Video & Transcript Research : 'delegates'

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DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 37th Legislative Day Jun 17th, 2026

Delaware Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, we are honored to welcome the delegates of the 2026 session of the Delaware Boys State.
  • Today, we are honored to welcome the delegates of the 2026 session of the Delaware Boy State.
  • Throughout the week, delegates have drafted, debated, and past legislative. in practice.
  • develop civic knowledge, leadership ability, ...and the legislative process, delegates develop civic
  • Please join me in congratulating these students and all the delegates of the 2026 Delaware Boys State
Summary: The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee. The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines. Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Regulated Industries Jan 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows a VPA to engage in veterinary medicine only as delegated by a vet under the vet's responsible
  • It allows a VPA to engage in veterinary medicine only as delegated by a vet under the vet's responsible
  • I just remind it: These individuals can only do what a veterinarian delegates to them to do.
  • So who would delegate to some unknown individual? They will be well-trained.
  • And then once delegated, it's under the supervision of the vet. This will allow vets...
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it considered SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The sponsor said the bill would define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax, arguing they are a less harmful alternative for nicotine users. Senators asked about youth access and regulation, and the sponsor said he would research those issues further. A representative of the Florida Retail Federation appeared in support, and the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role, allowing individuals with a master’s degree and national competency exam to perform certain delegated veterinary tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also expanded the allowable period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products and other medications. Supporters said the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and help address veterinary shortages, while opponents from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association argued the proposal was unnecessary, could create safety and federal-law concerns, and that existing veterinary technicians and other workforce measures were a better solution. After testimony and debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. During final debate, several senators said the VPA proposal was more limited and better balanced than earlier versions, with the veterinarian retaining liability and control over delegated duties. The sponsor closed by emphasizing rising veterinary costs, shortages of care, and the need for more affordable access for pet owners. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • proud to represent Texas's 7th Congressional District in Houston and to chair the Texas Democratic delegation
  • And to chair the Texas Democratic Delegation in Congress in the 119th Congress.
  • of Texas at the state capitol with so many distinguished leaders, members of the congressional delegation
  • That's why I'm so thankful for the leadership of the members of the Texas congressional delegation and
  • We'll now hear from members of our congressional delegation, starting with the dean of our delegation
Summary: Texas Democratic leaders and members of Congress held a press event in Austin with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to denounce the Republican-led special session and proposed congressional redistricting map. Speakers, including Lizzie Fletcher, Lloyd Doggett, Al Green, Joaquin Castro, Sylvia Garcia, and Greg Casar, argued that the session should instead focus on flood recovery after the Hill Country Independence Day floods, affordability, health care, the energy grid, and other state priorities. They said the new map was a partisan and racially discriminatory gerrymander designed to help Donald Trump and Texas Republicans gain seats, weaken minority voting power, and undermine free and fair elections. Several speakers said the current Texas map is already under legal challenge and claimed the proposed changes would further reduce the ability of Black and Latino communities to elect candidates of choice. They also tied the redistricting fight to broader national issues such as Medicaid, Social Security, tariffs, housing costs, and corruption. Jeffries said Texas Democrats would not “bend the knee” and pledged support for their efforts, while emphasizing that the fight would continue politically, in court, and through public organizing. In the question-and-answer portion, Jeffries said all options should be on the table to protect Texans, but that Texas Democrats would decide their own strategy. Fletcher said the immediate priority was informing the public about the rushed process, noting that many Texans testified before seeing a map and that the hearings were moving quickly. No formal vote or legislative action occurred at the event itself.
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, good afternoon, Delegate.
  • Thank you, Delegate, for being here.
  • Thanks for being here, Delegate, and um, um... Thank you for being here, Delegate.
  • Delegate Cannon, welcome.
  • So if you want to request it, I know that there was a delegate in the West Virginia House of Delegates
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Jan 12th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows a VPA to engage in veterinary medicine only as delegated by a vet under the vet's responsible
  • I just remind it: These individuals can only do what a veterinarian delegates to them to do.
  • So who would delegate to some unknown individual? They will be well-trained.
  • And then once delegated, it’s under the supervision of the vet.
  • This will allow vets...” “...delegated, it’s under the supervision of the vet.
Bills: S0754, S0796
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1. The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Apr 17th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • If anybody remember our delegation, it it was it it was the delegation, it it was it it was the delegation
  • I'm talking about our delegation. So if that's going to be the delegation.
  • That's my dog part of the delegation. That's my dog part of the delegation.
  • That was a person in my delegation that ain't did deal to delegation that ain't did deal to delegation
  • So you our delegation has been set back 20 our delegation has been set back 20 our delegation has been
Keywords: 920, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

