Video & Transcript Research : 'governor certification'
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AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Special Session 2026 May 5th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative body passed and the governor signed<00:09:47.440>
into <00:09:47.600>law. - <00:14:35.000>
signed, passed, that the governor signed, passed, that the governor signed, - Okay, the legislature passed and the governor signed it. What did the court say about that bill?
- bill and the governor signed it. it. it.
- What did the court governor signed it.
Bills:
HB1
Keywords:
HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race
Summary:
The Ways and Means General Fund Committee met in special session and took up only one bill, HB 1 by Rep. Chris Pringle, which would authorize a special election for certain congressional districts if the federal court lifts its injunction and allows the state to use the 2023 congressional map. Pringle said the bill only creates a pathway for that special election, and members were told the fiscal note estimates the election could cost about $4.5 million from the General Fund. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was tied to recent federal court and Supreme Court rulings, including Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the Purcell principle, and whether it would be too close to an election or create confusion.
Several committee members pressed Pringle on whether the bill would reduce Black representation, whether Alabama had agreed not to revisit redistricting until 2030, and whether the 2023 map had previously been found discriminatory. Pringle repeatedly said he was not offering legal advice and that the matter was pending in federal court, while also saying the bill would simply allow voters to use the legislature’s 2023 map if the courts permit it. Rep. Ford raised concerns about the cost to the General Fund and competing budget priorities, and Rep. All questioned the timing and possible administrative confusion. Pringle responded that citizens would still be able to vote for candidates of their choosing.
During the public hearing, speakers overwhelmingly opposed the bill. Jamaal Brown, Kenneth Sharpton, Eliza Jane Franklin, Pastor Richard Williams, Rep. Givan, Jacoby Bibbs, and Agnes Lover argued that the proposal would weaken Black voting power, revive a map they described as unfair or racist, and create unnecessary disruption so close to an election. Several speakers framed the issue as one of civil rights, fair representation, and trust in democracy, while others criticized the cost and said the legislature should focus on broader needs such as health care and mental health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- the governor and gives that outlined.
- and it's a bill to require the governor and it's a bill to require the governor uh<00:10:10.480>
- uh for it to go through the governor. uh for it to go through the governor.
- <00:10:29.839>
for <00:10:30.079>the <00:10:30.240>governor formal certification - for the governor formal certification for the governor and<00:10:30.800>
gives <00:10:30.959><
Keywords:
public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety
TX
Bills:
SJR 4
TX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a sad day in Texas when we can't say the same thing about our governor.
- The truth is that Governor Abbott is rigging the U.S. Congress to protect Republicans.
- Governor.
- Governor Abbott has yet to say a word about... This is a human problem.
- So this is what Senator Borris Miles has to say: Dear Governor Abbott,...
Keywords:
special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner
Summary:
State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress.
The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative.
A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate of the 89th Legislature Apr 10th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor would be the only one.
- With the governor and the federal government as well.
- That's what the governor calls himself a Texan.
- And we've been working, of course, with Governor Abbott and his team, working with Lieutenant Governor
- I trust colonel Martin to decide that with the governor.
Keywords:
legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight
Summary:
The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Mar 5th, 2025
State Governmental Affairs
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So when the governor sent out the press release, my phone was pinging.
- Are you the governor of State up in support? Thank you.
- Senate, but wouldn't be able to vote for governor.
- First, the bill does not clearly accept Puerto Rican birth certificates.
- These are... does not clearly accept Puerto Rican birth certificates.
Keywords:
special elections, vacancy, Governor authority, election timeframe, judicial determination, voting rights, felony, sentencing, civil rights, criminal justice, rehabilitation, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum and took up several election-related bills. CS/SB 1180 by Senator Arrington, which creates a recall framework for elected community development district board members and also addresses synthetic turf regulation and CDD eligibility, was presented briefly and then approved unanimously. SB 460 by Senator Polsky, requiring the governor to call special elections within set deadlines after vacancies and allowing judicial relief if deadlines are not met, also passed unanimously after members discussed flexibility for emergencies and the cost of delayed elections.
The committee then heard SB 748 by Senator Bracy Davis, which would add constitutional voting-rights restoration language to the sentencing score sheet given to felony defendants. Supporters said it would improve clarity and notice without changing eligibility, and the bill was favorably reported unanimously. The committee also confirmed several appointees, including Jim Milliken and Alicia McShea to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Robert P. Estalas as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and additional gubernatorial appointees listed on the agenda, all by favorable votes.
The longest discussion centered on Senator Grall’s strike-all amendment for SB 1334, an elections bill dealing with citizenship verification, Real ID and SAVE database use, paper-ballot voting, candidate qualification rules, and related election administration changes. Supporters argued it would streamline verification and ensure only citizens vote, while opponents warned it would create burdens, disenfranchise eligible voters, and impose costs and administrative confusion. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the committee adopted an amendment to allow supervisors of elections to observe holidays when not otherwise required to be open, then approved the strike-all as amended by a 6-2 vote, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. The meeting then adjourned after members recorded their votes on earlier items.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:53.560>
I've governor. It happened during COVID. I've governor. - They tried to restrain the governor by re-upping every 60 days he re-authorizes any governor.
- , both this governor and any future governor.
- , both this governor and any future governor.
- , both this governor and any future governor.
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25.
The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates.
Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 4/15/26
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- previously been elected as governors. previously been elected as governors.
- the office of Lieutenant Governor. the office of Lieutenant Governor.
- Governor Walz because here is why. Governor Walz because here is why.
- this governor. this governor.
- accountability of the governor. accountability of the governor.
Keywords:
permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Blackman: The governor signed on to the white paper and the recommendations, but she did
- As long as they meet the DOD requirement for the medical certificate or law enforcement certificate they
- As long as they meet the DOD requirement for the medical certificate or law enforcement certificate they
- It just allows someone that already has a military police certificate or a federal certificate to come
- He has his certificate of Indian blood and he has his birth certificate.
Keywords:
corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, immigration enforcement, law enforcement, illegal aliens, state legislation, civil penalties, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement first heard SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund in fiscal year 2027 to help administer the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Supporters, including Justice Action Network and a family member who described the death of her son after severe mental health and jail-care failures, argued the office is needed to provide accountability, transparency, and a check on systemic problems in the Department of Corrections. Representative Blackman strongly backed the measure, saying the oversight office would help address lawsuits, staffing shortages, mental health issues, and the state’s federal receivership. The committee approved SB 1032 on a 14-0 vote with one absent, giving it a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1107, which creates an alternative certification pathway for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who served as military police to become Arizona peace officers through an abbreviated training process that credits military training and experience. There was no sponsor present and no opposition testimony. Members discussed whether the bill would include equivalent military law enforcement roles from all branches, and staff indicated the bill is intended to track Department of Defense training standards. The bill received broad support as a way to help fill public safety staffing shortages, though one member voted no over concerns about applicants with prior misconduct elsewhere. SB 1107 passed 11-1, with two present and one absent, and received a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1055, which requires law enforcement to immediately notify ICE or CBP when an arrested person is unlawfully present in the United States. Supporters said the bill would strengthen cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and help ensure people are not released before federal authorities can act. Opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona and several community speakers, argued it would undermine trust in law enforcement, chill crime reporting, create due process and constitutional concerns, and impose unfunded compliance burdens on local agencies; one speaker also raised concerns about impacts on Indigenous people and families dealing with mental illness crises. A strike-everything amendment offered by Representative Cruz would have replaced the bill with a restriction on DOC inmate telephone contracts so the department could not profit beyond operating costs, but the committee rejected that amendment 6-8. The committee then approved the underlying SB 1055 on an 8-6 vote with one absent, giving it a do pass recommendation.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Jan 21st, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill simply says the governor has to give them a letter declaring an emergency.
- Yes. >> And would that certification can that All those in favor signify by saying I.
- only if the governor prior to the<00:06:40.080>
contract. - they can do it is if the governor they can do it is if the governor certifies<00:07:20.080>
that - >> No, it has to be written from the governor. >> Okay. >> Governor has done it.
Keywords:
Teacher's Retirement System, TRS, DROP, Deferred Retirement Option Plan, retirement benefits, teacher retirement, classroom teacher, Tier I, Tier II, public pension, pension reform, education employees, retirement system, sick leave, cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, beneficiary, lump-sum payout, rollover, service retirement
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 24, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- guard should a governor choose to do<00:19:04.000>
so. - Uh so uh the governor and his powers.
- and in B it it talks about the governor and in B it it talks about the governor having<00:24:32.960
- the council might go and the governor. the council might go and the governor.
- I'm a policy adviser in Governor Gordon's office. Um, the governor sends his best regards.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 24, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- and therapists, are eligible for a salary supplement when they obtain a nationally recognized certification
- A nationally recognized certification.
- remain the only DOE-certified school-based mental health professional excluded from the advanced certification
Bills:
SB231
Keywords:
school social workers, salary supplement, LCSW, mental health, education funding, Delaware Code, certification, professional standards
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 231, which would extend the existing 6% salary supplement for school-based mental health professionals with advanced credentials to school social workers who hold licensed clinical social worker credentials and have passed the national exam. The bill sponsor and multiple witnesses described school social workers as essential to student mental health, crisis response, attendance, and family support, and argued the measure corrects an oversight and inequity in the current salary supplement structure. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted to release the bill.
The committee then heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 212, a constitutional amendment to protect the rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Supporters, including sportsmen’s groups and individual residents, said the amendment would preserve longstanding traditions, support wildlife management, and guard against future threats to hunting and trapping. An opposing witness argued there was no current threat in Delaware and said the Constitution should not be used to protect trapping or elevate hunting and trapping over other wildlife management approaches. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to release the substitute bill.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Response Act, which would create a 25-foot buffer around first responders at emergency scenes after warning, with misdemeanor penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in the zone to interfere with duties. Supporters said the bill would protect police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics from interference, while opponents from the ACLU and the Office of Defense Services raised concerns about vague terms, potential First Amendment impacts, enforcement clarity, and jurisdictional issues. Committee members also questioned how the buffer would be marked and enforced. The sponsor and staff said they would continue working on the language, and the committee voted to release the bill.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Children and Senior Advocacy
Bills:
HB493
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Children and Senior Advocacy
Bills:
HB493
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Feb 25th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this bill simply says that the state agencies cannot self-declare emergencies at the governor. >>
- The governor has to get has to declare it and send them a letter. >> Oh, Mr.
- . governor. governor.
- <00:08:40.399>
has <00:08:40.640>to <00:08:40.719>declare The governor has to - get has to declare The governor has to get has to declare it<00:08:41.120>
and <00:08:41.279><
Keywords:
HB213, Calhoun County, board of registrars, registrar compensation, county commission, local legislation, election administration, county general fund, expense allowance, officeholder compensation, public officials pay, county election officials, Alabama Code 45-8-110, Teacher's Retirement System, TRS, DROP, Deferred Retirement Option Plan, retirement benefits, teacher retirement, classroom teacher
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- membership and changing the structure of the board. ...and we're changing the appointments of the governor
Keywords:
U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, public facilities, space exploration, education programs, bond issuance, Governor involvement, pharmacy, pharmacist licensure, Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, renewal fees, continuing education, disciplinary actions, sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
General Government REVISED: HB4434 - Added Feb 17th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It is the bill that requires that the governor notify everybody in succession if he or she is going to
- And with this in place, you know, I think this will be a reminder to a new governor coming in that if
- To a new governor coming in that if you're going to be out of state, you need to notify everybody in
Keywords:
housing, legislative committee, affordable housing, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, policy improvement, HB4414, Oklahoma Homebuilder Program, OHFA, single-family housing, homebuilder loans, 0% interest loan, housing finance, workforce housing, Legislative Workforce Housing Committee, housing needs assessment, community housing assessment, disaster recovery housing, federally declared natural disaster, rural housing, urban housing