Video & Transcript Research : 'voting materials'
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FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will unlock the board, and senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Secretary will unlock the board, and senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Board and senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- If all senators have voted, please lock the board and record the vote. 36 yays, zero nays, Mr.
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions for the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem of Lakeland, and a large YMCA delegation visiting for the organization’s 175th anniversary. Senators highlighted the YMCA’s youth leadership programs and community service, and the chamber entered a proclamation recognizing the YMCA’s long service and its work in community support, youth development, and public health efforts.
The chamber then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session’s statute materials; Senate Bill 102 removed repealed provisions from the statutes; and Senate Bill 104, the general reviser’s bill, deleted obsolete language, updated cross-references, and corrected drafting errors. Each of those bills was advanced to third reading and passed unanimously, 36-0. Senators also passed Senate Bill 7010, which authorizes Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, also by a 36-0 vote.
Senate Bill 320, relating to administrative efficiency in public schools, drew the most substantive policy discussion. Its sponsor said the bill would reduce district-level mandates, expand teacher apprenticeship pathways, create longer-term teacher contracts and certificates, streamline salary supplements and assessments, increase flexibility in district finances and Title I use, adjust facility planning requirements, and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs. The sponsor emphasized reducing bureaucracy while preserving accountability and focusing resources on students; the bill passed 36-0. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration, waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-22 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will unlock the board, and senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Secretary will unlock the board, and senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Board and senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- If all senators have voted, please lock the board and record the vote. 36 yays, zero nays, Mr.
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions recognizing Dr. Thomas Clem as Doctor of the Day and a YMCA delegation, including Youth and Government students, in the gallery. Senators also noted the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and later offered birthday wishes to the President.
The chamber then took up several special-order bills. SB 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 session’s enacted statute materials; SB 102 removed provisions that had been repealed or expired; and SB 104 served as the general reviser’s bill, deleting obsolete language, updating cross-references, and correcting drafting errors. All three passed 36-0. The Senate also passed SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools, which reduces district-level requirements, expands teacher apprenticeship and certification flexibility, streamlines assessments and budgeting, and adjusts VPK and facility-planning rules; Senator Simon said the goal was to reduce burdens while maintaining accountability.
The Senate further passed SB 7010, allowing state and local deferred compensation plans to offer Roth post-tax contributions in addition to pre-tax options. Senator Mayfield explained the bill would give DFS and local governments authority to add that option. The chamber also withdrew SB 1720, relating to public school personnel compensation, from further consideration. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules so all bills passed that day could be immediately certified to the House, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- deal that we find out where material deal that we find out where material goes<00:24:48.159>
- So, we got 12 ayes and Okay. >> If staff tells me I can't vote that way, then vote bill. >> Okay.
- Yeah, it's... voted voted >> on<01:12:55.600>
the <01:12:55.679>bill <01:12:56.640 - then vote bill. then vote bill.
- public vote. public vote.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:20.079>
What providing education materials, etc. - What providing education materials, etc.
- that came in or the votes that were counted. cumulative.
- <00:27:49.039>
that the votes that came in or the votes that the votes that came in or the - votes that were<00:27:49.600>
counted.
Keywords:
psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:58.560>
And <00:01:58.800>so <00:01:59.440>uh the materials uh to employers - And so uh the materials uh to employers.
- Another challenge we face is that many of the materials and components required to meet storm shelter
- and components required of the materials and components required to<00:19:14.480>
meet <00:19: - Special doors, both in size and material, were required to meet code.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And members, by your vote, please show SB 880 reported favorably.
- Members, by your vote, please show CS for SB 830 reported favorably.
- Members, by your vote, please show Senate Bill 492 reported favorably.
- Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we're going to take one vote on
- I vote in the affirmative on tab numbers 16, 11, and 15.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with SB 978, which directs DEP to report on large sewage disposal facilities, rank them for wastewater treatment upgrades, and provide progress reports; it was reported favorably without public opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and favorably reported SB 1388, which restricts vessel safety inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, addresses spring protection zones, and bars FWC fishing licenses for commercial vessels owned by alien powers. Members raised some questions about spring protections and boating access, and one public witness urged further review of the spring-zone language. The committee then favorably reported SB 880, designating the American flamingo as state bird and the Florida scrub jay as state songbird, after testimony supporting both birds as symbols of Florida’s identity and conservation values.
Several other measures were heard and passed. SB 830, dealing with lost or abandoned migrant vessels and aligning with House language, was amended and reported favorably. SB 1326, which requires local plans to maintain hurricane evacuation clearance times and allocates building permits in Monroe County and nearby municipalities, was amended to spread allocations over at least 10 years and then passed. SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility to correctional officers and correctional probation officers and exempting certain public safety personnel from the waiting period for rifles and shotguns, was reported favorably after support from the Florida PBA. SB 26, an uncontested claim bill for injuries from a 2022 crash, also passed, with one member suggesting future consideration of health insurance coverage for victims in similar cases.
The committee additionally approved SB 98 on securities regulation and fingerprinting requirements, SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety, SB 196 on labeling food and cosmetics that contain vaccine materials or certain chemicals, SB 1300 restricting oil and gas drilling structures in sensitive areas, SB 1612 on financial institution assessment and stock offering timelines, and SB 492 on mitigation banking and wetland conservation easements. SB 1212 drew strong support from firefighters, while SB 492 drew both support and opposition from environmental and development interests, with concerns raised about wetland function, credit release timing, and conservation easement releases. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of 12 appointees to water management district governing boards and adjourned after members recorded individual votes on selected bills.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, even after he's to vote for forever.
- And then, where such belief is material to a transaction or a decision.
- to a transaction or a me is material to a transaction or a decision. decision. decision.
- >> we didn't vote on the motion. >> we didn't vote on the motion.
- This was the one I was hoping we were going to vote on.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 51 I. 10. No. Closing vote. Vote closed. 51 I. 10. No.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 61 changes? Closing vote.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 58 I, three no, one excused. Closing vote.
- Vote closed. 61 I, one Closing vote. Vote closed. 61 I, one excused.
- Closing vote. Vote closed. 61 I, 1 excused.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- to pass in a unanimous bipartisan vote to pass in a unanimous bipartisan vote of<00:42:25.200>
- So I would encourage you to vote own.
- So please do not vote for this bill. Thank you.
- <02:54:46.000>
Defenses material breach occurred. Defenses material breach occurred.- whether or not they will materially whether or not they will materially benefit.<03:32:28.239>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's out with Republicans not voting.
- That's out with Republicans not voting.
- That's out with Republicans not voting.
- That's out with Republicans not voting.
- That's out with Republicans not voting.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online.
The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action.
Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Go to vote. I'll be very brief, Mr. Chair.
- I just respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Respectfully asked for an aye vote. All right.
- Even the folks are here coming back to vote.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government.
AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Please note that any votes that may be taken shall be done by a roll call vote.
- So since less than one half of the membership has voted, it hasn't received the requisite number of votes
- So since less than one half of the membership has voted, it hasn't received the requisite number of votes
- "Please vote SB 326 out of committee. Thank you."
- Some of it's material. The majority is labor, internal and contractors. In labor.
Bills:
SB287
Keywords:
solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting.
SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- That is for worth of materials.
- And so we're trying to find ways to have materials donated as well.
- And so we're trying to find ways to have materials donated as well.
- we're going to show you is the material we're going to show you is the material that<00:59:47.040
- So we were also voted h voted the best So we were also voted h voted the best museum<01:02:57.040
Summary:
The task force meeting began with approval of the July 14 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association. Association leaders described general aviation airports as important to rural access, commerce, emergency response, tourism, agriculture, and workforce development, and cited statewide economic impacts they said exceed $1.6 billion and support more than 9,400 jobs. They thanked the legislature for prior airport funding and said it had helped airports with basic operations and repairs.
