Video & Transcript Research : 'suitable seating'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House sends governor higher education finance bill, SF1 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm very disappointed that that is something that we seated our legislative power to the governor,
- So I'm very disappointed that that is something that we seated our legislative power to the governor,
- So I'm very disappointed that that is something that we seated our legislative power to the governor,
- So I'm very disappointed that that is something that we seated our legislative power to the governor,
- So I'm very disappointed that that is something that we seated our legislative power to the governor,
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Those two appointments, those seats are now up for special election.
- We have four of the five seats on town council... Those seats are now up for special election.
- We have four of the five seats on town council that are up for election at this time.
- Those individuals who are seated on the commission, the council now have all shared that they are seeking
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on April 8, 2025, and first took up several local bills that were presented briefly and then approved without public opposition. HB 4035 would merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the Lee County Mosquito Control District, contingent on approval by voters in both districts at the 2026 election; it passed 15-0. HB 307 would extend to county property appraisers the same authority tax collectors already have to use salary savings for employee bonuses or incentives, and it passed 17-0 after testimony from property appraisers and their associations in support. HB 4047 and HB 4049 would adjust assessment caps for the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District and the North St. Lucie River Water Control District, respectively, with inflation indexing, annual increase limits, and referendum approval requirements; both passed unanimously. The committee also adopted an amendment to the committee substitute for HB 1169, a broader water management district bill covering quorum and meeting rules, lobbying restrictions, ad valorem taxing authority for certain capital projects by referendum, budget reporting, bidding preferences, and additional oversight and funding information; the amended bill passed 16-0 and was reported favorably with committee substitute.
The final and most heavily debated item was HB 4079, which would dissolve the Town of White Springs and return it to unincorporated Hamilton County. The sponsor argued the town had a pattern of mismanagement, including financial problems, audit findings, canceled elections, and public safety concerns, and said dissolution would lower taxes and preserve services through the county. Committee members asked about the town’s finances, audits, law enforcement, fire protection, debt, and whether the county could absorb services and liabilities. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of dissolution cited audit findings, alleged illegal gambling operations, double taxation for law enforcement, high administrative costs, and intimidation at meetings. Opponents, including current and former town officials and residents, said the town had made progress, had corrected audit issues, maintained reserves, and was working to restore services and governance; they asked for more time and pointed to an upcoming election. No vote was taken on HB 4079 in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll call your name, or Ohana maybe you can be seated right now for now.
- 09:58.240>
be your name uh or Ohana maybe you can be your name uh or Ohana maybe you can be seated - 09:59.600>
now <00:10:00.839>okay <00:10:01.839>okay <00:10:02.720>um seated - right now for now okay okay um seated right now for now okay okay um I'm<00:10:03.600>
sure <00 - Can I ask the current and former employees to remain standing while everyone else is seated, especially
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- I've seen this organization grow from basically an open seat where somebody would post on Facebook saying
- Like I said earlier, it was an open seat to guides giving trips to a veteran plus one to what we do now
- c> like I said stated earlier it was an like I said stated earlier it was an open<00:14:41.360>
seat - 42.560>
giving <00:14:42.839>trips <00:14:43.160>to <00:14:43.320>a open seat - to guides giving trips to a open seat to guides giving trips to a veteran<00:14:43.880>
plus <
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- She goes to the VA on a regular basis, has traveled out of the country, but she gets stopped for a seat
- She goes to the VA on a regular basis, has traveled out of the country, but she gets stopped for a seat
- <00:15:16.639>
stopped <00:15:17.040>for <00:15:17.199>a <00:15:17.320>seat - <00:15:17.600>
belt but she gets stopped for a seat belt but she gets stopped for a seat belt
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:24
SB 7: 00:00:51
SB 130: 00:06:00
SB 244: 00:11:17
SB 236: 00:13:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, would create a Right of Publicity Act to prohibit unauthorized commercial use of a person’s unclothed likeness, including for living and deceased individuals, while carving out exemptions for artistic and news-related uses. Bledsoe said the bill is intended to address privacy, dignity, and AI-generated image misuse, and noted she may offer a floor amendment to address concerns from broadband and internet providers. Sen. Thomas supported the bill but questioned the 10-year duration, and Bledsoe said that timeframe was somewhat arbitrary. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 7 with favorable expression to the floor.
