Video & Transcript : 'black mangrove' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session E May 12th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- made history when she was selected to the Coral Springs City Commission in 2020, becoming the first Black
- made history when she was selected to the Coral Springs City Commissioner in 2020, becoming the first Black
- In 2020, she became the first Black and Haitian American woman to serve in that role.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to the budget, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, DMS, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities financing, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for moving Senate and House budget conforming bills into conference posture, noting that conference meetings would be on one-hour notice.
The Senate then took up and passed a series of Senate conforming bills and House companion bills, generally by unanimous 32-0 votes, with delete-all amendments used to place Senate language onto House bills or to clear bills for conference. Measures addressed fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, judges, pre-K through 12 education, retirement, higher education, health care, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, state employees/collective bargaining, and the implementing bill for the 2026-27 budget. Senators repeatedly moved that, when the House version was not passed as received, the Senate request conference or accede to the House’s request for conference.
The General Appropriations Bill was handled by substituting House Bill 5001E for Senate Bill 2500E, amending it with Senate substance, and passing it 32-0 before requesting conference. House Bill 7031E on taxation was also amended and debated; Senator Berman used the debate to urge consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax for summer relief, but the bill ultimately passed and the Senate requested conference after failing to pass the House version as received. The session ended with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, followed by adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Eight - Monday, April 27
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And as you can tell on his desk, we have the black flag.
- The black drape's been there all year, but we have his coat that he wore, that he was known for in this
- Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2637 and 3155: Black
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 57th day by roll call vote, 125-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to honor former Representative Ken Waller and to remember Keaton O’Neill, a Rawls County teenager who died after a battle with brain cancer; the chamber observed a moment of silence for O’Neill. The House also welcomed several special guests, including a deployed Marine’s family, a Greater Springfield Board of Realtors leadership class, family members of a member, and an intern and family members of another member.
Committee reports recommended passage of several bills, and the House took up multiple Senate-amended measures. On House Bills 2637 and 3155, members discussed technical corrections and added provisions involving sentencing effective dates, sex offender registry procedures, drone restrictions, health care treatment orders, and prosecutor salaries; the House voted to refuse the Senate substitute and request a conference. House Bill 2593, a bipartisan military and veterans bill, was described as expanding military leave, adding cybersecurity and emergency-response protections, strengthening TRICARE and Service Members Civil Relief Act-related provisions, and supporting National Guard benefits; it was adopted 137-1 and then truly agreed to and finally passed 138-1. House Bill 2974, dealing with license reciprocity and telehealth, was amended to include interstate compacts for athletic trainers, dietitians, and physician assistants; it passed the Senate substitute 109-29 and was finally passed 108-30.
The House also adopted and finally passed House Bill 2108, a Jefferson City land conveyance and infrastructure measure tied to the viaduct area, safety improvements, and an added property provision for Northwest Missouri State University land in Nodaway County; the Senate substitute was adopted 138-1 and the bill was finally passed 138-2. Afterward, the chamber received Senate messages stating that the Senate refused to recede on House Bills 2596 and 2637/3155 and appointed conference committees. The Speaker appointed House conferees for those bills and named conferees for budget bills 2002 through 2013. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And in California, that is so important as we see our Black and Brown community stepping into the majority
- After the Civil War, roughly one in four cowboys was Black, and legends like Nat Love blazed trails as
- I believe it was in the Compton fire down in Los Angeles where a lot of our Black cowboys were working
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 13th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These individuals were marked with a black triangle.
- I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- Michael Sherwarner were murdered alongside James Cheney in Mississippi while volunteering to register Black
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors including Leadership Torrance participants, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan, and other higher education leaders. The body then approved the Senate journals and moved through the daily file and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were considered and confirmed, and a confirmation for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors was also approved. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with members speaking about research, advocacy, and the personal impact of the disease. Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, drew extensive floor remarks from multiple senators emphasizing remembrance, Holocaust education, antisemitism, and the need to confront hate and denial; the resolution was adopted unanimously.
On third reading, the Senate passed AB 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe, with no opposition and immediate effect. The chamber also received committee announcements about upcoming meetings of the Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee and the Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions honoring John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana, each described as a significant community leader or public servant whose work and legacy were recognized by the Senate. The Pro Tem then announced the Senate would recess briefly and return for the next floor session on Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 13th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These individuals were marked with a black triangle.
- I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- Michael Sherwerner were murdered alongside James Cheney in Mississippi while volunteering to register Black
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayers and the pledge, and spent much of the early portion of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors from Leadership Torrance, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, and several university presidents and academic leaders. The body then moved through routine business, including approval of the Senate journals and reading of several bills on the second reading file, before taking up gubernatorial appointments.
Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were confirmed: Justin Hufft, Cali Rana Singhe, and Dr. Annette Walker. The Senate also confirmed Villian Corral to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. In each case, the appointing committee recommendation was noted and roll calls were taken, with the confirmations approved by the required vote margins.
On third reading, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with supportive remarks from several senators and advocates emphasizing research, awareness, and the lived experience of Parkinson’s disease. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, with extensive floor statements from multiple senators on remembrance, education, antisemitism, and the importance of teaching Holocaust history. Finally, the Senate passed Assembly Bill 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe; the measure and urgency clause both received unanimous support.
The session concluded with committee announcements and several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including honors for coach John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana. The Pro Tem then announced the next floor session and the Senate recessed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 13th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a group here from Black River, their faculty and staff leader.
- The third item is with Black River Technical College.
- The third item is with Black River Technical College.
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot.
The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees.
Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Black. Boykin. Boiko. Kosslo. Fowler. Here. Engel. Loy. Myrith. Meyers. Here. Thank you.
- Black? Yes. Boykin? Aye. Boiko? No. Coslow? Aye. Bowler? Aye. Engel. Lewis? Aye. Loy? Aye. Mireth?
- But all that being said, Representative Black, you have a question? Yes, I do, Mr. Chair.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Utilities Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 2807, with a substitute ending in .03C. Representative Herbert explained that the substitute was intended to match the Senate version, add battery energy storage to the renewable standard, clarify that the nuclear provision applies to new, not existing, nuclear generation, and create nuclear energy credits to help track generation for the PSC. Members asked about how the credits would work, whether they could involve out-of-state generation, and how the bill would affect Missouri jobs and in-state generation. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2807 do pass by a roll call vote of 18 ayes and 1 no.
The committee then heard House Bills 3351 and 3371, sponsored by Representatives Koslow and Taylor, which would expand a prior, narrower water-district detachment proposal statewide. The bill would create a “specific demand customer” category for large water users whose quantity or quality needs may exceed a district’s capabilities, require a water district to respond within 60 days, and allow the customer to seek service elsewhere and pursue detachment if the district cannot or will not serve them. It also would prevent districts from taking on new encumbering federal debt to block detachment and would require gifts offered specifically to pay off such debt to be accepted and applied to that purpose. Sponsors said the measure was meant to stop “debt hoarding” and remove barriers to economic development while still allowing courts to review reasonableness and protect both districts and customers.
Members questioned the scope of the bill, including the use of “may exceed” in the definition, whether the restriction on new loans could create problems in emergency or repair situations, how reasonableness would be judged, and whether the proposal could affect existing ratepayers or apply to municipal systems. The sponsors said the intent was to address net-new customers and to leave ordinary financing available except for loans used to prevent detachment. In informational testimony, Missouri American Water described a separate but related problem involving USDA red tape delaying a partial sale of the city of DeKalb’s water system, saying the delay was preventing lower rates and needed capital investment for a small community. No votes were taken on HB 3351 or HB 3371 before the committee adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 23rd, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair Burns, Vice Chair Oler King, Representatives Walshmore, Amato, Black, Brown, Faulkner, Fowler
- It's, it's, it's, it's, it's, I don't see us, you know, getting in the black anytime soon.
- Representative Black, to inquire, Mr. Chair. Proceed. Thank you. I suspect, gentlemen...
Summary:
The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held public hearings on three measures. House Bill 2289, sponsored by Rep. Owen, would create a real estate fund to let the state more quickly sell and buy property, with proceeds from sales and other monies deposited for future real property acquisitions. Rep. Owen and Office of Administration witness Hanna-Swan said the current process is too slow and cumbersome, especially when the state needs to consolidate or relocate offices; Rep. Walshmore raised concerns about siloing funds during tight budget years, while supporters said the fund would improve flexibility and efficiency. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 189, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, proposing a Missouri sovereign wealth fund, or “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” Wellenkamp argued the state needs a long-term investment vehicle to address infrastructure and fiscal pressures, with the Treasurer investing in private markets under strict controls and the fund eventually replacing tax revenue once it matures. Members questioned the source of initial funding, the investment rules, the audit provisions, and whether the fund could be used for broader state spending; no witnesses testified in opposition or support, and no action was taken.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2906, sponsored by Rep. Mayhew, which would raise dollar limits for certain Office of Administration construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair contracts and authorize master agreements for architecture, engineering, and land surveying services. Mayhew and OA said the changes would account for inflation and reduce delays by prequalifying vendors for two-year periods instead of repeating the RFQ process for small projects. An engineering industry witness supported the bill as an efficiency measure, and committee members asked about the contract limits, the master agreement structure, and how the numbers were chosen. The hearing concluded without a vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know we're black and white. All right. Left and right. Are we ready? Go ahead. We're ready?
- Black.
- Representative Black... For the motion, Secretary, please call the roll. Representative Biasucci?
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation on modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from local officials and port authority representatives described the port as outdated, flood-prone, and a major congestion and safety concern because CBP equipment and officers are positioned near the international boundary and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. Speakers said the port is vital to local and state commerce, estimated modernization could cost $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and requested state support and letters of support for federal advocacy. Committee members discussed the economic and safety impacts, and leadership said a joint letter would be prepared.
The committee then considered several bills. HB 2237 would appropriate $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and a visitor gateway; it passed 4-2. HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, exempt the state portion of prime contracting tax for such projects, and adjust bond-related rules; after an amendment, it passed 6-1. HB 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more; testimony focused on large rate hikes in rural areas versus RUCO’s limited staff and budget, and the bill passed 5-1 with some members asking for continued discussion about RUCO’s priorities.
The committee also passed HB 2824, which authorizes local governments to establish voluntary C-PACE programs for financing commercial property improvements through special assessments, with supporters saying it would help attract investment without using state general funds. HB 2939, the “Lucid bill,” would add a rural-location tax credit tied to large qualifying investments and new jobs; Lucid Motors testified that it would support advanced manufacturing and rural job creation, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after noting HB 2950 would be held due to time and heard first at the next meeting.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a reminder to the members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
- The Black Caucus will hold its press conference regarding the caucus priorities tomorrow.
- The Black Caucus will hold its press conference regarding the caucus priorities tomorrow.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As we enter Black History Month, I'm reminded of a quote from Reverend Dr.
- And it's just too out of reach for so many people in our state, particularly brown and Black folks.
- And it's just too out of reach for so many people in our state, particularly brown and Black folks.
Summary:
The Assembly convened in Sacramento, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural motions, members voted to withdraw SB 106 from committee for third reading and to suspend the rules so AJR 25 could be taken up immediately. AJR 25, authored by Assembly Member Bonta, urged Congress to restore and extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired on January 1, with supporters arguing the lapse would sharply raise premiums for millions of Californians, including veterans, working families, and other vulnerable residents. Opponents, led by Assembly Member DeMaio, argued the resolution blamed federal action for California’s high health care costs and said state mandates and spending choices were the real problem. The resolution was adopted 58-4, and Assembly Member Addis was added as a joint author.
The chamber also took up H.R. 76 on affordable homeownership, presented by Assembly Member Schultz and supported by Assembly Member Wicks, who emphasized the importance of homeownership for wealth-building and noted ongoing efforts to expand programs such as CalHome. H.R. 79, by Assembly Member Valencia, recognized February 2026 as Unclaimed Property Month; supporters highlighted the large amount of unclaimed property held by the state and encouraged residents to search for funds owed to them. Both resolutions received broad support, with co-author rolls opened before final adoption. The second-day consent calendar, including ACR 127 on National School Counseling Week, was adopted 64-0.
Members also heard a lengthy adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Soria honoring Pablo Rodriguez, a Central Valley organizer and civic leader remembered for his work with United Farm Workers, Communities for a New California, and AB 1441 on the Merced County Independent Redistricting Commission. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Rodriguez, welcomed his family and colleagues, and then adjourned until Monday, February 9, at 1 p.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- see, I put some, I didn't, the pages did, passed out some maps on your desk, and you will see some black
- Those black dots are homes that are in the wildland urban interface, which is called the wooey.
- didn't want to give you every map that was in the WUI, so these are just two examples showing all these black
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 11, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> REPRESENTATIVE BLACK. >> Rep. Black: HERE. >> REPRESENTATIVE BUSATTA. EXCUSED.
- SO OFTEN IT IS HARD FOR CONSUMERS AND ADVOCATES TO ACCESS THE MATERIALS BECAUSE OF THE BLACK BOX.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and on behalf of our 12 members, including
- You need not search hard to find the intersectionality of Black and LGBTQ struggle, protests, and resistance
- On behalf of the Black Caucus, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on this resolution.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar.
The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, I use cannabis flour, and I have to buy it off the black market.
- ... ...the majority of people that consume cannabis are using flour, and they're buying it off the black
- are pushing that very large portion of the people who are using it—veterans or otherwise—back to the black
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare, legislation, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, election supplies, ballots
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle funding to address the driver license black log in
- with the Sea has school was established in the fall of 1955, it was the first new high school for the black
- But she has one of those, you know, little black plastic things with a suction cup or whatever.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of H.R. 21.
- Johnson, a fearless black trans woman who fought for the LGBTQ plus liberation and will never be forgotten
- The California Legislative Black Caucus thanks our member from Los Angeles for HR 21, and we resoundedly
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Martin Luther King in Chicago and was an ally of the Black Panther Party.
- Martin Luther King in Chicago and was an ally of the Black Panther Party.
- </c> vote for every American, including black vote for every American, including black Americans.
- </c><00:48:59.839><c> political</c> the dismantling of black political the dismantling of black political
- </c><01:17:18.320><c> We</c> of black sight detention centers. We of black sight detention centers.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, January 28, 2026
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Black can give us additional information about that right now. Mr. Black: Mr.
- Black can give us additional information about that right now. Mr. Black: Mr.
- Black can give us additional information about that right now. Mr. Black: Mr.
- Black: Mr. Chairman, my name is Rob Black.
- Black?
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations