Video & Transcript : 'government transparency' :
Page 121 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This simply creates more transparency sooner.
- Right now, local governments and communities really don't know anything about the future.
- It does not require promises or guarantees, but it does require transparency.
- It does not require promises or guarantees, but it does require transparency.
- She referenced governance gap.
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three main bills after initially lacking a quorum and deferring the consent calendar. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries, such as those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, recycling groups, environmental organizations, and battery stewardship interests said the bill would reduce fire risks, improve collection and recycling, and close a gap in existing law. One industry witness sought clarification about off-highway vehicles and a battery association requested guardrails for mixed battery formats; the California Retailers Association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions with the author.
SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide, state-funded low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters said many Californians face water debt and that the bill would help address affordability while working around Proposition 218 limits on local ratepayer-funded assistance. Water districts, local governments, environmental justice groups, and conservation organizations testified in support, and there was no opposition.
SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require refineries to provide advance information on closure, cleanup costs, and timelines to help communities plan for refinery transitions and remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia, environmental justice groups, and advocacy organizations, argued that communities need transparency before closures occur and that other energy sectors already provide similar planning information. Opponents from labor, petroleum, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, burdensome, and could discourage refinery investment or signal premature decline of the industry. After extensive debate, the committee voted to pass SB 1259 as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, and also approved SB 501 and SB 1125; the consent calendar items SB 1253 and SJR 13 were adopted.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This week, Congress will begin to deliver on producing meaningful transparency for the American patient
- This week, Congress will begin to deliver on producing meaningful transparency for the American patient
- This week, Congress will begin to deliver on producing meaningful transparency for the American patient
- Transparency matters. We are clearly understanding how our program is working.
- But it took us a long time to participate in that government, in that promise.
Keywords:
AI for Main Street Act, artificial intelligence, small business, small business development centers, SBDC, Small Business Act, business technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data protection, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, business training, entrepreneurship, technology adoption, AI literacy, outreach, main street businesses, Main Street Parity Act, Small Business Investment Act of 1958
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- the National Public Records Research Association, or NPRRA, of which I'm the current chair of its government
- While transparency in business is very important, making personally identifiable information publicly
- Both the federal Corporate Transparency Act and the New York LLC Transparency Act require beneficial
- Both the federal Corporate Transparency Act and the New York LLC Transparency Act require beneficial
- security guardrails to ensure that the DOI reports are housed in a secure database accessible only to government
Summary:
The committee met to hear testimony on House Bill 501, an economic development-related bill concerning beneficial ownership disclosure for domestic and foreign LLCs operating in the Commonwealth. Chair Fiola noted the hearing’s delayed start, introduced members present, and limited testimony to four minutes. The main witness, Alan Stekora of the National Public Records Research Association, testified in opposition to the bill’s public-record provisions, arguing that making beneficial owners’ personal information public would create privacy, identity theft, and cybersecurity risks. He said similar federal and state transparency laws keep such information in secure, nonpublic databases and urged amendments to remove public disclosure and clarify ambiguous terms and reporting requirements.
A second witness, Pia Angelicus, attempted to testify remotely but had connection problems and was asked to submit written testimony instead. No other witnesses came forward. After confirming there was no further testimony, the committee adjourned without taking any vote or other action on the bill.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance - 03/04/2026
Ethics And Internal Governance
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance.
- that works on a collegial basis to try to pass smooth bills that deal with ethics and internal governance
- public that the Senate and the Assembly are operating efficiently, effectively, and that their government
- is as transparent as possible, I think, is everyone's joint concern.
- Thank you. to your point of transparency.
Committee:
Senate Ethics And Internal Governance
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance met for its first meeting of the year on March 4 at noon, with Chair Shelley Mayer and Ranking Member Steve Rhoads emphasizing a collegial approach and a shared interest in transparency, efficiency, and effective government. The committee then considered several ethics and lobbying-related bills.
On S-374, relating to lobbying for the confirmation of persons to state office, Senator Rhoads raised concern that the bill could chill individual citizens from sending emails or letters about nominees if such activity triggered lobbyist registration. The chair said the bill was intended to target organizations and entities spending significant time and money to influence nominations, and noted the sponsor might refine the language. The bill was moved forward, with Mayer voting aye and Rhoads voting nay.
