Video & Transcript Research : 'state senators'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

TRS-LBT, TRS Public Hearings 03-19-2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, Senator Lee is excused.
  • <00:05:31.600> Senator 1. Chair and vice chair vote I. Senator 1.
  • Senator Dort excused. Senator Dort >> I. >> I. >> I.
  • Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is also excused.
  • Senator Kua. Senator Lee is excused. Senator DeCorte is excused.
Summary: The joint hearing of the Transportation and Labor and Technology committees considered HB 2097, which would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. DOT and the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office supported the bill, saying Zoom hearings have worked well since 2021 and save time and money. Both committees passed HB 2097 with technical and nonsubstantive amendments. The Transportation Committee then heard HB 1163 on commercial driver licensing, HB 2113 on funding vegetation removal from the Kaola Stream drainage way, HB 2283 on port pilotage, HB 1588 on a noise detection camera program, and HB 2333 on airport special districts and aeronautics penalties. DOT asked for HB 1163 to use “non-domiciled” language to match federal rules, and the committee passed it with amendments. For HB 2113, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity said the project would likely need about $1 million, and the committee passed the bill with amendments while noting the funding would be reflected in the committee report rather than the measure itself. HB 2283 drew broad support from maritime and labor interests, but the committee deferred it, saying the Senate version was already moving and would be used instead. HB 1588 received support from DOT and several community and health-related testifiers who said noise from traffic is a serious problem, but the committee expressed concern about enforcement language and re-referred the bill to Judiciary/Ways and Means while still passing it forward. HB 2333 was supported by DOT and airline interests; after questions about airport loitering and sleeping rules, the committee passed it as is. In the final decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on HB 1163, HB 2113, HB 1588, and HB 2333, and deferred HB 2283.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 03-04-2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chang: I. >> Senator San Buenaventura is excused. >> Senator Awa: No.
  • If not, Senator<00:01:36.640> Gabard Senator Gabard Senator Gabard >> on<00:01:37.520>
  • We get anything from prior chair Senator Lee? Do we hear anything from Senator Lee? >> I did.
  • Do we hear anything from Senator Lee.
  • Do we hear anything from<00:07:31.840> Senator<00:07:32.160> Lee? from Senator Lee?
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements. The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures. Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Education Feb 11th, 2026 at 09:06 am

Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Hickey. Yes. Senator Nava. Yes. Senator Ramos. Yes. Yes. Senator Nava. Yes. Senator Ramos.
  • Senator Boone: Yes. Senator Ezzell: ... Senator Figueroa: Yes. Senator Hickey: Yes.
  • Senator Hickey. Yes. Senator Nava. Yes. Senator Ramos. Yes. Senator Thornton. Yes. Senator Pope.
  • Senator Boone. Senator Hickey. Ezzell. Senator Figueroa. No. Oh, Senator Hickey. Senator Ezzell.
  • Senator Figueroa. No. Senator Hickey. Yes. Senator Nava. Yes. Senator Ramos. Yes, ma'am. Yes.
Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Education Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:39 am

House Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're starting out with House Bill, or sorry, Senate Bill 37. So we have Senator Stewart here.
  • And I agree, Senator.
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • We need more CALTs in this state.
  • Because exactly, as you stated, Senator Stewart, that is an important piece of this.
Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/14/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Harzworth: here. Senator Fincham: here. Senator Huffley: Senator Pudy: here.
  • Senator Ortiz: here. Senator Kavanaugh: here. Senator Rogers: here.
  • State Senator John Kavanagh, District 3, representing, going east to west, Fort McDowell, Fountain Hills
  • Also in Senator Kern's office, which the State Bar knows all about, one of the judges who filed a complaint
  • Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1006 increases the amount an in-state individual may contribute before
Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee opened with roll call, member introductions, and a lengthy agenda item on alleged anomalies involving the State Bar of Arizona. The committee heard live testimony from a former attorney who described his disciplinary experience as retaliatory and unfair, and staff read excerpts from affidavits criticizing bar discipline procedures, notice, and due process. Members debated the State Bar’s authority, attorney discipline rules, and whether attorneys can practice while under investigation, with some arguing the bar is unaccountable and others emphasizing the Supreme Court’s oversight and existing disciplinary procedures. The committee then considered several election-related bills. SB 1037, requiring stricter security measures for vote-recording and tabulating equipment, passed 4-2-1 after members debated claims of election-system vulnerabilities and the cost of added safeguards. SB 1038, which would make cast vote records publicly available quickly after polls close, was amended to require transmission to the Secretary of State within 48 hours after canvass and then passed 4-2-1. SB 1040, expanding public online access to voter registration rolls in read-only form, also passed 4-2-1 after privacy concerns were raised and the sponsor argued for transparency. The committee next approved SB 1039, allowing attorneys who prevail in discipline matters to seek damages for reputational harm and lost earnings, despite objections that it raised separation-of-powers concerns and testimony about bar discipline procedures. SB 1053, capping Arizona resident concealed-carry permit fees at 10% of the nonresident fee, passed 4-2-1 after supporters framed it as a constitutional-rights and affordability measure and opponents raised public-safety and revenue concerns. SB 1057, requiring ballot paper fraud-countermeasure features, passed 4-2-1 after debate over cost and vendor capability. SB 1060, removing a voting exemption for U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States, passed 3-2-2 amid concerns about unintended effects on military families. Finally, SB 1061, lowering the fentanyl threshold for enhanced sentencing from 200 grams to 9 grams, drew strong opposition from defense and civil-liberties witnesses who warned it would sweep in users and prescribed medications; the transcript ends during that testimony, before a final action is shown.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Jul 24th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate will come to order.
  • The agency regarding certain employees of the agency to State Affairs. Senate Bill 15 by.
  • President, I move that the Senate recess until 2 o'clock p.m. Monday, July 28.
  • Motion by Senator Zaffirini. Any objection?
  • Chair: Senate stands in recess until 2 p.m. on Monday, July 28th. Thank you, Members.
Bills: SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Creighton? Here. Senator Campbell? Here. Senator Hagenbuch? Here. Senator Hinojosa?
  • Senator King? Senator Paxton? Here. Senator West? A quorum is present. Thank you.
  • Thank you, Senator. Chair, it's Senator Creighton.
  • House Bill 11 and Senate Bill 178 by Representative Cunningham would require the State Board for Educator
  • Thank you, Senator Parker. Let the clerk show that Senator Senator Bettencourt is present.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 12th, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair now lays out Senate Bill 1164 by Senators... Is that for any sponsored by Speaker Moody?
  • The chair now lays out Senate Bill 3. ...311 by Senator Hughes.
  • Senate Bill 53 by Dean Zaffirini.
  • The chair lays out our final bill of the day, Senate Bill 1574 by Senator Zaffirini.
  • Members, the Senators...
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Perry for stating during his layout this morning, quite a few hours ago that this legislation
  • Senator Blanco.
  • Senator, Senator Hagenboo, do you have any questions? I have none either.
  • Senator Haganboo to explain the bill for Senator Creighton.
  • recognizes Senator Hagenboo to explain the bill for Senator Creighton.
Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator. Any questions for Senator Parker on Senate Bill 2334?
  • Thank you, Senator Bardwell. Senator Paxton. Yes, Mr.
  • The locals pay state dues. State dues go to the national.
  • states.
  • Senate Bill 2713, authored by Senator Middleton.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Burwell was asking about the relationship between the National Association and the state and
  • in the state.
  • Senator Parker moves that Senate Bill 1698, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full Senate.
  • Senator Parker moves that Senate Bill 2487, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full Senate
  • Senate.
Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Apr 16th, 2025

