Video & Transcript Research : 'budget amendment'
Page 117 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #5
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, members, as amended by the Health and Human Services Committee, House Bill 2050 modifies
- The purpose of this bill is to hear it so it can go in the budget box to be negotiated.
- The purpose of this bill is to hear it so can go in the budget box to be negotiated.
- That state hasn't had a special session for budget work since approximately 2006.
- That state hasn't had a special session for budget work since approximately 2006.
Summary:
The meeting covered a long series of bills, mostly in health, education, commerce, federalism, and government. In health, members discussed radiology technology updates (HB 2050), a tribal Medicaid waiver/drawdown measure with no state cost (HB 2177), an emergency medicine study committee (HB 2183), fetal death certificate and remains-transfer requirements (HB 2184), a physician assistant licensure compact (HB 2190), dementia care telemonitoring funding (HB 2202), SNAP error-rate reduction and fraud/eligibility oversight bills (HB 2206, HB 2442, HB 2797), child welfare protections like credit freezes and recorded interviews (HB 2321, HB 2322), and podiatric licensure compacts (HB 2438). Several of these were described as consent-calendar items, while HB 2206 and the SNAP-related measures drew discussion about fraud reduction, administrative burden, and work requirements.
In commerce and finance, the committee heard bills on mobile food vendors and local permits (HB 2118), earned wage access services with fee caps and disclosure rules (HB 2309), CPA licensure changes (HB 2476), cash acceptance for retail purchases under $100 (HB 2555), drone delivery and unmanned aircraft guardrails (HB 2875), timeshare salesperson licensing (HB 2877), and a prohibition on state-mandated social credit scoring in lending decisions (HB 2903). The tax and retirement-related items included 529 plan conformity and Roth IRA transfer rules (HB 2477), annual tax conformity to the Internal Revenue Code (HB 2785), ASRS technical and disability-related changes (HB 2089, HB 2090, HB 2092), and a bill on employee health insurance definitions (HB 2089). The Arizona Commerce Authority bill (HB 2754) would add legislative members to the board and shift more control over trade offices and Arizona Competes Fund spending to the legislature.
The education section focused heavily on school governance and finance. Bills included patriotic youth group presentations in schools (HB 2312), school board term limits (HB 2318), mandatory training for governing board members (HB 2379), independent municipal advisors for bond elections (HB 2320), restrictions on districts buying operating charter/private school sites to game enrollment formulas (HB 2376), conflict-of-interest limits for school facilities board architects and engineers (HB 2378), public meeting and travel transparency rules for districts (HB 2380), limits on long-term school property leases and reporting requirements (HB 2384), tighter bidding rules for school construction job orders using Building Renewal Grant funds (HB 2482), and a voluntary computer science proficiency seal (HB 2764). Sponsors repeatedly framed these as transparency, accountability, and anti-abuse measures, while some opposition centered on local flexibility, housing use, and existing training providers.
In federalism and government, the committee heard bills to give counties more time to mail sample ballots (HB 2006), require courts to identify veterans at first appearance for possible veterans court referral (HB 2226), study veterans’ awareness of benefits (HB 2406), broaden military leave protections (HB 2663), require SAVE verification for voter registration and certain state services (HB 2806), require U.S.-sourced voting machine components by 2029 (HB 2901), affirm the Electoral College (HB 2902), and establish due process protections for justice of the peace courts against outside administrative action (HB 2976). Government committee items included a later deadline for library trustees’ annual reports (HB 2129), a two-year limit on certain adult protective services reports to the Attorney General (HB 2228), and an exemption for public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ spa rules (HB 2439). Several bills were reported as consent-calendar items, and a number of sponsors noted committee votes, fiscal neutrality, or favorable testimony in support of the measures.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- One more try on an amendment for car inspections. This is Amendment 2026-259s.
- even on the when we voted on the budget even on the when we voted on the budget one one one In<00
- If you can't get a budget, have the CR.
- This would be the—you have a budget, you have the CR. If you can't get a budget, have the CR.
