Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :

Page 82 of 312
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/27/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:28:24.880><c> I</c><00:28:25.120><c> want</c> this great democratic experiment.
  • I want this great democratic experiment.
  • </c><02:06:28.960><c> trifecta</c><02:06:29.840><c> pass</c> sessions ago the Democrat trifecta pass
  • sessions ago the Democrat trifecta pass gender<02:06:30.960><c> identity</c><02:06:31.280><c> into</c
  • </c><02:15:52.639><c> on</c> three Republican and two Democrats on three Republican and two Democrats
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Farmers Union in support, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii in support, Flexible
  • Party of Hawaii in Democratic Party of Hawaii in support<01:19:57.840><c> American</c><01:19:58.400>
  • </c> environmental caucus of the democratic environmental caucus of the democratic party<01:20:06.360
  • Uh, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii in support. Life of the Land comments.
  • </c> environmental caucus of the democratic environmental caucus of the democratic party<01:32:16.440
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 9th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • other countries listed on lines 38 and 39—the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic
  • includes the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic
Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 19 and February 25. It then took up several code-cleanup bills introduced by Rep. Jeff Ehlers: Senate Bills 1273, 1274, and 1275, each described as removing outdated, unnecessary, or duplicative statutory references. There was no testimony on any of those bills, and the committee voted to send all three to the floor with due pass recommendations. Rep. David Leavitt presented Senate Bill 1276, which permanently removes a sunset provision affecting retired employees returning to work in education, with the goal of helping districts address teacher shortages without increasing retirement system costs. Rep. Furman asked about IRS implications, and Leavitt and PERSI Director Mike Hampton said the bill would not affect IRS retirement status rules because existing age and break-in-service requirements remain in place. The committee then voted to send SB 1276 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 763 from Rep. Ted Hill, the Foreign Adversary Investment Act, which would prohibit future state public investments in countries of concern and was framed as a strategic response to foreign adversaries such as China and Russia. Members discussed the bill’s references to the federal foreign-adversary list, including whether the language should track the current CFR list and how often compliance should be checked. Hill agreed to an amendment and to move the bill to general orders, and the committee voted to do so.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • His family came to this country centuries ago, and he is here to observe the democratic process in action
  • Democratic process in action. Welcome to the Senate. Excellent. Welcome to the Senate.
Keywords: 1182, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • House, or maybe, maybe, maybe ask you this: do they only not apply to committees... ...chaired by Democrats
  • Those are your responsibilities as the Democrat chairman of this committee under the House rules that
Summary: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles 14 and 5 met first and adopted its report on budget recommendations by a 4-0 vote, with three members absent. The chair said the report finalized prior decisions and could not be changed at that stage. Notable additions discussed included increased appropriations for the Office of the Attorney General, DPS driver’s license offices in Hays and Montgomery County, TJJD facilities and programs, Texas Facilities Commission funding for SCIF projects in Lubbock and San Antonio, THC funding for the Juneteenth Museum, an alcohol tourism study, and a TDCJ statewide reentry services pilot program. Members thanked staff and the meeting adjourned after the vote. The Article 3 subcommittee then presented its report for the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1, describing it as a procedural step that incorporated prior discussions, member writers, and changes made with Chairman Bonin. The chair noted that most items had been moved to Article 11 and that rejected riders were duplicates or conflicted with general law. The report was adopted unanimously, 6-0, and the subcommittee adjourned. The Articles 6, 7, and 8 subcommittee followed with its report for Senate Bill 1. During consideration, a member raised a point of order arguing the subcommittee had violated House rules requiring audio and video recording of formal meetings and public availability online. The chair rejected the point of order and proceeded to a roll call vote. After extended debate over the recording issue and the chair’s handling of the point of order, the report was adopted, with the transcript reflecting 6 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 absent. The subcommittee then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Conference Committee on HF1141 5/12/26

Transcript Highlights:
  • Doesn't matter if they're Republicans or Democrats and this bill represents a bill for all of Minnesota
  • Doesn't matter if they're Republicans or Democrats and this bill represents a bill for all of Minnesota
  • Doesn't matter if they're Republicans or Democrats and this bill represents a bill for all of Minnesota
