Video & Transcript Research : 'war declaration'
Page 98 of 313
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Debate — April 26 Apr 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received a constitutional majority, Substitute Senate Bill 5393 as amended by the House is declared
- Substitute Senate Bill 5393 as amended by the House is declared passed. Thank you. Thank you.
- Having received a constitutional majority, House Bill 2003, as amended by the Senate, is declared passed
- As amended by the Senate is declared passed.
- Having received a constitutional majority, House Bill 2050, as amended by the Senate, is declared passed
Summary:
The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate.
The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap.
The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: HB3530 - Added Feb 11th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Page declares the vote, having received a majority of the votes present.
- I declare the motion to have passed.
- The vote having received the majority of The votes present, I declare the motion to have passed.
- Cornwell, Marty, Dollin's, Fetgatter, Culver, Eye Having received a majority of the votes present, I declare
- Having received a majority of votes present, I declare the motion to have passed.
Keywords:
alcoholic beverages, personal use permit, manufacturing, excise tax, Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, alternative nicotine products, vaping, regulations, manufacturing standards, packaging requirements, penalties, Attorney General
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS WOULD MAKE IT A THIRD-DEGREE FELONY TO COMMIT EXTREME ANIMAL CRUELTY DURING A DECLARED WEATHER EMERGENCY
- , IN OTHER WORDS HURRICANES TROPICAL STORMS, TORNADOES DECLARED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
- THIS CREATES A STATEWIDE DANGEROUS DOG REGISTRY OR ONLINE DATABASE THAT WAS DOGS DECLARED DANGEROUS.
- IF THE DOG HAS NOT BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS BUT CAUSES SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH AND THE OWNER HAD PRIOR
- KNOWLEDGE OF THE DOGS DANGEROUS PROPENSITIES IN THE 3RD° FELONY IF THE DOG HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN DECLARED
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 04:57 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the resolution adopted. Senator from Lewis: Thank you, Mr. President.
- I declare the Senate in recess. Thank you.
- I declare the resolution adopted. Senator from Lewis. Thank you, Mr. President.
- I declare the Senate adjourned. Senator from Lewis. Thank you, Mr. President.
- I declare the Senate adjourned.
Summary:
The Senate first suspended Rule 54 to allow guests on the floor, then took up and adopted Senate Resolution 65. The resolution recognized West Virginia as a global hub for critical mineral processing and encouraged lawful private-sector dialogue and commercial engagement between West Virginia businesses and rare earth/critical mineral institutions abroad, beginning with institutions in Somalia. The sponsor emphasized that the measure was nonbinding and intended to open conversation about minerals, processing, and advanced materials, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then recessed briefly to receive and introduce a visiting delegation from Somalia, including the deputy prime minister, ministers of petroleum/mineral resources and commerce/industry, parliamentary leadership, and diplomatic representatives, along with other guests involved in the visit.
After the recess, the Senate received several Finance Committee reports and advanced multiple House bills on first reading: HB 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia program; HB 4006 creating the West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act; HB 2009 creating the Portable Benefit Account Act; HB 5412, the Future Ready Education Act; HB 5453 modifying the school aid funding formula; and HB 5510 removing the acreage/location requirement for private wedding venues. Each bill was reported as amended by Finance and taken up immediately without objection.
During remarks, a senator from Randolph spoke about the death of Riley Wingfield in a side-by-side accident and praised students and administrators at Buckhannon-Upshur High School and Tucker County High School for wearing orange and black in solidarity with grieving Elkins High School students. The remarks were ordered placed in the Journal appendix. The Senate then announced adjournment until the next day at 10 a.m., with the Rules Committee scheduled to meet at 9:45 a.m.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- "And the way that is broken down is if this is declared a federal disaster, which I feel strongly it
- Um, you stated this, but this disaster was declared two days before the storm hit.
- But a separate federal declaration of disaster would address, as Senator Hill pointed out, individual
- disaster was declared two days before the<00:24:12.240>
storm <00:24:12.640>hit. - But a separate federal declaration<00:24:35.279>
of <00:24:35.520>disaster declaration
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation.
Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- A state of emergency was declared that day, and by the next day, we had secured a federal disaster declaration
- Of course, ultimately those were moved into a major disaster declaration.
- FEMA funding is sought for eligible response and recovery activities tied to the declared incident.
- And the state did declare a declaration of emergency also.
- And the state did declare a declaration of emergency also.
Summary:
The committee heard a broad public safety budget hearing focused on youth justice funding, probation incentive grants, and disaster response and recovery. On the youth justice item, the Office of Youth and Community Restoration described a proposed change to the JJRBG funding formula that would shift resources away from a DJJ-based measure and toward county youth population, serious offenses, and step-down placements in less restrictive programs. Members asked about data on Native American youth; OYCR said statewide data are limited, but its SYTF data show about 1% of youth in secure youth treatment facilities were Native in 2024. The Department of Finance had no objections, and the item was discussed as a way to support alternatives to long-term incarceration.
The committee then reviewed the community corrections performance incentive program for county probation departments. The Department of Finance proposed stabilizing the program with a maintenance payment, updating the performance baseline, and adding a growth factor; the LAO agreed the formula needed changes but recommended using 2022-23 data instead of 2021-23, using marginal rather than average cost assumptions, rejecting the growth payment and minimum guarantee, and adding stronger oversight through the BSCC. Finance said it was open to some technical changes but opposed a new BSCC audit framework, noting Judicial Council already surveys probation departments and that evidence-based practice use has increased over time. Members and staff indicated the proposal still needed further work.
A major portion of the hearing focused on the January 2025 Southern California wildfires and state disaster response. A resident of Altadena gave emotional testimony about evacuation failures, loss of home, and the need for accountability. LAO and Cal OES outlined the disaster response and recovery system, including mutual aid, alert and warning, debris removal, FEMA and state funding streams, and the long timeline for reimbursement. Cal OES said it had pre-positioned resources, temporarily took over the county’s wireless emergency alert function for about three weeks, coordinated debris removal and recovery operations, and had already allocated more than $286 million in state funds. Officials also discussed the 100% federal cost share for emergency work for 180 days and the uncertainty created by changing federal processes and the cancellation of the BRIC resilience program.
The committee also heard two smaller Cal OES items: a request to reappropriate about $22 million for the law enforcement mutual aid reimbursement program, which the LAO said should be placed in statute with clearer goals and reporting, and an update on Victims of Crime Act funding, where Cal OES said federal VOCA allocations have fallen sharply and that roughly $224 million would be needed to maintain current service levels if federal funding does not improve. Public comment included a request for funding to expand datacasting and emergency alert receivers for wildfire and earthquake warning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- This would officially name Farragut Park after an American Civil War hero, Admiral David G.
- He was among other achievements, served in the United States Navy at age 11 during the War of 1812 and
- to lead the successful attack on the Confederates at the Battle of Mobile Bay in the American Civil War
- significant impact on our history, and the Navy was stationed out at Fort Independence during the Civil War
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules.
The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also a Gold Star father, which means I lost a loved one in war. His name is Nick Exarros.
- I'm also a Gold Star father, which means I lost a loved one in war. His name is Nick Exarros.
- For 15 years, Bitcoin has run flawlessly through recessions, wars, and upheavals. So...
- For 15 years, Bitcoin has run flawlessly through recessions, wars, and upheavals.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on 25 tax and administrative bills, with opening remarks explaining the hearing process and noting that House-filed matters must be reported by December 6. The first major topic was funding for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial and related support for families of fallen officers. Police representatives, memorial fund advocates, and family members gave emotional testimony urging favorable action on S. 1934 and related bills, emphasizing the need for a permanent revenue stream to maintain the memorial and honor officers killed in the line of duty. Committee members and legislators responded with personal remarks of support and appreciation for law enforcement families.
The committee then heard testimony on a proposed Commonwealth Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including S. 1967 and related bills. Senator Peter Durant and later Dennis Porter argued that the state should be allowed to invest a limited share of stabilization or other funds in Bitcoin or other regulated digital assets as a hedge against inflation and fiscal risk, with strict caps, custody rules, and audits. They described the proposal as a forward-looking, non-mandatory framework for diversifying state reserves. No vote was taken during the hearing.
