Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session / Gov. Bob Ferguson State-of-the-State Address Jan 13th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The 22nd Governor of the State of Washington, the Honorable Chris Gregoire.
- President, it is absolutely Governor Bob Ferguson has arrived.
- , Governor Bob Ferguson.
- Governor Gregoire, as you know, is with us today.
- Thank you so very much, Governor Ferguson. Always an inspiration.
Summary:
The joint session of the Washington Legislature convened to receive Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address, with the House and Senate roll called and a quorum confirmed. The chamber recognized Supreme Court justices, statewide elected officials, tribal leaders, consular corps members, and other guests before the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem by the Wapato High School Choir, a prayer by Reverend Indiana Driver Gimmer, and a poem by State Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield. The governor opened by thanking those present and highlighting recent flooding as a major test of the state’s resilience, praising first responders, National Guard members, WSDOT crews, and local leaders for their response and recovery efforts.
In his address, Ferguson said Washington’s economy remains strong but argued the state must make major investments in transportation, ferries, housing, and affordability. He proposed more than a billion dollars for bridge repairs, $164 million for road paving this summer, another billion dollars for three new ferries, and a $244 million housing investment. He also called for a millionaire’s tax to fund expanded Working Families Tax Credit benefits, tax relief for small businesses, more K-12 funding, and affordability measures such as utility bill credits and expanded energy assistance. He criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics and changes at the CDC, urged action on a bill limiting masked law enforcement, and said Washington should rely on science-based public health guidance through state-led efforts.
The governor also highlighted several bills and proposals he said he would support, including expanded early learning for military families, modular housing standards, reckless driving changes, improved crash data access, wildfire air support for local fire departments, fee refunds when agencies miss processing deadlines, and a campaign to improve FAFSA completion rates. He said his administration has already reduced processing times for several licenses and wants government to be more responsive. After the address, the joint session was dissolved by motion and vote, and the House then adjourned until January 14 at 10:30 a.m.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Justice, justice not for the powerful alone, but especially for those whose voices are hardest to hear
- Executive Office of the Governor, Tallahassee, to the Honorable Members of the Florida Senate and House
- session that is within the purview of the Governor's proclamation or of a communication from the Governor
- Now therefore, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority
- Ron DeSantis, Governor. Attest: Cord Byrd, Secretary of State. The reading of the proclamation, Mr.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- They have blurred that distinction, advertising more powerful motor vehicles as e-bikes.
- I supported the large truck bill that the Governor has repeatedly vetoed.
- Governor has repeatedly vetoed.
- That implicates the literal police powers of the city.
- , police powers, are available as immediately as possible.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Jul 8th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As governor of Texas, I will do everything in my power to assist federal officials to stop this fraudulent
- Governor Abbott, I know you really hate when that happens.
- What Governor Abbott described in his statement is alarming.
- Once the power goes out, trust me... Right? I mean, seriously, once the power goes out, trust me.
- I'm grateful now that the lieutenant governor put me on it.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones, Consuelo Gaines, Y’all saying Young, Grace Francis with Power Coalition, Eugene Bibbins with Power
- Coalition, Robert Horton with Bob Power Coalition, Melissa Francis with Power Coalition, Hicks, Denise
- Power Coalition.
- Coalition, Kiera Hickerson, Robert Jones, Imani Peace with Power Coalition.
- Somebody from Power Coalition of Equity and Justice, but they didn't sign.
Keywords:
HB 36, Act 780, Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, juvenile justice, juveniles, Evangeline Parish, regional district, board of commissioners, commission membership, Louisiana juvenile law, R.S. 15:1109, R.S. 15:1109.1, parish governance, district boundaries, local government, HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/23/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to come collectively governor.
- She also asked whether the governor should be referenced instead of the 50 states' governors, saying
- I I wasn't signed by the governor.
- When a nation attacks it, I power tend to do wrong. They can power tend to do wrong.
- </c><05:08:41.200><c> of</c> consequences or the economic power of consequences or the economic power
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- That's then Governor Cuomo.
- Governor Cuomo.
- , the last governor, or the governor before.
- the governor before.
- I had three governors. I had Governor Paterson, my dear friend.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and Chair Erik Bottcher presiding. The committee considered a series of bills affecting New York City and related tax, housing, and municipal issues. Early measures included a neighborhood small business rent increase exemption (S.1451A), notice to community boards before locating transitional housing (S.3884), a solar and energy storage tax abatement credit (S.4272A), towing protection enforcement (S.4793), safety policies and training for correction and health workers (S.543?), and a proposal to create the city of Staten Island (S.8578). Most of these bills were advanced to other committees after brief discussion and voice votes.
