Video & Transcript : 'respect' :
Page 84 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jan 28th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And with respect to initiatives by the people to the legislature, it— And with respect to initiatives
- Respecting the structure, respecting the initiatives isn't about the substance.
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1604 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1269 , HB1916 , HB2120 , HB2123 , HB2158 , HB2178 , HB2264 , HB2309 , HB2411 , HJM4004
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jan 28th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And with respect to initiatives by the people to the legislature, it...
- And with respect to initiatives by the people to the legislature, it provides, 'Such initiative measures
- Respecting the structure, respecting the initiatives isn't about the substance.
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1604 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1269 , HB1916 , HB2120 , HB2123 , HB2158 , HB2178 , HB2264 , HB2309 , HB2411 , HJM4004
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized.
The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused.
Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's give our respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment
- Let's give our respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment
- We mourn them, we remember them, and we commit to carrying their stories forward with dignity and respect
- To the families and loved ones who are still living with and respect.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, with the clerk calling the roll and a quorum eventually declared present. The day began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by routine procedural actions: the previous day’s journal was dispensed with, committee reports were deemed read, and several motions were approved, including unanimous consent to allow specified members to speak on adjournments in memory and to let Assemblymember Ortega have guests in the rear of the chamber. The body also gave one-day notice to remove SB 25 from the inactive file.
On the daily file, Assembly Bill 673 was read with amendments and the amendments were deemed adopted. Concurrent items 2 and 3, Governor’s vetoes in items 4 through 77, reconsideration items 79 through 81, and third-reading items 82 through 84 were passed and retained or continued as noted. No substantive floor debate occurred on legislation during the session, which was described as a very short session.
Most of the meeting was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Members honored Monica Lynn Martinez Hayes, a Capitol scheduler and artist; Edwin Silva Brazil, a dairyman and community leader; Grand Master Deng Huiduk, a martial arts instructor and mentor; victims of a Stockton shooting, including four young people; and the victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires. Several members spoke about the fire victims by name and emphasized recovery, resilience, and the need to support affected communities. A moment of silence was observed, the names were ordered printed in the journal, and the House adjourned until Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's give our respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment
- Let's give our respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment
- We mourn them, we remember them, and we commit to carrying their stories forward with dignity and respect
- To the families and loved ones who are still living with and respect.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
SB 2374 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We had worked, I think, extensively with both your respective committees on trying to fine-tune what
- didn't know whether there would be the appetite from the conference committee and, I guess, the respective
- The conference committee and, I guess, the respective committees as a whole in the respective chambers
Summary:
The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices.
The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity.
The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Help us to follow you in a way that we would operate with respect and dignity and integrity, that this
- We'll take the opportunity next week to formally pay our respects as a Senate family.
- Now, I respect and appreciate those who dedicate their careers to public service.
- And when we disagree to do so with love and respect.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. The chamber welcomed cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, former Senate presidents and colleagues, and other guests. Senators also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Geraldine Thompson and former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the Senate dedicated its 2024-2026 handbook to Thompson in recognition of her work in education and civics.
The main action of the day was adoption of SCR 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session in the House chamber at 11 a.m. that day to receive a message from Governor Ron DeSantis. The resolution was adopted without objection, rules were waived, and it was immediately certified to the House. The Secretary was also directed to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to proceed with the 2025 regular session.
In a lengthy opening-day address, the President outlined the session’s priorities, emphasizing rural Florida, citrus and agriculture, government efficiency, IT and cybersecurity reform, administrative rule review, affordability, insurance and property tax relief, autism services, veterans’ support, mental health and child welfare legislation, Everglades restoration, public school administrative efficiency, and food insecurity. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were taken beyond the unanimous adoption of the concurrent resolution. The Senate then adjourned until March 12, 2025, or upon the call of the President.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM, JDC-WAM, JDC-WAM, WAM DEFER, WAM Public Hearings 02-28-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- any consideration exchanged as part of a transaction in violation of section shall revert to the respective
- 36.080><c> the</c> violation of section shall revert to the violation of section shall revert to the respective
- <00:04:37.199><c> parties</c><00:04:38.199><c> questions</c><00:04:38.479><c> or</c> respective parties
- questions or respective parties questions or concerns<00:04:40.240><c> if</c><00:04:40.360><c> not</
Summary:
The Ways and Means committee met in several decision-making agendas and took action on a number of Senate bills. Early in the meeting, members adopted a measure with amendments that removed a section due to legal issues identified by the Attorney General and set an effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee then passed SB 14, SB 1434, SB 1443, and SB 152 unamended, and SB 1612 with amendments clarifying that certain requirements apply to buildings constructed after December 31, 2025, and defining joint custody between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health for inmate mental health services and medications.