  • Doesn't matter if they're Republicans or Democrats, and this bill represents a bill for all of Minnesota
  • Doesn't matter if they're Republicans or Democrats, and this bill represents a bill for all of Minnesota
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The conference committee on House File 1141, the Omnibus Housing Finance and Policy Bill, reviewed the fiscal spreadsheet and policy language for the agreement. Staff explained the major funding items, including appropriations for greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured home park infrastructure grants, family homelessness prevention, supportive housing, a tenant hotline, and housing infrastructure bonds, along with a cancellation of unused Tyler settlement funds and a reallocation of Housing Development Fund earnings. Staff said the package was budget neutral over the forecast window. The policy walk-through also covered provisions on livestreaming Housing Finance Agency board meetings, limits on administrative retentions for new grant programs, restrictions and reporting on Housing Development Fund transfers and earnings, clarifying language for local public housing, an exemption related to lived-experience engagement, and access for legislative fiscal staff to agency accounting information. Members then considered several amendments. The A12 amendment, allowing certain local governments to invest long-term funds in housing-related investments, was adopted after a roll call showed support from all three caucuses. The A16 manufactured housing bill of rights amendment, which would have addressed park-owner practices, purchase opportunities, enforcement, and rent increases, was not adopted. The A18 amendment to allow additional flags in HOAs and other areas was also not adopted. The A17 amendment to limit private equity ownership of single-family homes to 100 units was not adopted. The A13 amendment to preempt local rent control was not adopted. Members on both sides said some of the rejected issues warranted further discussion in future sessions, while supporters argued they were needed to address housing affordability and ownership pressures. In closing discussion on the bill as a whole, members from both chambers praised the bipartisan process, the staff work, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s collaboration. Supporters said the agreement would help build thousands of homes across the state, assist vulnerable Minnesotans, and improve transparency and accountability in housing programs. They also noted the bill’s mix of single-family, multifamily, manufactured housing, homelessness prevention, and policy reforms. The committee expressed intent to move the agreement forward to the House floor and ultimately to the governor.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's only a problem when Democrats do it, though. That's interesting.
  • That is why I and the Democrats are voting to overturn the ruling of the chair. Thank you.
  • And the Democrats are voting to overturn the ruling of the chair to talk about affordability, to take
  • I rise to address an action that was taken on the House floor today to remove two Democratic members
  • I stand with the members of the House Democratic Caucus, and I remain concerned because when it comes
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including Doctor of the Day Dr. Eric Osowski, State Farm visitors, Donate Life Day participants, and representatives from Ganado and Chinle Unified School Districts. The chamber also read proclamations honoring Ganado Unified for the ASBA Golden Bell Promise Program Award and Chinle Unified for multiple academic and cultural achievements, including national recognition for Chinle Elementary School and district leadership. The body then moved through committee and floor business, including consent for the Senate to adjourn, first and second readings of several bills, and a motion to reconsider HB 2429. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2093 was amended to restore mental health instruction while removing social emotional learning, HB 2229 advanced after debate over reproductive health and abortion-related provisions, HB 2429 and HB 2950 were amended and recommended do pass, and HB 4136 also advanced as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the measures to engrossing. The chamber then considered HB 4001, a bill regulating alternative nicotine products, with amendments and debate focused on licensing, enforcement, youth access, and whether to add a tax or education provisions; the bill was recommended do pass as amended. It also debated HB 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting municipal tax and fee increases and allowing increases tied to inflation or new water-source costs. Amendments offered by Democrats to redirect the measures toward affordability, housing, and health insurance claims were ruled out of order or defeated on roll-call votes, while the Olson substitute amendments prevailed. The House ultimately adopted the Committee of the Whole report, sending HB 4001, HB 4030, and HCR 2052 forward as amended.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/09/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is not a democratic thing, and that's exactly right, because we don't live in a democracy.
  • And whereas the Democratic women of the Arizona State House of Representatives and men honor the accomplished
  • Speaker, the Democratic Caucus will be meeting tomorrow in Hearing Room 2 at 10:30 a.m., with your permission
  • Speaker, the Democratic Caucus will be meeting tomorrow in Hearing Room 2 at 10:30 a.m., with your permission
  • Speaker, the Democratic Congress. Madam Whip, Representative Cruz. Mr.