Another major topic was disaster resilience funding. Dr. Paul Biddinger of Mass General Brigham supported S. 1936/H. 3030, saying climate-driven flooding, drought, and wildfire risks are increasing and that the State Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund needs a dedicated revenue source. Senator Comerford also testified in favor, explaining that the fund was created in the prior session, that recent floods showed the need for quick state response, and that the bill would dedicate a portion of capital gains revenue to the fund. Committee members asked about how the fund would accrue and be used. The committee also heard testimony on PILOT and endowment-related bills: AICUM opposed H. 3122/S. 2013 and H. 3264/S. 2016, arguing that an endowment tax and mandatory PILOTs would harm private nonprofit colleges, students, and research; and a representative from Peru supported reform of PILOT formulas for state-owned land, saying rural towns need higher reimbursements and hold-harmless protections. The hearing concluded after testimony on the digital asset bills, with no recorded votes or final actions.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Natural Resources Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:38 am
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it; I declare the motion adopted.
- I declare the motion adopted. The resolution is agreed to. Mr.
- In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it; I declare the motion adopted.
- I declare the motion adopted. The resolution is agreed to. Mr.
- In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it; I declare the motion adopted.
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee met, established a quorum, and first approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee then considered and adopted an originating concurrent resolution to study the decline of the eastern gray fox population in West Virginia and to have a joint committee report findings to the Legislature in 2027. It also adopted a second originating concurrent resolution to study the economic feasibility of requiring an upland game bird stamp for hunters, with the same 2027 reporting deadline. Both resolutions were reported to the full Senate with recommendations that they be adopted.
The committee next took up engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4176, which amends the law governing the senior citizen lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping license (class XS). Counsel explained that current law allows class XS license holders to participate in special youth deer season, and the bill would remove that privilege. A senator asked for clarification about whether the bill expanded youth or special-needs hunting opportunities, and counsel confirmed it did not; it only eliminates the XS holder’s participation in youth deer season.
After discussion, the Vice Chair moved the committee substitute, and the committee voted to report House Bill 4176 to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. The meeting then moved to adjourn.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And fuels existing culture wars.
- Think it's a war on brown and black people or other minorities, but it's always been a war on the weak
- Think it's a war on brown and black people or other minorities, but it's always been a war on the weak
- Think it's a war on brown and black people or other minorities, but it's always been a war on the weak
- Think it's a war on brown and black people or other minorities, but it's always been a war on the weak
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed.
Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details.
Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Heffner, I declare the vote with a vote of 11 aye and one nay.
- Declare the vote. Declare the vote with a vote of 10 aye in one day.
- Fugate, Lawson, I, More, I Representative West declares the vote with a vote of 10 aye and one nay.
- Lawson and I Fugate, Harris, I declare the vote with a vote of 10 aye and zero nay.
- Harris, Fugate, Lawson, I declare the vote with a vote of 10 aye and zero nay.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislative declaration. 1. The General Assembly 1.
- That's why they call it a disaster declaration, and then the feds call it a disaster declaration...
- Legislative declaration. Repeal.
- Legislative declaration.
- And finally, um, if you look at the declaration, it... ...if you look at the declaration, it covers several
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 25th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the 30th of April, will be the 50th commemoration of the fall of Saigon, the ending of the Vietnam War
- There is a by-name request for one people group who were impacted by the war in Vietnam, but there are
- no other mentions of three other very important groups. that were impacted by the war in Vietnam, who
- Not only did they stand up and stand beside the American servicemen in Vietnam during the war, but then
- an important and active part of our state, and on the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
Transcript Highlights:
- No one has signed up, so I declare that part of the hearing closed.
- The Great Barrington Declaration was signed by Dr.
- No one signed up, so I declare that closed.
- I declare this hearing adjourned.
- I declare this hearing adjourned.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite this immense impact, this event wasn't declared a federal disaster because FEMA's threshold for
- Without a federal declaration, Good afternoon, Chair Ransom and committee members.
- Despite this immense impact, this event wasn't declared a federal disaster because FEMA's threshold for
- California, this event wasn't declared a federal disaster because FEMA's threshold for California is
- Without a federal declaration, Likely not be addressed by the feds soon, if ever.
Summary:
The Emergency Management Committee met to adopt its rules and hear a series of disaster- and public safety-related bills. Several measures were placed on consent and approved, including bills sending items to Appropriations, Natural Resources, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 262, by Assembly Member Caloza, proposed a California Individual Assistance Act to create a state grant program for disaster-related costs when federal aid is unavailable; supporters cited Rio Dell’s earthquake recovery as an example, while some members raised concerns about eligibility, cost, and whether the bill could aid undocumented residents. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote.
AB 549, by Assembly Member Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics, with supporters emphasizing public safety and anti-trafficking planning. An opposition witness argued the bill could be used to justify prostitution arrests and misuse trafficking funds, but the committee members largely supported the coordination concept, and the bill passed 6-0 to Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 270, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would establish a three-year pilot for autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority; supporters described it as a way to extend wildfire response into conditions where crewed aircraft are limited, and the bill passed 6-0 to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
Later, AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, sought to require Ventura County water districts in high fire-risk areas to top off tanks during red flag warnings, maintain backup generators, and harden critical water infrastructure. Water agencies opposed the bill unless amended, citing cost, flexibility, and liability concerns, while the author argued the requirements were necessary after failures during the Thomas Fire; it passed 6-1 to Utilities and Energy. AB 615, by Assembly Member Davies, required emergency response plans to be submitted with initial applications for battery energy storage and other energy facilities and to be reviewed with local responders; it passed 7-0 to Utilities and Energy. AB 1075, concerning privately contracted firefighters, also passed on consent to Natural Resources. Finally, AB 1143, by Assembly Member Bennett, would create a voluntary statewide home hardening certification program through the State Fire Marshal; supporters called it a best-practices approach to reduce wildfire losses and insurance risk, and it passed to Natural Resources. The committee then completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned after all bills were moved out.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- there's not always a highway patrolman around, and more animals are tied up and abandoned during declared
- This bill would make it a third-degree felony to commit extreme animal cruelty during a declared weather
- emergency—in other words, hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes declared by the National Weather
- with the following criminal violations: first-degree misdemeanor if the dog has previously been declared
- The second-degree misdemeanor, if the dog has not previously been declared dangerous but caused a severe
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably.
SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no.
SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 30 (2-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- With 95 members indicating their presence, a quorum is declared and the House is ready to proceed.
- It's a declaration of where we are going.
- <00:52:24.800>
an relating to tourism and declaring an relating to tourism and declaring an - House Bill 683, declaring an emergency.
- House Bill 685, declaring an emergency.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 05:49
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27
Report of Committees 08:12
Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40
HB 43 23:13
HB 139 25:09
HB 414 31:49
HB 297 36:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41
ConC/Rules Report 56:40
Floor Amendments 57:54
Adjournment 58:17, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading.
The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions.
After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare House Bill 436 to have passed as an emergency measure. Mr. Leader, Mr.
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare House Bill 4408 to have passed. Mr. Leader, Mr.
- I declare the same to have passed. Mr.
Bills:
SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454
Keywords:
minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, SB1525, tourism, recreation, conference, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, special agency account, private partnerships
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 11th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare Senate Bill 540 to have passed. Mr. Leader, thank you, Mr. President.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare House Bill 1484 to have passed.
- Seeing none, I declare House Bill 1484 to have passed as an emergency measure.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He survived the war abroad, but almost lost the war at home.
- The war doesn't stay overseas. It follows you home.
- Just like the World War II and Korean War veterans who fought timelessly for the 1976 Disability Act,
- <01:08:50.560>
It The war doesn't stay overseas. It The war doesn't stay overseas. - II and Korean Just like the World War II and Korean War<01:10:05.200>
veterans <01:10:05.680><
Keywords:
youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need.
The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.