Video & Transcript : 'Amite River Basin' :
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ID
Transcript Highlights:
- One of my favorite FFA events was called the River Walk.
- This is where students from our whole school were able to walk through along the river to clean up any
- Where students from our whole school were able to walk through along the river to clean up any garbage
- you have in front of you that gave us a lot of direction to go act with some urgency on the Snake River
- And on behalf of all of the Big Wood River groundwater users, people, and that whole organization, thanks
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The Senate Agricultural Committee began with a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers, who introduced themselves and described FFA’s classroom, leadership, and supervised agricultural experience model. They highlighted student leadership development, community service, and the organization’s statewide reach, and invited legislators to the upcoming state convention in Twin Falls. Senator Zito briefly shared how FFA helped build her public speaking skills and confidence.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1270 on alternative animal proteins. Sponsor Senator Nichols said the bill is a labeling measure intended to ensure cell-cultivated products are clearly identified and not marketed with traditional meat terms, and she asked to send it to the amending order for technical refinements. Food Northwest testified in opposition to state-by-state labeling mandates, citing patchwork compliance costs, but acknowledged the sponsor’s narrowing amendments and the removal of penalties for good-faith errors. The Idaho Farm Bureau supported the bill as a consumer transparency measure and also supported moving it to the amending order. The committee voted to send SB 1270 to the amending order.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 1271 on invasive rats, which would classify Norway rats and roof rats as public nuisances, invasive species, and agricultural pests and direct the Idaho Department of Agriculture to coordinate response efforts. Supporters described growing rat problems in Ada County and elsewhere, citing damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, while opponents from the pest management industry warned about unfunded mandates, potential overlap with private pest control, and unclear costs. The Department of Agriculture said it could implement the program through existing structures and explained that rulemaking and possible deficiency funding would follow if needed. After debate over whether the issue was a state or local responsibility, the committee voted to send SB 1271 to the amending order.
At the end of the meeting, University of Idaho representatives gave a brief update on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, extension and 4-H work, the new Meat Science and Innovation Center, the Idaho CAFE dairy project, the deep soil ecotron, and the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute. They also described budget-related hiring pauses and program adjustments, and thanked the committee for its support.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- She said the Two Rivers United CAC in Lewiston opened in March and has made a phenomenal difference in
- This center, the two rivers United CAC in Lewiston, opened in March.
- So next up we'll have Ross Edmunds, and he'll talk to us about Upper River, is that right, Youth Leadership
- bill, I'm before you to make the request for a 10th Recovery Community Center, and that is the Upper River
- bill, I'm before you to make the request for a 10th Recovery Community Center, and that is the Upper River
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on possible uses of temporary Millennium Fund dollars for youth- and family-focused prevention programs. Members first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard from the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, which requested $682,000 for mid-sized grants to community organizations for child abuse prevention, parenting support, family resource centers, and school-based programs. The presenter emphasized the link between adverse childhood experiences and later substance use, and described the fund’s statewide grant-making process and current projects. Committee members asked about grant selection, funding sources, and how families are identified for services.
The committee also heard from Children’s Bridge, which requested $3.5 million over four years to build a shared-services infrastructure for child care providers. The proposal focused on helping providers stabilize their businesses through software, coaching, shared purchasing, bookkeeping, and access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. The presenter argued that child care is part of Idaho’s prevention infrastructure and said the model would transition toward earned income and employer support over time. Members asked about similar programs, infrastructure, and how the model would be sustained after 2029.
