Video & Transcript Research : 'personal representative'
Page 112 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, on behalf of Representative Persons Mullica, I ask for a moment of silence for the Honorable
- Representative... Representative Skidmore. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Griffiths. Thank you, Representative Skidmore.
- Representative, are coaches personally liable, or does the school district bear liability if the funds
- Representative Anderson, from Representative Steele's desk. Representative Anderson. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the chamber had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, with budget negotiations still unresolved and the 2026-27 budget not expected to be completed that week. The special order report was adopted, setting the day’s calendar and debate times.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills, mostly technical or open-government sunset review measures, and passed them with little or no opposition: SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on Florida statutes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004 on public-records or meeting exemptions; and SB 7022 on public records related to exams. Members asked questions on a few of these bills, especially the exam-records bill and the military and gaming-related exemptions, but the measures generally advanced without amendment. Votes ranged from unanimous to modest opposition, with SB 7026 passing 106-3 and SB 7022 passing 101-8.
The most substantial debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had been misused and that the Legislature should retain control over spending; several members supported her position, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. A strike-all amendment from Rep. Griffiths was adopted instead, adding accountability provisions and expanding the fund to cover man-made emergencies as well as natural disasters. The bill then passed 82-25. The House also passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS/SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues, with SB 488 still under amendment debate when the transcript ends.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Bowers, Representative Cook.
- Representative Jones, Representative Little, Representative Lauderback, Representative Money.
- Representative Moody, Representative Rodriguez Ramos. Representative Verdell.
- Thank you, Representative.
- Uh, Representative, the chair would recognize, uh, Representative Hayes.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 3:00 PM
Judiciary, Division A
Transcript Highlights:
- Represent. Represent. Represent.
- is it a where it's noted that a person is it a person<00:50:54.720>
who <00:50:54.960>has< - , section four would say that any person, section four would say that any person, persons,<00:52:
- Thank you very much. >> Motion is rise and report. your personal vehicle or a personal your personal
- I personally am not. No. Okay. >> I am not. I personally am not. No. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met to discuss several bills, beginning with a block motion on Senate Bills 2138, 2697, 2707, 2717, and 2726. Those measures were described as code-section updates involving redrawn Supreme Court districts, youth court reforms, Administrative Office of Courts matters, replacement of the MyKids youth court computer system, and Mississippi opioid settlement commission procedures. The committee agreed to take them up together, and the motion to report them title sufficient and due pass carried without opposition.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2890, dealing with the judicial operations fund. Members were told the fund no longer has sufficient revenue to cover court operations and requested judicial raises, and the proposed committee substitute would repeal the fund while conforming related code references. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported title sufficient and due pass. Senate Bill 2730, granting immunity to nonprofits and churches that open during declared emergencies, was amended with a reverse repealer and then passed as amended.
Next, Senate Bill 2135 was explained as a change to jury summons procedures so clerks could use the SEMS active/inactive voter designation and summon only active voters, without removing anyone from the voter rolls. The bill drew no opposition and passed, though a reverse repealer was later requested on similar procedural grounds in other bills. Senate Bill 2360 would create a public registry of entities that, though appearing private, are covered by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act; members discussed whether such entities should also be required to identify themselves on websites and written materials, and an amendment to that effect was adopted. A reverse repealer was then added, and the bill passed as amended.
Finally, Senate Bill 2362 was presented as a proposal to create a private cause of action under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, allowing claimants to sue directly while still notifying the Attorney General. The sponsor said the bill would not add extra damages and noted similar laws in other states. The committee discussion was cut off in the transcript before a final vote on that bill is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Feb 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Daniels. Senator Davis. Representative Gossett-Seidman. Here. Representative Greco.
- Representative Hinson. Here. Senator McLean. Representative Greco? Representative Hinson. Here.
- I personally...
- Representative Greco? Representative Gossett-Seidman? Yes. Representative Greco? Yes.
- Representative Greco? Yes. Representative Hinson? Yes. Yes. Representative Hinson? Yes.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee heard the Auditor General’s operational audit of the City of Mexico Beach, which identified nine findings. The audit cited significant turnover in key management positions, late filing of required annual financial reports, weaknesses in competitive procurement and purchase approval controls, a duplicate payment on stormwater repairs that was later largely refunded, issues with the city accountant’s contract and IRS classification, IT access control problems, and the lack of fraud-reporting policies. Committee members asked about corrective action, and the Auditor General said a follow-up audit is required by statute within 18 months, with no enforcement authority beyond reporting progress back to the committee.
Mayor Rich Wolf and city staff responded that the city had experienced major turnover and was rebuilding its finance and administrative team. He said the city had hired a city administrator, financial director, city clerk, and accounting firm, and was working to create policies, procedures, forms, and review processes to address the findings. Members discussed whether the turnover and hurricane-related workload contributed to the problems, and city officials said some of the larger purchases were storm-related and tied to FEMA or emergency work.
The committee then received a staff update on enforcement for local governments that have not filed required financial reports. Staff said 400 entities had been notified, and as of the meeting two counties, 33 municipalities, and 48 special districts still owed reports or audits. The committee adopted a motion to proceed under section 11.42, Florida Statutes, including possible withholding of state funds for municipalities and enforcement actions for special districts, with authority for the chair and vice chair to delay action if new information warranted it.
Finally, the committee unanimously directed the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required 2024-2025 audit of the Department of the Lottery, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance issues and OPPAGA developing operational recommendations. Members also briefly discussed whether the committee had reviewed transportation surtaxes and expressed interest in improving the timeliness and transparency of the audit and enforcement process before adjourning.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (03/31/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, personally representing myself, I've been here before. Many of you may have seen me.
- <00:43:53.960>
Um <00:43:54.240>personally <00:43:54.720>representing um that - Um personally representing um that part.
- Um personally representing myself,<00:43:55.680>
um <00:43:55.960>I've <00:43:56.120> - Then you just gave a personal bias against something which you're here representing the city.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Owens is here, Representative Moakley is here, Representative Luddy is here, Representative
- Keefe is here, Representative Linsky is here, Representative Wong is here, and Representative Vieira
- Representative Connolly has joined us. Thank you, Representative. Thank you very much.
- Thank you, Representative.
- All right, the next person we had as in person but might be virtual, Claire Miller.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development held a hearing on October 21, opening with a moment of silence for former committee chair Senator Edward Kennedy. Chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey then heard testimony on several bills related to tourism funding, arts infrastructure, public art, Native heritage, and a choreographer laureate.
A major focus was legislation to require earlier distribution of regional tourism council grants from the Tourism Trust Fund, with testimony from regional tourism leaders from North of Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod, and Senator Joan Lovely. Witnesses said delayed grant allocations make it difficult to plan fall, winter, and shoulder-season marketing, and they argued that an October 1 or September 1 deadline would help preserve tourism’s economic impact without increasing appropriations. They cited tourism’s role in jobs, tax revenue, and regional economic development, especially for smaller and less prominent tourism regions.
The committee also heard strong support for the Creative Space Act and the PLACE Act, which would help municipalities preserve affordable creative workspace and create a public art funding mechanism tied to state construction projects. Testimony from MassCreative, MAPC, arts organizations, muralists, and local arts leaders emphasized loss of workspace, displacement of artists, and the economic and community benefits of public art. Additional testimony supported bills to protect Native American heritage by preventing the sale of funerary and sacred objects in public or nonprofit collections, and a bill to establish a first-in-the-nation choreographer laureate of the Commonwealth. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And to my right, Representative Michelle Badger and Representative Vanna Howard.
- So I see we are joined by my distinguished colleague, Representative Donato, and Representative Donato
- Thank you, Representative.
- Representative Batch. Totally fine.
- Oh, Representative... Thank you. Thank you very much. Oh, Representative Badger.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes.
The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further.
Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The representative was on April 16, 2026, for the purpose of reconsideration.
- But the people who are elected to represent the people, we in this legislature, are here to represent
- I'm concerned that Representative Weninger brought us this legislation.
- That person or persons decided that they wanted to pull the petition.
- As a person, in quotes, is a person who just spent two weeks in ICU, it is my firm belief that medical
Summary:
The Senate met with 28 members present and approved the journal, then took up several motions to recall or reconsider previously passed House bills, including HB 2035, HB 2249, and HB 2192. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider a series of bills and memorials. Major floor action centered on HB 2248, a public health bill restricting medical intervention requirements; HB 2313, relating to teacher strikes and remote instruction; HB 2379 and HB 2380, both dealing with school district governing boards; HB 2720, relating to prostitution assessment and the anti-trafficking fund; HB 2873, concerning local government referendum petitions; and several memorials and resolutions on foreign policy, education, water, and energy.
HB 2248 drew the most debate, with supporters arguing for parental and individual choice and opponents warning it would undermine public health protections, especially for children, immunocompromised people, and patients in schools and medical settings. Amendments were adopted in committee, and the bill advanced. HB 2379 and HB 2380 also prompted extended debate over school board training and livestreaming requirements, with opponents calling them unfunded mandates or attacks on democracy and supporters emphasizing transparency and fiscal responsibility. HB 2873 was heavily discussed as a Marana-specific referendum measure tied to a local data center dispute; supporters said stakeholders agreed to the language, while opponents said it was an end run around voters and pending court proceedings.
In third reading, the Senate passed HB 2118 on mobile food vendors, HCM 2009 on mineral access and federal land withdrawals, HCR 2015 on school physical activity and dietary guidelines, HCR 2020 on housing outside designated service areas with assured water supply, HCR 2057 supporting next-generation geothermal energy, and HB 2248, HB 2379, and HB 2380. The chamber also passed HCM 2001 and HCM 2002 urging federal terrorist designations for the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR, and HCR 2047 recognizing Judea and Samaria. These memorials and resolutions drew strong opposition from senators who said they targeted Muslims, promoted religious or ideological messaging, or were not based on adequate evidence. The Senate also adopted a House request to adjourn after April 22 and then adjourned until April 21, 2026 at 10 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Just want to represent—well, we have... Thank you.
- Just want to represent that Cruz is with us, and also Representative McGregor is also joined us as well
- I believe that exhausts the list of in person.
- I've represented cannabis companies in Massachusetts.
- I represent... years.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed.
A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses.
Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Jones, Madam Chair. Representative Craft, that's correct. Any follow-up?
- Representative Anderson, I had you—oh, sorry. Representative Myers.
- Uh, thank you, Representative.
- Representative Green said, thank you, Chair Klevorn and Representative Tabke.
- Representative Green asked whether tech companies would be able to access personal data with digital
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Poo is here, Representative Shimizu, and Representative Peruso.
- She said she does not know much about criminal cases, but the person who represents them gets appointed
- Representative Cochran is excused. Representative Hashim: aye. Representative Kahaloa: aye.
- Representative Peruso: aye. Representative Takayama: aye. Representative Todd: aye.
- <02:20:20.280>
personal <02:20:20.880>identifying personal personal identifying personal
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House, stand at ease as we recognize Representative Humphrey for a point of personal privilege.
- Representative Humphrey, you are recognized for a point of personal privilege.
- Representative Humphrey, you are recognized for a point of personal privilege. people of Wachita County
- That'll be the order. recess as we recognize Representative Humphrey for a point of personal privilege
- Representative Humphrey, you are recognized for a point of personal privilege. Thank you.
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached.
Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/5/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Representative<00:26:00.480>
Steer. >> Representative Steer. - >> Representative Steer.
- Uh<01:17:35.280>
Representative, Uh Representative, Uh Representative, um<01:17:37.199>at< - >> Representative, >> Representative, >> Representative, >> thank<01:19:00.640
- Uh Representative Bliss.
Keywords:
judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost.
The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response.
Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By a person released on parole or to mandatory supervision.
- IBEW Local 66 business representative.
- Represent your position on the bill. You have two minutes.
- operatives could take the person from the stop.
- We must also obtain sufficient evidence as to the identity of the person or persons who committed the
Summary:
The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar.
SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims.
The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- I am representing.
- I represent Moms4Liberty Yolo County.
- We have a person who is a very high-profile individual, a highly competitive person in our culture.
- I understand what it is to have a trans person, a young person, in my extended family. Thank you.
- Noah Hoffman, a non-binary person representing myself and my partner, also non-binary, and Autumn Hack
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm just very honored to be here today to represent not... to be here today to represent not only my
- Representative Pulner, yes, Mr... The bill has passed. Representative Pulner, yes, Mr.
- Representative M.C., you...
- I'm talking to you as a representative, as a citizen of the state, as a person who... as a citizen of
- Gentleman from Marshall, Representative Cin... Will be the fourth person to speak on the bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent the broadcasters.
- Do you have questions for Representative Schofield. Representative Schofield. Uh, thank you, Mr.
- Representative Schofield. Hi, Ms.
- Thank you, Representative Flores.
- Yes, Representative Flores.
Bills:
HB113
Keywords:
HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Decker. Representative Donworth. Representative Griffy, here.
- 00:01:17.280>
representative representative Wht here representative representative Wht here representative - Representative Decker, Representative Donworth, Representative Griffy, Representative Hancock, Representative
- Hodson, Representative Huff, Representative Imes, Representative Johnson, Representative Layman, Representative
- Representative Decker, Representative Donworth, Representative Griffy, Representative Hancock, Representative
Keywords:
Consideration of SB 176 01:52
Consideration of SB 104 05:03
Consideration of SB 9 08:09
Consideration of SB 129 18:50
Consideration of SB 178 31:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, adopting committee substitutes where offered. Senate Bill 176, relating to statutory committees within the Legislative Research Commission, was presented by Senator Matt Nunn as a cleanup and process-streamlining measure for appointments, vacancies, and appointing authorities. It passed the committee 15-0 with a title amendment.
Senate Bill 104, presented by Senator Scott Maiden and the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority, would update deferred compensation law by adding a fiduciary standard, allowing less expensive liability insurance, making federal-law compliance self-correcting, and authorizing a self-directed brokerage account option. It passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 9, presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, would change teacher retirement-related leave provisions, including up to 30 days of maternity leave, a 13-day annual rollover toward retirement, limits on using annual leave to increase retirement benefits, reporting requirements, and related cleanup provisions. After questions about maternity leave, district flexibility, and the actuarial cost of additional days, it passed 15-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 129, presented by Senator Rocky Adams and House sponsor Representative John Hudson, was described as a housing and redevelopment measure aimed at vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Louisville. Testimony focused on allowing qualified nonprofits to purchase certain tax-delinquent properties after a waiting period, along with provisions on density development, accessory dwelling units, urban development incentives, fire and code enforcement recovery, a Central Business District tax fix, and changes to binding elements. Members raised concerns about nonprofit qualifications, land bank overlap, and county clerk burden; the bill passed 13-1 with one pass and received a title amendment. Senate Bill 178, presented by Senator Mike Nemes, was a short reorganization bill to codify the transfer of the Department of Disability Determination Services Program from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Labor Cabinet. It passed 12-0. The committee then recorded additional votes and adjourned, with the chair thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Next we have Kim Cordery in person, not present. Next person, Koa Kloa in person.
- Next person Koa Kloa in not present. Next person Koa Kloa in person. person. person.
- Next, Abram Moreno in<00:43:47.760>
person. in person. in person. - personal capacity. personal capacity.
- Represent<01:35:37.280>
Shamisu. Represent Shamisu. Represent Shamisu.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments.
Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure.
A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TOU/ECD Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Holt, aye. Representative Hussey, aye. Representative Ilagan, aye.
- Representative Todd, aye. Representative Matsumoto, excused. Chair's recommendation is adopted.
- Holt I representative I representative Holt I representative hussy<00:21:07.760>
hi <00:21:08.240 - hi hussy hi representative ilon hi representative<00:21:10.799>
Todd <00:21:11.799>representative - representative Todd representative representative Todd representative Matsumoto Matsumoto Matsumoto
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 11, 2025, to hear House Bill 96 and House Bill 106. HB 96 would allow low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes, limit the credit to taxes imposed in the same county as the qualified building, and make Act 129 permanent. The Department of Taxation opposed the bill, saying it would be difficult to administer, would complicate the tax system, and could be susceptible to abuse; it also noted the credit would benefit the hotel owner even though the tax is paid by the customer. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised consumer protection concerns. No other testimony was offered, and the chair later recommended deferring HB 96 for further work with the Department of Taxation and the committee.
HB 106 would authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support farming businesses engaged in agricultural tourism and expand the definition of enterprise accordingly. The Agribusiness Development Corporation testified in support, saying farmers requested the change, it would diversify income, and it would provide technical and financial support. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the measure, and the chair noted eight pieces of testimony in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised, and the chair recommended passing the bill as is.
The committee voted on HB 106, with the chair and vice chair voting aye, along with Representatives Holt, Hussey, Ilagan, and Todd; Representative Matsumoto was excused. The chair’s recommendation to pass HB 106 was adopted, and the hearing was adjourned.