In a joint Judiciary and Ways and Means agenda, the committee considered SB 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural land. Members agreed to amendments adding non-impairment-of-contract language and revising enforcement and penalty provisions so consideration exchanged in a violating transaction would revert to the respective parties. The bill was adopted with reservations noted by several members. The committee also took up SB 534 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority and residential development on certain Makakilo Makai parcels, but because there was no consensus, the measure was deferred indefinitely.
Later Ways and Means agendas approved several additional bills, mostly unamended, including SB 878, SB 1146, SB 614, SB 891, SB 964, SB 1559, and SB 503. SB 1379 was passed with amendments adding a blank appropriation for acquisition of land for Community Readiness centers and an emergency operations center, with the funds to lapse on June 30, 2027. SB 1571 was amended to remove an advisory board and restore earlier authority language, and SB 1632 was amended to rank the appropriation and set the date to 2050. Across these votes, measures were generally adopted with some members recording reservations or being excused.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 18th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, please give your respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission to speak on their
- He was old school at his approach, and he respected his institution, and he understood the importance
- I also want to express my condolences and my respects to Paul Gladfelty.
- Members, please give your respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Aug 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Deep in respect, community, and love among all who seek justice and peace. Namaste.
- Deep in respect, community, and love among all who seek justice...
- Respect, community, and love among all who seek justice and peace. Namaste. Thanks be to God. Amen.
- implementing Supreme Court guidance to protect the state's existing prohibition on conversion therapy with respect
- implementing Supreme Court guidance to protect the state's existing prohibition on conversion therapy with respect
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- concern about maintaining a healthy stabilization fund, and that this is an area where they have a respectful
- I think this budget meets the moment as it relates to these issues, with respect to our mental health
- I think this budget meets the moment as it relates to these issues, with respect to our mental health
- He's been respected. But more than that, his service is widely appreciated.
- He's been respected by so many people through the years. And let's give him a round of applause.
Summary:
The Senate first took up and passed several House bills establishing sick leave banks, including House 4182 for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and House 1590 for Eric J. Awaniak. It also advanced and then enacted House 4237, a fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill providing interim funding before final action on the general appropriations act. During the session, Senator Collins also recognized Chaplain Clementina Cherry of the Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute as a distinguished guest, with remarks entered into the record.
The main business was the conference committee report on the fiscal year 2026 state budget, House 4001/House 4240. Senate Ways and Means leadership described the budget as balanced, on time, and fiscally responsible, with $61.01 billion in spending, no new taxes or fees, and a $33 million deposit to the stabilization fund. They highlighted major investments in Chapter 70 school aid, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, unrestricted local aid, MassEducate, universal free school meals, MBTA and regional transit funding, MassHealth, food security, and mental health services. The report also included policy items such as broker fee responsibility, fare-free regional transit, housing studies, a gold star family annuity provision, and a crumbling concrete commission.
Minority leader Senator Tarr and others questioned the spending reductions, use of one-time funds, and the treatment of excess capital gains, arguing for greater fiscal caution and concern about future federal actions and long-term spending growth. Supporters responded that the reductions reflected revenue uncertainty, federal policy risks, and the need to preserve budget stability, while using some one-time sources to balance the plan. The conference report was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-2, the emergency preamble for House 4240 was approved by standing vote, and the FY26 general appropriations bill was then enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate also adopted an order to dispense with printing a calendar for the next session and adjourned until Thursday at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 103 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill, often called the archaic language bill, is about respect.
- It ensures that the statutes speak with the same respect and fairness that our constituents expect from
- It ensures that the statutes speak with the same respect and fairness that our constituents expect from
- send a clear message that Massachusetts laws should uplift, not undermine, include, not exclude, and respect
- , and Representative Garballey of Arlington moved that when the House adjourns today, it do so in respect
Summary:
The House opened with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of several resolutions, such as congratulations to the Williamsburg Grange on its 125th anniversary and to Fire Captain Melissa Blodgett on her retirement. The chamber also concurred in a Senate petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Bristol County Sheriff’s Department employee and suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance local petitions, including one involving the Dalton Fire District and another renaming a Chelmsford bridge.
The main floor action centered on several Ways and Means bills. The House advanced a bill amending laws relative to individuals with disabilities, replacing outdated and offensive terminology in the General Laws with person-first language; members spoke at length in support, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and the bill’s non-substantive nature. The bill was engrossed by a roll call vote, 152-0. The House also took up and engrossed a bill to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a licensing and oversight framework for private-pay home care agencies, establish standards for contracts, background checks, training, insurance, and consumer protections, and create advisory committees to guide implementation. An amendment establishing a Family Caregiver Commission was adopted 154-0, and the bill itself was then engrossed 153-1.