Keywords: 1182, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Judiciary

House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean, Democrat, I'm a gun owner and a hunter.
  • Whether you are Democrats or Republicans, it does not matter.
  • I wish we had that ability on the Democratic side to get our bills just passed and be able to hopefully
  • I wish we had that ability on the Democratic side to get our bills just passed and be able to hopefully
  • Oh, my name is Noah James Markham, and I'm a strong Democrat. I have a concern with this bill.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2763, which would require a joint resolution of the legislature before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Prescott-area doctor, Arizona Citizens Defense League representatives, and Game and Fish staff, argued that closures can push shooters into unsafe public lands, create trash and safety problems, and that the legislature should have a voice in any closure decision. Game and Fish said its goal is to preserve Ben Avery and emphasized public safety. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2417, allowing courts to order speed-inhibiting devices as an alternative to license suspension or revocation for certain traffic offenses. Supporters said it could help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while opponents and some members raised concerns about scope and implementation. An amendment removed eligibility for people convicted of reckless driving or racing and clarified manufacturers are not required to build compatible vehicles. The bill, as amended, passed 7-2. House Bill 2345 followed, creating a felony for unlawfully present persons who possess a falsified commercial driver’s license and authorizing vehicle forfeiture and penalties for employers who knowingly hire such drivers. The sponsor framed it as a narrow public-safety measure, but the Arizona Trucking Association opposed it, arguing it was preempted by federal law, unworkable, and could jeopardize federal funding. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a 5-3-1 do pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2666, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15 to 17; testimony from prosecutors and anti-trafficking advocates supported the bill, while defense attorneys and some members urged caution about juvenile defendants and mandatory consecutive sentences. It passed 8-0 with members noting possible future amendments. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2175, which adds hate-crime-style sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated offenses and expands protected categories to include political expression and political affiliation. The ADL and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office supported the measure as a needed tool, while the ACLU and defense attorneys warned the political-expression language was too broad and could chill speech or invite selective prosecution. The bill passed 6-2 after adoption of an amendment. House Bill 2186, which lets a passenger satisfy identity requirements during a traffic stop by verbally providing information instead of showing physical ID, also received a do pass recommendation on a 7-0-1 vote after the sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional vagueness problem. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 2364, concerning penalties for distribution or receipt of abortion-inducing drugs by courier or delivery service, but the exchange was cut off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • My colleague from New Hampshire has said that I can and then hopefully she'll be the next Democrat. want
  • This is not a Republican-Democrat issue.
  • If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to extend these credits, costs will skyrocket and people
  • There have been capable Democrat nominees and Republican nominees that were never given a chance.
  • We've heard from Democrats and Republicans today. Now, they rely on Medicaid to stay afloat.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, ahead of an unnecessary debate on House File 12, Minnesota Democrats are unified in sending a
  • Minnesota has always led the nation in standing up for LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors, and Democrats will do it
  • Today, ahead of an unnecessary debate on House File 12, Minnesota Democrats are unified in sending a
  • Minnesota has always led the nation in standing up for LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors, and Democrats will do it
  • A New York Times poll found that 66% of Democrats and the majority of Americans believe that transgender
Keywords: 1183, house
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • My Democrat friends on the other side of the aisle have suddenly found religion on following the law.
  • Maybe I'm the only Democrat that's going to say no right now. This is ridiculous.
  • Well, all of my Democrat colleagues voted for that bill.
  • So maybe I would ask that my Democrat colleagues sit this one out when they're talking about what's gonna
  • And I'm going to repeat again, the bargain was won between Democrats and Republicans on this committee
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Election Law (02/04/2025)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is very much has been endorsed by both Republicans and Democrats.
