Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Committee'

Page 85 of 500
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 13th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator, come on down. Just pick a seat at the end of the table and welcome to the committee.
  • Chairman, with you, if this is the first bill that the Senator has laid out in committee.
  • Chairman, I'd like to remind my friends on the committee that the Senate passed an anti-hazing bill.
  • Senator Birdwell sends up the committee substitute.
  • Hearing none, the Senate Committee on State Affairs stands in recess until 30 minutes upon adjournment
Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HOU Public Hearing 01-27-2026

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good afternoon, and welcome to the Committee on Housing for the Hawaii State Senate.
  • Our Vice Chair, Senator Hashimoto, our brand new member, Senator Alfonte, and returning members, Senators
  • on Senate Bill 2070? on Senate Bill 2070?
  • All of the other bills, Senate Bill 2060, Senate Bill 2063, Senate Bill 2062, and Senate Bill 2070, will
  • Senator Elefante. >> Aye. >> Senator Rhoads. Aye. >> Senator Fevella. >> Aye.
Summary: The committee heard five housing measures, with the chair announcing that SB 2060, SB 2063, SB 2062, and SB 2069 were works in progress and that decision-making would be deferred to February 3. SB 2060 would allow HHFDC, with Finance approval, to transfer money within the rental housing revolving fund and its subaccounts without further legislative authorization, including a transfer to the mixed-income subaccount for FY 2026-2027. HHFDC and other supporters said the change would give the agency more flexibility to move projects forward, while Catholic Charities Hawaii and a testifier from Roars and Cares supported the bill but warned that shifting money away from lower-income housing could weaken efforts to serve households under 80% of area median income and people at risk of homelessness. HHFDC said the fund’s uncommitted balance was about $100 million and that demand exceeded available resources. SB 2063 would revise the mixed-income subaccount by changing project priorities, adding new criteria, allowing transfers within the subaccount without legislative approval, and directing conveyance tax revenues into the subaccount. HHFDC, OPSD, LURF, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Stanford Carr Development, and Roars and Cares supported the measure, while Catholic Charities urged the committee to keep rental and for-sale housing policy separate and to use other mechanisms for homeownership. Catholic Charities said the rental housing revolving fund should remain focused on rentals, and that for-sale initiatives should be addressed separately. The chair indicated an intent to defer the bill for further edits. SB 2062 would make the dwelling unit revolving fund equity pilot a permanent HHFDC program, allowing the agency to buy equity in for-sale developments to lower initial purchase prices and require repayment through shared appreciation. HHFDC said the pilot had been successful, with 83 units committed and $7.6 million of the $10 million program cap already committed, and said permanence would let the agency pair the program with DERF loans earlier in project financing. The chair said SB 2069 would be used as the vehicle for amendments to the DERF equity program and related changes. SB 2069 would authorize HHFDC to use existing dwelling unit revolving fund balances for the equity pilot; it drew support from HHFDC and several housing organizations. SB 2070 would create a permanently affordable for-sale housing program by replacing the current 10-year buyback restriction with a resale price cap tied to an appreciation index, which HHFDC said would preserve affordability while allowing owners to build equity. In questioning, senators pressed HHFDC on whether the bill was necessary, whether it would remove first-time homebuyer and other ownership restrictions, and whether the new program was truly “permanently affordable” if not tied to AMI. HHFDC said the current statutory restrictions limit flexibility, that the proposal would expand access to local residents, and that the price cap would be based on about 4.5% annual appreciation. Supporters said the approach would help buyers move up the housing ladder, while some senators expressed concern that it could open the program to owners of multiple properties and that the committee should see sales-velocity data on existing restricted units before proceeding.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Bettencourt sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1871, and Senator Perry, you're