In addition, the House passed or engrossed several other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer services to land in Sharon, a sick leave bank bill for a Trial Court employee, a Marblehead parking fines bill, a Hingham municipal property bill for a center for active living, and a Taunton bill allowing continued employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh. The chamber also handled numerous calendar items, holding or passing over many while advancing a few. The session ended with a special adjournment in memory of former Representative George L. Sacco Jr., and the House adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we love our outdoors, we respect our wildlife.
- We want to make sure that the wildlife is respected in a positive manner and, most of all, make it educational
- supporting working lands for grazing and managed timberlands, requiring a collaborative approach that respects
- supporting working lands for grazing and managed timberlands requiring a collaborative approach that respects
- private property rights while enhancing the stewardship of both ...approach that respects private property
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, wildlife access, and coastal protection. SB 1108 would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in Merced County to coordinate land, water, habitat, and wildlife corridor protection in the largest remaining wetland/grassland complex west of the Mississippi. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District and Audubon California, emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, groundwater sustainability, and voluntary conservation easements; there was no opposition. The committee members generally praised the bill’s regional coordination and ecological significance.
The committee also heard SB 1021, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a program allowing youth with physician-certified life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities under structured supervision. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate, tightly limited program with conservation safeguards, hunter education requirements, reporting, and a sunset. There was no opposition, and members expressed support for the bill’s intent.
SB 949 would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with an emphasis on biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, working lands, and collaboration with tribes and private landowners. Support came from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, and several local and conservation organizations; no opposition was heard. The committee also considered SJR 12, which urges the federal government to remove California from proposed offshore oil and gas leasing plans and calls for stronger environmental review and public engagement. Supporters cited spill risks, coastal economic harm, and prior local and state opposition to offshore drilling. All measures were approved by the committee, with the bills and resolution moving forward on recorded votes, and the consent calendar items were also adopted.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we love our outdoors, we respect our wildlife.
- We want to make sure that the wildlife is respected in a positive manner and, most of all, make it educational
- supporting working lands for grazing and managed timberlands, requiring a collaborative approach that respects
- supporting working lands for grazing and managed timberlands requiring a collaborative approach that respects
- private property rights while enhancing the stewardship of both ...approach that respects private property
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 10th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- So out of respect for Secretary Landry, we'll have Rep. Shamahorn first. House Bill 346, Mr. Odom.
- He was a highly respected attorney in our community, a beloved figure, active in civic organizations.
- He was just universally respected by everybody.
- He was a highly respected attorney in our community, a beloved figure, active in civic organizations.
- He was just universally respected by everybody.
Bills:
HB129 , HB130 , HB148 , HB149 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB360 , HB384 , HB401 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on March 10 and took up a series of highway and bridge naming bills, beginning with House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. The bill was presented with extensive tributes from the sponsor, former colleagues, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry, all praising Salter’s public service, education background, and character. The committee reported HB 346 favorably without objection.
Members then heard House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The sponsor argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed, toll-free bridge project and described possible financing through development districts and federal programs. Some members questioned the political and practical logic of naming a bridge before it is built, while others supported the concept as a way to advance a needed infrastructure project. The committee adopted a roll-call vote and reported HB 221 favorably by 12-2.
The committee also advanced several memorial highway and bridge designations, including HB 356 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr., HB 355 naming Highway 10 in Washington Parish as Veterans Park Memorial Highway, HB 675 naming part of U.S. 425 as the Bill Putt Linder Memorial Highway, HB 657 naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., HB 354 renaming the Magnolia Bridge for Caleb Easterling, HB 358 naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., and HB 384 naming part of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Memorial Highway. Several bills were amended to add or remove the word “Memorial.” The committee reported the measures favorably, with amendments where applicable, and then voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda before adjourning.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think you have to give those people some respect and some flexibility to run their schools with
- I do respect school board members. I sat down with all mine yesterday.