  • </c><01:18:13.440><c> and</c> and elderly Republican and Democrat and and elderly Republican and Democrat
  • </c> fundamental principle of any democratic fundamental principle of any democratic system<01:48:01.520
  • </c> to we alternate we just had a Democrat to we alternate we just had a Democrat ask<04:43:12.638><
  • </c> participation in the democ Democratic participation in the democ Democratic process<04:50:41.520
Keywords: 1189, house, all
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 24 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Democrats will meet in the rear of the chamber for a caucus immediately following the Rules and
  • Attention all Democratic Senators, please report to the second floor caucus room immediately.
  • Attention all Democratic Senators, please report to the second floor caucus room immediately.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, received committee reports, and approved the prior day’s journal by a 50-0 vote. Several members were granted leaves of absence, and the chamber also took up a number of procedural motions, including re-referring Senate Bill 1212 to Appropriations and moving Senate Bill 911 from the table to the calendar. The Senate later recessed for committee meetings and party caucuses, then reconvened to continue floor action. On the calendar, Senate Bill 1206 passed 50-0 after supporters said it would help Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry by allowing manufacturers to pursue state licensure while federal FDA approval is pending, without weakening safety standards. Senate Bill 1273 passed 48-2; its sponsor said it would clarify that turnpike automated plate-reading data may be shared with investigators in missing or endangered persons cases, including Amber Alerts. Several other bills were either agreed to and re-referred to Appropriations or ordered over in their place, including House Bill 681, Senate Bills 1061, 1303, and 1355, and House Bill 1505 and 1667. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 326, where an amendment by Senator Mastriano was adopted and the resolution was then held over as amended. In executive session, the chamber returned several nominations to the governor, then confirmed a slate of gubernatorial nominations, including appointments to the Pennsylvania Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Board, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and several Pennsylvania Army National Guard promotions, by a 50-0 vote. The Senate additionally approved committee-reported bills from Appropriations and Health and Human Services, and signed House Bill 1344 in the presence of the Senate. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action on minimum wage legislation, noting Pennsylvania has not raised the wage since 2006 and pointing to House Bill 2189. Senator Dush delivered extended remarks on the nation’s founding and the religious views of Benjamin Franklin. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until June 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 27th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • chambers two of our colleagues from other states this morning: the minority leader from the House Democratic
  • Caucus in the state of Georgia, Carolyn Hugley, and the Texas House Democratic Caucus chairman, Mr.
  • We also want to thank the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Kyle Green, for his efforts in coordinating
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest prayer by Pastor Lee Shipp, and conducted routine opening business including journal adoption, receipt of confirmation appointments, and House messages naming conferees on several Senate bill disagreements. The chamber also adopted or recognized several personal privilege resolutions and commendations, including honors for Grady Hazel, the Acadiana Veterans Hockey of Louisiana national championship team, Grambling State University’s 125th anniversary and related athletics/band centennials, the 2026 Governor’s Fellows, and a brief address by special guest Ms. Benson. Members then acted on a series of resolutions and concurrent resolutions. The Senate adopted measures creating or requesting study task forces on child permanency, medical malpractice review panels, driving school fees, the Minimum Foundation Program, and earthquake activity in north Louisiana, and it concurred in House resolutions on illegal dumping, gaming board review, behavioral health crisis center reimbursement, Medicaid incentive payment reporting, and a physician review panel study. Several condolence and commendation resolutions also passed, including those honoring Lewis Thomas Nelson and Josephine Ruth Kennedy, and the Senate adopted a resolution urging local governments to consider generator requirements for unlicensed senior and disability residential facilities. The chamber also took up House Bill 723, a motorcycle traffic-signal bill allowing certain two- and three-wheeled vehicles to proceed through malfunctioning vehicle-actuated signals under specified circumstances; after debate about safety and enforcement, it passed 33-3. The Senate then considered numerous House amendments to Senate bills, concurring in most, including bills on fluoridation/local opt-out, public assistance, nutrition, human trafficking training, bulletproof vests, adult residential care generators, cell-cultured food products, public benefits eligibility, attorney-fee limits in disciplinary proceedings, critical infrastructure protections, debit card surcharges, bank stock certificates, child welfare proceedings, digital student IDs, watershed restoration funding, innovation hubs, sports agent registration, and manufactured housing regulation. It rejected House amendments to SB 283 and SB 408 for further negotiation. The session ended with announcements for committee meetings and a recess until 2 p.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 27th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • chambers two of our colleagues from other states this morning: the minority leader from the House Democratic
  • Caucus in the state of Georgia, Carolyn Hugley, and the Texas House Democratic Caucus chairman, Mr.
