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NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Children and Family Law (05/13/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • We divided it intentionally, five and five, Democrats and Republicans.
  • We divided it intentionally, five and five, Democrats and Republicans.
  • We divided it intentionally, five and five, Democrats and Republicans.
  • We divided it intentionally, five and five, Democrats and Republicans.
  • We divided it intentionally, five and five, Democrats and Republicans.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Family Court Subcommittee of the Children and Family Law Committee convened under Chairman Mark Pearson to continue work begun by the prior special committee on the family division of circuit court. Pearson emphasized a collaborative, consensus-based approach with the judiciary and said the subcommittee would build on earlier “low-hanging fruit” reforms while tracking how prior changes are actually working. He also explained that the subcommittee would likely form smaller working groups, with informal meetings allowed so long as they stayed within open-meeting limits. The main policy focus was House Bill 652, which was retained by the committee, along with broader questions about what additional changes family court should make. Members divided the work into two broad areas: pre-trial and trial issues. Pre-trial topics included alternative dispute resolution, mediation training and supervision, counseling/therapy for litigants with issues such as PTSD, and improving materials for pro se litigants, including New Hampshire Bar forms and instructions. The committee also discussed whether to use input from prior testimony, former litigants, other states, and legislative researchers, and whether some of the work should be assigned to two-person subgroups to allow flexible research and outreach. For trial-related issues, members identified additional training for family court judges, whether judges should be dedicated solely to family court, and how to handle the overlap between civil and criminal matters, especially domestic violence and divorce cases. Representative Raymond raised concerns about courtroom recordings and whether judges’ behavior and record preservation were adequate; Aaron Kan of the court system responded that circuit court recording practices and staffing had not changed, that circuit court lacks the court monitors used in superior court, and that resource limits prevent similar staffing. Raymond also raised the cost of obtaining trial transcripts for pro se litigants; Kan explained that transcripts are produced by private vendors because the court system no longer employs court reporters, and that the fees reflect that outsourced service rather than a court-imposed markup. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue gathering information and assigning subtopics for further study.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDU Public Hearing 03-12-2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee.
  • I'm Sophia Howell testifying in support of House Bill 429 on behalf of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi
  • ><00:09:21.600><c> behalf</c><00:09:21.839><c> of</c><00:09:21.959><c> the</c><00:09:22.079><c> democratic
  • </c> Bill 429 on behalf of the democratic Bill 429 on behalf of the democratic party<00:09:22.800><c>
  • </c> party of ha and myself the Democratic party of ha and myself the Democratic party<00:09:25.800><
Keywords: 912, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • <c> part</c><00:38:27.640><c> of</c><00:38:27.720><c> Hawaii</c><00:38:28.040><c> education</c> Democratic
  • part of Hawaii education Democratic part of Hawaii education caucus<00:38:28.800><c> offering</c><00
  • </c><00:57:36.480><c> party</c> support we have the Democratic party support we have the Democratic party
  • Anyways, I am the vice chair for the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and I’m also here in
  • I'm also chair of the Kaʻī Democratic Party, and I'm an auntie in a small rural community.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Transportation committee approves HF5 1/22/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democrats did not do that. This bill will do that and move that across the line, hopefully.
  • We're high on that with what the Democrats have done this last year with a $10 billion tax increase.
  • </c><00:01:08.320><c> did</c><00:01:08.479><c> not</c> that was not done the Democrats did not that was
  • not done the Democrats did not do<00:01:08.880><c> that</c><00:01:09.479><c> this</c><00:01:09.640><
  • have done this last what the Democrats have done this last year<00:02:14.519><c> with</c><00:02:14.640
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democrats did not do that. This bill will do that and move that across the line.
  • We're high on that with what the Democrats have done this last year with a $10 billion tax increase.
  • :30.200><c> do</c><00:01:30.400><c> that</c><00:01:31.000><c> this</c><00:01:31.159><c> bill</c> Democrats
  • did did not do that this bill Democrats did did not do that this bill will<00:01:31.560><c> do</c><00
  • have done this last year with Democrats have done this last year with a<00:02:36.239><c> $10</c><00:
Keywords: 1183, house
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

Committee on Finance - 05/06/26

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • versus Republicans and how folks come to the table, and they take Democratic positions.