Idaho Safety Assessment Centers requested $1 million to support 12 youth assessment centers that divert youth from court, ERs, and school discipline into screening, counseling, and family support. The presenter cited individual success stories and said the centers served more than 12,000 youth in a year, with an estimated return of more than $3 in benefits for every dollar invested. The committee also heard from the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, which requested $3 million in one-time bridge funding for 10 centers that conduct forensic interviews and coordinate child abuse investigations; members asked about coordination with state agencies and sustainability. Ross Edmunds of the Department of Health and Welfare requested $150,000 for a 10th recovery community center in Kamiah, explaining that the department already oversees nine centers through quarterly payments and reporting requirements. Finally, Representative Jordan Redman proposed a $5 million statewide drug-use awareness campaign using research, surveys, and targeted media buys; he said the campaign would be evaluated through impressions, reach, and frequency. No decisions were made, and the chair said the committee would return later to continue reviewing the requests, noting the fund is one-time money and that the governor’s recommendations and a $25 million request reduce the amount available.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - Senate Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Down here, when the water comes below Roosevelt Dam, it goes through the Gila River, takes a left there
- And with me on the floor, to my right, I am honored again to have the governor of the Gila River Indian
- My right, I am honored again to have the governor of the Gila River Indian Community, Governor Stephen
- Ag to Urban Bill last session, and it will continue to be important as we continue to get Colorado River
- And it will continue to be important as we continue to get Colorado River allocation delivered to Arizona
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened for opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with ceremonial prayers, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. Senate President Warren Petersen gave a farewell-style address highlighting his efforts to shift power toward members and committee chairs, preserve conservative policies, and deliver annual tax cuts, including a projected $1 billion cut this year. The chamber then recessed for an opening-day speech by Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who spoke about Arizona’s labor-force needs, workforce training, and GCU’s role in expanding access to education and middle-class jobs, including apprenticeships and technical programs tied to local employers.
After returning to order, the Senate adopted its organizational rules for the session, including suspending rules so bills and resolutions could be read by number and short title only on first and second reading and by number and title only on third and final reading. Members also approved a motion to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized and ready for business, and the House later reported that it was likewise organized. The chamber then adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the President announced committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
The remainder of the session focused on points of personal privilege, with senators introducing family members, constituents, local officials, school leaders, law enforcement officers, tribal leaders, and advocacy guests. Several members used the occasion to emphasize issues they expect to work on this session, including education, public safety, housing, water, early childhood services, veterans, border security, and workforce development. The Senate also received a motion to request House consent for an adjournment schedule, and the body adjourned until Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. after announcing upcoming committee meetings and the first batch of bill introductions and references.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy finance bill, HF2563, heard in House Ways and Means Committee 4/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Every single district is made better by the work being funded in this bill to protect our lakes, our rivers
- that was made in the House bill is on page six, and that is line 221, and that's an extension for Ash River
- that was made in the House bill is on page six, and that is line 221, and that's an extension for Ash River
- that was made in the House bill is on page six, and that is line 221, and that's an extension for Ash River
- sanitary sewer a extension for Ash River sanitary sewer collection<00:07:29.280><c> and</c><00:07:29.520
Summary:
House File 2563, the Omnibus Legacy Bill, was presented as a roughly $779 million package funding projects across Minnesota through the four Legacy funds: Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Chairs Vang and McDonald described the bill as a responsible one-time spending measure with no ongoing base funding, emphasizing habitat restoration, water protection, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the spreadsheet, explaining that the bill largely follows the recommendations of the relevant councils and governor, with some additions such as a Wilderness Inquiry partnership, an Ash River sewer extension, competitive grant funding, and several arts and history projects.
Staff highlighted the major allocations and structure of the bill: Outdoor Heritage funding for land and habitat projects, Clean Water funding for water-quality work, Parks and Trails funding following the traditional 40-40-20 split, and Arts and Cultural Heritage funding for the State Arts Board, Minnesota Historical Society, Humanities Center, Indian Affairs Council, Department of Education, and other recipients. They also noted policy provisions requiring Clean Water Council recommendations to be broken out by fiscal year, requiring recent 990 forms for arts grantees, limiting arts funds from being used for capital construction except in specified cases, and extending a prior appropriation for the Sunni Lee memorial project. Members asked about land acquisition, the new 990 requirement, and reduced funding for children’s museums; chairs and staff responded that Outdoor Heritage includes land acquisition, the 990 is simply a documentation requirement, and children’s museum funding is lower because more money is now placed in a competitive grant pool.
The chairs said the bill reflects compromise and an effort to keep the bill relatively clean of earmarks, while also noting that a Department of Revenue transfer of more than $31 million from legacy funds affected available funding and forced difficult choices. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over, with the chair noting it was also being done in honor of Representative Mary Murphy.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So instead of regionalize it, throwing it in in a river, let's reuse it where they use the water.
- You know San Marcos is a fast growing city with a sensitive natural resource in the San Marcos River.
- to the TCQ for discharge permits, all of which discharge directly or indirectly into the San Marcos River
- Being in Montgomery County where the San Jacino River Authority did something similar to that for uh
- ameliorate or address one of these pressing problems, as well as enhance the water quality of our rivers
Bills:
HB 29 , HB 685 , HB 1633 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 1918 , HB 2010 , HB 2500 , HB 2608 , HB 2626
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and protect our environment, which includes record funding and projects for the Everglades, Indian River
- The Bernard Wilkes-Rebalt River Bridge in Duval County, the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway in Sarasota
- These lines, lines 14 through 16, are deleting the bridge on Moncrief Road West over the Rebault River
- in Duval County, and we're going to, that should be, or... ...over the Rebault River in Duval County
- , and we're going to, that should be, or is thought of being designated as Bernard Wilkes Rebault River
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then proceeded to the special order calendar, with several measures temporarily postponed before debate began on the day’s bills.
The Senate passed CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, coordinators, and readiness assessments for children. It also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which narrows and clarifies confidentiality protections for victims and law enforcement officers who become victims, and CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and data-sharing support. The chamber also approved CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above annual projections and revising related fee distributions, and CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration by moving to the federal classification system and creating an online filing portal.
The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, aligning the bill with Senate language and clarifying liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. CS/HB 679 and the other noncontroversial measures passed unanimously or with broad support, while CS/HB 1113 passed 33-4 and CS/HB 1085 passed 37-0 after amendments. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on land use and clerks of court.
The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which would use DHSMV Real ID data to verify citizenship, change candidate-qualifying rules, alter acceptable photo IDs, and revise election administration procedures. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to protect voters who cannot afford citizenship documents, exempt older long-time voters, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay the effective date. The Senate adopted an amendment that retained the citizenship-verification framework and added provisions on candidate disclosures, but the bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with senators arguing over voter access, fraud prevention, and the practical impact on students and seniors.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We share oceans, we share bays, we share rivers, sometimes we share floodwaters.
- And I think it's really important that we continue this friendship. oceans, we share bays, we share rivers
- long-term health of the white sturgeon who visit both sides of the border and our shared Columbia River
Summary:
The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions.
Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives.
After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- flamingo also represents a milestone in restoration of the Everglades and restoration of the Indian River
- And restoration of the Everglades and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, Bonita Springs area.
- Primarily in the Indian River Lagoon area, Merritt Island area, Bonita Springs area, and South Florida
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. HB 705, by Representative Weinberger, would preserve the public records exemption protecting the address and telephone number of people using public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events. Representative Anderson spoke in strong support, citing the vulnerability of shelter residents after recent hurricanes and the need to prevent criminals from targeting them. The bill drew no public testimony and passed the committee by a 15-0 vote.
The committee then heard HB 11, by Representatives Mooney and LaMarca, which would designate the flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. Sponsors argued the flamingo is an iconic symbol of Florida and tied the bill to Everglades and Indian River Lagoon restoration, while also noting the scrub jay’s status as Florida’s only endemic songbird. Members raised questions about the birds’ native range, regional representation, and possible future amendments, including suggestions for a pelican designation and preserving the mockingbird’s historical role. One support card was filed by Jose Romano of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
During debate, several members voiced support while noting they might seek amendments later. Representative Miller supported the flamingo but objected to elevating the scrub jay because of property-rights concerns. Representative Andrade said he would vote yes to allow a future pelican amendment, and Representative Tant said he would support the bill while seeking recognition of the mockingbird as a songbird. The bill passed 15-1, with Representative Miller voting no. After the vote, the committee adjourned without further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 39 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:41 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair is delighted to welcome the faculty and students from Holy Trinity School in Fall River, guests
- Please welcome Holy Trinity School, Fall River. Please welcome Holy Trinity School, Fall River. Mr.
- Viola of Fall River.
Summary:
The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday.
The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin.
The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- with the Senate rules or the Senate section making rules around the log drives in the Connecticut River
- rules around the log drives in the rules around the log drives in the Connecticut<00:03:05.760><c> River
- </c><00:03:06.800><c> So,</c><00:03:07.000><c> we</c><00:03:07.120><c> did</c> Connecticut River obsolete
- So, we did Connecticut River obsolete.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 5th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Facing the River Valley, it's a very fast-growing region.
- This involves the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, and the groundwater district in Gonzales has already
- I'm here on behalf of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.
- Creek, which goes to Brushy Creek, which goes to the Brazos River.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- by Representative Guillen related to the codification and clarification concerning the San Antonio River
- this was the bill we previously heard by Representative Kitzman relating to the Angelina and Neches River
- Members, this is the bill we previously heard by Representative Kitzman relating to the Trinity River
- To date, we've conserved over a million acres of land and over 200 miles of rivers and streams in Texas
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
election, bonds, authorization, financial governance, public funding, HB 143, bond election, debt authorization, November uniform election date, Texas Election Code, emergency election, voter approval, municipal bonds, local government finance, public debt, school bonds, special election, uniform election date, bond issuance, water rights
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.(6-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, for example, one great partnership that's not listed here was the River Roots Festival, which was
- a great festival that was held in northern Kentucky and in Cincinnati along the Ohio River.
- And now I know tomorrow night they are doing an opening at the Red River Gorge Center.
- And then after that, it River Gorge.
- Well, it turned out that the river is the attractor. We know that. We Kentuckians know that.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:12
America 250KY: Impact and Legacy: 00:03:15
America 250 Events in Lexington: 01:02:13, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains.
The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state.
The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026.
The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The voting stations of Representative Chan of Quincy, Sanjoli of Newton, and Sylvia of Fair River are
- At the request of Representatives Fiola of Fall River, Sylvia of Fall River, and Olet of Westport, would
- He leaves behind a lasting impact on Fall River, Durfee High School, and the generations of students,
- At the request of Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Ulet of Westport, with the members, guests,
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership.
The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development.
One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The voting stations of Representative Chan of Quincy, Sanjoli of Newton, and Sylvia of Fall River are
- At the request of Representatives Fiola of Fall River, Sylvia of Fall River, and Olet of Westport, would
- He leaves behind a lasting impact on Fall River, Durfee High School, and the generations of students,
- At the request of Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Ulet of Westport, with the members, guests,
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- water for summer spawning of endangered Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Nisqually and Squally rivers
- All the rain and surface water in the forest and general area drained directly into the Carbon River,
- Both rivers reach major flood stage near the forest, and level three evacuation orders were issued in
- parts of Orting and Puyallup by the rivers.
- efforts and climate resiliency while materially helping all the communities surrounding the local rivers
Bills:
HB2295
Committee:
House Capital Budget
Keywords:
Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Capital Budget Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Rivers.
- All the rain and surface water in the forest and general area drained directly into the Carbon River,
- Both rivers reach major flood stage near the forest, and level three evacuation orders were issued in
- parts of Orting and Puyallup by the rivers.
