Video & Transcript : 'courthouse preservation' :
Page 95 of 482
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Preserve the independent Soil and Water Conservation Commission agency reporting to germane committees
- ensure that the money that's coming to Swin and Water Conservation Commission today continues to preserve
- Preserve the Independent Soilwater Conservation Commission Agency reporting to Jermaine Committees in
- So that's one concern: there's a number of other things that the Commission does regarding preserving
- in that section around the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the non-regulatory language is preserved
Summary:
The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow additional milk-testing quality categories to be set by rule between producers and buyers. VanderWater said the measure would give the Department of Agriculture flexibility to address testing issues beyond butterfat, protein, and somatic cell counts, including possible bacteria-related standards. Members asked whether organic dairy would be included, and he said it would apply to dairy sold to processors. The motion to introduce the RS passed unanimously.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a months-long evaluation process that included stakeholder interviews, a survey, a workshop, and a final report. The presenters said the recommended structure would keep the commission’s board and mission intact while moving support functions into IDWR, preserving local conservation district autonomy, maintaining the commission’s branding and non-regulatory identity, protecting funding, and creating a formal partnership framework to guard against enforcement or policy conflicts.
Members generally expressed support for the proposal’s sideboards and the involvement of local districts. Questions focused on how the merger framework would be implemented and when. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 were the main legislative vehicles, with additional statutory cleanup and a combined budget expected for the 2027 session, along with a memorandum of understanding between the agencies. Committee members indicated they were comfortable with the legislation coming before them as early as Monday. The meeting concluded with no further business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Preserve the independent Soil and Water Conservation Commission agency reporting to germane committees
- Preserve the Independent Soilwater Conservation Commission Agency reporting to Jermaine Committees in
- concern is that there's a number of other things that this, that the Commission does regarding preserving
- in that section around the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the non-regulatory language is preserved
- in that section around the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the non-regulatory language is preserved
Summary:
The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved its February 10, 2026 minutes and welcomed a group of BYU-Idaho agribusiness students. The committee then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow the Department of Agriculture and milk buyers/sellers to establish additional milk-testing categories beyond the current statutory measures of butterfat, protein, and somatic cell count. VanderWater said the change would give parties flexibility to set testing rules, including for bacteria-related testing, and members noted the bill could affect organic dairies as well. The RS was introduced without opposition.
The committee also received a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a yearlong evaluation of merging the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a process that included stakeholder interviews, a public survey, a workshop, and a final report involving 48 individuals from 25 organizations, with input from conservation districts, state agencies, and federal partners. The presenters said the evaluation recommended IDWR as the appropriate home for the commission, citing overlapping administrative functions, water-related work, and opportunities for shared technical and career resources.
The presenters emphasized several proposed safeguards if a merger moves forward: preserving the commission’s non-regulatory mission and branding, retaining local conservation district autonomy, protecting funding and staff, maintaining the current relationship with conservation districts and NRCS, and formalizing a partnership framework to prevent regulatory confusion. They said the commission board would continue in statute, with the IDWR director serving as a nonvoting member and the commission chair serving as a liaison to the Idaho Water Resource Board. Members generally expressed support for the process and the proposed sideboards, and asked about stakeholder involvement and timing. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 are the next legislative steps, with additional statutory review, a memorandum of understanding, and a combined budget expected to follow; the committee indicated it was comfortable considering the measures as early as the following Monday.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In many cases, they were established directly by voters, such as the Marion County Farmland Preservation
- So we have to be careful in coming up with something that is not overly prescriptive so that it preserves
- Also, preserving the ability to address compatibility through conditions at the site plan approval stage
- Marion County does have a farmland preservation area. It's 165,000 acres.
- And so I understand the need for preservation. And so I understand the need for preservation.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard three bills. First, the committee considered Senator Osgood’s home hardening products bill (CS/SB 78). The sponsor offered and the committee adopted a strike-all amendment that changed the sales tax exemption for impact-resistant doors and windows into a refund program. The refund is limited to homeowners with site-built homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, requires application to the Department of Revenue with proof of eligibility, caps the refundable tax at $500,000 per property, and runs for two years beginning July 1, 2026. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then took up Senator McLean’s land use and development regulations bill (SB 208), which would redefine compatibility, define infill residential development, allow administrative approval in certain cases, and set standards for local development-related fees. Members and stakeholders discussed concerns about the compatibility definition, the scope of administrative approval, and whether 100 acres is too large to qualify as infill. Testimony came from Audubon Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, Highland Homes, 1,000 Friends of Florida, and others, with supporters emphasizing housing supply and affordability and opponents warning about sprawl, reduced public participation, and impacts to rural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The sponsor said he would continue working on the language, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard Senator Truenow’s bill on special assessments for recreational vehicle parks (SB 118). The bill clarifies that if a local government levies a special assessment on an RV park space or campsite, the assessment may not exceed the maximum square footage allowed for an RV site. An amendment clarified that maximum as 400 square feet, resolving confusion about the cross-reference in current law. After brief discussion and one appearance form in support, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In many cases, they were established directly by voters, such as the Marion County Farmland Preservation
- So we have to be careful in coming up with something that is not overly prescriptive so that it preserves
- Also, preserving the ability to address compatibility through conditions at the site plan approval stage
- So Marion County does have a farmland preservation area. It's 165,000 acres.
- And so I understand the need for preservation. And so I understand the need for preservation.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard three bills. First, the committee considered Senator Osgood’s home hardening products bill (CS/SB 78). An amendment was adopted that changed the sales tax exemption for impact-resistant doors and windows into a refund process, limited eligibility to homeowners with site-built homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, capped the refundable tax at $500,000 per property, and set the refund period for two years beginning July 1, 2026. After the amendment, the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then took up Senator McClain’s SB 208 on land use and development regulations. The bill would define compatibility and infill residential development, allow administrative approval of certain infill projects, and set standards for local development-related fees. Several members and stakeholders discussed possible changes to the compatibility and fee provisions. Testimony included opposition from Audubon Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, and 1,000 Friends of Florida, who raised concerns about sprawl, public participation, the 100-acre infill threshold, and impacts on rural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Support came from Highland Homes and several groups that waived in support, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Florida. The bill was reported favorably after debate.
Finally, the committee heard Senator Trumbull’s SB 118 on special assessments for recreational vehicle parks. The bill clarifies that if a local government levies a special assessment on an RV park space or campsite, the assessed square footage cannot exceed the maximum square footage allowed for a recreational vehicle. An amendment clarified the maximum square footage as 400 square feet. After brief discussion and no opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 19th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- You may know that we are charged with preserving many of the records that are in our office, and the
- thought was to increase our ability to preserve those records.
- The idea behind this bill was to increase our fees so that we could enable us to preserve the historical
- records that we're charged with preserving.
- between the Children's Fund advocate, the filing fees that the clerk uses that are dedicated to preserving
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let’s grow a spine in this House and preserve the American values that actually made us great.
- LET'S GROW A SPINE IN THIS HOUSE AND PRESERVE THE AMERICAN VALUES THAT ACTUALLY MADE US GREAT.
- Being able to appoint independent counsel is an essential step to preserving the independence of the
- Malliotakis: And we'll create a museum in the Nation's capital by preserving the incredible contributions
- Malliotakis: And we'll create a museum in the Nation's capital by preserving the incredible contributions
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But I remain incredibly thankful and incredibly proud of the way that we are preserving health care right
- But I want to talk a little bit about how we're preserving affordability in this budget, because I also
- But I want to talk a little bit about how we're preserving affordability in this budget, because I also
- We want to express our appreciation to you, this body, and your staff for the work in preserving the
- Preserving health coverage is a primary policy objective we all share, and we appreciate your efforts
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes.
Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds.
The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 10:30 AM
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
Transcript Highlights:
- The issue that's created is there's more money than there are historic records to preserve.
- of historic records in that preservation of historic records in that county.<00:01:02.719><c> The</c
- </c><00:01:08.159><c> So,</c><00:01:08.400><c> what</c> historic records to preserve.
- So, what historic records to preserve.
- </c> preservation as well as museum services. preservation as well as museum services.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We believe that there should be some preservation of the current safe harbor process.
- At the same time, we must preserve the gains made under the existing California Voting Rights Act.
- At the same time, we must preserve the gains made under the existing California Voting Rights Act.
- We must preserve the gains made under the existing California Voting Rights Act.
