Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate rules'
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VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator from uh Windsor. Senator from uh Windsor.
- Senator from Franklin.
- Senator from Chin and Southeast. Senator from Chin and Southeast.
- >> Senator from Bennington. >> Senate Education Committee will meet at 1:15.
- senator, your motion again. senator, your motion again.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Propose New Legislation Addressing Fraud - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I am State Senator Mark Johnson, Senate Republican Leader.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
- It's Senate File 3190.
Summary:
Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem.
Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records.
Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Members will go to announce Senate resolution numbers 54 to 57 will be referred to the Committee on Rules
- [music] >> Senator Jasinski. >> Senator Hley votes I. >> Senator Hley votes I.
- Senator Hley votes I. >> Senator Hley votes I. >> Senator Jazinski.
- resolution to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the chair of the Senate Rules
- resolution to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the chair of the Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate came to order, a quorum was established, and the chamber proceeded through routine business on the February 19, 2026 agenda. Several newly introduced Senate files were given first reading and referred to committees, including SF 3658 to Health and Human Services, SF 3665 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 3687 to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. Senate resolutions 54 through 57 were referred to Rules and Administration.
The body then adopted several resolutions. Senate Resolution 58, which updates the mileage resolution to add the chamber’s three newest members, passed 60-2. Senate Resolution 59, the annual postage resolution setting each member’s postal budget at $1,170 and additional amounts for the majority and minority leaders, was adopted 56-8. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, setting session deadlines for March 27 and April 17, was also adopted after Senator Howe questioned why the first two deadlines were on the same date and Majority Leader Murphy said the schedule matched recent sessions to expedite work.
The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spade Levy on her 104th birthday and recognizing her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter and her long community involvement. The chamber then moved into tributes for the late Senator Bruce Anderson, with multiple senators describing his military service, faith, veteran advocacy, committee work, and personal kindness. Senators Lucero, Grunhagen, Howe, Pappas, Lang, Putnam, and others shared memories of his leadership and character, and the presiding officer noted that members could later sing in his honor after the remarks concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Announce Legislation Addressing ICE Activity in Minnesota - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the proud Senate Majority Leader.
- tomorrow in Senator Lance's committee. tomorrow in Senator Lance's committee.
- with that, I'll turn to Senator Port. with that, I'll turn to Senator Port.
- Elise Man, Senate District 50. Elise Man, Senate District 50.
- Louis Park in Senate District 46. St. Louis Park in Senate District 46.
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations.
Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts.
In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Senator Tu Jang from Senate District 44. Great. Uh, good afternoon.
- I'm Senator Tu Jang from Senate District 44. Great. Uh, good afternoon.
- Senator Jazinski. questions? Senator Jazinski.
- Senator<01:07:26.400>
Jazinski. Senator Jazinski. Senator Jazinski. - the Senate.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fodella, you proceed.
- Justice to do the administrative rules. Justice to do the administrative rules.
- Good afternoon, Senator. Uh, >> Thank you. Good afternoon, Senator.
- Good catch there,<01:10:32.480>
Senator. there, Senator. there, Senator. - Recommendation 3245 is Senate >> Okay.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions.
The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt.
The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER, PSM Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 3192. Senate Bill 3192. >> Thank<00:03:28.159>
you. - wishes to testify on Senate Bill 3239? wishes to testify on Senate Bill 3239?
- Senator Hashimoto excused. Senator Enoi: I. Senator Dquit excused. The recommendations adopted.
- Recommendation is to fold the previously discussed Senate Bill 2121 and Senate Bill 3239 into Senate
- Recommendation is to fold the previously discussed Senate Bill 2121 and Senate Bill 3239 into Senate
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote.
SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239.
The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . senator. senator.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is excused.
- Senator Mory Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Mory >> I. >> I. >> I.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is also excused.
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella is also excused.
Summary:
The joint committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several measures. SB 3082, relating to military families and leave protections, drew support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the military community relations office, the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Defense, all of whom said the bill would align state law with federal standards and better account for military-related leave needs. SB 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, was supported by Department of Defense witnesses who said it clarifies that employees of the Guard’s youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining.
The committees also heard SB 3251, which would prohibit certain state law enforcement agencies from hiring former ICE or Border Patrol agents as law enforcement officers. The main testimony in support argued the bill could help prevent local police staffing losses to higher-paying federal agencies and avoid future workforce instability if federal funding changes. The measure drew significant public testimony, with the chair noting 62 testimonies in support, five in opposition, and three comments. Members discussed the bill’s impact on recruitment and retention, and one member voted with reservations while another voted no.