  • For the committee, so we'll proceed with Senate Bill 1872.
  • Thank you, Senator Bettencourt. Committee substitute.
  • Senator Hinojosa sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1924.
  • Senator Hinojosa moves adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1924.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome back, the Senate Committee on State Affairs will come to order.
  • to come before the committee and lay out the committee's substitute today for Senate Bill 1356.
  • Thank you, Senator Parker, and Senator Parker has explained the committee subset which he sends up at
  • Members, any questions on the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1355?
  • The Senate Committee on State Affairs stands in recess subject to call of the chair.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:01:01.359> Thank Senator Berg. Senator Carol. Senator Meredith.
  • >> Senator McDaniel. >> Senator McDaniel.
  • > Karen Senator Craig Richardson, Senator Karen Senator Craig Richardson, Senator Karen Berg,<
  • So, um, I presented earlier in February to the Senate Committee on Health.
  • of<02:03:24.239> our, the Senate Committee on Health of our, the Senate Committee on Health
Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Board meeting opened with quorum, approval of the March 9 and March 16, 2026 minutes, and a welcome to new member Representative Willner. The board then heard a presentation from the Department of Medicaid Services on several statutory reports: the quarterly budget analysis (LRC) report, the quarterly MCO report, the provider tax and assessment report, the enrollee demographic report, the annual behavioral health/substance use disorder utilization report, and the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Bechal explained the reports and answered questions. On spending, DMS said the quarterly budget analysis report should be read using the summary tabs because the first tab reflects only traditional Medicaid and does not include all populations. Lee said the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 showed about $191 million more in waiver spending than the same period last year, about $250 million more in other categories such as nursing facilities, CCBHCs, and FQHCs, and roughly $450 million more in total fee-for-service spending. She also noted that Medicare Part D premiums are 100% state funds and estimated the state-fund increase at about $140 million. For managed care, DMS said pharmacy, inpatient hospital, and outpatient hospital spending made up about 66% of MCO payments so far this fiscal year. Members asked about administrative costs, provider tax impacts, citizenship-status categories, medical loss ratio, and whether the reports could be expanded to show recoupments and citizenship-based spending. DMS clarified that the spending figures discussed were benefit costs only, not administrative costs, and said administrative match rates vary. On the provider tax and directed payments report, Lee said the new CMS proposed rule would allow separate payment terms to continue through the grandfathering period, but that the impact would be substantial for providers even if the administrative effect was minimal. She also said DMS was still reviewing unusual citizenship categories such as “other” and “unspecified,” and would provide more information on medical loss ratio and recoupments if available. Auditor Ball raised concerns about alleged waste, duplicate Social Security numbers, ineligible enrollees, and high error rates in other programs. Lee responded that Medicaid focuses on fraud, waste, and abuse, but said the cited $800 million figure was not factual because it did not account for people enrolled in more than one Medicaid program at the same time. She said DMS is reviewing eligibility systems, including changes tied to community engagement requirements, and is working with the cabinet’s eligibility staff and ombudsman division on error rates. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Apr 1st, 2026