- <00:34:30.960>
by very end, we can't get to a budget by very end, we can't get to a budget
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment, the bill is ordered to a third reading as amended.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment Number 13.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment number 89. Mr.
- All the amendments are accounted for in this amendment. Mr.
- This amendment provides important consumer protection for budget-billed customers, protection not offered
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership.
The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development.
One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:48.600>
to <00:09:48.760>be that budget to be that budget to be uh<00:09:50.760 - We will move to our amendments. Representative Hansen has the A1 amendment.
- So what the A1 amendment does is it puts the numbers in there from the governor’s budget, but it also
- unknown uh so what uh the A1 Amendment unknown uh so what uh the A1 Amendment does<00:58:14.119>
- <01:35:34.600>
do insurance and so what my amendments do insurance and so what my amendments
Keywords:
agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- distribute it to the different um budget distribute it to the different um budget line<00:30:58.120
- asking you to figure out the budget asking you to figure out the budget numbers<00:31:11.200>
- numbers in it what would the um budget numbers in it what would the um budget<00:37:12.079>
code< - <01:03:54.720>
they're struggling on limited budgets they're struggling on limited budgets first amendments friendly amendments the first amendments friendly amendments the first would
Summary:
The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number.
The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals.
Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- budget requests uh over recent months. budget requests uh over recent months.
- We support the budget.
- could expect for this budget cycle. could expect for this budget cycle.
- <01:52:49.119>
Are amendments. All members are present. Are amendments. - <02:04:44.800>
Are amendments. All members are present. Are amendments.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- All items are released back to the Joint Budget Committee as adopted.
- , and she has come in not only on budget but under budget.
- All of the salaries fall within the pre-approved plan or budget.
- We were asking for full funding for the approved budget from last year.
- Amendment to Senate Bill 58 by Representative Underwood, special language.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed a list of bills already marked ready for due pass, including several House bills (HB 1010, 1018, 1020, 1023, 1041, 1055, 1077) and Senate bills (SB 4, 16, 24, 55, 59), along with a few items in the budget packet. The JBC Personnel Subcommittee report was then taken up, and Senator Rice offered a substitute motion to separate out the governor’s staff-related item for a separate vote and a roll-call division. After discussion about the request and the underlying personnel issue, the substitute motion failed on a roll-call division, and the committee then adopted the personnel subcommittee report as a whole.
The committee next heard questions for Treasurer John Thurston on House Bill 1034 and the Treasurer’s office budget request. Members raised concerns about salary increases for executive staff, the size of raises under the approved pay plan, office hours, and whether the office was prioritizing raises appropriately. Thurston said the salaries were within the previously approved pay plan, that the request was for full funding of that plan with a negotiated 10% amount, and that office hours remained the same though vault tours had been adjusted for scheduling. Several members expressed dissatisfaction with the increases, while others noted the compromise reached with committee leadership. The committee then adopted the letter for HB 1034.
The committee also considered special language items, including a proposal tied to extension office improvements through a DFA-administered program for the Division of Agriculture, which was described as unfunded. That item was adopted. The committee then moved through the remaining ready items, giving do-pass or adopt motions to SB 29, SB 51, HB 1034, HB 1010, HB 1018, HB 1020, HB 1023, HB 1041, HB 1055, HB 1077, SB 16, SB 23, SB 24, SB 55, and SB 59. SB 4 was set aside as not ready. The meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene in 15 minutes in another room to handle special language.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, that is the amendment. Any questions on the amendment?
- Members, that is the amendment. Any questions on the amendment?
- I have an amendment, and my amendment is related to CRAs, of course.
- We have no amendments. Debate. Members, we're in debate on this amendment.
- That is after the budget year. And so under the definition, as defined in the amendment, that is.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/HB 69, which would preempt local land-use decisions for presidential libraries to the state. The sponsor said the bill was intended to make it easier to site a presidential library in Florida. Members asked about whether the bill could affect nontraditional uses such as hotels or casinos, and the sponsor said it only addressed land-use and development-order decisions. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 16-7.
The committee then took up CS/HB 289, “Lucy's Law,” on boating safety. The bill expands boating education requirements, aligns boating penalties more closely with driving offenses, prohibits false information in vessel accident reports, and requires certain nonresidents to obtain boating safety cards. An amendment requiring boating safety courses for those convicted of civil boating infractions was adopted. The committee heard emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s mother, who described the fatal 2022 boating crash that inspired the bill, along with support from industry and local-government witnesses. Members from both parties spoke in favor, emphasizing accountability, education, and enforcement. The bill passed unanimously, 25-0.
HB 7003, an open-government/sunshine bill, preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive business information submitted with applications to the Office of Financial Regulation’s financial technology sandbox. It drew no public testimony or debate and was reported favorably. HB 4007, a local bill for Martin County, capped reimbursement for inmate emergency health care at 110% of Medicare, mirroring the Department of Corrections standard; it also passed favorably after supportive public testimony.
The longest discussion was on HB 991, which would prohibit creation of new community redevelopment agencies after July 1, 2025, bar current CRAs from starting new projects or issuing new debt after October 1, 2025, and sunset existing CRAs by 2045 or their charter date, whichever is earlier. The sponsor argued CRAs have become long-lived funding vehicles used beyond their original anti-blight purpose and said local governments have other tools. Many members from both parties objected that CRAs remain important for affordable housing, small business support, infrastructure, and redevelopment in blighted areas, and several said the bill would harm ongoing or multi-phase projects. Three amendments were offered: one defining “new project,” one striking the new-CRA prohibition, and one striking the new-debt/new-project language; all were defeated except the first, which was adopted. Public testimony was split, with redevelopment groups, cities, and the Florida League of Cities opposing the bill and Americans for Prosperity supporting it. The committee did not reach final disposition in the portion provided, but the debate showed substantial opposition and concern about the bill’s impact on local redevelopment efforts.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion here is do pass as amended to Appropriations.
- Just to confirm, so the amendments, there are, I think, author amendments? Are your amendments?
- Are your amendments? Yes, yes, we are taking them.
- And that's reflected in the amendments here.
- The committee amendments further that goal.
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote.
Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting.
The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And if you could also accept the amendments, Assembly Member. Yes, we accept all amendments.
- Okay, so I look forward to seeing those amendments.
- Okay, so I look forward to seeing those amendments.
- Motion is due pass as amended to Senate Appropriations.
- Motion is do pass as amended to Senate Appropriations.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- budget lines. It's about real people. budget lines. It's about real people.
- as amended and on any further amendment as amended and on any further amendment there<02:16:12.560
- leadership block over 800 amendments. leadership block over 800 amendments.
- amendments. Zero bipartisan amendments. amendments. Zero bipartisan amendments.
- I reserve. committee on taxation budget. Um you committee on taxation budget.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, the A2 amendment is a delete-everything amendment.
- Um, so we have the A2 amendment as amended and, uh, it is an author's amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. have the A2 amendment as amended and uh, have the A2 amendment as amended and
- <01:03:33.359>
author's <01:03:33.760>amendment amend author's amendment amend author's - On operating budget budget of the city.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- I have my budget genius in the back of the room if we have any detailed questions regarding the budget
- Let's help you understand how to budget your needs.
- I see you have an amendment coded A1. Would you please explain your amendment?
- The amendment just kind of clarifies things.
- Any questions on the amendment? All those in favor of adopting the amendment, please say aye.
NH
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 04/30/25
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Marty has moved to amend the A3 amendment with the A4 amendment.
- With six yays and four nos, the amendment to the amendment is adopted.
- I support the amendment.
- So we're amending the committee report to finance to incorporate this amendment.
- the bill do amended and when so amended the bill do pass. pass. pass.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus K-12 Education Bill - 06/02/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:13.600>
of what you have before you is a budget of what you have before you is a budget - Funding for the upcoming budget cycle, and we acknowledge that need to curb spending in future budget
- The amendments to the policy and budget language you see here required many hours of detailed discussion
- Commissioner, and thank you for being at the table and helping... amendments to the policy and budget
- amendments to the policy and budget language<00:13:16.639>
you <00:13:16.880>see <00:13
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (12/03/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, [clears throat] this amendment is about making budget. That's why I'm here.
- this amendment is about making budget. this amendment is about making budget.
- cut that was imposed by the budget.
- amendment before I close the hearing? amendment before I close the hearing?
- And then I have an amendment that I want to offer. Second. I want to offer amendment 3103S.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- the governor's office amendment, which did not pass.
- And she has come in not only on budget, but under...
- There's a problem, but this is concerning the governor's budget, and she has come in not only on budget
- , but under budget.
- Amendment to Senate Bill 58 by Representative Underwood, special language, amendment to House Bill 1052
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (10/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that in on that in the budget.
- There was one amendment. Um, have people seen the amendment that we had for definitions? >> No.
- >> No, that's an amendment we're not dealing with yet. That's not an amendment yet.
- The discussion language of an amendment.
- Maybe if everybody agrees that the amendment is a good amendment regardless of whether they support the
Summary:
The subcommittee took up several school building aid bills. HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing, drew debate over whether the program is effective and whether funds should be allowed to carry forward. Supporters argued the program is underfunded and that even small leftover amounts should remain available for building aid; opponents said non-lapsing funds limit future budget flexibility and that the program creates winners and losers. The committee voted 4-3 to recommend HB 295 inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
The committee then considered HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects and include retroactive funding for projects completed in the past. The motion to ITL was supported on the grounds that retroactive payments would be unfair to districts still waiting in line and that the legislature should focus on future projects. Supporters of the bill said the increase was modest and that districts that built during a prior moratorium on aid were left with long-term fiscal burdens. The committee again voted 4-3 to recommend ITL.
The discussion also broadened into special education funding and a retained bill, HB 742, concerning catastrophic special education aid and the source of funding. Members debated whether the education trust fund should cover the aid and whether the committee should act now or wait for a separate commission studying special education costs. Several members emphasized that special education costs are rising, that more data is needed on student identification and funding formulas, and that the commission’s report may provide better guidance. The chair said the subcommittee’s recommendations would go to the full committee, and the next meeting was expected to be rescheduled from November 4 to later that week because of election-related conflicts.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee, February 16, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- has been amended to read as follows.<00:02:47.040>
No <00:02:47.360>senator <00:02:47.760 - Discussion, amendments, another? Mr. Chairman.
- And and you're >> Does the B paragraph amendment up in option one would help you in anything on that
- And and you're conjunction with everything else in a conjunction with everything else in a budget<00:
- session, is what to do when a budget session, is what to do when a senator<00:14:41.360>
does
Summary:
The Senate rules committee continued work on a proposed rule restricting campaign fundraising in the Capitol and during session or special session. Senator Nethercott and LSO attorney Mr. Shaw explained that the draft was revised to add clarity after concerns that the earlier language could unintentionally penalize a senator who merely received a contribution without affirmatively soliciting it. The committee discussed two options: option one, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting a contribution and accepting it by affirmative act, and option two, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting or accepting a legislative campaign contribution by affirmative act. A new subsection C was also added to make clear the rule would not apply when a senator merely discovers that a contribution was made and took no affirmative act to solicit or receive it.
Members focused on how the term “solicit” should be understood, including whether a campaign website donate button or online promotion would count as solicitation. Mr. Shaw said the rule does not define the term and suggested it should be applied reasonably, noting that a static donate button may be treated differently from actively promoting donations. Several senators said subsection C addressed the main concern about accidental receipt of a mailed contribution, but that further guidance may still be needed on passive receipt and how to handle donations connected to pending legislation. Senator Duro said the committee was responding to an unacceptable incident that occurred in the building and wanted to make clear such conduct would not be tolerated.
After discussion, Senator Rothfuss moved option two and Senator Gierau seconded. The committee voted to adopt option two, with Senators Gierau, Nethercott, Salazar, and Chairman Biteman voting aye; Senator Rothfuss also voted aye. The committee then adjourned, and it was noted that the adopted rule would become part of the permanent Senate rules unless changed at the start of a future session.