Senate Bill 130, presented by Sen. Maiden, addressed gift card scams and theft of redemption information. A committee substitute was adopted, and Maiden described the bill as a response to organized retail crime, citing major gift card scams in Louisville and Lexington and explaining how tampered cards are returned to shelves and later drained after purchase. He said the substitute would create clear criminal penalties, make gift card tampering a felony, and add gift card fraud to the credit card fraud statute. Members shared personal experiences with compromised gift cards, and the committee approved SB 130 8-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 244, a reorganization cleanup bill presented by Sen. Howell and Attorney General’s office counsel Will Schroer, would complete name and structural changes following the transfer of Administrative Hearings and Child Support from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office and align the bill with prior data privacy legislation. The committee voted 9-0 to send SB 244 to the floor with favorable expression. Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Sen. Smith, drew extended discussion about a veteran’s case involving an old misdemeanor/DUI matter and a later warrant or failure-to-appear issue. The witness described being arrested years later despite having rebuilt her life, and senators debated whether the bill’s proposed time limit could create loopholes or affect court procedures; members emphasized that the underlying charge would remain and that the bill was aimed at unserved failure-to-appear warrants. The committee ultimately voted to advance SB 236 with favorable expression, with several members explaining their support while noting concerns about possible future language changes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It will put legislators back in the driver's seat when it comes to major policy decisions that affect
- It will put legislators back in the driver's seat when it comes to major policy decisions that affect
- <00:03:45.159>
in <00:03:45.280>the <00:03:45.360>driver <00:03:45.760>seat - put legislators back in the driver seat put legislators back in the driver seat when<00:03:46.040
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met with a quorum and first heard Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Matt Nunn, which would bar state agencies from adopting administrative regulations with implementation and compliance costs above $500,000 over a two-year period unless an exception applies. Nunn said the bill is intended to increase legislative oversight, reduce burdensome regulation, and preserve agency authority for routine rules, with exceptions for emergency actions, loss of federal funds, express legislative authorization, and health facility/service matters. Senators asked about the definition of “major economic impact,” whether broader societal costs were considered, and how the legislature could respond quickly to year-round agency rulemaking; Nunn said the bill is meant to force those larger policy choices into the legislative process. Several members voiced concern that the threshold was too low and could tie agencies’ hands, while others supported the bill as a check on regulation. The committee voted to report SB 20 favorably, with some members voting no or passing.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Senator Shelley Frommeyer, concerning real estate license reciprocity. Frommeyer and representatives from Perry Real Estate College explained that the bill would codify Kentucky’s current education and licensing standards for out-of-state real estate licensees, rather than relying on bilateral agreements that can be terminated by other states. They said the measure was prompted by the end of reciprocal agreements with states such as Ohio and West Virginia, which left students and licensees uncertain, and argued that codifying the standards would provide stability, help military spouses, and support Kentucky’s real estate industry. Senators questioned whether a compact would be better, whether the bill would disadvantage Kentucky licensees seeking to practice elsewhere, and whether it would weaken Kentucky’s leverage in future negotiations. Supporters said the bill only fixes Kentucky’s side of the process and could encourage other states to adopt similar standards; opponents worried it was unilateral and might not produce reciprocity from other states. The committee ultimately reported SB 127 favorably, with several members explaining yes, no, or pass votes, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of experience and institutional knowledge, and we'd like to do what we can to keep folks in their seats
- And Frank, if you're around, you can have a seat. LBB, you can start. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Please come forward and have a seat. Brian...
- Or we can find a seat up front, or did he...? Thank you. You're gonna have to...
- You can have a seat to my left. And who do we have? What is your name, sir? Noah Jones.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26) - Reupload
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, please proceed to your seat.
