Video & Transcript Research : 'reading'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/22/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any other Third reading. Third reading. Any other discussion?
  • Third reading.
  • Third reading.
  • 1346 it is third reading. 1346 it is third reading.
  • Third reading. Any other reporters. Third reading.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Floor Session 5/6/25 - Part 1

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • [Applause] [Applause] The clerk will read the journal of the preceding day.
  • The chief clerk will report the House files and give them their first reading.
  • Introduction of first reading of House files 3299 through 3303.
  • and give them their first reading. and give them their first reading.
  • > of<00:07:48.639> house Introduction of first reading of house Introduction of first reading
Keywords: 1183, house
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Jan 23, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 3

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Item number two, reading of the journal. Representative Moriwaki.
  • She has hobbies of chess, working out, reading, and watching movies.
  • ,<00:16:35.519> and chess, working out, reading, and chess, working out, reading, and watching
  • c> six,<00:18:39.520> introduction reading.
  • Item number six, introduction reading.
Keywords: 910, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will read the journal of the preceding day.
  • Second reading House Number 2554, second reading House Number 2565.
  • First reading House Files 3116-3166.
  • Second reading House Number 2565, second reading House Number 2565, second reading House Number 2565.
  • The clerk will give the bill its third reading. Third reading. House File Number 2067 as amended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House passes capital investment general obligation bonding bill, HF 18 6/9/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge member support so long as Representative Kosnick doesn't read the bill.
  • The clerk will give the bill its third reading. House File 18 as amended. Third reading.
  • <00:04:22.479> Third<00:04:22.720> reading. bill its third reading.
  • Third reading. bill its third reading. Third reading.
  • And that's all I'm going to read because that's all you need to know.
Keywords: 1183, house
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • David did not learn to read even in the first grade because there was neither remedial reading specialists
  • grade able to read read and that was grade able to read read and that was with<00:06:00.560>
  • read and when you don't know how to read read and when you don't know how to read it<00:39:05.760
  • We read books that involve those subjects in reading.
  • We read books that involve those subjects in reading.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/18/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will read the resolution in full.
  • The clerk will read >> Thank you, Senator.
  • Clerk will read the bills. calendar 34. Clerk will read the bills.
  • They are the reading of the bills.
  • Clerk will read the bond Calendar 25.
Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 13 January, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Clerk, please read the title.
  • Clerk, please read the title. >> Mr. Clerk, please read the title.
  • Clerk, would you read the readings for everyone?
  • Clerk, would you read the readings for everyone? Please pay attention as we're in the committee.
  • particularly<00:28:17.679> those Please read the bills particularly those Please read the
Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The chamber then heard an invocation by Reverend Curtis Strong of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Thomas. The Senate approved motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced, including members of the Convention of the States in Mississippi, a Yazoo County delegation celebrating Yazoo Day at the Capitol, the doctor of the day, Dr. Pete Ara of Pascagoula, former senator and BEAM director Sally Doty, the Mississippi Worker Center for Human Rights and City University of New York group, and a group of junior pages. The main floor action was a resolution honoring Dr. Charles Mlen, commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and newly appointed NCAA board of governors member, for his financial and athletic impact and for elevating the national image of the SWAC. Senator Norwood presented the resolution and Dr. Mlen addressed the Senate, speaking about his Mississippi roots and thanking the chamber for the recognition. The Senate also recognized additional Yazoo County visitors and other guests in the gallery. Members then made a series of announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the legislative prayer breakfast, a Visit Jackson reception, budget hearings, an air task force meeting, and tourism committee business. Several senators asked that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including Shelton McCay, Delmo Payne, Mayor Dale Barry, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Boyce Davis, and Nona Living Plazo. The Senate ultimately adopted Senator Blackwell’s motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The following bills on first reading referral to committee. The clerk will read the bills.
  • The clerk will read the caption.
  • The clerk will read the resolution.
  • The clerk will read the resolution.
  • The clerk will read the resolution.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, it was in our third reading in the House.
  • Yeah, it was in our third reading of the House.
  • third reading of the House it came out of the Senate and it went the third reading on the House side
  • So these bills have made it to third reading.
  • I have prepared a statement to read to you today.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
  • If they haven't, I will read it as well.
  • read it as well. read it as well.
  • But if you read it carefully, rule. But if you read it carefully, right?
  • >> No, it's just small printed reads 28. >> No, it's just small printed reads 28.
  • Further discussion. would you like to read it again for Mr. would you like to read it again for Mr.