- So obviously, the intent of this bill is to preserve, you know, our elections.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of State's legislative budget request helps preserve Florida's history and heritage and
- One of our missions at the Department of State is to preserve 14,000 years of human habitation in Florida
- , and these funds will preserve and maintain historic properties throughout the state.
- Preservation network.
- We are required by law to do maintenance and preservation before any new capacity.
Bills:
S0048
Keywords:
housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes, 999, senate, all
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems.
Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues.
The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: End of Special Session DFL Media Availability - 06/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- that are important for Minnesota families across the state of Minnesota, almost all of them are preserved
- that are important for Minnesota families across the state of Minnesota, almost all of them are preserved
- that are important for Minnesota families across the state of Minnesota, almost all of them are preserved
- I think the will to invest in the infrastructure and asset preservation of the state of Minnesota is
- I think the will to invest in the infrastructure and asset preservation of the state of Minnesota is
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-JDC, WAM DEFER, WAM, WAM DEFER Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up is HB 830 relating to historic preservation reviews beginning 7/1/2027.
- Requires the State Historic Preservation Division of DNR to contract its review of proposed state projects
- </c> relating to historic preservation relating to historic preservation reviews<00:30:31.760><c> beginning
- /c><00:31:21.600><c> rules</c><00:31:22.159><c> and</c><00:31:22.480><c> statutes</c> historic preservation
- rules and statutes historic preservation rules and statutes or<00:31:23.120><c> has</c><00:31:23.279
Summary:
The committee took up a long decision-making agenda on numerous House bills, largely in the tax, appropriations, public safety, agriculture, and land-use areas. Early action included HB 476, which passed with amendments after discussion of tax impacts and a committee report change; HB 796 also passed with amendments to protect several individual income tax credits from the bill’s effect. Other measures were advanced with amendments or without changes, including HB 1059, HB 1145, HB 1173, HB 1439, HB 800, HB 934, HB 990, HB 101, HB 106, and a series of bills in the 1026–1055 range, many of which were passed unamended or with technical/effective-date changes. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1147, HB 807, and later items on the agenda.
The committee also approved a number of policy and agency-structure changes. HB 430 was amended to create or expand an internship/workforce development program with reporting requirements; HB 505 and HB 506 were amended to adjust appropriations and FTEs; HB 774 added an appropriation section for two FTEs; HB 1052 limited use of universal service fund money; HB 1296 shifted a reporting requirement from BNF to the Department of Defense; and HB 1064 moved the State Fire Council and Fire Marshal Selection Commission to the Department of Law Enforcement and set the fire marshal salary. HB 427 made major biosecurity-related changes, including moving the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity in 2026 and adding new appropriations. HB 830 was amended to allow third-party historic preservation reviewers under ethics and conflict rules, with a two-year sunset and committee-report comments on vacancies.
Public safety and regulatory bills also moved forward. HB 302 on cannabis drew opposition from Senator Awa, who said it would shut down a medical provider in his district; the bill nevertheless passed with amendments adding criminal penalties, enforcement authority, and a 2027 effective date for cultivator licenses. HB 306 on water code penalties passed unamended, HB 860 on liability for road resurfacing passed with amendments to limit liability to the work actually performed and eliminate joint and several liability, and HB 141 on public land leases passed with technical amendments. HB 1159 establishing a commercial harbor emergency evacuation working group passed as is, and HB 1482 on hemp passed with amendments exempting existing permit holders and certain retailers, aligning THC limits, and setting a far-future effective date. Most votes were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on specific measures.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
- We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
- ><00:01:49.200><c> and</c> Kona and from Lima Huli garden and Kona and from Lima Huli garden and preserve
- 51.240><c> Mahalo</c><00:01:51.600><c> for</c><00:01:51.759><c> joining</c><00:01:52.000><c> us</c> preserve
- Lewan Mahalo for joining us preserve Lewan Mahalo for joining us today<00:01:52.520><c> and</c><00:01
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- these are just a few examples, they serve as milestone moments over the last year to advance the preservation
- We are absolutely focused, and I am committed on what we have discussed, and that is the preservation
- A few of those examples, if I could include, the family preservation... ...family preservation.
- So that family preservation... ...developmentally, whether that's academically or behaviorally.
- So that family preservation aspect is something that came directly from lived experiences and through
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1600, which included a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment to correct the effective date. The bill would require insurers and child welfare lead agencies/subcontractors to respond to information requests within 30 days, authorize fines or penalties for noncompliance, and include a repeal date for the new subsection. After brief support from child welfare groups and comments from Senator Harrell about insurance access for CBCs and providers, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy the physical education requirement through participation in Special Olympics if included in their IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, a student athlete, and parents testified in support, and Senator Simon praised the bill’s flexibility and recognition of student effort. The committee voted to report the bill favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, caseloads, training, recruitment, retention, and geographic access gaps, with recommendations due to the Legislature and Governor in February 2027. An amendment to match the House version was adopted, multiple supporters appeared, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee held a confirmation hearing for Taylor Hatch to continue as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch discussed DCF’s mission, data showing reductions in out-of-home care, Baker Acts, opioid deaths, and public assistance reliance, and described efforts on youth advisory input, missing children recovery, provider capacity, peer support, and technology improvements. Senators Sharief, Harrell, and Rouson raised concerns about child welfare system delays, parent notification, funding formulas, opioid settlement use, and interoperability; Hatch committed to continued work on those issues. The committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- agreed upon information and data sharing agreement with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
- The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is directed to develop a model ordinance for
- The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is directed to develop a model ordinance for
- It says the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation must send a letter electronically to
- I just wanted to acknowledge that it is critical to make sure that we are preserving cultural resources
Keywords:
appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data privacy, technological impacts, cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- commissioner has provided us with that opportunity, right, to take the corridor lands and work on preserving
- These lands are managed and preserved for enjoyment by future generations through providing resource-based
- It connects the Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Preserve to the Dinner
- We also recently closed 74 acres in Polk County to expand Alan David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve
- So I think we cannot understate the importance of preservation.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met to hear updates on land conservation and agricultural preservation programs. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The director said the program requires participants to use agricultural best management practices, noted strong demand with 428 ranked projects for 2025, and reported that consistent legislative funding and partnerships with USDA, DOD, local governments, land trusts, and water management districts have expanded acreage protected, much of it within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Committee members asked about eligibility, ranking, local government involvement, and how many projects are typically funded each year.
Conservation Florida’s president and CEO testified that both Rural and Family Lands and Florida Forever are critical and complementary tools for preserving working lands, wildlife habitat, water resources, and public access to nature. She warned that uncertainty or cuts in state funding can stall projects, raise land prices, and reduce conservation momentum. In discussion with senators, she said public access is often negotiated case by case and is more common on lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space than on conservation easements.
The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on Florida Forever, describing it as the state’s premier conservation and recreation land acquisition program. DEP said Florida Forever uses both conservation easements and fee-simple purchases, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and emphasized that steady funding is needed to keep projects moving. The deputy secretary reported 60 projects on the current work plan, more than $1.4 billion invested since 2019, and recent acquisitions including new state forest, park, and preserve expansions. Members also raised concerns about payment in lieu of taxes for fiscally constrained counties, local notification of acquisitions, and the need for continued support for agriculture, citrus, roads, and conservation funding. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after member comments and public testimony.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- . $52,11 in federal funding will be used for the temporary historic preservation specialist from NRCS
- in preservation and maintenance of the USDA Forest Service collections.
- We moved into the new military gallery, so the funding is needed for repairs and preservation of the
- This is meant to properly house, preserve, and create access to records of historic value.
- They value access, collaboration, and commitment to preservation.
Bills:
HB1603
Keywords:
Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote.
The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas state senator for a district number of the State of Texas and will, to the best of my ability, preserve
- , protect, and defend the Constitution... ...preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws
- One is the oath that you just took, to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States
- oftentimes, people will think of somebody like the Attorney General who fights every single day to preserve
- the State of Texas, of the Senate of the State of Texas, and I will do to the best of my ability preserve
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead.
The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals.
The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's important history that we preserve.
- I think preserving our historic structures is important.
- But there are some... ...as an individual to preserve and have what they want.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures.
Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements.
The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm lucky to live... ...time how do we preserve the history that we also have here in Arizona?
- I think that's important history that we preserve.
- I think preserving our historic structures is important.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.