- We reach out individually, collectively, and ask for a seat at the table.
- And I'm and ask for a seat at the table.
- <01:23:44.480>
We have a meaningful seat at the table. - We have a meaningful seat at the table.
Keywords:
Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam.
This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control.
Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation.
Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/21/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] Could you take your seats
- Requiring periodic re-evaluation ensures the cooperative's regulatory framework remains suitable for
- Please take your seats.
- Okay, please take your seats, everyone.
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:
- So what this bill would do is allow us to add a seat for those non-state teachers, retirement system
- a seat on the board, and to represent the money of the non-state teachers.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill.
Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity.
Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 33 Apr 1st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please take your seats or take your conversations outside.
- Members, please take your seat or take your conversations outside. Please, Mr. Floor Leader.
Bills:
SB1636, SB1772, SB1221, SB1932, SB1687, SB1213, SB843, SB1410, SB1317, SB1338, SB1976, SB1314, SB1191, SB1613, SB1246, SB1439, SB1930, HR1044
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the General Conference Committee in the chair in which the vacancy exists, and if it is a minority seat
- CONFERENCE COMMITTEE IN THE CHAIR IN WHICH THE THE STRAY CAN SITUATE EXISTS AND IF IT IS A MINORITY SEAT
Summary:
The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation.
The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund.
Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, if you'll find your seats, we're going to go ahead and get started.
- Members, if you'll find your seats, we're going to go ahead and get started.
Summary:
The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met to review and approve several Employee Benefits Division (EBD) and pharmacy formulary actions. Grant Wallace, director of EBD and the Office of Property Risk, presented a $280,000 Boston Consulting Group contract to help develop the third-party administration RFP, and the committee approved it. The committee also approved the December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026 pharmacy formulary recommendations, along with February 2026 medical drug recommendations.
The formulary changes focused on removing prior authorization for injectable migraine CGRPs, replacing a discontinued capsule with a tablet, updating items for FDA guidance, and leaving some drugs not covered when lower-cost alternatives or insufficient efficacy data existed. For February 2026, EBD recommended removing Skyrizi and Renvoke in favor of lower-cost biosimilars and other alternatives, re-tiering several drugs to encourage generics, adding an anti-seizure medication developed by the Department of Defense, and adding a subcutaneous version of Keytruda for faster administration. The medical drug list similarly shifted toward biosimilars and aligned coverage for Skyrizi and Renvoke across pharmacy and medical settings.
Members raised broader questions about the impact of new pharmaceutical discount programs such as Trump RX and Mark Cuban Cost Plus, as well as concerns about PBM compliance and whether Navitus might be violating state law or paying affiliate pharmacies more than independent pharmacies. Wallace said the new programs and their effects were still being studied, that EBD was working with Navitus to evaluate pricing opportunities, and that Navitus had said it was in compliance with Rule 118, though additional research and auditing were underway. All items were approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 002 Jan 16th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A seat will be provided for you next to your counterpart in the House, or feel free to sit in any available
- seat you find.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal from January 14, 2026, and confirmed that Senate bills and resolutions were correctly engrossed. The chamber then took up House amendments to Senate Joint Resolution 2, which concerns a joint session with the House to hear from Governor Jared Polis and appoint an escort committee. The Senate concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 34-0 and then repassed SJR 2 unanimously; Senator Bridges asked to have his name removed as a co-sponsor.
The Senate also briefly recessed to swear in staff members, who took the oath of office and were welcomed by members. During announcements, senators mentioned the upcoming junior livestock auction and noted an excused absence for Senator Catlin for next Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Majority Leader announced a corrected start time of 10:30 a.m. for the State of the Tribes address and reminded members that the Senate would later attend the State of the State joint session in the House at 11:00 a.m., with blue lanyards required for access. Security restrictions on Capitol parking circle entrances and exits were also announced during the governor's address. The Senate then adjourned until 12:00 p.m. that day.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 24th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2140 would add two new Seats to the current composition of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity
- Review Committee would be added, requiring that both of these new seats be filled by doulas.