The most extensive debate centered on S.8578, which would incorporate Staten Island as a separate city. Senator Lanza argued that Staten Island has long been neglected by New York City, cited past referendums and historical grievances, and urged the committee to let the bill continue through the process. Chair Bottcher and other members responded that Staten Island is an important part of New York City and discussed housing, transit, environmental preservation, and the City of Yes zoning changes; several members said they did not support secession but were open to continued conversation about Staten Island’s needs. After debate, the bill was defeated in committee.
The committee also considered an artist housing preferences bill (S.9652), a facade-work tax abatement bill (S.9559), a parkland discontinuance measure (S.9987), and a credit/debit card surcharge prohibition bill (S.1005). S.9652, S.9559, S.9987, and S.1005 were reported out after voice votes. One homeless shelter placement bill (S.5554) failed. The meeting concluded after the final votes and adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/18/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Granite Shore Power, as a reminder, is an independent power producer with over a thousand megawatts of
- as a reminder 233 um gr andore power as a reminder independent<00:30:06.519><c> power</c><00:30:06.799
- I have worked with Senate members and Granite Shore Power.
- I have worked with Senate members and Granite Shore Power.
- </c><01:15:04.040><c> from</c> because we can probably make power from because we can probably make power
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I would admonish the governor, but I've given up.
- I ask that we push back on this budget and have the governor return with a more equitable budget.
- And also suspend the SNF backup power system requirement.
- But I wanted to go back to family care and something that Governor Newsom recently said.
- And three, the governor himself has spoken out against this kind of cut.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:05 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you talk about dispatchable power, we're talking about power that's available all the time, 24
- The United States Navy has operated nuclear-powered submarines for more than 70 years and nuclear-powered
- France gets 70% of its power from nuclear power for the entire country.
- France gets 70% of its power from nuclear power for the entire country.
- that was presumably green power.
Keywords:
nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Dispatchable power.
- So when you talk about dispatchable power, we're talking about power that's available all the time, 24
- France gets 70% of their power from nuclear power for the entire country.
- France gets 70% of its power from nuclear power for the entire country.
- Nuclear power and the IEA.
Keywords:
nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 78, which would classify nuclear energy as renewable energy. Senator Thornton and supporters argued that New Mexico needs dispatchable, baseload power and that nuclear should be added to the state’s renewable portfolio standard because wind and solar are intermittent and require extensive land, mining, and battery storage. Supporters also emphasized nuclear’s zero-carbon profile, the safety record of U.S. Navy reactors, the possibility of small modular reactors, and the fact that New Mexico already uses nuclear-generated electricity from out of state. Opponents, including Senator O’Malley and Senator Charlie, argued nuclear is not renewable because it relies on finite uranium and creates long-lived radioactive waste, and they raised concerns about uranium mining impacts, waste storage, and the bill’s lack of a limiting principle. The committee voted 5-4 to do not pass the bill, with Senators Cervantes, Hamblen, O’Malley, Lopez, and Charlie voting yes on the do-not-pass motion and Senators Ezell, Scott, and Thornton voting no; the chair then explained that the vote reflected disagreement over whether nuclear should be labeled renewable, not opposition to nuclear power itself.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, with a committee substitute. Sponsor Senator Steinborn said the substitute would restore existing renewable benchmarks for microgrids, require large microgrids to meet zero-carbon targets by 2045, add reporting and PRC oversight, and close a loophole that could let utilities buy microgrid power and shift costs to ratepayers. Supporters, including environmental groups and community advocates, said the bill was needed to regulate large data-center microgrids such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which they said could drive major emissions, ozone, and nitrogen oxide pollution, strain water supplies, and undermine state climate goals. They also argued the bill would protect ratepayers and ensure transparency and community benefits.
Opponents, including Americans for Prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce, oil and gas associations, Xcel Energy, PNM, Consumer Energy Alliance, and economic development groups, argued the bill would impose unnecessary regulation on private microgrids, slow investment, raise costs, and reduce flexibility for reliability projects and industrial development. They said microgrids are already regulated for safety and interconnection, and that the bill could discourage projects in New Mexico. In response, Steinborn said the bill was necessary because current law leaves a loophole for large polluting microgrids and because several major projects are already planned or underway. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but the transcript ends before a final vote on SB 235 is taken.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Jan 27th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's what I think the governor is doing more than anything.
- And that's what I think the governor is doing more than anything.
- Here, and that's what I think the governor is doing more than anything.
- And we know that Governor Ferguson has urgently supported. Or tomorrow.
- And we've seen other Democrat governors do the right thing.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders used the media availability to argue that the Democratic majority is making Washington less affordable through new taxes and fees. They cited measures including a utility surcharge bill, expanded producer responsibility costs for clothing, a tire fee bill, proposed tobacco and pharmaceutical taxes, and speculation about an income tax, saying these would raise the cost of living and burden working families and small businesses. They also criticized a bill affecting initiative procedures, calling it an attack on direct democracy, and said Republicans would continue to oppose measures they view as adding costs or limiting voter input.
A major portion of the discussion focused on immigration-related bills and public safety. Republicans condemned Governor Ferguson’s comments about events in Minnesota as inflammatory and said the incidents there should be investigated without political escalation. They also opposed a bill to restrict face coverings for federal immigration officers, arguing it would not be enforceable and would not affect federal law enforcement. Another bill they criticized would allow the state health department to fine the Northwest Detention Center if inspections are blocked; Republicans said the state lacks authority to regulate the federal government in that way. They also rejected a proposal to bar ICE agents hired under the second Trump administration from future law enforcement jobs in Washington, saying it was political messaging and inconsistent with the state’s public safety needs.
The caucuses also discussed several other bills and policy areas. They said they were generally supportive of restoring College Bound and Washington College Grants funding for private nonprofit colleges, but only if done through the budget without new taxes. They backed a proposal to increase accountability and reporting for nonprofit organizations involved in state programs, citing concerns about fraud in mortgage assistance and other state programs. On a housing bill that would limit local enforcement of anti-camping ordinances, House Republicans said the measure was delayed for further work and that cities were worried about implementation and liability. In closing, Republicans said they would keep pushing solutions centered on affordability, transparency, and public safety while continuing to oppose what they described as politically driven bills from the majority.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> commitment, and what you all just power commitment, and what you all just power and<00:09:06.840
- However, I don't think they need our money. the governor zeroed out two million the governor zeroed out
- </c><01:04:35.840><c> chose</c><01:04:36.600><c> uh</c> what the governor chose uh what the governor
- </c> I think saying to the governor I think saying to the governor that<01:06:35.040><c> we</c><01:06
- Thank you, by the governor. All right.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House.
The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up.
During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jul 22nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Steam-powered stripper shovels, steam-powered loading shovels.
- The next step was diesel-powered equipment, diesel-powered trucks, diesel-powered loading shovels was
- Low power is very important.
- Power costs for our food processing, for the power for grain drying and everything else, and just for
- And then you had this huge influx of power coming in an area that was short power to begin with.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 25 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And ironically, if you read the opinion, in Governor Shapiro's brief, he asked that retroactivity not
- And ironically, if you read the opinion, in the Governor Shapiro's brief, he asked that retroactivity
- And also, I think it bears mention that the Governor and his brief before the court maintain that while
- Those are the type of things, not not That the governor proposed that we need to be talking about.
- But until the governor stops making unilateral decisions that benefit people in other states, people
Summary:
The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House.
The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over.
Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor Newsom's state budget proposal acknowledges this.
- So even this year, our Board of Governors toured rural communities.
- So we’re power,” “There is the opportunity for successful launching of first jobs.
- The CSU is one of the most powerful economic engines of the state.
- COLAs are not discretionary bonuses; they're essential to maintaining purchasing power.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 2
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> well, that being said, the governor well, that being said, the governor feels<01:26:15.440><c> that
- </c> in the bill would prevent the governor in the bill would prevent the governor from<01:29:19.120>
- </c><01:31:37.120><c> notwithstanding</c> veto of the governor notwithstanding veto of the governor notwithstanding
- No delivery to the Governor or to the Secretary of State?
- Without >> No delivery to the governor or to the >> No delivery to the governor or to the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in recent years, geothermal power has emerged after a long dormancy as a leading energy source for
- Geothermal power has many advantages, including resiliency, redundancy, and dispatchability, as well
- All militaries have a systemic critical vulnerability in that they depend on civilian power grids to
- So what that means... ...you can drill your geothermal well inside the base, generate your power, and
- There were many power outages in South Texas.
Keywords:
carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Governor. Reports of standing committees. Reports of select committees.
- MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES. REPORTS OF SELECT COMMITTEES.
- Knowledge is power.
- KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
- WILLIAMS AND BROOKS POWERS, THE TWO COUNCILMEMBERS ARE DELTAS SO I'M SURROUNDED BY DELTA.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions.
The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition.
The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding
- It establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding
- Will Kane, senior adviser for the Office of the Governor, is offering comments, and Frank Schultz is
- to the governor as to whether<00:07:22.879><c> the</c><00:07:23.000><c> coordinator</c><00:07:23.400
- Lars Troutman said that an arrest is a powerful, useful tool for law enforcement, but they frequently
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years.
HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice.
HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.