Transcript Highlights:

• Science doesn't care about your feelings. Science doesn't care about your politics.
• Science doesn't care about your Science doesn't care about your politics.<02:18:04.399><c> Science</c
• Science is built on data, politics.
• ,</c> to think that if he ignores the science, to think that if he ignores the science, it<02:18:12.240
• ,</c><02:19:10.319><c> technology,</c> workshops in science, technology, workshops in science, technology

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the science, and we have the tools.
• In particular, the Agricultural and Natural Resources Program, or ANR. ANR is also science-based.
• Science is not moving as fast as these chemicals are being introduced in our daily lives.
• HCPA appreciates that this is led by science.
• We want a pesticide regulatory program that is science-based, and DPR share the same mission.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't know the specific nature of these recycling facilities yet.
• Coal's not as easy to back down on as natural gas is.
• So natural gas turbine plants have been winning the field.
• This is a three-year bachelor's degree program, so Bachelor of Applied Science versus a Bachelor of Science
• They're getting ready to build new natural gas generation.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Interim Committee met for its final meeting on August 19, 2026, approved the June 16 minutes, and heard a series of informational presentations focused on policy, siting, community engagement, and fuel-cycle issues. Committee members also received an update on a recent injury to Representative Mitskog, who participated virtually after surgery. Rod McCullum of the Nuclear Energy Institute discussed DOE’s “innovation campus” initiative for used nuclear fuel. He said DOE has narrowed responses to five states—Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana—and that any host agreements will likely require state legislation and decisions on funding. He argued industry should not need a restarted nuclear waste fee and said the effort should proceed through appropriations and changes to federal law, including removing Yucca Mountain exclusivity. In response to questions, he said Yucca Mountain failed because it was imposed top-down rather than through consent-based siting, and he rejected deep seabed disposal as impractical and treaty-laden. Chase Blazer and Austin Blanche of Envoy Public Labs described state-led community engagement models for advanced nuclear projects, highlighting examples in Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Illinois, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah. They emphasized that successful projects depend on early education, local support, workforce planning, and clear communication about benefits, safety, and siting. Members asked about how broad engagement should be, and the presenters said the scope depends on the project but should at least include the host county and nearby communities, with broader regional outreach where appropriate. Senator K.L. Case and Rita Meyer of Wyoming Energy Futures outlined Wyoming’s legislative path to support TerraPower’s Natrium project in Kemmerer. They reviewed earlier state laws that effectively blocked nuclear waste siting and later legislation that opened the door to on-site storage of spent fuel from an active in-state reactor. Meyer said the project is being built with federal ARDP support and private investment, but faces major supply-chain challenges, especially for HALEU fuel and specialized components. Both speakers stressed that Wyoming’s approach has relied on legislation, community support, and private capital rather than direct state funding, and that the project is expected to create substantial construction and permanent jobs if it reaches completion.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Aiden Pohl, and I'm a student at UMass Boston pursuing a bachelor's in political science with
• There is a myriad of barriers that result in these outcomes, many of them financial in nature, and the
• But now is the time for the natural next step. Case in point, Massachusetts, I think.
• But now is the time for the natural next step.
• I am a rising junior at UMass Amherst studying political science and economics.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• museum Minnesota Department the science museum Minnesota Department of<00:03:50.080><c> Education</c
• centers and museums and informal science centers and museums and informal experiences<00:04:02.920><
• people in science technology engineering and<00:04:10.920><c> math</c><00:04:11.560><c> or</c><00:04
• than, say, a Workforce One nature.
• Workforce One nature.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to look at the science.
• From the science that I've read, the science that I've read.
• I know, trust the science, follow the science, and that's what we all tried to do until we figured out
• Thank you. trust the science, follow the science, and that's what we all tried to do until we figured
• There is no 'the science'—there's no definite article you put in front of science.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And other than political science, I have a public administration.
• So what you and I... ...in political science, I have a public administration.
• You know, I hesitate to say that people with political science degrees like that...
• I thank President Pasidomo for the wit, the humor, and the whimsical nature. This is great.
• I thank President Passidomo for the wit, the humor, and the whimsical nature. This is great.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Walking precincts and phone banking was second nature.
• easy task. ...those with behavioral health needs, of course, is no easy task, but Alberto's caring nature
• He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Southern California in 1969 and was
• He earned a Bachelor's of Science and Business from the University of Southern California in 1969 and