Keywords:
maternal health, mortality review, health committee, obstetrics, public health, Medicaid, cancer treatment, healthcare reimbursement, physical therapy, dental services, protheses, compression garments, mortality, morbidity, doula services, disparities, Black women, maternal mortality, health disparities, socioeconomic status
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 39th Legislative Day Jun 23rd, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members and guests, please take your seats and silence your cell phones. Mr.
- I'm glad that you got this seat. Jeff's one of the—Dr.
- When we stand at our seats, it's because we believe what we believe.
- no one openly in the LGBTQ+ community here in the legislative hall, and we didn't, per se, have a seat
- at the table. ...in the legislative hall, and we didn't, per se, have a seat at the table, but for all
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest.
The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session E May 29th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Actually, Chair DeSigley, you can have a seat, sir. I think we're good on arts funding.
- program initially, I know that there was a slow ramp-up, but they have been able to fill all of the seats
- And now that it's gone outside of those two Medicaid. fill all of the seats that were available.
- do, and this program has a one-source provider, is there any way for us to ensure that all of the seats
- Do we have any way for us to ensure that all of the seats are filled, like you said, and they're having
Summary:
The Senate took up the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27, with Chair Hooper and the appropriations chairs walking through the $114.5 billion budget. Major highlights included pay increases for state law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers, and correctional officers; funding for teacher salary increases and K-12 enrollment stabilization; workforce and university funding in higher education; major Medicaid, nursing home, waiver, and opioid-related investments in health and human services; corrections and prison-capacity funding; transportation, housing, and emergency management spending; and large environmental appropriations for Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, and water quality projects.
Members then asked detailed questions about specific items. Senators pressed on the Hamilton Center at UF, the difference between assistant state attorney and public defender pay, declining student enrollment funding, private school scholarship vouchers, mental health funding in schools, the lack of preeminence funding, APD’s iBudget waiver wait list and provider rates, ADAP premium assistance and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, prison staffing and air conditioning, Florida Forever land-buying versus easements, SNAP and Sun Bucks funding, Hope Florida, election audit funding, and the IDD managed care program. Chairs generally explained the negotiated compromises, noted where funding was flat or omitted, and in several cases said items would be revisited next year or depended on agency implementation.
Several senators used debate to praise the budget while also criticizing major policy choices. Leader Berman argued the state should have expanded Medicaid, invested more in public schools instead of vouchers, and accepted federal summer EBT funds. Other senators highlighted local wins such as Biscayne Bay restoration, Tri-Rail, housing assistance, ADAP funding, and declining enrollment support. The transcript ends with debate remarks thanking Chair Hooper for his work on the budget; no final vote is shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 04/08/26
Transcript Highlights:
- If you would like to come up, you can take your seat, state your name for the record, and begin your
- If<00:38:33.200>
you <00:38:33.240>would You would like to come up, you can take your seat - So, brought all nine of those together, and today we are seated with eight. Senator Howe.
- exception to the chartering that we... those together and today we are those together and today we are seated
- seated with eight. seated with eight. Senator<00:47:23.960>
Howe.
Summary:
The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants.
The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill.
The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill.
Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Intelligent speed assistance program established 2/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When you combine speeding with impairment, with distraction, and with not putting a seat belt on, all
- When you combine speeding with impairment, with distraction, and with not putting a seat belt on, all
- When you combine speeding with impairment, with distraction, and with not putting a seat belt on, all
- When you combine speeding with impairment, with distraction, and with not putting a seat belt on, all
- When you combine speeding with impairment, with distraction, and with not putting a seat belt on, all
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You may be seated. Once again, we'd like to welcome everybody to the New Mexico Senate.
- President, and I'm going to remind everyone they consented for me to debate from my seat, so I do appreciate
- a reminder to the body that Senator Brandt did ask for approval to be allowed to testify from his seat
- All senators to your seats, please.
- They are seated in the gallery, Mr.