Later, the committees heard SB 3095 and SB 3264, both concerning Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund salaries. EUTF testified in support of SB 3095, which would allow the board to set salaries for investment office staff, and SB 3264, which would authorize the board to set the salary for an assistant administrator. After testimony, the committees moved into decision-making and passed SB 3082, SB 3110, SB 3251, SB 3095, and SB 3264 with amendments, generally including technical changes and revised effective dates of January 1, 2077 for the EUTF salary bills and SB 3082.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/19/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Steve Drazkowski, Senate District 20. I live in Mazeppa, southeast Minnesota.
- Senator John Hoffman, Senate District 34. Thank you. And Senator McEwen, Vice Chair, is online.
- >> Senator John Hoffen, Senate District 34.
- Steve Green, Senator for District 2. Andrew Lang, Senate District 16.
- Senator Green. >> Chair, follow up. Senator Green.
MN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Clark and then Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, and thank you to staff.
- Senator Clark and then discussion? Senator Clark and then Senator<00:26:59.520>
Nelson. - Thanks for being here, Senator Clark and Senator Nelson. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- point, Senator. point, Senator. >> Well,<01:14:45.600>
Mr. - Chair, >> Senator<01:14:46.960>
Duskowski, >> Senator Duskowski, >> Senator
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Westlin, no. Senator Koran, yes. Senator Carlson, no. Senator Bahr, yes.
- Senator Boldon, no. Senator Swedinski, no. Senator Lucero, yes. Senator Marty, no.
- Senator Westlin, no. Senator Koran, yes. Senator Carlson, no. Senator Bahr, yes.
- Senator >> Thank you, Senator Balden. Senator Senator<01:05:06.319>
Liur. - Is that your motion, Senator? Senator? Senator?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Fiscal note bills not waived under Senate Rule 4-5 to the Committee on Finance.
- Without objection, Senate Rule 3-17 is suspended to allow consideration of the non-germane amendment.
- Without<00:22:58.080>
objection, <00:22:58.880>Senate <00:22:59.280>rule <00:22:59.760 - >
3-17 <00:23:01.039>is Without objection, Senate rule 3-17 is Without objection, Senate - Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi, yes. Senator Fenton, yes. Senator Mcu, yes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/19/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fate is joining the committee, and Senator Hoffman has stepped away from the committee.
- um all of the the members of the Senate um all of the the members of the Senate staff<00:01:24.080
- and Senator Hoffman has the committee and Senator Hoffman has stepped<00:02:27.080>
away <00:02 - Senator Utke, you've lent it to this.
- They're having to override the rules.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/19/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:47:24.480>
Pa. Senator Pa. Senator Pa. - , >> yes. >> Senator Bolden, >> no. >> Senator Clark, >> no. >> Senator Draheim. >> Senator Gruenhagen
- Senator P. >> Senator Putnam, >> no.
- Senator<01:25:18.960>
Balden. Senator Balden. Senator Balden. - Senator >> Thank you, Senator Balden. Senator Clark, >> Thank you, Senator Balden.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Assembly - VSC Trustees and Adjutant General - 2026-02-19 - 10:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Rule 10A.
- Chair recognizes the senator from Chittenden Southeast District, Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale.
- In so far as they are applicable, the Senate rules apply.
- Rutland District, Senator Williams. Rutland District, Senator Williams.
- far as they are applicable, the Senate far as they are applicable, the Senate rules<00:21:03.840
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 206, being on the calendar for notice and affecting the revenues of the state under rule
- Senate Bill 243, being on the calendar for notice and carrying an appropriation under rule 31, is referred
- are appointed to the Senate Committee of Conference: Senator Perchlik, Senator Lyons, and Senator Westman
- Senator Perchick, Senator Conference.
- Uh, thank the Senate Secretary for reminding me we will have a brief rules committee meeting immediately
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm State Senator Mary Kunesh.
- >> Senator<00:03:48.720>
Kun. >> Senator Kun. >> Senator Kun. - And we miss Senator Farnsworth.
- Thank you, Senator. Next we're going to hear from Senator Umaru Verbeten.
- >> Thank you, Senator. Uh, we're over time. >> Thank you, Senator.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN-JDC, HHS-CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lamal votes aye. Senator McKelie is excused. Senator Aa. Thank you.
- Senator<00:02:49.280>
Lamal <00:02:50.560>I. Senator Lamal I. Senator Lamal I. - Senator Aa. >> Senator McKelie is excused. Senator Aa. >> Thank<00:02:57.680>
you. - Senator McKelby is Senator Lamau I.
- >> Senator<00:08:53.839>
Rose. >> Senator Rose. >> Senator Rose.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused.
The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused.
In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations.
The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU, WLA-EDT-EDU, EDT Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fukunaga: I vote yes. Senator Kim: I. Senator Fevella: I.
- So the Senate it's Senate Bill >> Okay.
- That's um Senator Kim. Thank you. That's um Senator Kim.
- Senator Fukunaga, excused. Senator Kim? >> I. Senator Fevella? >> I.
- Next up, Senate Bill 2353. >> Thank you. Next up, Senate Bill 2353.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information.
In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.