senate were concurred in and then passed, including House Bill 1361 on mandatory minimum sentences for human trafficking offenders, House Bill 1017 for the Game and Fish Department, House Bill 1588 on firearms and dangerous weapons provisions, House Bill 1429 on harassment and stalking involving robots, House Bill 1591 on county fair resiliency grants, House Bill 1537 on service agreement protection for water projects, House Bill 1203 on edible medical marijuana products, and House Bill 1027 transferring administration of the State Fire and Tornado Fund from the Insurance Commissioner to OMB. The House also rejected a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2307, which dealt with library materials and obscenity-related restrictions, by a vote of 48-51. In addition, the chamber appointed conference committees on several House and Senate measures where concurrence had failed, and laid over Senate Bill 2340 for two legislative days.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Information and misinterpretation of certain studies.
  • To study and cherry-pick the data to show the result they desire.
  • Who is Funding the studies?
  • Then also, studies that show that it's associated with lower IQ scores.
  • When you really dig into those studies, you'll find that a...
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the other chamber, that was amended into a study.
  • President, this bill is a product of the interim Judiciary Committee work on studying municipal courts
  • President, House Concurrent Resolution 3018 came to us as a study of ponding water issues.
  • President, House Concurrent Resolution 3018 came to us as a study of ponding water issues.
  • By lumping all these concerns of better water management together, those completing the study such as
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/26/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Several research studies have been commissioned, including one by the Arizona Cattle Growers to look
  • The chair said he would like to see studies on people who have eaten the product, or even on animals,
  • He said the people buying the meat are effectively the lab rats because there have been no studies on
  • He said he is concerned about the lack of long-term studies and the nutritional value, because it is
  • We can create this meat all we want and then put a study behind it.
Summary: The House Committee on Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met for its first session, with members and staff introducing themselves before taking up committee-of-reference business and several bills. The committee first heard a presentation from the Arizona Beef Council, which described its checkoff-funded promotion, education, and research work for Arizona beef producers, including classroom materials, nutrition outreach, and ranch tours. After questions about how the program is funded and whether the state would lose its Arizona-retained share if the council were not continued, the committee voted to recommend continuing the council for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee then considered HB 2155, which also continued the Arizona Beef Council for eight years, and advanced it on a 7-1 vote. HB 2156, which appropriates money to the livestock compensation fund for wolf depredation losses, was amended to set the appropriation at $250,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2027 and then passed 5-2, with supporters emphasizing rancher compensation and opponents questioning use of general funds and noting unused prior funding. HB 2162, which would require at least one Arizona Game and Fish Commission member to be a cattleman or rancher, drew testimony for and against but was ultimately held by the chair after discussion about representation, existing appointment structures, and rural interests. The committee also advanced two cell-cultured protein bills. HB 2762 would require a disclaimer on packaging for food derived from cultivated cells; supporters argued for consumer transparency and opponents said federal labeling rules already apply and state-specific requirements could create confusion. It passed 5-3. HB 2791 would prohibit the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption and make violations a felony; supporters raised safety, innovation, and agricultural concerns, while opponents argued it would criminalize federally approved products and restrict consumer choice. That bill also passed 5-3. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Feb 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • and mathematics across as well as our non progress monitoring assessments and science and social studies
  • Second area that the study must focus on is options for further reducing be testing footprint.
  • So that first area and this is really the meat of the study, looking at whether we can use progress,
  • And the study really includes at this time.
  • And so the study did look at the data for students test the remotely versus knows not testing remotely
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • You and I chatted in the hallway, I think, yesterday, and you mentioned the study...
  • And you mentioned the study, and thank you for bringing a graphic.
  • Thousands of peer-reviewed published studies indicate great harm from RF radiation.
  • Results of over 100 studies can be read at a glance at the website bioinitiative.org.
  • Results of over 100 studies can be read at a glance at the website bioinitiative.org.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett. Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy 2ND REVISED Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The $24 billion need that would indicate there's been a study For that, is that study accessible?
  • Yeah, and I hope that she'll shake her head up and down, but I believe that that study is available on
  • To assess in those studied basins, they are required to assess if there are wells anywhere near their
  • The study, is it going to be part of the state's responsibility to cover the cost of the study as well
  • Study the activity in that land, especially if you're talking about historical where there's no records
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - Senate Public Safety

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • I go to ASU and I'm a sophomore studying political science. Political science. Thank you.
  • I am a sophomore studying at ASU with economics.
  • I'm a senior studying economics at ASU, and this is my second... ...your page.
  • I'm a senior studying economics at ASU, and this is my second legislative session.
  • I am a senior studying psychology and justice studies at ASU, and I am very thrilled to be back.
Summary: The Public Safety Committee met to introduce staff and pages, then heard several bills. SB 1010 would designate Loop 202 as the Charlie Kirk Highway and require signage; an amendment to rename it the Freedom of Speech Highway failed, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote after testimony both supporting the honor and objecting that it could affect existing freeway names, including the Ed Pastor Freeway. SB 1077 would impose felony penalties for using an interactive computer service to facilitate prostitution, pandering, or child sex trafficking, and to require age verification for harmful sexual material; it passed 5-2 after a brief clarification about the law-enforcement defense. SB 1093 would expand the definition of riot to include acts or threats causing property damage and add riot to racketeering and conspiracy provisions; one public commenter opposed it as overbroad and anti-protest, but the bill still passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1058, the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, which would bar government firearm registries and restrict merchant category codes tied to firearm purchases. A firearms industry representative said the bill protects financial privacy, and it passed 4-3. SB 1035 would appropriate funds for a 5% salary increase for correctional officers and department civilians; the sponsor and correctional employee representatives said raises are needed for retention, while others argued the increase should also cover private prison employees to preserve parity. The committee adopted a Payne amendment extending the raise to private prison workers under contract with the department, and the amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs May 12th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are all familiar with study bills, often on public health issues, for example, if you were to study
  • , create a task force to study maternal mortality, for example, it could no longer look at racial data
  • Absolutely, because I, you know, as we know with many study bills and with many programs.
  • This bill directs the office of the governor to conduct an annual study assessing these impacts, looking
  • Um, since you've looked at this, and we're proposing that the, uh, Governor conducted an annual study
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:
  • technology, for good or for bad, one does not necessarily need to read all of the extensive peer review studies
  • Review studies, articles, testimony.
  • There have been study after study talking about fertilizer goes into the lawn, it feeds the plant, it
  • There have been study after study talking about fertilizer goes into the lawn, it feeds the plant, it
  • There have been study after study talking about fertilizer goes into the lawn, it feeds the plant, it
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules. The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.
IN

Indiana 2026 Regular Session

Friday, Feb. 27 part 3

Indiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • want to ask you a question about urging the Legislative Council to assign to the appropriate interim study
  • committee the study of the application... ...to the appropriate interim study committee, the study of
  • Section 6, Part 6 in the Conference Committee report that talks about legislative counsel studying the
  • So the fact that we are having a study committee, I think, suggests that there's an opportunity for us
  • So the fact that we are having a study committee, I think, suggests that there's an opportunity for us
Keywords: 964, all