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about outlawing natural gas stoves.
• Do you think that the CO2 emissions from a natural gas stove, if we ban natural gas stoves in California
• I'll have a lot of folks who are actually on propane, not natural gas, right?
• I'll have a lot of folks who are actually on propane, not natural gas, right?
• Fourth, the critical importance of being guided by science.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and two University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors appointees, along with reference of bills to two committees and floor acknowledgments. All of those items passed by voice or roll-call votes, mostly unanimously, with the Civil Rights Council appointment approved 3-2. The main portion of the meeting focused on the Air Resources Board appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Lock Dawson. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic realities. Members questioned them extensively about cap-and-trade/cap-and-invest, leakage and job losses, agricultural impacts, warehouse and truck traffic burdens, emergency vehicle and wildfire evacuation needs, low-carbon fuel standards, gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters from labor, environmental, local government, and industry groups spoke in support of both nominees. The committee approved Hopkins 4-0 with one member not voting, and Lock Dawson 5-0, sending both nominations to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestraw’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety/DTSC oversight board. He described his background in climate and regulatory negotiations and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and listening to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators asked about DTSC reform, the Moss Landing battery fire, community engagement in places like Hinkley/Herupah Valley, fee-setting and the generation-and-handling fee, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Exide cleanup, and the hazardous waste management plan. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his appointment 3-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to the full Senate for confirmation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they have me come in during that science class when the science teachers usually talk about it
• “You mentioned that you go into the science classrooms.
• And the science is really clear on ACEs.
• It’s based around the science of hope.
• They're hoping it's naturally going to end when summer break starts.

Summary: The committee met to discuss domestic violence with a focus on teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and the impact of technology on abuse. Chair Blanca Rubio opened by describing the urgency of the issue, including a recent teen murder in her district tied to domestic violence, and emphasized that restraining orders alone do not prevent abuse. The first panel featured Janica Morin Pasquale and Taylor Stone Mill, who described warning signs in teens such as constant monitoring through phones and social media, isolation from friends, jealousy normalized by online content, and control through gifts, food delivery, and access to passwords or tracking apps. They stressed that many teens do not tell parents, that parents often miss the signs, and that prevention should begin early and be reinforced in schools, homes, and youth activities. They also cited resources such as Love Is Respect, One Love, and Take It Down, and urged consistent funding and implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act rather than one-time lessons. The second panel shifted to the effects of domestic violence on children and the systems that respond to them. Joyce Blue of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center described the center’s wraparound services, including forensic interviews, legal help, housing support, child therapy, and high-risk response, and highlighted the prevalence and danger of strangulation, including cases with no visible injury. She explained that domestic violence is about power and control, that children often normalize abuse, and that safety planning must accompany restraining orders. Susie Flores of Inner Circle Children’s Advocacy Center explained the multidisciplinary forensic interview model used for child abuse cases, gave examples of severe abuse involving children exposed to domestic violence, and noted that many centers are overwhelmed by caseloads. She stressed the need for immediate trauma-informed services and more front-end intervention rather than waiting until long-term harm develops. Dr. Pamela Tate of Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence and other members discussed the need to support not only victims but also the systems and educators who are expected to respond. Several members shared personal experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault, and family trauma, and raised concerns about school implementation, immigrant families’ fear of reporting, and the need to address abusers’ behavior and trauma as well. The discussion also touched on statute of limitations issues, with panelists saying memory and trauma can delay disclosure for years and that rigid deadlines can prevent justice. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with members expressing support for continued collaboration, prevention funding, and stronger implementation of existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, one of the bills that came up was dealing with computer science, and I was like in one of our other
• communities, I was like I hate computer science, but computers...
• I hate computer science, but computers are moving.
• But do I stop it because I hate computer science? I know it's moving.
• They're trying to go to the NBA, NFL, things of that nature. Right. Represent Jones.

Bills: SB311 , SB322 , SB304 , SB313 , SB315 , SB316 , HB489 , SB90

Committees: House Tourism , House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: electric transmission, public highways, permit processing, economic growth, infrastructure, rural development, condemnation actions, state regulations, community development district, CDD, annexation, municipal annexation, wet municipality, dry county, wet county, Sunday alcohol sales, ABC Board, alcohol licensing, on-premises consumption, golf course

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at General Mills and I Source natural at General Mills and I Source natural and<00:19:51.200><c>
• </c><00:20:33.520><c> and</c> Drive advances in food science and Drive advances in food science and ultimately
• Paul, we have an office at the food science department at the University.
• We're really focused on what our food science scientists can do in that space.
• </c><01:11:40.199><c> gas</c> you the the optimal natural gas you the the optimal natural gas potential

