Video & Transcript Research : 'Capitol complex'
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LA
Transcript Highlights:
- chamber where my youngest daughter and my newest granddaughter are making her first visit to the Capitol
- Today, we're honored to welcome to the Capitol and Senate Chamber the legendary Chuck Wagon Gang as they
- White coats, I think most of our white coats are gone, but they filled the Capitol today, and I didn't
- White coats are gone, but they filled the Capitol today, and I didn't want to not recognize them.
- We have And today is Tourism Day at the Louisiana Capitol.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And welcome to the Capitol City.
- Welcome to the Capitol, and I hope you enjoy your weekend down here and good luck and stay safe.
- And welcome to the Capitol City. sport. And welcome to the Capitol City.
- Your commitment and care bring a sense of warmth and community to the Capitol each day.
- of warmth and community to the Capitol of warmth and community to the Capitol each<00:18:49.120>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Recognizing April 2nd, 2025 as Val Verde County Del Rio Day at the State Capitol.
- Thank you all. for being here today and welcome to your state capitol. Chair recognizes Dr. Lalani.
- I want to thank you Sheriff for joining us here at the Capitol.
- Welcome to your Texas Capitol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. 515 516 Chair recognize Mr.
- Real quick, change of plans for Capitol Commission.
Bills:
HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135, HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 10 Feb 17th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the House, a resolution related to proclaiming February 17, 2026, Oklahoma Aggregates Day at the Capitol
- Resolution 1032 is a resolution proclaiming February 17, 2026, as Oklahoma Aggregates Day at the Capitol
- Would you please stand and welcome them to the state Capitol? Thank you.
- Members, we have a special guest in the Capitol today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Members, we have a special guest in the Capitol today.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of you who are watching via Zoom, we have numerous students that are joining us here at the state capitol
- We both wanted to mahalo you guys for this opportunity to come here to Oahu, to the Capitol, and testify
- Um<01:03:55.920>
so <01:03:56.640>we're <01:03:56.960>going halls of the Capitol - Um so we're going halls of the Capitol.
- submitted testimony through the Capitol submitted testimony through the Capitol website.<01:05:08.799
Keywords:
La Hoihoi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, state holiday, King Kamehameha III, Hawaiian history, self-determination, land use, rodeo, agricultural activities, ranching, paniolo culture, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, funding, art management, 910, house, all
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on February 13 and heard testimony on HB 2045, which would designate La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Naviʻoliʻoli Newi Foundation, and many individuals and students. Supporters said the bill would better reflect Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and self-determination, while a few agencies submitted comments. The committee recessed to allow more students to arrive and testify.
After reconvening, additional student testimony continued in strong support of HB 2045. Students said the change would honor Native Hawaiian history and culture, recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation, and provide a more historically grounded observance. Members thanked the students for traveling to testify and for sharing their perspectives. The committee then voted to pass HB 2045 with one amendment to defect the date; the motion passed unanimously with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, and one member excused.
The committee also heard HB 1703 HD1, which authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agriculture or pastoral use. Testimony in support came from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, with comments from the Hawaii Food and Policy group. Supporters described rodeos as cultural and social events that could boost local economies, create jobs, and provide youth and community engagement. The committee passed HB 1703 HD1 with technical amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 2461, which would increase the ceiling for the works of art special fund and appropriate funds for preservation of the state’s public art collection and a collections manager position. After discussion, the chair said the measure would not move forward this year and recommended deferral; the committee deferred the bill and adjourned.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sure it's more complex than that.
- <00:25:58.799>
uh <00:25:59.919>would relatively complex system. uh would relatively - It seems to me less complex if you have categories that you can say all these crimes are similar and
- What is your thought process and why you think this proposal is more complex?
- My name is Lindseay Simino, and though I am usually the behavioral health lady at the Capitol, today
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 11th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Capitol. Welcome to the Capitol. Rep.
- Welcome to the Capitol. Welcome to the Capitol.
- Members, if I can get your attention today, it's Arts Day at the Capitol.
- Thank you, and welcome to your Capitol. Anybody have a butter on there?
- Welcome to the Capitol. Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Boyd, Red Boyd.