Public Safety and Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • other members of the committee? other members of the committee?
  • to do with the senator who got a ticket. to do with the senator who got a ticket.
  • In a committee meeting in the Senate county municipal government, uh, there was some indication by the
  • Chairman and Senator.
  • Chairman and Senator. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Senator.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • agrees upon, it comes to this committee and whether it's perfect or not it has to survive committee
  • They actually came over and helped testify at the Senate and during the committee, and nobody there was
  • It made it through the committee, made it through the Senate floor with zero no votes at the time.
  • Members, we will hear Senate Bill 1037. Are we ready? We're ready. Senate Bill 1037. Mr.
  • Chair and members of the committee.
Summary: The committee first considered SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law statute to expressly include Sharia law and certain foreign religious or cultural laws or customs that condone practices such as honor killings or other conduct violating criminal law. The sponsor said the bill was meant to strengthen enforcement against foreign, private, or religious adjudications that violate constitutional rights, while opponents, including the ACLU, argued it was unconstitutional, singled out Islam, and was part of a broader anti-Muslim effort. After extended debate, the committee approved SB 1018 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard SB 1568, requiring election systems and software clocks to be set to accurate time and verified during logic and accuracy, compatibility, and security testing. Supporters said accurate timekeeping is important for chain of custody and election integrity; county representatives opposed the bill as impractical because some equipment is not connected to the internet, batteries can drain, and different time zones in Arizona complicate compliance. The bill passed 4-3. Next, SB 1687 proposed moving primary elections to the Tuesday before Memorial Day, adjusting nomination paper filing windows, and changing the date used to calculate required petition signatures. A Marquez amendment dealing with Clean Elections timing and funding was offered but defeated. The sponsor said the bill would reduce extreme heat burdens and improve participation; county officials were neutral but noted timing changes would require broader cleanup. The committee then approved SB 1687 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered SB 1825, which changes how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled by giving legislative district chairs or county chairs authority depending on the situation and requiring action within 30 days. Supporters said it would streamline a slow, opaque process and improve local control; opponents warned it could concentrate power and be abused. An amendment limiting the bill to counties over 500,000 people was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent. Finally, the committee revisited SB 1037, which imposes security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet connectivity, user logins, chain-of-custody controls, and continuous video recording at counting centers. An amendment broadened the bill to cover election management systems and tightened the no-connectivity and no-port provisions. The sponsor and amendment proponent argued the bill was needed to prevent indirect internet access and strengthen election security. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 1037.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Leek. Senator Martin. Senator Mayfield. Senator McClain. Senator Smith. Senator Truenow.
  • Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today?
  • Any other business before the committee? Senator Leak moves that we adjourn.
  • Does any senator wish to be recorded is voting on bills before the committee today? Senator Polsky.
  • Any other business before the committee? Senator Leak moves, we adjourned.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025