The association asked lawmakers for four things: continued appropriations for general aviation airports; relief or a more workable process for required financial audits, which they said can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more and sometimes exceed a small airport’s annual budget; a regularized statewide appropriations process for airport infrastructure needs, which they said total about $100 million and are currently addressed unevenly; and funding for the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act to support scholarships and aviation workforce training. Members of the task force asked follow-up questions about the audit burden, the difference between financial and safety audits, and the difficulty of finding audit firms. The presenters said they would bring specific ideas back on audit reform.
Eastern Kentucky University then presented on its aviation program. EKU leaders thanked the committee for prior support, including a $25 million appropriation for a new flight school building at Central Kentucky Regional Airport, and said the project is expected to break ground in 2026. They reported strong enrollment growth, with 502 aviation majors, most of them Kentuckians, and said the program has expanded flight hours and job placement. EKU also outlined plans to add an air traffic control program in response to Senate Bill 87 and the national shortage of controllers, saying it could train students to FAA standards if the university receives the needed investment in simulators, equipment, space, and faculty. They also discussed the need to replace an aging fleet of training aircraft, saying the current planes are decades old and costly to maintain, and that newer aircraft would improve training quality and reduce student costs.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Children and Youth Health Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Children and Youth Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Developers can label apps as child appropriate when they contain explicit or harmful material, and parents
- you to strongly vote against HB 161. you to strongly vote against HB 161.
- Any other comments before we vote? Will you call the role, please?
- <00:37:21.440>
Will <00:37:21.520>you other comments before we vote? - Will you other comments before we vote?
Bills:
HB161
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Texas Ethics Commission Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair: So in executive session today, the Texas Ethics Commission voted to approve Chair: an agreement
- To remind the public, when we consider a rule change, when we first vote to publish the change in the
- Chair: The video at issue is in your materials, but it's also located in the public agenda folder if
- The video at issue in your materials is part of the public packet, but is also separately located in
- , issuing advisory opinions, and contracts over $1 million or those that require material changes.
Summary:
The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director.
The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication.
The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 1/22/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- It was not a vote against veterans. It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
- It was not a vote against veterans. It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
- It was not a vote against veterans. It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
- It was not a vote against veterans. It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
- It was not a vote against veterans. It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
Summary:
The Veterans and Military Affairs Division held its first meeting with a quorum present, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and reviewed decorum expectations and basic operating rules. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Aaron Repinski emphasized that the committee would operate as a nonpartisan body focused on veterans’ issues. No minutes were approved because it was the division’s first meeting.
Nonpartisan House staff then gave an overview of the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including their missions, organizational structure, and budgets. The presentation highlighted the Minnesota National Guard, Camp Ripley, enlistment incentives, the Emergency Services Program, and the Veterans Affairs programs for veterans homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance, and state-funded benefits such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Minnesota GI Bill, and Post-9/11 bonus. Staff also noted housing and homelessness-related initiatives, several committee-supported outside programs, and the Support Our Troops license plate funding split between the two agencies.
The committee then heard from Trent Dils of Disabled American Veterans Minnesota on behalf of the Commander's Task Force, a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans organizations. He described the group’s unanimous legislative process and urged continuation of a separate veterans omnibus bill, arguing it has helped keep veterans issues apart from broader partisan disputes. He also began outlining the task force’s 2025 priorities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping benefits for veterans, but the transcript cuts off before the full list or any committee action on those priorities is completed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone voting no? Anyone voting with reservations? All members vote aye.
- Anyone voting no? Anyone voting with reservations? All members vote aye.
- Anyone voting no? Anyone voting with reservations? All members vote aye.
- Anyone voting no? Anyone voting with reservations? All members vote aye.
- <02:41:35.880>
voting <02:41:36.160>on vote voting on vote voting on hb878<02:41:38.279
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion.
The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported.
The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote aye. Representative Márquez? Mr. Chair. Go ahead. Explain my vote. Rep.
- I vote a firm aye.
- I vote. Mr. Chair.
- Maybe I should vote present too. That's my vote. Present. I feel like you feel.
- Thank you, and I vote aye.
Keywords:
veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2663, which updates military leave protections for state and non-state employees by aligning statutory language with how service members’ orders are described. Representative Pena said the change was intended to remove confusion without affecting benefits, and members noted it would help protect employees called to training, deployment, or state active duty. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill addressing administrative control of justice courts and due process for elected justices of the peace when state or county entities take action affecting their statutory authority. Supporters, including two Pima County justices of the peace, described administrative orders that transferred control of their courts without notice, findings, or a meaningful chance to respond, and argued the bill would require notice, a hearing, written findings, and review before such changes. The Arizona Supreme Court’s government affairs director opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution gives the Chief Justice administrative supervision over all courts and that the legislature cannot impose those procedures by statute. After a lengthy and at times contentious exchange over constitutional authority and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to give HB 2976 a due pass recommendation.
After a recess, the committee considered HB 2406, which requires the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study how aware veterans are of available state, local, and federal benefits and to report recommendations for improving awareness. Testimony in support emphasized that many veterans do not know the full range of benefits available to them and suggested surveys, outreach, and other low-cost methods to gather information. Some members questioned whether a study was necessary or how it would be conducted, but several said they would support it for now; the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance hearings to ask whether a defendant is a veteran and, if so, to consider referral to veterans’ treatment or diversion programs. Supporters said the bill would help identify eligible veterans early in the process and connect them to services, while one member raised Fifth Amendment concerns about asking the question before counsel is present. The sponsor and testifier agreed to work on an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The committee moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation, with members indicating support pending that amendment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we're going to bring this vote forward.
- <00:02:40.239>
for should be an obvious uh gimme vote for should be an obvious uh gimme vote - This should be a 133 to 0 vote.
- <00:12:06.200>
it the Democrats threat to vote against it the Democrats threat to vote against - <00:12:28.800>
against as voting against as voting against yeah<00:12:30.399>I <00:
Summary:
House Majority Leader Harry Niska discussed House File 20, a bill he said would amend Minnesota’s Data Practices Act by adding the words “on individuals” to clarify that the private-data exemption applies only to information actually tied to an individual person. He argued the bill would overturn a 2022 Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Energy Policy Advocates v. Allison that, in his view, allowed the Attorney General’s office to withhold policymaking and closed investigative data even when no individual privacy interest was involved. Niska framed the measure as a transparency and democracy issue, saying the Attorney General’s office should not have a special secrecy privilege that other state agencies and prosecutors do not have.
In response to questions, Niska said the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing concerns about the cost and burden of data practices requests and raising a broader question about whether some businesses might have privacy interests similar to individuals. Niska said the bill is not meant to eliminate legitimate privacy protections for actual individuals, including sensitive investigative information, but to prevent the office from using the private-data category to shield non-personal information. He also said the issue arose in part from information about outside influence on the Attorney General’s office, including funding for positions through NYU and the Bloomberg Foundation.
Niska said the bill had been introduced by Republicans two years earlier but did not receive a hearing, and he expected it to come to the House floor because Republicans now control committees. He said Democrats were expected to vote as a bloc against it, and he suggested the vote would show where members stand on transparency. He also said other GOP priorities may move through committees and to the floor as they are ready, mentioning permitting reform, repeal of the nuclear moratorium, and an OIG-related bill, but he did not provide a detailed schedule. No vote on the bill was taken during the exchange.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote: Jessica González, Vikki Goodwin, Andy Hopper, Matt Morgan, Dennis Paul, David Spiller, Trey Wharton
- So we strongly urge you to vote yes. Thank you. Questions? Thank you, sir, appreciate it.
- In terms of the shingles, there's different materials that are used to compile them, and they actually
- But my understanding is that they use a wide variety of materials that are much more resistant to damage
- building codes; they switched the building codes to support this, so big fans of this bill, please vote
Bills:
HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689
Keywords:
credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes