Video & Transcript Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
Page 89 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator DeCoche? Brill?
- Scott Talbot? No? Steve Ruschenberger? Steve Ruschenberger. Welcome, Steve.
- Scott Talbot? Scott online now? Yes, sir, I am. Welcome, Scott. Nice to be here. All right.
- My name is Scott Talbot.
- Yeah, Senator Feeney, appreciate it. Sure, thank you. Just a quick question for you.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely.
Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform.
The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator DiCeglie. Senator Gaetz. Senator Hooper. Senator Leek. Senator Osgood. Senator Passidomo.
- Senator Gaetz. Senator Hooper. Senator Leek. Senator Osgood. Senator Osgood: Yes.
- Senator Leek. Senator Osgood. Senator Passidomo. Senator Polsky. Senator Trumbull. Senator Burton.
- Senator Gaetz. Senator Hooper. Senator Leek. Senator Osgood. Senator Passidomo. Senator Polsky.
- Senator Berman. Senator DiCeglie. Senator Gaetz. Senator Hooper. Senator Leek. Senator Osgood.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 11th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members, Senate Bill No. 252 by Senator Presley provides for anatomical gift authorization
- Senator Hodges. Senate Bill 72, Ms. Champing. Mr.
- Senator Hodges. Senate Bill 72, Ms. Champing. Mr.
- Seeing none, Senate Bill 72 would be reported with amendments. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr.
- Senator Hodges, anything you want to add? No. the Senate side.
Keywords:
Tickfaw River, boating safety, warning signs, parish governing authorities, Livingston Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Lake Maurepas, Natalbany River, boat collisions, vessel incidents, recreational boating, marine safety, public safety, navigation hazards, waterway signage, Louisiana House Resolution 243, HR 243, motor vehicle, licensing
Summary:
The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then took up Senate Bill 56 concerning the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and its possible transfer into the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West. Amendment Set 5327 was adopted to add a compliance officer with specified qualifications, described as a checks-and-balances measure separating that role from the chief of police. Testimony in support emphasized the district’s limited recurring revenues, the need for professional management, and the West Bank authority’s ability to provide administrative and operational support. A witness for affected landowners raised concerns about unpaid takings claims and urged amendments to preserve liability and avoid litigation, but the committee ultimately reported SB 56 favorably with amendments.
The committee then received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Laude on the department’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing operations and maintenance, construction process improvements, faster contractor payment times, quicker change-order approvals, and improved project delivery rates. After that, the committee reported favorably Senate Bill 171, which makes cleanup changes to the new water resources authority, and Senate Bill 252, which updates driver’s license organ-donor authorization to record both yes and no choices. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic titles and vehicle registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, support electronic lien and title transactions, and set standards for secure digital titles; it was then reported with amendments.
House Bill 939, which would have created a Louisiana New and Used Motor Vehicle Commission, was converted into a substitute bill creating a Louisiana Vehicle Commission and consolidating the existing new and used vehicle commissions. After discussion of implementation, governance, funding, and employee-transition concerns, the committee adopted the substitute amendments and then deferred the bill. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate, was amended to add designated state officials for a related special plate request tied to security and parking around the Supreme Court in New Orleans, and it was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, as amended, urged safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident; the amendment shifted responsibility from DOTD to surrounding parish governing authorities, and the resolution was reported with amendments before the committee adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Not wishing to speak, Scott Kirkpatrick. I'll move to report Senate Bill 171 favorably.
- Chairman, members, Senate Bill No. 252 by Senator Pressly provides for anatomical gift authorization
- Senator Hodges. Senate Bill 72, Ms. Champing. Mr.
- Senator Hodges. Senate Bill 72, Ms. Champing. Mr.
- Senator Hodges, anything you want to add? No. the Senate side.
Summary:
The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments.
The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization.
Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to testify on Senate Bill 11. Senate Bill 1190.
- Senate Bill 12, Senate Bill 1624, asks the bill author to lay out the committee substitute for Senate
- The Senator lays out Senate Bill 2204 and asks Senator Birdwell to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
- Senate Bill 1663 by Senator Zaffirini.
- Senate Bill 1967 by Senator Chuy Hinojosa.
Bills:
SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623
Keywords:
Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] The Senate will come to order. Senator Murphy, this is for a call of the Senate.
- Senator Abler votes aye. Senator Abler votes aye. Senator Dames votes aye. Senator Dames votes aye.
- Senator Lucero. Senator Guttenhagen. Senator Lucero. Senator Guttenhagen.
- Klene and Senator Mann and Senator Balden, Senator Lisky, Senator Abler.
- Senator Clark, as well as Senator Lang, Senator Nelson, Senator Farnsworth, Senator How.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Flippo and Chairman Lundstrum, we thought it would be a good idea to bring together kind of a
- Tim Jones, you are recognized to provide a history of the subcommittee. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to receive a primer on the subcommittee’s history and on how Medicaid oversight works in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s origins in response to earlier Medicaid audit concerns and explained that Medicaid is audited every year in the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk, large federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including issues with eligibility controls, data matching, contractor charging, incarcerated juveniles’ coverage handling, provider eligibility support, and the state’s Medicaid recovery audit contractor exception request. They also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for possible prosecution.
The Department of Human Services gave an overview of the Medicaid program, describing eligibility groups, delivery systems (fee-for-service, managed care/PASSE, and premium assistance for expansion adults), the size of the program, and the agency’s budget and provider base. DHS also outlined the difference between state plan amendments and waivers and said other committee materials would be sent to members. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, explaining that it investigates suspected intentional fraud, suspends providers when there is a credible allegation of fraud, recovers improper payments in mistake cases, and recommends policy changes when trends are identified.
The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, handles neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases in long-term care settings, and works with DHS, OMIG, and federal partners. Members asked about where cases are filed, how provider suspensions work, whether beneficiary fraud is investigated, and how education is provided to providers. DHS confirmed that beneficiary fraud cases are referred to local prosecutors and said the expansion population will move toward community engagement/work requirements under federal changes, with a soft launch planned before full implementation. The meeting ended with no formal votes beyond adoption of the prior minutes and no other committee actions.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Flippo and Chairman Lundstrom thought it would be a good idea to bring together a primer, if
- Tim Jones, you are recognized to provide a history of the subcommittee. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action.
The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors.
The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- After Commissioner Snider will be Tim Spr. Welcome to the committee, Commissioner.
- Next on my list is Tim Spr. After that will be Katherine Nler. Welcome to the committee, Mr. Spr.
- My name is Tim Spr. I'm speaking today for the Minnesota Trappers Association.
- <01:34:44.360>
spr <01:34:44.800>I'm Madam chair my name is Tim spr I'm Madam chair - my name is Tim spr I'm speaking<01:34:45.239>
today <01:34:45.480>for <01:34:45.639>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, thank you, Senator.
- Senator? Yeah, I'll just close that. But this... Senator? Yeah, I'll just close that.
- And then we got a letter from not just Senator Schiff and Senator Padilla, but also Senator Merkley,
- Senator Murkley, and Senator... ...letter from not just Senator Schiff and Senator Padilla, but also
- Senator Merkley, Senator Murray, and other senators across the West who really want to see this happen
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy convened with a quorum and first heard SB 254, a major utility affordability and wildfire package authored by Senator Becker and coauthored by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris. The bill was described as combining wildfire mitigation reforms, $6 billion in securitized financing for future fire-mitigation capital spending, a public ownership/transmission financing program, tighter scrutiny of utility profits, clean energy permitting streamlining, stronger customer connection timelines, and a successor wildfire fund/continuation account to replace the current fund. Supporters, including the Governor’s office, TURN, labor, clean energy groups, utilities, and public advocates, said the measure would lower bills, stabilize utilities, protect fire victims, and reduce wildfire-related bankruptcy risk. Opponents and some local government groups raised concerns about affordability impacts, the volumetric wildfire fee, strict liability, and provisions they said could affect local control. After discussion, the committee approved SB 254 on a 16-0 vote and sent it to the floor.
The committee then held an informational hearing on AB 825, which would enable California to participate in a West-wide electricity market. The authors said the proposal could save ratepayers up to $1 billion annually, improve reliability by allowing California to draw on a larger regional supply, reduce curtailment of renewable power, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Support came from environmental organizations, labor, utilities, community choice aggregators, large energy users, and the Public Advocates Office, all emphasizing cost savings, reliability, and cleaner energy integration. TURN opposed the measure, warning that last-minute amendments removed safeguards against subsidizing out-of-state fossil generation and could expose California ratepayers to unwanted costs. Members questioned governance, exit rights, CPUC oversight, and local control, and the authors responded that the bill includes multiple safeguards, legislative reporting, the ability to exit without penalty, and continued local consultation. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Jayanta Bhattacharya, of California, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health, and Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, both of the Department of Health and Human Mar 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Paul. Senator Collins. Senator Mullin. Senator Marshall. Senator Scott. Senator Hawley.
- Senator Tuberville. Senator Banks. Senator Husted. Senator Moody. Senator Sanders. Senator Murray.
- Senator Baldwin. Senator Murphy. Senator Cain. Senator Hassan. Senator Hickenlooper.
- Senator Marshall, Senator Scott, Senator Hawley, Senator Tuberville, Senator Banks, Senator Husted.
- Senator Moody, Senator Sanders, Senator Murray. Senator Baldwin, Senator Murphy.
Keywords:
public health, nominations, NIH, FDA, drug affordability, transparency, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare accessibility
Summary:
The meeting focused on vital health-related nominations, primarily emphasizing the roles of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director and Dr. Monty McCary for FDA Commissioner. During the discussion, various senators expressed their support and concerns regarding these nominations. Senator Sanders voiced opposition to both candidates, highlighting issues related to drug affordability and public trust in health agencies. He emphasized the need for leaders committed to transparency and addressing the epidemic of high prescription drug prices, advocating for action against pharmaceutical industry greed. Overall, the conversation underscored the critical crossroads in public health leadership amidst ongoing challenges such as trust restoration and healthcare accessibility.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing & Land Use Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Housing & Land Use
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Kira Hoffner, absent. Senator Bryan Townsend, absent. Senator Jack Walsh, absent.
- Senator Dan Cruce, absent. Absent. Senator Jack Walsh, absent. Senator James Bruce, absent.
- Senator Eric Buckson, present. Senator Gerald Hawker, present.
- Thank you, Senator Lockeman.
- Next up is Scott Kidner.
Summary:
The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated.
The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training.
Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- My good friend Scott has contacted me a few months ago.
- My good friend Scott has contacted me a few months ago.
- My good friend Scott has contacted me a few months ago.
- My good friend Scott has contacted me a few months ago.
- My good friend Scott has contacted me a few months ago.
Keywords:
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 – Attendance Roll Call
03:15 -- House Bill 186
09:59 – Roll Call Vote
11:51 – HB 370
22:55 – Roll Call Vote
24:45 – HB 304
28:47—Roll Call Vote
30:13 – HB 391
43:09—Roll Call Vote, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome.
After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later.
Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Stuart Scott from the American Legion is opponent wishing to appear you're recognized. >> All
- My name is Stuart Scott with the American Legion. And first, let me start to be perfectly clear.
- Scott, Florida Musso see Ation waives in opposition.
- Well, as one of these big omnibus package is no doubt will change a lot to to House the Senate.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (05/04/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- on Senate Bill 534. on Senate Bill 534.
- should the Senate bill not pass. should the Senate bill not pass.
- Um I'll start with the Senate version. Um I'll start with the Senate version.
- On the motion of ought to pass as amended on Senate Bill 557— motion on Senate Bill 557 motion on Senate
- On the Senate<00:54:21.520>
Bill <00:54:21.800>625, Senate Bill 625, Senate Bill 625, motion
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0.
Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Leave for Senator Wallace. Thank you, Senator Hammer.
- of the Senate to notify the Clerk of the House of Representatives that the Senate is organized and ready
- Senator Bart Hester, President Pro Tem of the Senate, will notify the governor that the Senate is organized
- Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dismang, to reduce the income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and
- So let's give a hand to our MVP, Senator Clark Tucker. Thank you, Senator Dees.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice<00:28:29.640>
Chair <00:28:29.800>Scott. Vice Chair Scott. Vice Chair Scott. - ; Vice Chair Scott Vice<00:28:32.800>
Chair <00:28:32.960>Scott, <00:28:33.280>no. - Vice Chair Scott, no. Vice Chair Agbaje. Vice Chair Scott, no. Vice Chair Agbaje.
- Vice Chair Scott. Vice Chair Scott. >> No. >> No. >> No.
- >> Chair<00:35:52.520>
Scott, <00:35:53.040>no. >> Chair Scott, no.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'd like to welcome our Vice Chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Moriwaki for joining us today.