Bills:
HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, SB83, SB143, SB155, SB228, SB283, SB295, SB338, SB388, SB408, SB431, HR84, HR188, HR205, HB302, HB597, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SCR24, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB357, SB406, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HR9, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB79, HB251, HB625, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, HB646, HB824, HB341, HB682, HB766, HB926, HB998, HB1051, HB1080, HB1201, HB1223, HB603, HB940, HB1191, SB47, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382
Keywords:
condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support
Summary:
The House convened with 93 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and former members, including student groups, arts educators, rodeo queens, and Congressman Troy Carter, who urged members not to let partisan divisions harm Louisiana. Representative Newell also delivered a lengthy floor statement tying current voting-rights debates to civil rights concerns and warning against weakening protections for Black communities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports, and several resolutions and bills were advanced or referred in routine order.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to House resolutions, many of them memorials or study requests. The House adopted resolutions supporting a physical therapy degree designation for federal loan purposes, honoring veterans who served in Honduras, extending a behavioral health courts study, seeking bridge-removal funding for U.S. 90 in St. Tammany Parish, urging DOTD studies on local traffic projects, requesting a study of rural economic development, supporting Camp Beauregard and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, creating a permit-study committee, and asking for studies on autism services, school nurse orientation, opioid treatment in correctional settings, floodplain map updates, and care gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One resolution on rent stabilization failed, and another on pregnancy-related emergency medication was returned to the calendar after questions about its implications.
The chamber also concurred in or rejected several Senate amendments to House bills. Concurrences included bills on arrest warrant recall procedures, disturbing the peace near places of worship, rape and sex offense provisions, bridge naming, holiday rules, victim confidentiality, and the classic black license plate. The House rejected Senate amendments to HB 258 on dual office holding and dual employment. The most contentious item was HB 102, which would create second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities but was amended in the Senate to add broader first-degree murder provisions tied to firearms and public shootings; members raised concerns about self-defense, overcharging, capital punishment exposure, and fiscal impact on the public defender system. Despite those objections, supporters argued the changes would deter violent crime and protect the public, and the bill was ultimately supported in floor debate as amended.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is Teamsters Day at the Capitol, and I'm grateful to see them here.
- Herzl's third grade class to the Capitol for their annual class field trip.
- Today is Teamsters Day at the Capitol, and I'm grateful to see them here.
- Herzl's third grade class to the Capitol for their annual class field trip.
- Women's and Reproductive Health Day at the Capitol.
Summary:
The House convened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and several proclamations and recognitions, including International Mother Language Day, Nurses Day at the Capitol, Environmental Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, Childhelp, Teamsters Local 104, and African American Legislative Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also handled routine business such as committee reports, bill referrals, first and second readings, and announcements of upcoming committee meetings.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure. Members debated it at length, with supporters arguing it would make tax forms legal, align Arizona with federal tax changes, and provide tax relief to taxpayers and small businesses, while opponents said it was an unpaid tax cut for wealthy individuals and corporations that would force cuts to health care, education, SNAP, and other services. The House passed HB 2785 on a 32-26 vote with two not voting and sent it to the Senate.
The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Health and Human Services and Commerce bills. HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, HB 2448, HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797 were debated, with most receiving do-pass recommendations after amendments. Testimony focused heavily on SNAP policy, including payment error rates, work and training requirements, food restrictions, and waiver authority, with Democrats warning of added burdens and reduced access for eligible families and Republicans arguing the bills would improve accountability, nutrition, and compliance with federal law. HB 2689, which would collect hospital patients’ immigration status on a voluntary basis, drew strong opposition over concerns it would deter people from seeking care; it was still reported out of committee, though a later motion to amend the committee report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and several bills were referred to engrossing before adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- by land graph recognizing February 3rd through the 5th, 2025 as Midland-Odessa days at the State Capitol
- Morales of Maverick recognizing February 5th 2025 as Maverick County and Eagle Pass Day at State Capitol
- We're proud you're here, enjoy your state capitol, and with that, Mr. Speaker, I move adoption.
- Today is also Webb County Day at the Capitol. Webb County is the sixth largest county in the state.
- Many people often don't remember or don't even know. that this Capitol, the United States Capitol in
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome, welcome to the Capitol, Pastor Showalter. The delegate from Richmond City, Delegate Carr.
- A group today joins us in the gallery from Central High School in Woodstock, visiting the Capitol today
- They're here learning about the Capitol, but really the real reason they're here is to cheer on my high
- And whereas, we are also thankful for Capitol Police for making sure we are safe in the Capitol and all
- around Capitol Square.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I guess this scenario in my head is, we have religious worship here at the capitol.
- You can protest any part of the capitol you want to. En ator ak ri, do you have a question?
- So my concern when I heard Senator Akieri's comments about here at the Capitol, it kind of brought me
- So if you had an assembly here at the Capitol or assembly in any Public space, the restriction is only
- It doesn't restrict any manner of speech, whether it's at the Capitol, anywhere in a public space.
Bills:
SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HR 480 by Tepper recognizing March 12th 2025 as Texas Tech University System Day at the State Capitol
- System Day at the State Capitol. Where's my delegation? Come on.
- explain the resolution. representatives from South Texas Independent School District to the Texas Capitol
- Capitol.
- Thank you so much for joining us at the Capitol. Thank you.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, complex. >> Yeah. No, I know it's a complex program. So, okay.
- <01:23:59.360>
moving because of all these complex moving because of all these complex moving - I'm<01:24:20.320>
sorry <01:24:20.800>complex. I'm sorry complex. - I'm sorry complex.
- This is a complex question.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Louisiana's IDD population ranges in age, and with age comes increasing medical complexities.
- We miss seeing you around the Capitol, by the way. Great seeing you as well. Hope to see you.
- This Sunday, a gentleman set an apartment complex on fire and murdered a nine-year-old girl.
- This Sunday, a gentleman set an apartment complex on fire and murdered a nine-year-old girl.
Summary:
The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests.
The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students.
A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:34 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- If we can just get more stories out, we have tons of media all around the Capitol because of the 30-day
- lower enrollment, but we also are reflecting in that budget higher acuity, which means sicker, more complex
- sure that you all are aware of what's driving that difference from our perspective: the severity, complexity
- And the reason for that is more complex than just covering people; it is to protect our health care system
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As you can imagine, the effort to provide high-quality materials is costly, time-consuming, and complex
- Like any public policy, especially in education, it's a complex space.
- Like any public policy, especially in education, it's a complex space, and we have to move toward changing
- Avi La Farias, we had talked when you first arrived in the Capitol about the need to do things differently
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members.
AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes.
The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 20, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 47
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you again for making Art at the Capitol so special.
- host<00:24:37.560>
Art <00:24:37.720>at <00:24:37.800>the <00:24:37.880>Capitol - opportunity to host Art at the Capitol opportunity to host Art at the Capitol as<00:24:39.080>
making Art at the Capitol so special. making Art at the Capitol so special.- making<00:24:58.440>
Art <00:24:58.560>at <00:24:58.640>the <00:24:58.720>Capitol - making<00:24:58.440>
Keywords:
healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- April 8th, 2025 is Texas African American Lawyers Foundation Day at the state capitol.
- Time out of your days to be here at the Capitol.
- Thank you for making the trip to the Capitol today. We are so glad you're here.
- Your Capitol. Thank you, members.
- Members, I want to invite you to join me today at 4 o'clock in the Capitol Auditorium.
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Paul Torkelson departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was privileged to be on the Capitol Investment Committee during the time that this building was
- And I was privileged to be on the Capitol Investment Committee during the time that this building was
- This Capitol, I've toured many of the capitols around the country, and ours is as beautiful or more beautiful
- This Capitol, I've toured many of the capitols around the country, and ours is as beautiful or more beautiful
- But they did tremendous work. privileged to be on the Capitol privileged to be on the Capitol Investment
Summary:
Representative Torkelson gave a long farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his legislative career, thanking colleagues, staff, family, and voters, and sharing anecdotes from his early campaigns and years in office. He emphasized the importance of listening to constituents, working across party lines, and not holding grudges after disagreements. He also praised the Minnesota Capitol, Cass Gilbert’s design, and the renovation work, and noted his service on committees including Transportation, Capital Investment, Ways and Means, and redistricting.
A major theme of the speech was bipartisanship and institutional respect. Torkelson described working with members from both parties, including House leaders and committee counterparts, and said the House’s tied balance had forced more work to the committee level and produced bipartisan outcomes. He warned against using redistricting as a political weapon and urged Minnesota not to follow that path. He also thanked specific staff members and mentioned his family, including his daughter, who works as a lobbyist.
The speech did not involve a bill debate or recorded vote. It concluded with a call for legislators to keep learning from one another and to find practical paths forward while staying true to their values, ending with a quotation from Ecclesiastes and applause.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 015 Jan 29th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we've got 14 kids here, uh, grade six, that are being the Capitol today, and they're up here from
- Um, one of my favorite days is physical therapy day at the Capitol.
- that are got 14 kids here, uh, grade six that are being<00:28:18.480>
the <00:28:18.559>capitol - Most of you know or have the Capitol.
- Today we are pleased to recognize CASE Member Day at the Capitol and recognize the Colorado Association
Summary:
The House convened, led the pledge, and completed a roll call showing a quorum with 55 members present and 10 excused. The journal from Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was approved as corrected. The Speaker then moved into announcements and introductions, with several members briefly joking about the sign-up process and fines for failing to sign up in advance.
Announcements highlighted a range of visiting groups and upcoming committee meetings. Members recognized the Colorado Council of Authorities/911 communications officials, Rooted Christian Academy sixth graders, physical therapy advocates, CASE Member Day at the Capitol, and community college representatives. Several members also announced committee schedules, including Judiciary hearing sunset bills and House Bill 1058, a DORA sunset hearing, a capital development committee meeting, and a Health and Human Services SMART Act hearing. There were also invitations to a Colorado Mesa University reception and a Treasury open house for unclaimed property.
At the end of the session, the Speaker announced appointments to the House ethics committee: Representatives McCormick as chair, Soper as vice chair, Woodrow, Mabrey, and Garcia Sander. The Majority Leader then moved that the House stand in recess until later in the day, and the motion carried.