Keywords: 916, all
Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a proposed Senate Rule 15-9 prohibiting campaign contributions in Senate-controlled areas of the Capitol, prompted by concerns about lobbyists and others distributing checks to legislators while legislation is pending. The chair read a leadership statement condemning campaign contributions during session when donors’ interests are under consideration, saying such conduct creates at least the appearance of impropriety and undermines public trust. The initial draft would bar soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in Senate-controlled spaces such as the chamber, gallery, floor, corridors, lounge, lobby areas, and committee rooms. Senator Barlo raised concerns about defining the Senate’s authority and the scope of the prohibited areas, asking whether the rule would apply year-round, during interim meetings, or to online donations received while in the building. Other members responded that the Senate could only regulate areas under its control and that the rule should focus on the Capitol building itself, where fundraising should not occur. The chair noted that many other states have similar restrictions, and members discussed whether the rule should also cover campaign contributions during legislative session, not just inside the building. Senators Guru, Rothfus, and Biteman generally supported a stronger rule aimed at preventing vote buying and preserving the integrity of the institution, while acknowledging the need to refine language for enforcement and scope. The committee reviewed examples from Alaska and Wyoming’s constitutional bribery language, and staff and members proposed revised wording that would prohibit any person from knowingly soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in the state capital complex at any time, and separately prohibit senators from knowingly soliciting or knowingly accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. The discussion ended with no final vote taken, and members indicated they would continue working on the language with staff.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 16th, 2025 at 12:30 pm

North Dakota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It reads, and I'll read the letter: Forty-eight agriculture organizations and associations support House
  • It reads, and I'll read the letter: Forty-eight agriculture organizations and associations support House
  • It seems to me, if I'm reading this right, the real meat of what this is doing, if I'm reading it right
  • they're reading into this bill.
  • So I think we're reading it.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Jun 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The following resolutions on first reading referral. The clerk will read the resolutions.
  • The clerk will read the resolution.
  • Clerk, read the resolution.
  • Am I reading that right?
  • I'll read the whole sentence.
Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (04/17/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill is now on second<00:16:30.120> reading.
  • Is there any discussion, second reading.
  • Is The bill is now on second reading.
  • Is there The bill is on second reading.
  • second reading. Is there any discussion? second reading. Is there any discussion?
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 29 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Second reading of the bills.
  • Second reading of the bills.
  • Question now is on ordering bills to a third reading. All those in favor say aye.
  • Bills are ordered to a third reading. Nay, the ayes have it. Bills are ordered to a third reading.
  • Chair has been informed that House 3790 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of noncontroversial matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, including one marking the 65th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps and others honoring new Eagle Scouts; the House suspended the rules and adopted the resolutions. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for House consideration, including measures affecting housing and local governance in Provincetown, Edgartown, Chatham, Wilbraham, Plymouth, and Falmouth. The House suspended Rule 7A to proceed with second readings of those local bills, which included authorizing the Provincetown Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust to acquire year-round occupancy restrictions, changes to the Edgartown affordable housing trust fund, a Chatham housing preference for commercial fishermen, Wilbraham town administrator appointment and removal authority, a Plymouth land acquisition special revenue account, and a Falmouth charter/town clerk bill. After second reading, the House ordered the bills to a third reading. The House then considered three bills released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading: a bill designating a Pembroke intersection as the Levina A. Hatch Corner, a Newton bill raising the maximum age requirement for police officers, and a Haverhill bill allowing Jonathan Gagne to take the civil service exam for police officer despite the age limit. All three were passed to be engrossed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Floor Session 3/6/25 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk will give the bill a third reading. Third reading, House File 13.
  • c> number<00:05:15.440> 13 reading third reading houseall number 13 reading third reading
  • The clerk will give the bill a third reading. House File 129, third reading.
  • The clerk will give the bill a third reading. House File 286, third reading.
  • housef reading third third reading housef reading third third reading housef number<00:55:33.280>
Keywords: 1183, house
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Mar 20th, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Reader to read: Mr.
  • Reader to read: Mr.
  • The reader to read: Mr.
  • The reader will read: Mr.
  • The reader to read: Mr.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 31 (2-20-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next order of business is second reading of bills. Clerk, please report.