- Yes, Senator.
- Senator Har is excused. Senator Moriwaki votes I. Senator Fevella is also excused.
- Senator Har is excused. also votes I. Senator Har is excused.
- Senator<00:30:46.320>
Moriwalki Senator Moriwalki Senator Moriwalki >> I. >> I.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on March 6, 2026, and considered four gubernatorial nominations. For GM 690, Jesse Kola Dean was nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board. Testimony from the Retirement Savings Board and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strongly supported Dean, citing his original membership on the board and his role in advancing implementation of the retirement savings program. Dean described his background and said the program was moving into implementation after the board approved the Connecticut consortium model; in response to questions, he said the main challenges had been finding an executive director and adapting the program from an original opt-in structure to the opt-out consortium model. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent.
For GM 634, Darlene Blakey was nominated to the board of trustees of the Employees' Retirement System. ERS and several individuals submitted support. Blakey, an executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Hawaiian Bank, said her banking and finance background and personal experience with her mother’s retirement benefits motivated her service. She told senators she had attended ERS meetings and was focused on improving retirees’ access to information, education, and retirement planning, and said she would recuse herself from matters involving First Hawaiian Bank because of a potential conflict of interest. The committee again voted to advise and consent.
The committee then considered GM 627 and GM 726, both nominations of Gina Anu Novo to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council for different terms. Written testimony from numerous supporters was read into the record. Novo, a longtime First Hawaiian Bank executive and current vice chair, described her experience building audit, compliance, human resources, and technology functions, and said she wanted to help strengthen workforce pathways, career development, retention, and outreach to youth and workers who do not pursue college. Senators asked about her plans to connect workforce development with education and financial literacy; she emphasized career pathing, training, and adapting to changing skills needs, including the role of technology and AI. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on both nominations, and the meeting adjourned after all four nominations were approved by the committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators Becker, Seyarto. Thank you. Senators Becker, Seyarto? Here. Seyarto here. Cabaldon?
- I was walking up to pass the question, Senator.
- Senators Becker. Saratow. Thank you. Senators Becker, Seyarto? Here. Seyarto here. Cabaldon?
- Senator Laird. Thank you.
- Thank you, Senator Laird.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ketchkins. bills. Senator Ketchkins.
- Senator<00:40:43.280>
Gadger. Senator Gadger. Senator Gadger. - Senator B. >> Thank you, Senator Gavan. Senator B.
- Senator<02:25:59.680>
Singleton. Senator Singleton. Senator Singleton. - with me, Senator. with me, Senator.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, then established a quorum with 27 senators present. The body excused absent senators, approved the previous day’s journal, and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate also welcomed guests in the gallery, including Auburn University McCarter School of Building Science students and retired MPD Sergeant Martin Bean.
The chamber received multiple House messages and gubernatorial confirmations, referring several local bills and appointments to the appropriate committees. Committee reports included favorable action on Senate Bills 298 and 91 from County and Municipal Government, and House Bills 297, 365, and 436 from Local Legislation. The Senate adopted several resolutions, including recognitions for Tharptown Baptist Church, Tuskegee University Day, Dr. Bradley Heim, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School volleyball, and a special order calendar resolution setting priority bills for the 15th legislative day.
On local bills, the Senate advanced and gave final passage to a series of county and municipal measures, including SB 301 (Perry County), SB 314 (Morgan County), SB 295 (Montgomery County), SB 312 (Marshall County), HB 371 (Pike County constitutional amendment), HB 386 (Elmore County), HB 330 (Etowah County), HB 409 (City of Alabaster), HB 408 (Shelby County), SB 299 (Barbour County), HB 416 (Cleburne County), and HB 421 (Lawrence County constitutional amendment). HB 337 on Madison County was carried over. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Alabama’s record-breaking economic development year, citing major investments and job creation, and heard a lengthy Black History recognition segment on W.E.B. Du Bois, Patricia Roberts Harris, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou.
The main policy discussion centered on Senate Bill 240 regarding parole hearings, with the sponsor explaining it would allow the Pardons and Parole Board to hear from inmates and victims by phone or video to reduce travel burdens and improve access. The sponsor said an amendment was being worked on and moved to carry the bill over to the call of the chair, while another senator raised questions about whether inmates currently have an in-person opportunity to speak and whether board members would be able to question participants remotely.