Video & Transcript Research : 'default'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (10/21/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- rules that we promulgate are at odds with what the federal government ultimately sets forth, we will default
- c><00:18:13.120>
forth, <00:18:14.160>we <00:18:14.400>will <00:18:14.640>default - ultimately sets forth, we will default ultimately sets forth, we will default to<00:18:15.760>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Prioritizing Public Safety / Proposed Civil Commitment Changes / Supporting Education Pension Reform Apr 13th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- also a system in the statute that bypasses the sentencing guidelines, which itself has a range of default
- guidelines, which itself has a range of guidelines, which itself has a range of of<00:21:03.280>
default - 04.480>
when <00:21:04.720>you <00:21:04.880>get <00:21:05.039>into of default - sentences when you get into of default sentences when you get into certain<00:21:05.600>
categories
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- and collect a late fee of no more than $20 for each month that the occupant's rental payment is in default
- , period. is in default, period.
- If I may, page 4, I really think that the default should remain at 90 days.
- And again, if we can't lease that space, if I'm in default of my payments, they say I could remove that
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:55.760>
Um <00:08:56.480>so <00:08:57.040>a years with a zero default - Um so a years with a zero default rate.
- mechanism or default process in terms of this is a mental health issue, and that's covered under the
- <01:24:51.679>
mechanism <01:24:52.239>or <01:24:52.480>default you into a default - mechanism or default you into a default mechanism or default process<01:24:53.440>
in <01:24:53.679
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Those 10 different devices are across the campuses in different locations by default.
- Those 10 different devices are across the campuses in different locations by default.
- Those 10 different devices are across the campuses in different locations by default.
- Those 10 different devices are across the campuses in different locations by default.
- So that default statute would apply. Thank you, Mr. Hopkins.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- After the 2008 housing crash, many of these loans became uncollectable as homeowners were defaulting
- One of the most important things that the standing order initially did was prevent defaults from entering
- unfortunately, subsequent standing orders have restored that right, and so there have been multiple defaults
- This bill would codify that process into the general laws and, more importantly, would prohibit defaults
- But providing some guidance and clarity that we can't have defaults enter at the first-tier event would
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness.
Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/20/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Standard terms in a mortgage don't normally allow for foreclosure absent a default in payment.
- THE PERSON PAYS, AND AS Standard terms in a mortgage don't normally allow for foreclosure absent a default
- That already exists, but now we're going a step further and saying even if that property is not in default
- the lender, be they institutional or private, to now have to do something when there has been no default
- the right entity because I think they don't have the ability to intervene unless there has been a default
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship.
The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The state only faces exposure if a loan fails and the borrower defaults on a loan.
- assets leading to higher default risks. assets leading to higher default risks.
- default rate. default rate.
- I presume the vast hook if I defaulted.
- If the borrower defaults, the banks don't eat it. The taxpayer takes the loss.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And my second question: what has happened with the recent defaults on the RDOF federal awards for broadband
- handful of those providers in Arkansas that are subject to that separate federal grant program have defaulted
- handful of those providers in Arkansas that are subject to that separate federal grant program have defaulted
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, opened with a prayer recognizing the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, and then worked through a series of appropriation and transfer requests. In Section B, it approved a $273,000 temporary appropriation for the Department of Labor and Licensing. In Section C, it approved two Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests: $280 million for the Department of Transportation and $195 million for the State Broadband Office to support Arkansas BEAD broadband grants, including an extra help position. Members questioned the broadband awards, provider amendments, buildout timelines, accountability, and the status of unawarded locations; the broadband director said no provider had requested speed changes, awards would be monitored with milestone-based payments, and remaining locations would be addressed later as federal guidance is received. The committee also approved transfers in Section D, including $458,000 for the Department of Correction, $25 million for Department of Education programs such as declining enrollment and teacher incentive funding, and $229,000 for Shared Administrative Services project management support.