  • continue to be a process and a body that serves the entire state without looking at whether it's a Democrat
  • continue to be a process and a body that serves the entire state without looking at whether it's a Democrat
  • continue to be a process and a body that serves the entire state without looking at whether it's a Democrat
  • continue to be a process and a body that serves the entire state without looking at whether it's a Democrat
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> course, particularly uh on the Democrat course, particularly uh on the Democrat side<01:32:57.760
  • Last year, this committee, we all sat side by side—Democrat, Republican, Democrat, Republican.
  • sat side Last year this committee we all sat side by<01:34:55.840><c> side</c><01:34:56.239><c> Democrat
  • ,</c><01:34:56.719><c> Republican,</c><01:34:57.199><c> Democrat,</c> by side Democrat, Republican, Democrat
  • , by side Democrat, Republican, Democrat, Republican.<01:34:58.239><c> We</c><01:34:58.320><c> shared
Keywords: 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi in support. Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi in support.
  • Barbara Penn, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Kūpuna Caucus, in support.
  • Barbara Penn, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Kūpuna Caucus, in support.
  • Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus in support. Limby? Hawaii in support.
  • Democratic Party of Hawaii in support. Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus in support.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • The survey went to pro-life voters, pro-choice voters, Democrat, Republican, Catholic, Baptist.
  • The survey went to pro-life voters, pro-choice voters, Democrat, Republican, Catholic, Baptist.
  • I don't know whether Republican, Democrat, politically homeless, independent. None of us do.
  • this to say that I hope that this becomes something that's more than just pro-life, pro-choice, Democrat
  • I hope that this becomes something that's more than just pro-life, pro-choice, Democrat, Republican,
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred. The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 28th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is not a partisan, Democratic or Republican measure.
  • It's not Democrat, Republican.
  • I think we should make sure that if we, partisan, Democratic or Republican measure, this should be something
  • It's not Democrat, Republican.
  • It's not like talking about the Democrats or the libertarians or the Republicans.
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But they will be impacted by the confluence of bills that This Senate Democratic majority is passing
  • New York, and what we're doing is standing here and taking the lead, as we always do here in the Democratic
  • NEW YORK AND WHAT WE'RE DOING IS STANDING HERE AND TAKING THE LEAD AS WE ALWAYS DO HERE IN THE DEMOCRATIC
  • Out in any district, the Democrat and Chronicle reported that nearly 67,000 households were behind on
  • OUT IN ANY DISTRICT THE DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICAL REPORTED THAT NEARLY 67,000 HOUSEHOLDS WERE BEHIND ON
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because we are the democratically elected representatives of the people.
  • rests the power to do A no vote rests the power to determine who is eligible, not among us, the democratically
  • exists in both packages that we've seen, both of these conformity bills before, as well as the Democratic
  • You have the Democratic governor putting out forms that say one thing and the Democratic caucus in the
Keywords: 1182, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:32 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our leadership on the Democratic side set up a system to avoid overlaps.
  • Then our leadership ignored that system and scheduled the Democratic Caucus Dinner on February 4th, which
  • Passing this resolution respects voter sovereignty, honors democratic norms, and allows the people of
  • speaking on behalf of the 1,300-plus members of the Central New Mexico chapter of the Progressive Democrats
  • It was a joint effort, with both a Republican and a Democrat sponsoring that amendment, which went to
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House sends governor higher education finance bill, SF1 6/9/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now I know that in our 201 here in the legislature, we have 100 Republicans and 101 Democrats.
  • here in the legislature, we have 100 Republicans<00:20:34.799><c> and</c><00:20:35.280><c> 101</c> Democrats
  • </c> Democrats. I know very well the numbers. Democrats. I know very well the numbers.
  • So, the Senate Democrats cut former Chair Mariani's nonprofit money of $90,000. We did not.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • That is the uh Senate Democrat target.
  • That is the uh Senate Democrat target.
  • That is the uh Senate Democrat target.
  • That is the uh Senate Democrat target.
  • That is the uh Senate Democrat target.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 17th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HR 370 by Reynolds, Houston, Black America, Democrats, HR 372 by Isaac.
  • that one of the things that I really dislike about being in political life is that so many times as Democrats
  • A formal vote to take this down and my Democrat peers are in our back chastising and playing silly games
  • I don't think that any member of this body, Democrat or Republican, should be asked to drink a little
  • house of representatives should be required to vote the entire calendar up or down republican or democrat