- efforts and climate resiliency while materially helping all the communities surrounding the local rivers
Summary:
The House Capital Budget Committee opened its first hearing of the session on HB 2295 and briefly heard a presentation from OFM Senior Budget Advisor Jen Masterson on Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget. She said the proposal uses about $396 million in new appropriations, leaving roughly $5.4 million in remaining bond authority, and includes major investments in housing, urgent state facility needs, climate-related projects, K-12 school safety and modernization, and higher education minor works. The housing package was the largest share, with $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund, plus funding for homeownership, preservation, manufactured housing communities, and flood-impacted home repair. Committee members asked follow-up questions about Rainier School and juvenile rehabilitation projects, and staff said Rainier School was on the plan and that juvenile rehabilitation funding included flexible capacity funding and facility improvements.
Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s housing, education, climate, and natural resources proposals, while several speakers urged changes. Housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, community land trusts, and service providers backed the Housing Trust Fund and homeownership funding, including support for manufactured housing preservation and transit-oriented affordable housing. School and college representatives supported small district modernization, seismic safety, lead remediation, and minor works funding, while some asked for additional support for specific projects such as Cascadia College’s new building, Central Washington University’s feeder line replacement, and WSU Spokane health education renovations. Natural resource and tribal witnesses supported salmon recovery and community forest investments, but asked for more funding for RCO community forest and estuary programs.
A major recurring concern was the proposed $75 million transfer from the Public Works Assistance Account, which cities, counties, sewer and water districts, and the Public Works Board said would jeopardize low-interest loans already awarded for local infrastructure projects and shift costs onto distressed communities. Other testimony opposed the budget’s omission of certain projects, including the University of Washington’s power plant decarbonization work and a Spokane cultural hub, while some local governments requested funding for wastewater and flood-control projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed the public hearing after testimony concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It is huge with sugar beets starting from where I live all the way up the Red River Valley.
- It is huge with sugar beets starting from where I live all the way up the Red River Valley.
- It is huge with sugar beets starting from where I live all the way up the Red River Valley.
- We have proudly the Red River Valley.
- , CPKC, and the Red River Valley and Western<00:17:42.000><c> Railroads.
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So you've got NextEra, Basin Electric, Mercer County just lifted their moratorium.
- And yesterday, excuse me, I was driving in the car and I heard that Basin Electric is going to increase
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So you've got NextEra, Basin Electric, Mercer County just lifted their moratorium.
- And yesterday, excuse me, yesterday on the—I was driving in the car and I heard that Basin Electric is
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, establishing its purpose as a study and policy-development body rather than one aimed at producing many bills. Majority Leader Hogue urged members to move quickly, focus on federal and other states’ AI laws, consider possible federal preemption, child protections, and the siting and economic impacts of data centers. Committee leadership echoed that the goal is practical, balanced governance that protects North Dakota while allowing innovation to continue.
Legislative Council staff provided a background memo and NCSL presented a detailed overview of AI concepts and the current state legislative landscape. The presentations distinguished narrow AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and theoretical AGI/ASI, and summarized major state policy themes: comprehensive AI laws in states such as Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois; targeted laws on deepfakes, chatbots, health, education, notifications, and digital likeness; and growing use of appropriations and agency inventories. Members asked about Colorado’s repeal and reenactment, Texas’s sandbox and training provisions, oversight structures, and whether AI regulation is bipartisan; presenters said most issues cut across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfakes but more division on broader regulatory approaches.
The federal update focused on executive orders, preemption, and congressional activity. NCSL described a White House framework favoring a single federal standard, a DOJ litigation task force, Commerce Department review of state laws, and possible funding conditions tied to state AI policy, though no formal state-law challenge had yet occurred. The presentation also covered a recent executive order creating a voluntary federal vetting process for advanced frontier models after safety concerns, and congressional proposals including a failed 10-year state moratorium, Senator Blackburn’s child-safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act, a House-passed children’s digital safety package, a Senate data center moratorium proposal, and a House ratepayer/data-center bill. The committee took no formal action beyond receiving testimony and asking questions.