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Wade Crowfoot, and I lead the California Natural Resources Agency.
• And in order for it to succeed, we engaged in years of science.
• There's some stuff that's in law that's going to happen on the natural.
• That's just naturally a part of the program structure.
• Michaela Bird with The Nature Conservancy. TNC appreciates the inclusion...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , dust, things of that nature.
• No, because that's a natural process. So you're talking as you exhale, that is a natural process.
• I mean, to be honest with you, even a flatulent would be a natural process.
• Let's let God handle our weather, keep nature natural. God is the best weatherman.
• This is putting the Department of Natural Resources in the driver’s seat.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up several executive-session items and voted H.J.R. 189 do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. It then adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 2139, with the substitute removing specific references to Sharia law and broadening the language to apply to foreign law generally; the committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2139 and HB 2175 do pass by 10 ayes and 2 noes. The committee also adopted a substitute for House Bill 3051 that removed manufacturer language and focused the bill on car dealers and the Department of Revenue, then voted that House Committee Substitute do pass by 7 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. Later, the committee adopted an amendment and substitute for House Bill 2908 and HB 2990 and voted that combined committee substitute do pass by 13 ayes and 1 no. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to House Bills 2388 and 2656, which would ban geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding in Missouri. Sponsors and supporters argued the bills were needed to stop pollution, protect air, water, soil, agriculture, and public health, and to mirror laws or proposals in other states such as Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana. Testimony from supporters included claims that these practices are already occurring, that federal and private actors are involved, and that the bills would provide a needed state-level prohibition and deterrent. Several witnesses also argued that weather modification and geoengineering raise consent, environmental, and health concerns, while a Missouri Farm Bureau representative said the organization opposes unregulated commercial weather modification as a proactive measure. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a solar-energy bill, House Bill 2478, presented as a vehicle for a committee substitute focused on safety issues around solar farms. The sponsor said the substitute would likely address setbacks, fire safety, alarms or notification systems, soil testing, and liability/decommissioning concerns, while trying to balance landowner rights with neighboring property owners’ safety. Witnesses in support raised concerns about fire risk, toxic materials, runoff, and the loss of agricultural land, and some urged stronger civil liability provisions. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be handled at the county level, whether existing legal recourse already exists for damaged neighbors, and which provisions would remain in the substitute. No final vote on HB 2478 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis with a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering.
• Aubrey studied at the College of William and Mary and majored in linguistics and political science.
• These are generally capital projects, like buildings and things of that nature, that take successive
• There are exceptions such as natural disaster, terrorist threats, civil unrest, things of that nature
• And I personally will be a no on this bill, and I ask the body to really consider science here.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources and Energy Committee reports House Bill 313 should pass as consent.
• Natural<00:09:31.320><c> Resources</c><00:09:32.040><c> and</c><00:09:32.240><c> Energy</c><00:09:32.680
• ><c> Committee</c> Natural Resources and Energy Committee Natural Resources and Energy Committee reports
• June 30th all interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five educators to have completed a science
• June 30th all interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five educators to have completed a science

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Act 310 is a chance natural disasters.
• Department of Education and nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation.
• Department of Education and nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation.
• </c> of having trained computer science of having trained computer science teachers<01:47:13.679><c>
• ,</c><01:47:39.119><c> technology,</c> highwage careers in science, technology, highwage careers in science

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jewett, the political science department, of course, my dissertation chairwoman, Dr.
• Jewett, the political science department, of course, my dissertation chairwoman, Dr.
• Jew at the political science department, of course, my dissertation chairwoman, Dr.
• Could you describe for me what natural organic reduction is?
• She said, because I studied political science and women's studies, and he represents my values.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities. The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support. Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2. The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, finally, let's get on to science. This is grades 5, 8, and 11 science.
• Is that if you notice eighth grade science?
• I agree with you as far as putting the attention in math and science, because I know, as a science teacher
• We have to opt in for science.
• But they know the science forward and backwards.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where the sea and the desert come together to create natural wonders such as the Great Altar Desert Reserve
• , El Pinacate, designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
• And the lunar and planetary sciences come to look at the geology. That you have there.
• And the lunar and planetary sciences come to look at the geology, a lot of the volcanic formations that
• That's not that they don't care, anything like that; it's just the nature of the beast of leadership.

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria, a Puerto Peñasco council member and chamber president, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism destination and binational partner for Arizona. He highlighted tourism, cross-border visitation, safety coordination, and possible commercial opportunities, including discussion of a future cruise port or cargo port, border improvements, and the continued importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy. Members responded with personal comments about travel, student field work, and medical volunteer clinics in Puerto Peñasco, and Renteria offered to serve as a liaison for Arizona offices dealing with visitor or property issues. The committee then considered a series of Arizona Commerce Authority oversight bills. HB 2746 was removed from the agenda. HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund and subject its use to legislative appropriations; supporters said it would add balance and oversight, while an Arizona Free Enterprise Club representative opposed it, arguing the fund lacked accountability and should be repealed or tightly restricted. The bill passed on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2752 would move authority over trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; it also passed, with several members saying the legislature needed a stronger role in trade-office decisions. Finally, HB 2753, as amended, would add ex-officio members to the ACA board, including the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, plus ranking minority members or their designees. The committee adopted an amendment expanding minority-party participation and then passed the bill as amended. Throughout the debate, members emphasized that the measures were intended to increase legislative oversight and communication with the Commerce Authority rather than oppose the agency outright. The committee adjourned after approving HB 2751, HB 2752, and HB 2753 as amended.