- I do respect the fact... ...I do respect the fact that some schools are running on tighter budgets than
- Just for a quick comment on the substitute motion, with great respect for Representative Wisniewski,
Committee:
House Education
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With respect to hunting rights, the proposed substitute also specifies that there are three circumstances
- The proposed substitute with respect to hunting rights also specifies that there are three circumstances
- All right, the committee is going to recede into our respective caucuses to discuss these bills, and
- not because we don't care and we don't think that those facilities should be run with the utmost respect
- not because we don't care and we don't think that those facilities should be run with the utmost of respect
Summary:
The Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard. On House Bill 1228, which concerns certification of toxicology labs for blood and breath analysis, the committee adopted two amendments: Whale 261 allowing use of an out-of-state private lab under specified conditions, and Pat 341 requiring a Washington State Patrol implementation report by October 1, 2031. Amendment Pat 340 was withdrawn. The bill was then reported out do pass. House Bill 1982, which expands vacation eligibility for convictions tied to treaty Indian rights and directs the Office of Public Defense to provide representation, was also reported out do pass with a proposed substitute that reorganizes the statute and clarifies hunting-rights eligibility. House Bill 2156, concerning Attorney General investigators’ authority, was reported out do pass after a roll-call vote of 6-3.
The committee also approved House Bill 2165, creating the gross misdemeanor of false identification as a peace officer, after adopting a proposed substitute that moves some conduct from criminal impersonation into the new offense, revises defenses, and defines “peace officer”; the bill passed 8-1. House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations and allowing recovery of emergency response costs, was amended to reduce some penalty levels and shorten license suspensions, then reported out do pass. House Bill 2220, relating to the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was held for later action. House Bill 2362, the so-called 0.05 impaired driving bill, drew divided testimony and debate over public safety, toxicology lab capacity, racial disproportionality in traffic stops, and immigration consequences of DUI convictions, but it was ultimately reported out do pass by a 5-4 vote.
House Bill 2403, which modifies provisions on failure to register as a sex offender or kidnapping offender, was reported out do pass after discussion about balancing administrative treatment of the offense against public safety concerns. Finally, House Bill 2464, requiring private detention facilities to report incidents to the Department of Health and law enforcement and requiring annual agency reports, was reported out do pass despite objections that the issue should be handled federally and concerns about state detention practices. The committee then adjourned its executive session.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- allow school districts to adopt rules to require programs of patriotic nature to encourage greater respect
- allow school districts to adopt rules to require programs of patriotic nature to encourage greater respect
- And in the initial bill, there was kind of a section that gave some priority in respect to people that
- And in the initial bill, there was kind of a section that kind of gave some priority in respect to people
- Gave some priority in respect to people that are already working in this space.
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Keywords:
autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment, teacher stipend, salary supplement, professional development, inclusive education, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, behavioral disabilities, school district compensation, collective bargaining
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- With respect to Michael's position, we have kind of divvied his portfolio up a little bit.
- Next to me is Chris Thomas, and she handles much of the WSDOT capital portfolio with respect to highways
- With respect to highways, as well as a few other agencies, TIB, PIMSIB.
- So we have a different system this year than we've had before, and in two respects: one in a process
- respect, and one in that we are going online with an app to make requests for provisos, projects.
Committee:
House Transportation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With respect to Michael's position, we have kind of divvied his portfolio up a little bit.
- And she handles much of the WASHD Capital portfolio with respect to highways, as well as a few other
- With respect to highways, as well as a few other agencies, TIB, PIMSIB.
- So we have a different system this year than we've had before, and in two respects: one in a process
- respect, and one in that we are going online with an app to make requests for provisos, projects.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session.
WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million.
Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Dec 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- He instituted the values of service, integrity, respect, and quality within FDLE, and those values still
- remain strong. ...service, integrity, respect, and quality within FDLE, and those values still remain
- recently there were some issues with some professors and their private comments on social media with respect
- So can you explain to everyone what CDR McGuire does with respect to the Everglades Detention Center?
- been awarded under those master services agreements were asked to provide a bid and a proposal with respect
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several executive appointments, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his long law-enforcement career, social work background, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, reclassifying juvenile detention and probation officers as officers under statute, adding beds to move youth from detention into residential programs, and increasing per diem funding. Members asked about detention “dead time” and the need to get adjudicated youth into programming sooner. Public testimony included support from Barney Bishop and Christian Minor, and the committee voted unanimously to approve Walsh’s nomination and forward it to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee for the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background as CEO of CDR Health, her education, and extensive nonprofit and board service, including leadership roles with the Florida Grand Opera, the Homeless Trust of Miami-Dade County, FAU, and the Hope Florida Foundation. Senators questioned her about free speech issues involving FAU faculty, her relationship with the new FAU president, student diversity, AI and workforce planning, and her prior role on Hope Florida. She also answered questions about her company’s work at the Everglades detention center and the bidding process for state contracts. Public testimony opposed her nomination, citing concerns about her business ties, Hope Florida, and detention-center contracts. Debate split largely along partisan lines, and the committee approved her nomination on a recorded vote.
Afterward, the committee took up the remaining nominations in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, and approved them as a group by voice/recorded vote for forwarding to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.