  • I move you, sir, that House Bill 527 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for a third
  • Motion's made and seconded that House Bill 527 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read
  • for a third time by title the day, read for a third time by title and<00:07:24.319> sponsor<00
  • Read for the third orders of the day.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House convened with 92 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 104 and 152 and Senate Joint Resolution 74. The chamber then moved through second reading of several bills, including measures on pension spiking, real property, organ donation safety, probationary retirement benefits, elections, and retired emergency personnel. Later, the Committee on Committees and Rules reported new referrals and posted bills for Monday’s regular orders, and the House also introduced several floor amendments. Two bills were taken up and passed. House Bill 527, relating to insurance regulatory requirements, was amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute removed language repealing the workers’ compensation deductible range, revised the strengthened Kentucky Homes program to provide one-time grants of up to $15,000 to approved contractors for certification costs, and added an emergency clause for that grant provision. Supporters described the bill as a broad technical modernization of insurance law, including updates to licensing and responsibility requirements; it passed 92-0. House Bill 111, relating to on-farm animal health, was also amended by House Committee Substitute 1 after the sponsor said the bill had been negotiated with agriculture and animal-industry groups. The substitute clarified that farmers may seek guidance from professionals, exempted equine operations, and preserved state and federal authority in disease or abuse cases; the bill passed 94-0. During motions, petitions, communications, and announcements, members recognized Black History Month with a tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, highlighting her civil rights leadership and legislative achievements. The House also heard announcements about an upcoming Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority/NITA board meeting and a Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board meeting. House Bill 495 was withdrawn by its sponsor, and House Bill 1 was briefly read and returned to committee as part of procedural handling. The House adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • and shared with and read by the members of the committee.
  • It's not simply letting the child read extra. It's not always just promoting them by a grade.
  • Every child deserves to be taught to read effectively, and every child already reading deserves to be
  • My eight-year-old daughter has been able to read like a high schooler since she was four.
  • We're told she always wants to go to the corner and read chapter books.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its 13th hearing, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Gordon, and heard testimony on a large slate of bills covering personnel and miscellaneous education issues. The first major topic was House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 327, the “So All Students Thrive” proposal, which would change reduction-in-force rules so districts could consider teacher effectiveness, student impact, staffing needs, and diversity-related factors alongside seniority. Supporters from Educators for Excellence, including teachers and a former school committee chair, argued that current seniority-based layoff rules can push out effective early-career educators and harm efforts to build a more diverse workforce. Committee members raised questions about tenure, union involvement, and how the bill would interact with the Educator Diversity Act and local contract negotiations; members generally said they shared the goal of diversifying the educator workforce and encouraged continued collaboration and feedback. The committee then heard testimony on House Bill 658, which would require educator training on gifted and advanced learners. Parents, teachers, researchers, and advocates said Massachusetts lacks required preservice or professional development on gifted education, leaving many advanced students unchallenged and underserved. Witnesses described students who are bored, under-identified, or even discouraged in school, and argued that training would help teachers recognize and support gifted students, including students of color, multilingual learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Testimony also supported related prior bills on advanced learners and emphasized that the state should act on a 2019 DESE report recommending such training. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 736 and Senate Bill 435, which would establish de-escalation training for school transportation. The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said the measure would improve safety for students and bus operators, fill a gap in current school bus driver certification requirements, and better support students with disabilities. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4720, concerning the Athol-Royalston Regional School District’s state bailout-related reserve requirements; the superintendent said the district has long maintained fiscal stability but is still forced to leave over half a million dollars unspent each year, limiting resources for a high-poverty student population. After testimony concluded, the chairs read the full list of bills on the agenda, thanked the committee and staff, and the hearing was adjourned.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

HOUSE CONVENES Apr 29th, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1052.
  • Have you read the bill already? I don't need to read the bill again. Appreciate a good vote.
  • I've read the bill, but I'm not clear on this.
  • I'm being told that I have to read the whole thing, but I read, yeah.
  • You didn't get to read.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests in the galleries, including state officers, medical personnel, student groups, and former first ladies. Members adopted consent-calendar resolutions, and House Resolution 1052 concerning Arkansas Girl State was withdrawn after Rep. DeAnn Vaught explained that 150 girls had missed a registration deadline and that the House would instead host an alternative Girls State experience this summer. The chamber then took up several fiscal-session appropriation bills. Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 15, 21, and 31, covering appropriations for Shared Services, Health licensing and regulation, Commerce/Insurance, Parks and Tourism, Human Services adult-aging-behavioral health, and administrative courts, all passed with large bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 75, an economic development appropriation for West Memphis, also passed after brief discussion. Senate Bill 77, an unfunded appropriation related to Arkansas Television Network/PBS matching funds, drew extended debate over whether it should support PBS programming, infrastructure, or private-donation matching; it failed on the first vote, was brought back for reconsideration because some members had not voted, and then failed again 73-24. After the fiscal work concluded, Rep. Meeks moved to adjourn sine die, ending the House’s fiscal session. The House then convened as a caucus to elect the Speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. The body suspended the formal election process and unanimously elected Speaker Brian S. Evans as Speaker-designate. Evans thanked members, reflected on the prior session, and pledged continued leadership and accountability before the House adjourned.