Video & Transcript : 'ransomware protection' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (10/07/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the public policy director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and I'm Barbara
- I think you'll also resource protection.
- Natural areas provide ecosystem services such as flood storage, protecting drinking water, moderating
- </c> such as flood storage, protecting such as flood storage, protecting drinking<00:08:24.479><c> water
- Protecting our water areas provide.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That provides for that type of protection. I don't see it here in this bill.
- We should err on the side of protecting the child.
- They deserve protection.
- Please vote to protect Texas kids by voting yes to SB 412. Thank you. Thank you.
- People care about protecting children.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 17th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Are we protecting them too with this amendment?
- It's an excellent protection against inflation.
- and fraud protection, and all those types of things.
- And then what protections are there for fraud in this time?”
- I mean, there are industry standard type protections, but are you protected?”
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable.
The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here representing the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
- We'd like to see AG enforcement through the Consumer Protection Act included.
- It will provide vulnerable Washingtonians with meaningful protections.
- So these protections need to be extended to everybody.
- Please ensure that this bill truly protects all Washingtonians. Thank you so much.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on three AI-related bills. HB 1170 would require large generative AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent and manifest disclosures in AI-generated or altered content; supporters said it is needed to combat deepfakes and disinformation, while opponents raised First Amendment, technical feasibility, and compliance concerns, and the Attorney General’s Office said the bill needs clearer provider definitions and enforcement language. HB 2157 would regulate high-risk AI systems used in consequential decisions such as employment, housing, health care, and parole by requiring risk management, impact assessments, disclosures, and a private right of action; the sponsor said it is needed to address algorithmic discrimination and consumer protection, while industry and civil liberties groups warned it is overbroad, burdensome, and constitutionally problematic, and the AG’s Office supported the concept but asked for changes to enforcement and the right-to-cure provisions. HB 2225 would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosures, limits on manipulative engagement, and safeguards for minors and self-harm; the sponsor, governor’s office, AG’s Office, researchers, and several families testified in support, citing harms to youth and real-world suicides, while industry groups supported narrower protections but objected to the private right of action and scope. No votes were taken during the hearings.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Dean Sauer, of Missouri, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Harmeet Dhillon, of California, and Aaron Reitz, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, all of the Department of Justice. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll need your continued leadership to protect the civil rights of all Americans.
- We also want to make sure that that vote is protected.
- Today we must be vigilant in protecting that blessing. Do you agree?
- life of those that are protecting the rights of pro-life Americans.
- How does the doctrine of equal protection apply to the federal government?
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion
Summary:
The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we want to protect charities and the work that they're doing as well.
- protection in the court and protection in their workplace.
- Ending these practices protects workers without harming their employers.
- And the protection of the workers... ...and the protection of the workers and honest businesses at the
- Legal protections that cannot be enforced in practice do not function as real protections.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered several bills. SB 1338 by Senator Burton would strengthen enforcement of written endowment agreements for charitable gifts and require legislative approval for new filing or reporting requirements on charities. The sponsor and Philanthropy Roundtable testified in support, emphasizing donor intent and protections for nonprofits; the bill was reported favorably. SB 1324, which was expected to address principal offices of LLCs, was temporarily postponed.
The committee also passed CS/SB 1080 by Senator DeSigley, which directs FDOT to adopt rules allowing direct payments to first-tier subcontractors in specified circumstances. A transportation industry representative supported the measure, saying the situations are rare but need a statutory remedy. CS/SB 1582 by Senator Yarbrough, as amended, requires secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers, and pawnbrokers to submit transaction data to FDLE for statewide sharing through systems such as LInX; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably, with one witness from the Florida Recycler’s Association opposing the amendment.
Senator McLean’s SB 1672, creating a home buyer workforce tax credit for employer contributions to help employees with first-time Florida home purchases, was reported favorably with support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. SB 1112 by Senator Garcia, relating to the Florida Labor Pool Act, drew extensive testimony from workers, reentry advocates, and supporters who argued it would prohibit placement fees when workers are hired permanently, require annual registration of labor pools, improve accountability, and support stable employment and reentry; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after recording votes and other closing business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask that you surround their families with your divine protection and peace.
- protect citizens from unlawful use of excessive force.
- So I think what you're saying is that that protection kind of replaces this other protection for citizens
- , exist right alongside the protection for civilians that law enforcement... ...right alongside the protection
- The civilian loses protection and law enforcement gains authority.
Summary:
The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including Challenger Learning Center representatives, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, Zeta Phi Beta, Pine Forest High School students, and others. Senators also offered remarks honoring the anniversary of the Challenger disaster and welcoming visitors. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar.
The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which would increase penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and other personnel, including mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer engaged in official duties. The bill drew extensive debate over self-defense, excessive force, prosecutorial discretion, jury instructions, and whether the measure was a proper response to the Jason Rayner case. Two amendments were offered and withdrawn. After debate, the Senate passed the bill 31-4. Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, Polsky, and others spoke in opposition, while Leek, Trumbull, and Hooper supported the measure as a needed correction and tribute to Officer Rayner.
The Senate then passed a series of other bills, mostly unanimously or by wide margins. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling establishments; SB 288 clarified rural electric cooperative authority; SB 292 created a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families; SB 296 and SB 298 advanced the HAVEN initiative and a related public records exemption for domestic violence victims; SB 364 modernized CPA licensure; SB 386 created protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserved or extended public records and meeting exemptions for emergency shelter addresses, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit records, Public Service Commission and Gaming Commission proceedings, DHSMV investigatory records, social media investigation records, and certain economic development loan records. Most of these bills passed 32-35 votes, with SB 292 passing 34-1 and SB 7000, SB 7002, SB 706, SB 708, SB 7012, SB 7014, and SB 7016 all approved.
At the end of the session, the Senate adopted a motion to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, heard announcements about upcoming executive appointments and State of Black Florida Week events, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I was a volunteer election protection, with election protection and all.
- And the protection has teeth. I support this because I'm not. And the protection has teeth.
- And come November, we will protect Arizona taxpayers with the Protect Education Act. I vote no.
- We should protect our workers. But more so, we should protect the students. That's our...
- But more so, we should protect the students. That's our main focus. Protecting students.
Summary:
The House convened, completed roll call, approved the journal, and took up several Senate bills and one Senate concurrent resolution through motions to reconsider, return bills for reconsideration, and refer measures to additional Committee of the Whole sessions for further amendment. Early actions included returning SB 1175 and SB 1198 to the Senate for reconsideration, rescinding passage of SB 1336 so it could be reconsidered, and referring SB 1111 and SB 152 to an additional COW. The House also recognized Representative Travers for a personal privilege statement honoring National Women Veterans Recognition Day and recorded attendance.
In Committee of the Whole, members adopted floor amendments and recommended passage for SB 1511, SB 1552, SB 1198, SB 1110, SB 1618, SB 1431, and SCR 1004, with some debate on SB 1110’s home-confinement/reentry program, SB 1618’s Military Affairs Commission changes, and SB 1431’s city and town authority over residential project standards and streetscapes. The House later adopted the COW reports and moved the measures to engrossing or third reading as appropriate. SB 1336 and SB 1519 were also advanced from committee, while SB 1004 was reconsidered and ultimately failed on reconsideration.
On third or final reading, the House passed SB 1127, SB 1180, SB 1428, SB 1198, SB 1336, SB 1511, SCR 1004, SB 1552, HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2114, HB 2311, HB 2729, and HB 4117. SB 1687, SB 1004, SB 1519, and SB 1502 failed. Members explained votes on several measures, including support for tax administration clarity in SB 1180, objections and support for the May primary proposal in SB 1687, concerns about sex offender monitoring in SB 1004, support for the Arizona Beef Council in SB 1198, and debate over the photo enforcement referral in SCR 1004. The session also included recesses for caucuses, lunch, and dinner, plus a brief technical outage of the live stream.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Protected bikeways are not just lines on a map or a nice extra feature. They're often.
- Protected bikeways are not just lines on a map or a nice extra feature.
- Public investments and safety should protect people for the life of the project.
- just paint to protect a bicyclist from a truck or car is a reduction in safety.
- It protects them in an effort to deal with the e-moto problem.
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on active transportation, transit, road safety, and local enforcement. SB 569 would restrict removal or downgrading of bikeways built with state General Fund dollars for at least 20 years, require public hearings before major changes, and was supported by bicycle advocates and some local and environmental groups. The City of Encinitas opposed the bill, arguing it could limit needed safety fixes and should apply only to future projects; committee members discussed whether the bill still allowed safety-based modifications. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations.
SB 741 would streamline the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program by reducing administrative burden and giving transit agencies more flexibility to use funds for service improvements, fare programs, and other transit needs while maintaining oversight and disadvantaged community requirements. Transit agencies and advocacy groups supported the measure, saying it would help agencies respond to post-pandemic ridership and financial challenges. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1167, which would tighten consumer protections by clarifying that high-powered e-motos and similar motor vehicles are not e-bikes, requiring clearer disclosures and labels, and improving crash reporting. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and parents; the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed unless amended, arguing the term “e-bike” is used broadly and the bill could affect existing businesses. The bill passed to Appropriations. Later, SB 953, dealing with vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through misdemeanor diversion, would add DMV points so fatal conduct remains reflected on driving records; the bill was supported by the victim’s family and safety advocates and passed to Appropriations.
The committee then heard SB 1218, which would let local agencies boot vehicles tied to repeated unpaid illegal dumping citations instead of using DMV enforcement. Oakland officials and community groups supported the bill as a needed deterrent, while the ACLU opposed it as punitive debt collection without a sufficient nexus to the vehicle. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 739 would revise the Clean Miles Standard for rideshare companies by allowing CARB and CPUC to adjust electric vehicle mileage targets in light of current market conditions; Uber and Lyft supported the flexibility, while clean air advocates began raising concerns about weakening climate goals as the transcript cut off.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> community</c> Relating to um protected community Relating to um protected community locations,<00
- </c> student privacy is already protected student privacy is already protected under<00:21:09.120><c>
- </c><00:21:13.120><c> perimeter</c> concerns about the protected perimeter concerns about the protected
- </c><00:33:49.600><c> private</c> this isn't about protecting private this isn't about protecting private
- </c><00:34:08.240><c> of</c> are now going beyond the protection of are now going beyond the protection
Committee:
Senate Government Operations
Summary:
The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle.
The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.
The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- These protections are more critical than ever.
- These protections are more critical than ever.
- The motion is due pass to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
- The motion is due pass to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Bonta? Aye. Bonta, aye. Chen.
- The motion is due pass as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several Senate bills focused on health care access, privacy, and public health data. SB 81 by Senator Arreguín would require health care facilities to create nonpublic areas and restrict immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant, while also protecting immigration-related information in medical records; the bill drew broad support from health, labor, immigrant-rights, and hospital groups, with no opposition testimony. Committee members discussed implementation and enforcement, and the bill was moved out on a do pass to Privacy and Consumer Protection vote, with one no vote recorded from Sanchez.
SB 250 by Senator Ochoa Bogh would add skilled nursing facilities to DHCS’s managed care provider directory so Medi-Cal beneficiaries can more easily identify covered facilities. Supporters said the change would help seniors, people with disabilities, and families navigating urgent discharge decisions, and there was no opposition. The committee voted the bill out to Appropriations. SB 717 by Senator Richardson would codify the relationship between the California Cancer Registry and its three regional registries to protect federal SEER funding and preserve cancer surveillance data; supporters emphasized the importance of accurate cancer tracking and the risk of losing more than $15 million annually in federal funds. The bill passed out to Appropriations.
SB 504 by Senator Laird would allow health care providers to disclose personally identifying information about previously reported HIV infections to state or local health officials when needed for disease control or care coordination. The author described the measure as a modernization of public health reporting that balances privacy with effective response, and the bill had support from the California Medical Association and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. It was moved out as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also approved a consent calendar earlier in the hearing, including SB 329, SB 520, and SB 862, and several votes were held open briefly before being completed.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Stable Tokens (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- don't generally apply. to protect consumers here in the state to protect consumers here in the state
- </c> protections don't don't generally apply. protections don't don't generally apply.
- Uh, the deal basically is that you protect the money from creditors by protecting it from yourself.
- Uh, the deal basically is that you protect the money from creditors by protecting it from yourself.
- protection at the issuer level.
Summary:
The commission met on November 12 and first approved the September 17 and October 15 draft minutes unanimously after brief discussion. Members also identified themselves for the record, including a new member from Bumpsk Bank, a staff attorney from the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Securities Regulation, a prior crypto commission participant, and a uniform law commissioner involved in tokenization projects.
The main presentation was by UNH law professor Seth Orinberg, who discussed the federal GENIUS Act and the pending Clarity Act and how they affect New Hampshire’s options in the digital asset space. He described the GENIUS Act as governing payment stablecoins/stable tokens, defining them as blockchain-based assets used primarily for payments, redeemable for a fixed amount of national currency, and required to maintain stable value. He said the law creates three possible state roles: hosting federally qualified issuers, becoming a state qualifier for issuers up to a $10 billion threshold, or exploring state-backed issuance as a sovereign. He noted that the state-qualification path would require conforming legislation, examination capacity, and coordination with Treasury, while the sovereign-issuer theory is legally uncertain and may become a test case.
Orinberg also outlined the core compliance framework he said applies to covered issuers: 100% reserve backing in high-quality liquid assets, monthly public reserve reporting, no yield or interest-like rewards, segregation of reserve assets, immediate redemption at face value, and anti-money-laundering/know-your-customer obligations. He then turned to the Clarity Act, describing it as a broader market-structure bill that would create categories such as digital asset, digital commodity, digital security, and ancillary asset, with self-certification procedures for issuers. He said the two federal laws together would separate payments from investments, preempt inconsistent state standards for covered payment stablecoins, and likely reshape the boundaries of state authority over digital assets.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Jobs, Labor and Economic Development - 05/27/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> certainly adequate in the US to protect certainly adequate in the US to protect an<00:08:37.919>
- :44.480><c> proprietary</c> procedures for protecting proprietary procedures for protecting proprietary
- </c><00:53:10.000><c> Protect</c> protect the secret sauce, right?
- Protect protect the secret sauce, right?
- </c> protect motans and our business economy. protect motans and our business economy.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and Senate Environmental Quality Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- DTSC has a critically important mission: to protect public health and the environment from toxic substances
- our... set DTSC up for success, and the Legislature is eager to ensure that we protect our progress
- policies that we are discussing, that we are overseeing, I'm most concerned about how people are protected
- We are committed to our mission to protect communities from environmental harm.
- And they're there for a reason, to protect health and safety.
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle.
DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program.
Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So members, in order to protect our workers and their jobs and protect our streets, I respectfully ask
- And that means that we don't have equal protection.
- To eliminate federal protection from all or a portion of those federally protected rivers.
- They're not already protected under federal law.
- However, it would ensure that federally protected rivers in California could be considered for protection
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0.
Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education.
On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Here in the Golden State, we will continue to protect our democracy.
- When I see law enforcement uniform, the guards around the voting booth, I feel more protected.
- “Protected class, what population are you talking about? Am I included there?
- So yes, you, sir, would be part of a protected class.
- Any voter can be part of a protected class as part of this bill. It's a race-neutral bill.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg would expand electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot-processing sites, restrict law enforcement activity near voting locations except for crimes against persons or property, expand ballot drop box and vote center access, and extend the vote-by-mail receipt deadline. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and interference; county election officials opposed it as operationally burdensome and difficult to enforce. The committee discussed amendments narrowing some provisions, and the bill was ultimately advanced on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Choi voting no.
The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would codify and expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance for certain jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voter access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city representative raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. Senator Choi questioned the bill’s concepts, but the measure was moved to Judiciary and later recorded as passing 4-1.
SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and streamline campaign-ad disclosure language, allow abbreviations, and increase the number of top funders listed on political mailers from three to five. Outdoor advertising and good-government groups supported the bill as improving readability while preserving transparency. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee also considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for initiative titles and summaries from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while labor groups opposed the change as unnecessary and less accountable. Both measures were advanced to Appropriations after divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand election language-access requirements beyond current federal thresholds and add a petition process for undercounted language communities. It drew broad support from civil rights and advocacy organizations, with county election officials seeking amendments over implementation details; the bill passed 5-0 after the committee completed roll calls on the absent members.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- DEC will be involved in protecting those lands.
- Would be in accord with the CLCPA and with other state laws that are designed to protect the overall
- So that we can be protecting our...
- And establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber
- Is there any provision in your bill to protect the state reforestation areas from products they can use
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills.
The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13.
The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- These protections include protection from eviction, preventing landlords from evicting service members
- This bill inserts language that mirrors the federal protections.
- So when our National Guard members are called to duty to fill sandbags during Protections.
- FRIA protects their job, so they have a job to come back to.
- SCRA obviously protects them from civil actions.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bills 1993 and 2771, both sponsored by Reps. Irwin and Boykin, which would extend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act-style protections to Missouri National Guard members when they are called to state emergency duty. The sponsors and supporting witnesses said the bills would help Guard members with issues like eviction, lease termination, debt collection, and civil court proceedings while they are serving, and would align state law with federal protections already available to active-duty service members. Committee members generally expressed support, noting the financial strain on Guard members and their civilian employers, and witnesses from the Missouri National Guard Association and the Guard itself said the bills would provide clarity and stability. No opposition was presented, and the hearing ended without a vote in the transcript.
The committee then heard House Bill 1869, which would create a grant program administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission to help repair and reset damaged veteran grave markers in private and public cemeteries when the damage is caused by natural events. Rep. Roberts explained the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with a deteriorated headstone, and members asked about eligibility, whether the money would go to families or cemeteries, and whether vandalism or non-cemetery graves would be covered. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at natural causes and family-member applications, though he was open to suggestions for expansion. The Veterans Commission director supported the concept but warned the agency lacked funding and staffing to take on another program without additional appropriations; members also raised broader concerns about underfunding the commission. No formal action or vote was taken in the transcript.
After the bill hearings, the committee received informational testimony from Retrieving Freedom, a Missouri-based service dog organization, and from Compass Health on firearm suicide prevention. Retrieving Freedom described its training of service dogs for veterans and children with autism, including demonstrations of tasks such as grounding, retrieving items, and helping with mobility, and said it had a waiting list but was expanding its work in Missouri. Compass Health discussed its firearm suicide prevention grant work, emphasizing community-based education and conversations about safe access to lethal means rather than confiscation. These presentations were informational only and did not involve committee action.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fotouhi, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, and Aaron Szabo, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Is this really how we want to protect clean air and clean water?
- Environmental Protection Agency.
- EPA plays a critical role in protecting the health of all Americans.
- Agency. help protect America's air.
- Everybody does want to protect the air, everybody wants clean air.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- We protected essential services that people depend on.
- We took action to protect our clean energy future.
- We also, of course, have taken action to protect jobs.
- Protecting Massachusetts taxpayers, right?
- We do this work to make sure that those folks are protected, and the integrity of these programs is protected
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness.
A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law.
Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.