  • And then we also want to thank the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Kyle Green, for his efforts
Keywords: 974, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/16/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and both enjoy a close partnership grounded in democratic
  • values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and both enjoy a close partnership grounded in democratic
  • times of peace, that undermine voting rights, that usurp legislative authority, all these anti-democratic
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and received routine communications from the governor and House. The body then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2369 on photo-enforcement traffic citations, HB 2423 on advanced math course enrollment, HB 2481 on school district financial records, HB 2621 on access to special education in public schools, and HB 2756 on public utilities and high-load factor customers. Each of these bills received amendments and were advanced with do pass recommendations. Members discussed HB 2423 at length, with supporters saying it would better identify high-achieving students for advanced math while critics argued the larger issue was funding and teacher shortages. HB 2756 also drew debate over data centers, utility reporting, and ratepayer impacts, but was amended and advanced. The Committee of the Whole then rose and reported its recommendations, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also adopted a proclamation supporting stronger Arizona and U.S. relations with Taiwan, and welcomed Taiwan’s Director General Jason Poyon Ma. The chamber calendared HB 2192 for additional Committee of the Whole consideration, adopted a Bolick amendment clarifying that telecom and broadband providers are not included in the definition of online hosting platform, and advanced the bill as amended. Later, the Senate took up third-reading votes on multiple measures, including HB 2249, HB 2482, HB 2641, HB 2661, HB 2662, HB 2673, HB 2745, HB 2752, HB 2895, HB 2923, and several House concurrent memorials on foreign ownership, endangered species, and related federal policy. Most passed, though several senators explained no votes on grounds such as budget concerns, policy objections, or opposition to limiting testimony or subpoena enforcement authority. At the end of the session, the Senate also passed HB 2369, HB 2423, HB 2481, HB 2621, HB 2756, HB 2192, and other listed bills by recorded roll call, with final vote totals announced for each. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, bills were properly assigned, and committee announcements were made for the following Monday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 20, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democratic Caucus is sincere about increasing funding for our public school educators, and we will
  • What is evidenced by this board is that Democrats on this floor are saying that they do not want the
  • The Democrats will caucus in Caucus Room 2 at 10 o'clock in the morning. Excellent.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 24 members present and six excused. After approving the journal, the body recessed for a performance marking America’s 250th birthday, then returned for introductions and recognitions, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol, Children’s Health Day advocates, guests of members, and the doctor of the day. The Senate also handled routine calendar items, including gubernatorial nominations and bill referrals, and appointed Senator Shope to temporarily serve as vice chair of the Finance Committee for the day. The main floor action was on SCR 1032, a measure relating to school district budgets and classroom spending. The bill, as amended, would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with a step-in penalty reducing classroom site fund allocations for continued noncompliance. Senator Hoffman explained the amendment as a moderated version that exempted certain rural/smaller districts and phased in penalties over several years; supporters argued it would ensure more money reaches classrooms and teachers. Opponents, including Senators Epstein, Miranda, Kuby, and others, argued it would micromanage local school districts, ignore important non-classroom costs such as nurses, transportation, counselors, and librarians, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charter schools. The Senate adopted the committee and floor amendments and then passed SCR 1032 on third reading by a vote of 16-12, with 2 not voting, sending it to the House. The Senate also considered SB 1071 concerning the Arizona Rangers. Supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and increase accountability and training transparency. Some members said they expected the House to further amend the measure. SB 1071 passed on third reading by a vote of 17-11, with 2 not voting, and was transmitted to the House. The session concluded with caucus and committee announcements, a recognition of World Down Syndrome Day advocates, an invitation to SRP Day at the Capitol, and adjournment until the next day.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democratic Caucus is sincere about increasing funding for our public school educators, and we will
  • What is evidenced by this board is that Democrats on this floor are saying that they do not want the
  • The Democrats will caucus in Caucus Room 2 at 10 o'clock in the morning. Excellent.
Keywords: 1182, all