Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Local Government Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Non-emitting electricity generation is generation of electricity without the production of greenhouse
  • For example, nuclear power is a non-emitting electricity generator.
  • Now, renewable resources... ...power is a non-emitting electricity generator.
  • Otherwise, they're generally overlapping.
  • This is a false and dangerous generalization.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several local government bills. HB 2006 would extend the deadline for certain rural counties that collect a sales and use tax for economic development to designate industrial land banks under the Growth Management Act. Supporters, including the sponsor and Kittitas County representatives, said the bill would help counties identify industrial land for job growth and economic development; Futurewise opposed it, citing concerns about large industrial land banks and impacts to agricultural lands. HB 2244 would let a city that forms a fire protection district after July 1, 2026, keep its levy rate without reducing it by the district’s levy, and would also allow online notice and interlocal contracting for fire services. City and fire officials supported it as a practical tool to fund fire service, while one witness opposed the broader trend of appointed taxing authorities. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2316, which would limit shrub-step vegetation inside urban growth areas from being treated as wildlife habitat, critical area, or conservation area, and would bar related mitigation or replacement requirements. Tri-Cities officials, builders, housing advocates, and the sponsor argued the bill would reduce delays and costs for housing and development on already designated urban land, while conservation groups, tribal representatives, and some individuals opposed it as a broad rollback of habitat protections and a harmful precedent for ecosystems and wildlife. No vote was taken on the bills during the hearing. HB 2103 would expand public utility contracting authority so cities, utilities, and joint operating agencies could enter “capability” contracts for renewable or non-emitting generation projects, including nuclear, renewable hydrogen, and fusion, and repeal certain price-limit restrictions. Supporters said it would align older contracting law with the Clean Energy Transformation Act and help utilities plan for future power needs; opponents warned it would shift risk to ratepayers and revive concerns tied to the WPPSS nuclear debacle. The committee also heard HB 2388, which would classify pivot-corner solar and agrovoltaic facilities on agricultural land as distributed energy resources and accessory uses; the sponsor and supporters said it would help meet energy needs without harming productive farmland, while Futurewise asked for clarification to avoid unintended loss of agricultural land. The hearing then returned to HB 2103 for additional testimony, with the same basic split between utility and clean-energy supporters and ratepayer or anti-nuclear opponents.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:35 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee generally takes the lure of two general fund budget recommendations, whether that's the
  • We leave 100,000 in general fund. It for us turns into 470,000 of federal dollars.
  • The difference is almost entirely general fund.
  • general fund 343,000 or roughly 22%.
  • The LFC recommended no increase in general fund revenue.
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 04/16/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Section one is a general fund allocation.
  • </c> additional money to the state uh general additional money to the state uh general fund<00:08:27.280
  • It strikes general fund allocation.
  • It can't just be generally repurposed.
  • It's not a general exemption. Okay.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's taxpayers, and it's coming out of the general fund, and... ...it is coming out of the general fund
  • I do not think we have general fund dollars to keep this alive.
  • So, without a non-general source fund, I cannot vote for this bill.
  • Yeah, the amendment eliminates general funds and uses non-general funds, and I'm willing in a COB amendment
  • funds, as long as it stays non-general funds.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Feb 18th, 2026

Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And is it such that it's owner-generated that it would rebut a presumption of abandonment?
  • fund, making it revenue-generating.
  • A portion of funds can flow to the general fund.
  • Second, a cost-neutral, revenue-generating structure with no taxpayer dollars at risk.
  • But in general, the mindset needs to be long term.
Keywords: 988, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Dec 5th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • And with me today is the newest deputy attorney general in our office, Lionel Greaves, who has recently
  • Since the Attorney General took office in January, he's made enforcing state laws regarding payment of
  • I'm the Deputy Attorney General.
  • The first one being general contractor liability for wages and benefits.
  • I'm here to represent the Office of the Attorney General.
Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the General Counsel for DriveTime and Bridge Crest.
  • Duke Ho, and I'm a general dentist from Katy, Texas.
  • So this generation...
  • Like nuclear, geothermal generation assets, including generation facilities and conservation wells, provide
  • Firm power for the next generation of military installations.
Bills: HB111
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 03:00 pm

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then the next—and that's for $99,96 out of the general fund.
  • General fund is $8,922. Other funds is $3,426.
  • That's the $4,200 from the general fund.
  • That is from the general fund, and I believe that was From the general fund.
  • How many interns do you generally have?
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2025, the Veterans Home/Veterans Affairs budget, and worked through the long sheet line by line. Members discussed base payroll, salary and health insurance increases, FTE pool adjustments, IT rate increases, operating expenses, transportation grants, the PTSD service dog program, salary equity requests, temporary help/intern funding, a Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, accrued leave, and several one-time or carryover items including the Fisher House, document scanning, and veterans medical transportation. The committee also reviewed proposed policy language that would shift governance authority for the Veterans Home and Department of Veterans Affairs from the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs to the governor, and would remove board authority over salary-setting and related hiring powers. A major portion of the meeting focused on clarifying the commissioner salary equity line and how the agency had shifted operating dollars to fund the commissioner’s current salary increase. After discussion with agency staff and Lonnie, the committee voted to remove the separate commissioner salary equity increase line and instead restore operating funding, ultimately setting the operating line at $50,000 above the prior amount rather than fully funding the executive request. The committee also approved funding for the Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, approved a carryforward/exemption for accrued leave, approved authority to accept $200,000 in federal transportation grant funds, approved the $500,000 transfers related to veterans homelessness, and approved the exemption language for certain federal/state fiscal recovery funds after discussing whether the funds were properly obligated. On the governance amendment, members expressed concern about making a major policy change in an appropriations bill, but also frustration over the board’s salary actions. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment transferring governance authority to the governor by a 7-1 vote. The committee also approved a smaller amount for veteran service officer salary equity than requested, and rejected funding for temporary salaries and an intern. The chair then directed staff to prepare the amended bill for further action, with the committee planning to revisit it once the revised version was ready.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our general rate cases are the main tool for scrutinizing and evaluating costs.
  • They were dominated by diesel backup generators.
  • We have a cycle of general rate cases.
  • Yeah, general data center, yeah.
  • Generation.
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • The college system receives a direct appropriation from the state for its general...
  • Some only have adult general education.
  • Some only have adult general education.
  • On an annual basis, we actually only have 14.6 for general release.
  • Generates about $1.6 million, and it's kind of in arrears.
Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education. The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement. Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • the Department of Public Safety to make expenditures for legal services independent of the Attorney General
  • Attorney General Chris Mays, with some of the comments that she has made, it seems that she's playing
  • And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
  • And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
  • We've just heard a couple examples of what could be said to be positive work by the Attorney General,
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and first announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The chair also limited testimony to three speakers for and three against, with two minutes each unless extended by a minority leader. The committee then took up HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to spend on legal services independent of the Attorney General and, as amended, redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would give DPS outside counsel and shift money toward front-line public safety work; opponents said it was political retaliation that would weaken consumer protection enforcement and divert funds from Arizonans who benefit from AG actions. The committee adopted the chairman’s amendment and then approved HB 2993 on an 8-6 vote, with one absent. The committee next heard HB 2231, a clarifying bill updating the list of cancers covered under the occupational disease presumption for firefighters, peace officers, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem, including a disputed comma that had been used by insurers to challenge claims; the Industrial Commission was listed as neutral if needed. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and how punctuation affected the statute’s meaning. During roll call, several members explained their votes in favor as a matter of grammar and statutory clarity, and the committee passed HB 2231 by a 14-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Attorney General Chris Mays, with some of the comments that she has made, it seems that she's playing
  • And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
  • And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
  • We've just heard a couple examples of what could be said to be positive work by the Attorney General,
  • In 2025, Attorney General Chris Mays filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Reynolds Corporation
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The committee also set limits on testimony for the meeting. The first bill considered was HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to obtain legal services independent of the Attorney General and redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund; an amendment changed the destination of the funds from the Peace Officers Training Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would protect law enforcement from political interference and better fund public safety efforts, while opponents said it was political retaliation that would divert money from consumer protection work. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2993 with a do pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote, with one member absent. The committee then heard HB 2231, which makes clarifying changes to the list of cancers covered under the workers’ compensation occupational disease presumption for peace officers, firefighters, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem involving punctuation that had led to litigation and claim disputes with insurers. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and the effect of the comma issue, with several noting the importance of precise statutory language. HB 2231 was passed with a do pass recommendation by a 14-0 vote, with one member absent. The committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 20, 2026 - 09:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Libby, Attorney General Office, waiving in support. Thank you for being here.
  • This bill simply authorizes the Attorney General to initiate legal proceedings...
  • And why is the Attorney General investigating instead of the local committees?
  • spent and wouldn't hurt people and generally would help our communities.
  • The Attorney General is the state law enforcement officer of Florida.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • on site where they can generate electricity, which can offset their own power use.
  • Those farms generate food products or silage for animal use.
  • Energy generation is regulated by CalRecycle and by CARB and by your local air district.
  • So that really puts a cap on what can be generated at a wastewater treatment plant.
  • But in the process, they generate a lot of toxic byproducts themselves.
Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time. The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration. The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • The majority of the funds that come to the general fund.
  • This is a non-general fund revenue agency.
  • general funds.
  • Typically, it generates around $600,000 to $650,000.
  • generate enough from wagering in the state.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Act 461 of the 2025 regular session contained the following general fund appropriation in Schedule 20
  • The university currently operates a co-generation power plant that generates electrical power and provides
  • steam to the The university operates a co-generation power plant that generates electrical power and
  • This cogeneration plant uses a natural gas-fired turbine generator and a heat recovery steam generator
  • Senator Bass asked whether the power generation will also go to the LTRI building in Bossier. Dr.
Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on March 19, 2006, and first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget from the Office of Planning and Budget, with no changes reported. The committee then approved several BA-7 budget adjustments, including additional funding for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Cultural Development Program, a $24.4 million federal funds increase for the Louisiana Department of Health’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant, and a $1 million statutory dedication for reimbursement related to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. All of these items were recommended for approval by both OPB and the Legislative Fiscal Office. The committee also approved a Facility Planning and Control request for the Louisiana Military Department to add $9.1 million to the Jackson Barracks cyber warfare operations project to incorporate a SCIF, bringing total authority to $29.7 million. Members then approved several interpretations of legislative intent to correct or clarify prior appropriations, including parish and local-government recipients and purposes in St. Mary Parish, Catahoula Parish, Lafourche Parish, East Feliciana, and the Wind Foundation of Louisiana. In addition, the committee approved one-year extensions and added funding for Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism tourism advertising contracts, and approved a final extension of the Office of Risk Management’s contract with Sedgwick Claims Management Services. Later, the committee reviewed but did not require action on a change-order report and heard presentations on two university-related agreements. Louisiana Tech University described a plan to shift campus utility service from its aging cogeneration system to local utility providers, requiring new chillers and boilers but projected to save more than $1.6 million annually in operating costs, with estimated debt service of about $1.2 million. The committee also heard an extension request from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for consulting services supporting its Banner ERP system. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance and Taxation Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Finance and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • At a primary or general to take it up the additional 3%.
  • And again, it's just calling out primary and general only, and we have to handle that separately.
  • Here, we can actually say it has to be at a primary or general.
  • And so that takes a vote also at the primary and general.
  • You're bringing them into where it has to be a primary and a general.
Bills: HB1428
Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Labeling AI-generated performers is the logical next step.
  • Concurrently, if there is a subcontractor for a general contractor, not any sub, the general contractor
  • Currently, if there is a subcontractor for a general contractor, not an ESOP, the general contractor
  • So the general contractors are in opposition because they generally have an opposition to any bid preferences
  • First, it is a neutral and generally applicable law.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that's a sign that there's still many buried, significant pieces in the general laws that need to
  • with disabilities, sadly, throughout our Massachusetts General Laws.
  • President, the general laws are an expression of the values of all of the people of the Commonwealth
  • This amendment would remove the crime of petite treason from our general laws.
  • This amendment would remove the crime of petite treason from our general laws.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call. Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Generation after generation, from Harriet Tubman to Angela Davis to Patrice's colors, our ancestors were
  • It's a reminder that freedom has too often been denied and fought for, generation after generation.
  • Today, as some work to manipulate history... ...generation after generation.
  • The general fund generated by these changes will allow the state to prevent some of the most devastating
  • This will generate about a billion dollars a year for local governments.
Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then honored astronaut Captain Victor J. Glover Jr. for his achievements as a Navy officer, NASA astronaut, and California native. Senators Weber Pearson and Rubio highlighted his historic space missions and his role as an inspiration for students, especially in STEM, before the chamber took a photo with Glover and his family. The body then took up SCR 183 on Juneteenth. Senator Weber Pearson presented the resolution as a commemoration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Senators Padilla, Smallwood-Cuevas, Valladares, and Becker spoke in support from the perspectives of the Latino, LGBTQ, Women’s, Hispanic, and Jewish caucuses, emphasizing historical memory, faith, and the need to continue fighting discrimination. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate next considered budget trailer bills SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. SB 110 made technical budget amendments and passed 29-10. SB 122 expanded sales tax to electronically delivered prewritten software, extended and limited business tax credits, adjusted LLC minimum taxes, and included other revenue changes; supporters said it helped balance the budget and protect services, while opponents argued it would raise costs for businesses, hospitals, and families. It passed 27-9. SB 125 created a federally compliant managed care organization tax to support Medi-Cal and avoid deeper cuts; supporters said it was necessary after federal changes eliminated the prior tax, while opponents warned premiums could rise. It also passed 27-9. The chamber also adopted SR 114 designating June 15-21, 2026 as AVID Week, and SJR 14 urging a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II Army and Navy nurses, both by unanimous roll call. SCR 187 recognizing Father’s Day in California also passed unanimously. The Senate then approved a large consent calendar and closed with remarks about Juneteenth and the next session scheduled for June 22, 2026.