Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 108 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, as a representative for the Pecos EDC, my team and I are committed to working with our local legislative
- delegation and other legislators to ensure that the Pecos Reefs County leverages opportunities like
- Text, it, it always helps when you and the rest of the legislative delegation, you know, go to Tech dot
- an Attorney General opinion to provide additional predictability and stability for the council's ethics
- In summary, this bill makes several changes to clarify and strengthen the ethics and administration of
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And also we've got a new legislative analyst, Ms. Trinity Johnson.
- bill's sponsor and with the department to try to make sure that the language meets with attorneys' ethical
- There's an image. language meets with attorneys ethical rules.
- About what's going on here, but that's our job as legislators to hold them into account.
- I had legislation last year that worked on fraudulent license plates and tags.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on March 18 and first took up House Bill 739, which would clarify the Department of Insurance’s authority to investigate insurance fraud, issue cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed actors, and work with law enforcement. The sponsor and department said the bill was meant to address ambiguity identified in recent administrative rulings. The committee adopted two amendment sets, including language requested by the Division of Administrative Law to route appeals through the Administrative Procedures Act and a clarification that the bill does not apply to lawyers lawfully engaged in the practice of law, while preserving authority over attorneys acting outside that role. HB 739 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then advanced House Bill 413, which prohibits property and casualty insurers from increasing auto rates solely because of a catastrophe claim on a homeowner’s policy, with an exception for multi-line policies. The sponsor and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill is intended to protect consumers and prevent one line of coverage from being penalized by a claim on another line. After a brief clarification about bundled policies, HB 413 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on House Bill 234, which continues the Department of Insurance for another five years, and House Bill 850, a cleanup measure updating the standard fire policy’s cancellation notice period from 30 to 60 days to match prior law changes.
The longest discussion centered on House Bill 174, as substituted, which would allow law enforcement to impound out-of-state vehicles when the driver cannot provide required bodily injury liability insurance, treating out-of-state drivers more like Louisiana drivers. Members raised concerns about how insurance would be verified, whether all states participate in electronic verification systems, and what safeguards exist when proof of insurance is unavailable or outdated. Testimony from State Police and OMV explained current verification practices, the limits of interstate data sharing, and existing officer discretion and exceptions for safety. Supporters argued the bill would improve fairness, reduce uninsured driving, and help lower costs for Louisiana residents. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 174 favorably by substitute. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Think about the Missouri Ethics Commission.
- anything unethical, but we need an independent agency to oversee the fact that we are maintaining ethical
- I know if we're not going to be able to do it individually as legislators, then who's going to do it?
- We supported the legislation last year and in previous years. Happy to take any questions.
- We supported the legislation last year and in previous years.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
- These permitting standards are subject to legislative ratification.
- This legislation will prohibit an aircraft, an aircraft and an air traffic control.
- Unfortunately, Broward County remains listed in this legislation.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Commerce and Legal Service Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to go to the 105 item, and it's a presentation by Legislative Council.
- So now that we've gone through the compliance of legislative intent, that's talking about the current
- And then we also have legislators both on the House and the Senate side.
- Drew is the chair legislatively, and then he defaulted down to me for that.
- Yes, Representative Hanson, we've provided it to legislative council.
Summary:
The committee met to review the Attorney General’s budget and related agency operations, beginning with Legislative Council staff walking members through compliance reports and a blue-sheet base budget document. Staff highlighted current-biennium items such as FTE changes, one-time appropriations, litigation funding, opioid settlement receipts, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked for clarification on items including the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding.
Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then gave an overview of the office’s structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal services to state and local government, and concerns about attorney pay lagging behind other agencies. Members discussed whether attorney compensation should be benchmarked more consistently across state government and whether some legal work could be consolidated within the AG’s office. Ness also addressed questions about AG opinion turnaround times, boards-and-commissions training, the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, office leases, and the state’s criminal justice information systems.
The crime lab presentation drew significant attention. Director Jennifer Penner described severe space, safety, and infrastructure problems at the current lab, including cramped work areas, glycol leaks, outdated fire and burglar alarms, air-handling limits, and equipment failures that have delayed toxicology work. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that the preferred location would be near the current health department site, but in a new building. Members asked about possible evidence risks, backlog status, and whether the proposed building would solve the current problems; Penner said it would and noted backlogs have improved overall, though some delays remain.
The committee also heard from the new Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director, who described the unit’s civil and criminal work, federal-state funding split, and examples of fraud such as billing for services not provided or upcoding. The gaming division reported continued growth in charitable gaming and e-tabs, with members expressing concern about large trust-account balances, site competition, and possible misuse of proceeds. Finally, BCI outlined its caseload, cybercrime work, missing Indigenous persons task force, and the surge in CSAM cyber tips; members asked about AI-generated CSAM, and the AG’s office noted that last session’s law increased penalties and expressly allowed AI-generated CSAM to be prosecuted like other CSAM. No formal votes or actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 1828 by or relating to legislative leave for correctional officers employed by the Texas Department
- H. 2020 by Zener relating to the electronic filing for which the Texas Ethics Commission of certain reports
- HJR 113 by Collier proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing legislator to enact laws providing
- of various laws omitted from the enacted codes and conforming codifications enacted by the 88th legislator
- of other acts of that legislator for the Committee of Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- organization dedicated to promoting the auctioneering profession, providing education, and upholding ethical
- organization dedicated to promoting the auctioneering profession, providing education, and upholding ethical
- So we've had that announcement paid for by the Ethics Commission. Mr.
Bills:
HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State SNAP program established 3/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- back to a lot of cultural, religious, nonreligious, and atheist beliefs, as well as human morals and ethics
- reflects a lot of cultural, religious, nonreligious, and atheist beliefs, as well as human morals and ethics
- reflects a lot of cultural, religious, nonreligious, and atheist beliefs, as well as human morals and ethics
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Dec 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections will now please come to order, and Terrence, will you call the
- When we were discussing someone on the Ethics Commission, there's so many people out there that could
- fill these positions that why do we get someone who is ethically compromised in that case?
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several executive appointments, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his long law-enforcement career, social work background, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, reclassifying juvenile detention and probation officers as officers under statute, adding beds to move youth from detention into residential programs, and increasing per diem funding. Members asked about detention “dead time” and the need to get adjudicated youth into programming sooner. Public testimony included support from Barney Bishop and Christian Minor, and the committee voted unanimously to approve Walsh’s nomination and forward it to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee for the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background as CEO of CDR Health, her education, and extensive nonprofit and board service, including leadership roles with the Florida Grand Opera, the Homeless Trust of Miami-Dade County, FAU, and the Hope Florida Foundation. Senators questioned her about free speech issues involving FAU faculty, her relationship with the new FAU president, student diversity, AI and workforce planning, and her prior role on Hope Florida. She also answered questions about her company’s work at the Everglades detention center and the bidding process for state contracts. Public testimony opposed her nomination, citing concerns about her business ties, Hope Florida, and detention-center contracts. Debate split largely along partisan lines, and the committee approved her nomination on a recorded vote.
Afterward, the committee took up the remaining nominations in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, and approved them as a group by voice/recorded vote for forwarding to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Ethics and Elections will now please come to order.
- When we were discussing someone on the Ethics Commission, there's so many people out there that could
- fill these positions that why do we get someone who is ethically compromised in that case?
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several gubernatorial appointees, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his law enforcement background, social work training, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, seeking statutory recognition and training standards for juvenile detention and probation officers, and increasing bed capacity so adjudicated youth can move from detention into residential programming sooner. Members asked about the impact of detention “dead time” and the need for more beds; Walsh said DJJ is evaluating ways to let youth begin programming earlier while in detention. Public support was noted, and the committee voted unanimously to confirm Walsh and forward his nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee to the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background, service on multiple boards, and prior service on FAU’s board pending confirmation, emphasizing governance, accountability, and strategic planning. Senators questioned her about FAU’s handling of faculty social media controversies, the university’s relationship with its new president, student and faculty engagement, AI planning, diversity, and her role on the Hope Florida board and with CDR Health’s state contracts, including work related to the Everglades detention center. Public testimony included strong opposition from one speaker who criticized her ties to state contracts and Hope Florida, while another senator spoke in support, citing her community service and business experience. The committee voted 5-2 to confirm her, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no.
Afterward, the committee considered the remaining nominees in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, en bloc. No separate votes were requested, and the committee approved the group of nominees by voice roll call to be forwarded to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/25/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- These statutory updates are legislation.
- Um, and legislator from doing their job.
- when they begin as a legislator.
- when they begin as a do legislation when they begin as a legislator.<00:13:36.079><c> And</c><00:13:
- It doesn't feel like an ethical dilemma.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Pamela Bondi, of Florida, to be Attorney General, Department of Justice. Jan 29th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Bondi would only commit to consulting with DOJ ethics officials.
- Leaders comply with ethics requirements and with rules designed to keep politics out of the department's
- There's specific statute for legislative responsibility if you want to remove a person.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Think about the Missouri Ethics Commission.
- anything unethical, but we need an independent agency to oversee the fact that we are maintaining ethical
- I know if we’re not going to be able to do it individually as legislators, then who’s going to do it?
- We supported the legislation last year and in previous years. Happy to take any questions.
- We supported the legislation last year and in previous years.
Summary:
The committee first took up several bills in executive session. House Committee Amendment No. 1 was adopted and rolled into a substitute for House Bills 3292 and 2171, which then received a do pass recommendation by a 10-2 vote. House Bill 2753 also received a committee substitute and was voted do pass 10-2. House Bill 2912 was voted do pass by an 11-1 vote. During this portion, one member criticized the Department of Corrections for not responding to inquiries or attending earlier hearings, and the chair acknowledged the concern.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bills 1616 and 2832, sponsored by Representatives Allen and Collins, which would create an independent corrections oversight structure, including an Office of Corrections and Transparency or ombudsman-style advocate with authority to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, access records, and report publicly. The sponsors argued that DOC currently lacks independent oversight and that internal review is insufficient. They cited deaths, unsafe conditions, medical neglect, and the need for confidential reporting by staff and incarcerated people. Committee members questioned whether the bills would duplicate existing processes, what the fiscal impact would be, and whether the proposal had enough enforcement power; the sponsors said the office would be small, likely around $300,000, and were open to amendments.
Supporters testified that independent oversight is needed because of repeated deaths in custody, lack of trust in internal complaint systems, retaliation concerns for staff, and large taxpayer costs from lawsuits and settlements. Witnesses from Empower Missouri, Missouri Justice Coalition, the NAACP, ACLU of Missouri, and FAMM all supported the bills, with several emphasizing that prisons are closed institutions with inherent power imbalances and that external oversight would improve transparency, safety, and accountability for both incarcerated people and staff. The hearing ended after testimony in support, with no opposition presented and the committee adjourning without taking final action on the oversight bills.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Commitment and work ethic are second to none.
- And judiciary has their different systems, and so does the legislative branch as well.
- I'm going To share my story today to share that this memorial is more than a legislative text.
- I know before with other bills and legislation that has never been approached before, and they would
- This particular piece of legislation is coming from our constituents.
Keywords:
land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> >> House Bill 269, Maryland Public Ethics >> House Bill 269, Maryland Public Ethics
- The Government Operations and Ethics Subcommittee will meet at noon. The link is your email.
- </c><01:42:40.280><c> will</c> Operations and Ethics Subcommittee will Operations and Ethics Subcommittee
- Thursday, we will have a members meeting of the Legislative Black Caucus from 8:30 until 8:50.
- Legislative day February 27th. >> Have a blessed day, everyone.
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports.
Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment.
The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-JDC, WAM DEFER, WAM, WAM DEFER Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- use of third-party reviewers by adding language to require third-party reviewers to follow state ethics
- reviewers to to require thirdparty reviewers to follow<00:30:59.840><c> state</c><00:31:00.159><c> ethics
- </c><00:31:01.279><c> Adding</c> follow state ethics rules. Adding follow state ethics rules.
Summary:
The committee took up a long decision-making agenda on numerous House bills, largely in the tax, appropriations, public safety, agriculture, and land-use areas. Early action included HB 476, which passed with amendments after discussion of tax impacts and a committee report change; HB 796 also passed with amendments to protect several individual income tax credits from the bill’s effect. Other measures were advanced with amendments or without changes, including HB 1059, HB 1145, HB 1173, HB 1439, HB 800, HB 934, HB 990, HB 101, HB 106, and a series of bills in the 1026–1055 range, many of which were passed unamended or with technical/effective-date changes. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1147, HB 807, and later items on the agenda.
The committee also approved a number of policy and agency-structure changes. HB 430 was amended to create or expand an internship/workforce development program with reporting requirements; HB 505 and HB 506 were amended to adjust appropriations and FTEs; HB 774 added an appropriation section for two FTEs; HB 1052 limited use of universal service fund money; HB 1296 shifted a reporting requirement from BNF to the Department of Defense; and HB 1064 moved the State Fire Council and Fire Marshal Selection Commission to the Department of Law Enforcement and set the fire marshal salary. HB 427 made major biosecurity-related changes, including moving the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity in 2026 and adding new appropriations. HB 830 was amended to allow third-party historic preservation reviewers under ethics and conflict rules, with a two-year sunset and committee-report comments on vacancies.
Public safety and regulatory bills also moved forward. HB 302 on cannabis drew opposition from Senator Awa, who said it would shut down a medical provider in his district; the bill nevertheless passed with amendments adding criminal penalties, enforcement authority, and a 2027 effective date for cultivator licenses. HB 306 on water code penalties passed unamended, HB 860 on liability for road resurfacing passed with amendments to limit liability to the work actually performed and eliminate joint and several liability, and HB 141 on public land leases passed with technical amendments. HB 1159 establishing a commercial harbor emergency evacuation working group passed as is, and HB 1482 on hemp passed with amendments exempting existing permit holders and certain retailers, aligning THC limits, and setting a far-future effective date. Most votes were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on specific measures.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is deeply judiciary.
- </c> in the the legislation. in the the legislation.
- </c> this legislation is it's not necessary. this legislation is it's not necessary.
- You can legislation says 20 years.
- </c> Robert Harris, State Ethics Commission. Robert Harris, State Ethics Commission.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use.
Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date.
Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/23/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> judgment and ethics. judgment and ethics. followup. Follow-up.
- trained and legislated to work around. trained and legislated to work around.
- legislation.
- </c> neighbor, not legislating thy neighbor. neighbor, not legislating thy neighbor.
- </c> legislate. Thank you. Great. Thank you. legislate. Thank you. Great. Thank you.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-18-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> day long to experience what a legislator day long to experience what a legislator does<00:02:04.080
- So, if we could be legislation.
- </c> Dustin Miller, retained legislative Dustin Miller, retained legislative agent<00:09:40.960><c> for
- </c> However, I cannot support legislation However, I cannot support legislation that<00:19:52.960><c
- </c> know if you're ethical. know if you're ethical.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- However, it is authorized by legislation.
- And it seems that it's in line with legislative authority.
- They tie to other pieces of legislation.
- However, like I said, they have legislative authority.
- And I appreciate the hope that we can move forward in legislation with Chairman Bergstrom passing legislation
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administrative Rules met with a quorum and considered five Oklahoma Health Care Authority and OMMA rules resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 50 was presented as a federal-law conformity change allowing licensed professional counselors, LBHPs, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors to work as eligible providers in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics; despite questions about the fiscal estimate, it passed 9-0. SJR 51 was amended to correct rule citations related to human genome sequencing, then failed on a 4-5 vote after members noted an estimated $860,000 fiscal impact tied to legislation. SJR 52, removing physician visit limits in Medicaid, was described as an access-to-care and rural health measure that could reduce ER use; it passed 8-1.
The committee then took up SJR 53 from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which would align rules with statutes requiring prepackaging of medical marijuana products and other provisions. Members questioned OMMA extensively about the economic impact, the discrepancy between the agency’s estimate and Loft’s much larger estimate, and whether the rules were already being implemented under emergency authority. OMMA said the rules mirrored existing statutes and that the cost would fall on the industry and ultimately consumers, not the agency. After debate about regulatory fairness and the effect on the industry, the resolution passed 5-4.
Finally, SJR 54, a non-major OMMA rule change renaming the adjudicator from administrative law judge to hearing examiner to match the Administrative Procedures Act, drew concerns about independence and whether OMMA should be required to contract for outside adjudicators. The director said the change was only a terminology alignment and would not alter current practice, and Senator Bergstrom said he would pursue legislation next year to require outside contracting. An amendment changed the committee’s position from disapprove to approve, but the underlying resolution still failed 4-5. The committee then adjourned.