In Section E, the committee considered a $4.7 million budget stabilization trust fund loan for the Office of State Technology to implement ServiceNow and related IT modernization, cybersecurity, and governance tools. Members pressed agency officials on repayment, cost savings, and whether the loan would simply roll over existing costs; officials said repayment would come through agency rates over a five-year period and that the new payment would be lower than the current loan being retired. The committee voted to give favorable advice to the Governor on the loan request. In Section F, the committee reviewed cash fund requests for wage and hour claims, unclaimed property, and a heritage grant; in Section G, it reviewed a $1.1 million federal grant to expand college and career coaching in rural districts; in Section H, it reviewed pay plan and performance fund requests totaling millions across multiple agencies; and in Section I, it reviewed budget manual formatting changes.
The latter part of the meeting focused on reports, especially the Medicaid trust fund. DHS and DFA officials reported the fund balance had declined from prior years and was down to about $394 million after seven months, with further decline expected by year-end. Senators and representatives asked about the appropriate reserve level, the impact of pending Medicaid rules and legislation, FMAP changes, and whether additional funding would be needed in the upcoming budget. Officials said projections are updated regularly, more than 10 rule packages remain pending with CMS, and the governor and legislative leaders will discuss additional capital needs during budget development. Members also discussed the importance of balancing Medicaid spending with new federal funding and maintaining flexibility for critical areas such as labor and delivery. The committee then adjourned without further action on the reports.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will know that for certain before a sunset provision were to expire, but there would be a default
- If the statute would, in fact, be sufficient for a default, is there a reason that you aren't moving
- procedures that facilitate the doing of the agency's business in a way that's superior to the minimum default
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion.
The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection.
Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- In that order, the default position is 345.
- So if we don't come to a conclusion, a consensus on what to do, the default is the status quo, the 3-
- The issue on the default going to 345, is that just a bug? on the Permian? Yes, sir.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 26th, 2025
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- service providers, and local governments can identify patterns in eviction filings and outcomes like default
- For example, we know that over half of tenants in Kern County default, where they lose their cases before
- code-level data, however, tenant advocates could focus outreach efforts on areas with the highest default
- They look at eviction cases, look at where eviction cases are being filed, how many cases end in default
- They look at eviction cases, look at where eviction cases are being filed, how many cases end in default
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology (2-18-26)
Small Business & Information Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Because the exercise of authority was governmental and set a default of a speech ban that a parent could
- parents were severely abusing them and that reduced the chance of anybody... governmental and set a default
- of a governmental and set a default of a speech<00:20:37.440>
ban <00:20:37.679>that <00 - So cutting minors off from social media by default doesn't only deprive them of their ability to engage
- So cutting minors off from social media by default doesn't only deprive them of their ability to engage
Keywords:
Meeting start: 00:00
Roll call: 00:05
HB 227 discussion: 01:10
HB 227 voting: 49:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to consider House Bill 227, a time-sensitive measure focused on social media use by minors. The bill sponsor, Rep. Matt Lockett, and supporters including counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, the Attorney General’s office, and the Family Foundation argued that social media is addictive and harmful to children, contributes to mental health problems and exploitation, and that the bill would give parents more control while regulating addictive features rather than banning speech. Supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored, content-neutral, and designed to withstand constitutional scrutiny; the Attorney General’s office said it would defend the bill if challenged and described ongoing multi-state litigation against major platforms. One committee member also described seeing inappropriate AI-generated content on a 16-year-old’s phone as an example of the problem the bill seeks to address.
Opposition testimony came from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, NetChoice, and the Computer and Communications Industry Association. They argued the bill raises First Amendment concerns because it conditions minors’ access on parental consent, regulates how private platforms communicate with users, and could function as a de facto speech ban. They also warned that the age-estimation requirement could force platforms to collect more sensitive data, creating privacy and security risks, and that the ban on “addictive features” was overly broad and could sweep in personalized feeds, notifications, autoplay, and other common tools. Opponents said the bill could especially harm vulnerable youth who rely on online access for community or safety information and urged the committee to craft a constitutional alternative.
During questions, members asked how the state could enforce the law against national companies and were told enforcement would come through the Attorney General within Kentucky and potentially through multi-state litigation. Members also discussed the bill’s practical effects, including advertising revenue from youth users and the need for guardrails to protect children. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s scope, parental consent, age estimation, and liability provisions, but no final vote or other committee action was shown in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Current Massachusetts law also wisely prohibits e-bike use on sidewalks and, as the default condition
- testimony, these bills will allow all types of high-speed e-bikes on sidewalks and dirt trails by default
- That flips the current default, which prohibits these vehicles from sidewalks and dirt trails.
- It will be incumbent upon the towns to restore the default that's in place right now.
- Towns and cities may vote to allow e-bikes on dirt trails. to restore the default that's in place right
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment.
Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- dated February 3rd, 2026, at 11:40 a.m. specifies that a defendant cannot move to set aside a second default
- judgment that is entered within one year of the prior default judgment.
- dated February 3rd, 2026, at 11:40 a.m. specifies that a defendant cannot move to set aside a second default
- judgment that is entered within one year of the prior default judgment.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal court enforcement for unpaid court debts and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework, eliminating arrest warrants and contempt for nonpayment while preserving the underlying financial obligations. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce cycles of poverty and keep people working. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment, which bars a defendant from setting aside a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior default judgment, and then gave HB 2825 a 7-0 do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million from the state general fund to the Arizona Department of Administration for Gila County flood relief. County supervisors, mayors, a town council member, emergency management staff, and other local officials described severe flooding in Globe, Miami, and surrounding areas, including deaths, destroyed homes and businesses, debris, sediment, damaged roads and utilities, and the need for matching funds to access federal and other grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal reimbursement delays, and the difficulty of completing required projects within short timelines. HB 2070 was approved 7-0.
The committee also approved HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual reports from the first Monday in July to the second Monday in July, with supporters saying the change helps smaller and rural libraries after the July 4 holiday. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, also received a do pass recommendation after testimony that the current rules create confusion and unnecessary costs for businesses. HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court or using public resources to support ICC enforcement actions, passed 4-3 after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority. HB 2873, requiring ADOA to share procurement Q&A with all bidders, and HB 2876, requiring topics from executive session and proposed tax or fee increases to be placed on an action agenda, both received do pass recommendations after transparency-focused testimony and some concerns about implementation and municipal practice.
Finally, the committee heard HCR 2005, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to adjourn sine die by April 30 each year and submit that question to voters. The sponsor argued Arizona sessions have grown too long and that a firm deadline would force earlier, more efficient work while still allowing a special session if the budget is unfinished. Members debated whether the proposal would improve discipline or instead create problems for the budget process, member pay, and legislative workload, with some suggesting a broader conversation about full-time versus part-time legislatures. The resolution was advanced with a do pass recommendation.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/03/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- To a certain extent is that I think when you start these public comment sessions, you have the default
- To a certain extent is that I think when you start these public comment sessions, you have the default
- To a certain extent is that I think when you start these public comment sessions, you have the default
- You start these public comment sessions, you have the default map of what the current map is, and then
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have not had any defaults with any of the monies that we've made available under the Housing Trust
- We have not had any defaults with any of the monies that we've made available under the Housing Trust
- We have not had any defaults with any of the monies that we've made available under the housing trust
- So I think, by default, they would be here.
Keywords:
Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections May 29th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Legislative Operations and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- the growth of nonpartisan is that this has been inflated because of automatic voter registration default
- This has been inflated because of automatic voter registration default.
- nonpartisan will appear; those will be the people who actually registered as nonpartisan, and those who defaulted
- Registered as nonpartisan, and those who defaulted will be listed as no political party.
Keywords:
election reform, voter accessibility, conditional ballots, voter registration, mechanical voting systems, election audits, voter access grants, provisional ballot, voting technology, AB562, Nevada, Secretary of State, elections, elections management system, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, automatic voter registration, AVR, election technology, state appropriations
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Ethics Commission Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Last proposed amendments to our rules relate to sworn complaint procedures, including default orders,
- discovery during a sworn complaint proceeding and create a clear process for a person to set aside a default
- discovery during a sworn complaint proceeding, create a clear process for a person to set aside a default
- We have a rule that allows for a set-aside of a default order.
Summary:
The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes.
The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting.
The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.