Corrections

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder to the committee and our visitors and witnesses today, the House committees are subject
  • The chair offers up a committee substitute.
  • Chairman, members of the committee.
  • Also, I look. at this committee, and this committee is full of strong, very smart members who care a
  • I'm the Chairman, members of the committee.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

General Government Feb 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • In addition to the speaker and the pro tem of the Senate.
  • You're unable to declare the bill has passed out of committee.
  • I encourage you to vote for this committee.
  • Chairman, and thank you, committee.
  • That'll be that concludes this committee meeting.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Romo? Senator Diaz? Senator Parkwood? Present. Senator Kavanaugh? Here. Senator Roger?
  • I'm a board member with AACM, and I wanted to thank Senator Farnsworth and the committee.
  • And if we have big ideas, as Senator Mesnard is bringing to our committee and into the Senate, and I
  • And if we have big ideas, as Senator Mesdard is bringing to our committee into the Senate, and I really
  • The committee consists of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, the Senate and House majority
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1825, which would shift precinct committeeman vacancy applications in certain cases from county party chairs to legislative district chairs and require the list of nominees to be submitted within five days. Supporters said the bill would streamline a bottlenecked process and better reflect local party leadership, while the County Supervisors Association said it had no issue with the basic structure but objected to the five-day deadline. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee then considered SB 1566, a measure aimed at preventing municipalities, counties, the state, and state agencies from maliciously delaying permits or approvals, with enforcement by the Attorney General and civil penalties. After a strike-everything amendment narrowed the bill mainly to single-family residential construction and clarified terms, the sponsor and home builders argued it would deter intentional delays that increase housing costs, while one member raised concerns about breadth and public safety or planning issues. The amended bill passed 3-2, with two not voting. SB 1571, as amended, would bar monopoly utilities with a defined customer base from passing marketing, sponsorship, community relations, and similar costs through to ratepayers, and would require annual public reporting and an attestation that such costs were not passed on. Support came from the sponsor, the Home Builders Association, and environmental advocates, while a municipal power users representative warned the language could be too broad for small public utilities and emergency communications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the bill a do pass as amended recommendation by a 4-2 vote, with one not voting. Later, the committee approved SB 1501, which expands the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee’s review authority to include whether agency rules or policies exceed statutory authority, and SB 1805, which requires county recorders to verify that a notary on a quitclaim deed is actively commissioned before recording the deed. It also passed SB 1808, as amended, to prohibit HOAs and condominium associations from banning flags of nations designated as major non-NATO allies, and SB 1688, as amended, to require certain membership associations receiving public dues support to disclose fees and allow opt-outs. SB 1246, as amended, increased the delinquency thresholds and time periods before HOA/condo foreclosure on common expense liens, and passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1428 was introduced to expand county boards of supervisors in larger counties, with debate focused on representation, cost, and the differing constitutional roles of counties and cities; the transcript cuts off before any final action on that bill.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary May 7th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Recently, the chairs of the House and the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committees kind of changed
  • And so Representative Owen chairs the House Committee and Senator Bass chairs the Senate Committee.
  • Senator Miller, appreciate what you did for me yesterday in your committee, so I'm going to call you
  • Senate Bill 510 by Representative, I'm sorry, by Senator Senate Bill 510 by Senator Jay Morris provides
  • Committee members, I'm very proud to bring Senate Bill 34 on behalf of Senator McMath.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate and House bills, mostly dealing with courts, veterans, public safety, and licensing. Early actions included favorable reports on SB 317, which adds the House and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, and SB 357, which updates court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, cleans up outdated language, and revises reimbursement and security rules. SB 232, funding the judges’ supplemental compensation fund, was amended and reported favorably, and SB 421, modernizing electronic records terminology and safeguards, was also reported favorably. Several House bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and later HB 374-1. The committee then took up SB 208 on veterans’ services, which was presented as a response to the earlier court ruling striking down Act 479. The bill seeks to regulate unaccredited “claim shark” businesses that charge veterans for disability-claim assistance, while exempting federally regulated accredited agents. Testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill as a way to protect veterans from predatory practices, while an opposing witness argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress or the pending Fifth Circuit appeal. Despite the objection, the bill was reported favorably. Members also advanced SB 510, which would restrict access to certain licensed establishments that sell hemp-based intoxicating products, especially bar-like venues where minors can currently enter; Alcohol and Tobacco Control explained the bill’s purpose and scope. HB 302, by Representative Chasson, was discussed as a measure to prohibit vape sales near schools, with testimony from public health and ATC witnesses noting the need to align the bill with existing licensing and local-ordinance authority; the committee moved it favorably after discussion. Finally, SB 34, creating “Brian’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with developmental disabilities, drew extensive emotional testimony from families and disability advocates and was reported favorably, as was SB 164, which adds public works employees to the definition of first responders. The committee adjourned after reporting HB 597, which restructures judicial compensation rules and eliminates the commission after a delayed effective date, and after deferring HB 374-1.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on State Affairs will come to order.
  • I recognize Senator Middleton to explain the committee substitute on Senate Bill 779.
  • Senator Middleton moves that we adopt the committee substitute for Senate Bill 901.
  • There is a committee substitute; Senator Hall sends up the committee substitute.
  • Senator Hall moves that the committee substitute for Senate Bill 965.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Beasley, Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Coleman, Senator Gavan, Senator
  • Roberts, Senator Shelnut, Senator Stewart, Senator Weaver, Senator Williams, Senator Stutz, Senator
  • Senator Beasley, Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Coleman, and Senator Madison
  • Senator Beasley, Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Coleman, Senator Madison, Senator
  • Senator Madison, Senator Gavan, Senator Roberts, Senator Shelnut, Senator Stewart, Senator Weaver, Senator
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Feb 4th, 2026 at 06:03 pm

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are on Senate.
  • Members of the committee, it's good to be here.
  • You have an amended bill, Senator.
  • Thank you, Madam Chair, committee members.
  • So we are discussing a committee substitute.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:36 am

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to our committee. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members of the committee.
  • Good morning, Chair, committee.
  • Thank you, committee members.
  • Madam Chair, we would like for the Senate, the Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino [questionable].
  • Thank you, Madam Chair, committee, thank you, committee members and audience. We are adjourned.
Bills: HB70, HB93, HB95, HB139, HB140, HJR4