Finance and Taxation General Fund

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Albert, here. Senator Chamblas. Senator Beasley. Senator Coleman Madison, she's here, too.
  • [Laughter] ...Senator Demand. Senator Jones. Senator Kelly, here. Senator Livingston.
  • Senator Price. Senator Shonut. Senator Stewart, here. Senator Ste... ...Call the first bill, HB282.
  • Senator Sessions. Good afternoon, Senator Sessions. Is it afternoon already or is it still morning?
  • Senator, Mr.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are creatures of the state.
  • OK, so the state issues the debt under bond? Well, no.
  • Under state law, under our state guidance, they would not. OK. Space Force bill.
  • I am a mother of two United States Marines.
  • Absolutely, it includes federal, state, and local.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our state, as this committee knows, is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans. of United States Armed Forces
  • I'm the state registrar representing the Department of State Health Services, and I'm here to serve as
  • So this is not just. just a state bill, state of Texas bill.
  • As the previous gentleman stated, we're all for state readiness, we're all for training.
  • state funding, state revenue for non-OLS funding that the Texas Military Department has received.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 17th, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Hughes as well as Senator Hall.
  • Of the remaining states, 35 states use destination sourcing and four states have no sales tax.
  • The city, the state... ...collects state taxes and local sales taxes together.
  • And the other states, you know, only 11 states.
  • Districts across the state. There are not many in the urban areas of the state.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 4th, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Al Britton, Senator Carley, Senator Coleman, Senator Gudger, Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovy, Senator
  • Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovy, Senator Kelly, Senator Coleman Madison, Senator Chamblas, Senator Coleman
  • Senator Al Britton, Senator Carley, Senator Al Britton, Senator Carley, Senator Coleman, Senator Gudger
  • , Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovy, Senator Kelly, Senator Coleman Madison, Senator Chamblas, Senator Elliott
  • Senator Gudger. Senator Gudger, no. Senator Hatcher. Senator Hovy. Senator Kelly. Senator Hatcher.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:14:07.680> Health What we did with the State Health What we did with the State Health
  • ,<00:14:23.240> which State Health Insurance Plan, which State Health Insurance Plan, which
  • Please state your name and proceed. state-based coordination specific state-based coordination specific
  • Please state your name and Aloha. Please state your name and proceed. Yes, thank you.
  • And our state does not have that.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Wildlife Apr 7th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Townley is here, ready to discuss Senate Bill 2069. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • This language sets fees and fines for hunting guides operating within our state.
  • They would not be required to have a license unless they are out of state.
  • I believe it is a request bill from the Senate.
  • You said that the out-of-state is higher. It's $1,000, and then $2,000 for out-of-state. Thank you.
Bills: SB330, SB2069, SB2095
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Public Safety

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Elson: Aye. Senator Gallum: Aye. Senator Sears: Aye. Senator Schrope: Aye.
  • Senator Gallum: Aye. Senator Sears: Aye. Senator Schrook: Aye. Senator Reid: Aye.
  • Senator Olson: Aye. Senator Gallo: Aye. Senator Sears: Aye. Senator Schrope: Aye.
  • Senator Alston. Senator Gallant? Senator Sears? Senator Trove. Aye. Senator Sintervation.
  • Senator Alston. Senator Gallant? Senator Sears? Senator Trove. Aye. Senator Senator Sintervation.
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met, approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, and heard two presentations before moving to bills. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry presented on its K-9 program, describing staffing, dog types, functions such as contraband interdiction, search and rescue, and offender apprehension, and noting aging vehicles and the need for replacement canines. Biometrica then presented a privacy-focused facial recognition/sensor system intended to help law enforcement identify missing persons and known offenders in real time without storing video or audio; members asked questions but took no action on the presentation. The committee then considered HB 2134, which would create the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to restrict Chinese-owned or Chinese-produced equipment and software in critical infrastructure and require reporting and oversight by the Corporation Commission. The sponsor said the bill was revised to be prospective and more workable; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while some members raised cost and implementation concerns. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2404, which shifts inter-facility transport of behavioral health patients away from peace officers and toward authorized transporters except in limited circumstances, drew support from a Phoenix police crisis intervention officer and the Arizona Police Association and passed 7-0. HB 2402, dealing with ambulance certificates of necessity for small or underserved areas, was amended to require rather than allow certain certificates and to streamline reporting and application processes; the sponsor and firefighters said it would preserve access and modernize a decades-old system. It passed as amended 7-0. HB 2673, as amended, was reduced to creating a study committee on inmate mental health services after originally proposing broader jail and prison screening and treatment requirements; the sponsor and a victim’s family member described the bill as a response to failures in the mental health and jail systems. It passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2253, protecting employees from retaliation for testifying in law enforcement disciplinary appeals, passed 5-0 with two not voting, and HB 2270, expanding county control over use of county seals, logos, and sheriff’s posse names, passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2941, which would make certain motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior reckless driving except as allowed by existing lane-filtering rules, drew support from the sponsor and motorcycle advocates who said it targets dangerous high-speed lane splitting, but one speaker warned the language could unintentionally criminalize safe filtering. The bill passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee then adjourned.