LBT Public Hearing 03-18-2026

Labor and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • It depends on if it's a class of work that DHERD handles or whether it's delegated to the department.
  • For example, Department of Labor has a number of of classes of work that they're delegated to handle,
  • It depends on if it's a class of work that DHERD handles or whether it's delegated to the department.
  • For example, Department of Labor has a number of of classes of work that they're delegated to handle,
  • <00:26:18.240> to<00:26:18.360> the whether it's delegated to the whether it's delegated
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 3/5/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Paul that is co-hosted by our delegation with our city of St.
  • <00:13:39.160> Paul<00:13:39.440> delegation the chair of our St.
  • Paul delegation the chair of our St.
  • <00:13:49.120> Paul<00:13:49.560> and delegation with our city of St.
  • Paul and delegation with our city of St.
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 14th, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ultimately responsible for what he delegated to the CRNA.
  • The delegation... 90% of nurse practitioners are employed.
  • They don't pay a dime for delegation fees.
  • They demanded to immediately see my delegating physician.
  • It turns out my delegating physician was also delegating to several other NPs, seeing patients in his
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • proud to represent Texas's 7th congressional district in Houston and to chair the Texas Democratic delegation
  • at the state Capitol, uh, with so many distinguished, uh, leaders, members of the congressional delegation
  • We'll now hear from members of our congressional delegation, starting with the dean of our delegation
  • In their percentage hold on congressional delegations, how is this different than what's going on in
  • The Texas congressional delegation that it's not simply the case that help is on the way, help is here
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS DEFER, HHS-LBT, HHS Public Hearings 02-10-2025

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • First of all, DHRD currently has three different forms of delegation available to departments if they
  • <00:03:21.000> available different forms of Delegation available different forms of Delegation
  • The Holo delegation, actually, I think you heard him mention Holo delegation, that one is they do the
  • The Holo delegation, actually, I think you heard him mention Holo delegation, that one is they do the
  • The Holo delegation, actually, I think you heard him mention Holo delegation, that one is they do the
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Press Conference: Senator César Blanco Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • delegating physician for chart review and monthly visits.
  • The restrictiveness and the cost to her delegated physician led to their decision.
  • Once they released those delegated authorities, they had a lot of people going in.
  • That happened in the state of Arizona once they released those delegated authorities.
  • The reality is, there's no formal delegation or paperwork needed for this collaboration.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 18, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The delegate limitation act, 2017, 187.
  • <00:15:45.519> they if they have a handful of delegates they if they have a handful of delegates
  • Verifiable truth demonstrates the states control their delegates.
  • Verifiable truth demonstrates the states control their delegates.
  • We know none of those things about delegates to a constitutional convention.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Mobile County Legislation Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Mobile County Legislation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is an issue that I'm hoping that I'm asking for unanimous support from the Mobile delegation on.
  • This is an issue that I'm hoping that I'm asking for unanimous support from the Mobile delegation on.
  • the City of Mobile has been helping some, and I just wanted to see if we can come together as a delegation
  • support from um the Mobile delegation support from um the Mobile delegation on.<00:10:11.279>
  • and put in together and as a delegation and put in a<00:10:46.720> request.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I think almost everybody in the state delegation, you can see it's This is.
  • I want to thank our congressional delegation, who have at all the funding we need as soon as possible
  • I want to thank our congressional delegation who have been diligent in fighting for this issue.
  • And I think you see here with our state delegation that we're fighting for the issue.
  • , talk about the congressional delegation securing almost $600 million.
Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Delegate Hornby. Are there any questions for Delegate Hornby?
  • Thank you, Delegate Hornby. Are there any questions for Delegate Hornby?
  • Thank you for being here, by the way, Delegate Hornby.
  • Chairman, Delegate... Good afternoon, Senator.
  • Are there further questions for Delegate Funkhouser?
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, with several administrative reminders about floor session and the need to keep testimony focused. House Bill 4169, which expands the list of professionals who may provide the verified mental health certificate needed to petition to regain firearm possession rights, was reported to the full Senate without amendment. House Bill 4364, establishing concurrent jurisdiction with the federal government over certain military lands and related juvenile matters, was amended with technical/title changes and then reported as amended. House Bill 4366, allowing military protective orders to be used as evidence in protective-order proceedings and requiring notice to issuing agencies after arrests, was also amended and reported as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 4415, a strike-and-insert measure increasing penalties for bringing telecommunications devices and other contraband into correctional facilities, expanding the definition of telecommunications device, and adding federal correctional facilities; the strike-and-insert and title amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 4606, which revises bail factors and adds language stating a magistrate may not release a felony defendant on personal recognizance, drew extensive debate and testimony from the House Judiciary chair, court system officials, and advocates. Concerns centered on whether the bill conflicted with existing code, whether magistrates should be barred from PR bonds in felony cases, and the impact on poor defendants and jail populations; an amendment to strike the felony PR-bond prohibition failed, and the bill was reported on a divided vote. House Bill 4610, expanding the Right to Try Act to include patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses and additional treatment types such as biosimilars and individualized gene therapies, was reported without amendment. House Bill 4552, clarifying that correctional officers are law enforcement officers for purposes of federal concealed-carry protections, received a technical amendment and was reported as amended. House Bill 4625, relating to the real estate transfer tax, was amended to change the valuation calculation and add/clarify exemptions, then reported as amended. House Bill 4755, adding certain offenses to the list of crimes triggering enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, was reported with a title amendment. House Bill 4842, clarifying that civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images apply to sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion and establishing joint and several liability, was amended and reported as amended. Finally, House Bill 4850, requiring the State Bar to post free online educational materials about executors and administrators of estates, was amended and reported as amended after discussion about scope, disclaimers, and existing county resources; the committee then recessed for floor session, with two remaining bills postponed.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • You also hear us talk about our delegated licensing system.
  • We have our directly licensed and our delegated licensing.
  • You also hear us talk about our delegated licensing system.
  • We have our directly licensed and our delegated licensing.
  • So I mentioned a little bit that our family child care programs are delegated to the county.
Keywords: 1183, house
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • The way the system worked, each candidate was awarded a delegate in my district for every 25 votes.
  • You got 25 votes, you got one delegate. 32 votes, you got one delegate. 50 votes, two delegates. 63 votes
  • , still two delegates, and so on.
  • Where candidates couldn't get an extra delegate, you could get an extra delegate, making the case for
  • went to surplus voters where candidates couldn't get an extra candidate, you could get an extra delegate
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/6/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Delegations? Uh yes. Uh Chair of the Baltimore County Delegation. Thank you, Mr. President.
  • Uh Chair of the Delegations? Uh yes.
  • <01:08:59.120> will Baltimore County Senate Delegation will Baltimore County Senate Delegation
  • Baltimore City Delegation. Baltimore City Delegation.
  • Any further delegations or All right. Any further delegations or caucuses? caucuses? caucuses?
Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jermaine Turner, followed by welcoming remarks for visiting students and a quorum call confirming the chamber was in session. The body then moved through introductions and began considering bills and messages, including a supplemental budget message from the Governor that was journalized and referred to Budget and Taxation for incorporation into the FY27 budget. The chamber also handled several committee reports and amendments, with multiple measures ordered printed for third reading after no objections. Among the notable committee actions, the Senate adopted amendments and advanced Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles for organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams, Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement, Senate Bill 328 on property tax credits for disabled or fallen public safety and judicial officers, Senate Bill 587 funding the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund, Senate Bill 765 on property tax sales heir protection and tax credits, and Senate Bill 767 on property tax credits for commercial buildings rented to small businesses. The chamber also adopted favorable reports for Senate Bill 503 on the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program and Senate Bill 519 on delaying and studying the Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on a series of bills, passing measures including Senate Bills 540, 544, 578, 581, 634, 638, 852, 897, 69, 177, 241, 323, 776, and 439. The final bill, Senate Bill 439 on employment discrimination related to fire and rescue public safety employees’ use of medical cannabis, prompted extended discussion about off-duty cannabis use, impairment, and the difference between prescribed opioids and medical cannabis recommendations. The bill sponsor and other senators debated whether cannabis can be prescribed, the role of physicians, and the lack of a measurable standard for impairment, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill is shown.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As Lubbock Day at the State Capitol extends the members of the visiting delegation and all their fellow
  • President and members, I am honored to welcome a special delegation today from the real. gunny valley
  • President and members, first I thank Hossa for taking the lead on behalf of our Valley delegation in
  • the Senate welcoming our delegation from the Valley.
  • Delegation to the Texas Senate.