The committee also advanced S-224A, which would raise the threshold for small not-for-profits subject to lobbying reporting requirements from $5,000 to $10,000, and S4039A, which would prohibit certain persons from receiving compensation for legal, consulting, or similar work for industrial development agencies, economic assistance corporations, or state and local authorities, while also addressing consultant disclosure. Rhoads supported S-224A and opposed S4039A. Finally, the committee approved S5843, which would require all lobbying filings to be submitted electronically; Rhoads opposed it, saying filing rules should allow as many compliance options as possible, while Mayer said most filers can already do so electronically. All bills were moved to the floor, and the meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/21/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And the governance issues that we have seen set up is a lack of transparency and a lack of, you know,
- </c><00:11:27.360><c> And</c> is transparency and and integrity.
- And is transparency and and integrity.
- </c> you have a different governance model? you have a different governance model?
- ,</c> authorizers was around governance, authorizers was around governance, integrity,<00:17:06.959><
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 30, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 6
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . government. government.
- </c><01:00:34.240><c> We</c> public deserves that transparency.
- We public deserves that transparency.
- It comes from a sincere desire for transparency and accountability.
- Transparency comes at the conclusion of the process, not before it.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/04/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- we want people to we want transparency we want people to have<00:52:15.240><c> confidence</c><00:52:
- </c><00:52:25.640><c> part</c><00:52:25.760><c> of</c> that is not a really transparent part of that
- </c> institute for responsive Government institute for responsive Government research<01:24:29.280><c
- </c><01:25:39.760><c> and</c> prohibiting the federal governments and prohibiting the federal governments
- Um, they didn't like me putting in the thing about the local governments, so I took that out.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It wouldn't be a budget from the government.
- So it wouldn't be directly money from the government of Mexico.
- And at least as of now, there's no dollars identified from the Mexico government.
- And unfortunately, this becomes a special class for government employees.
- I love open government bills. This is an open government bill.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote.
Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote.
The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- in government in Minnesota.
- the decisions their governments are making, and it creates a trust between the government and the people
- </c> So, it narrows it to official government So, it narrows it to official government actions<00:02:
- And so, I am I think in government.
- No transparency. And it's I hate grants. No transparency.
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I served in local government. I care deeply about neighborhoods and local government.
- public access, transparency, accountability, and participation in long-term recovery. ...transparency
- That includes local governments, the communities we serve, and those who are dedicated to transparency
- Cal Cities believes in conducting the business of government with transparency, openness, respect, and
- We acknowledge that local government and state government have their own unique needs and understand
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended.
The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the most pressing concerns this bill addresses is financial oversight and transparency under the
- This legislation would establish a more transparent and accountable administrative structure by allowing
- This bill is about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and good governance.
- It ensures agencies can match costs... transparency, and good governance.
- Proportional representation leads to more balanced governance by encouraging a...
Summary:
The House Education Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 1662 would move several education-related boards and commissions—the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Charter School Commission—toward operational independence from OSPI by July 1, 2027, including separate administrative services, asset and employee transfers, and transition planning by OFM. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency, fiscal accountability, and agency flexibility, while OSPI-related testimony emphasized that small agencies need more nimble administrative support. No one testified in opposition; the hearing record noted 2 pro, 1 con, and 5 other sign-ins, and members were told the bill was substantively the same as the version passed the prior year except for date changes.
The committee then heard House Bill 1683, which would require most school districts with 2,000 or more students to elect at least some school board members from director districts rather than entirely at-large, with larger districts needing more district-based seats and districts under 2,000 students exempt. The sponsor and supporters argued the change would improve geographic and demographic representation, especially for lower-income communities and communities of color, and would help ensure school boards reflect the students and families they serve. Opponents, including a school directors association representative, said the bill would be an unfunded mandate, reduce local control, and create added election costs and recruitment challenges; one witness also suggested the bill should consider broader proportional-representation options. Staff noted that 23 districts would currently be out of compliance, and the hearing record showed 12 pro, 163 con, and 2 other sign-ins.
No executive action was taken on either bill during this portion of the meeting. At the end of the hearing, the chair reminded members that several bills heard that week would be on next Thursday’s executive session agenda, urged prompt amendment requests, and announced that the committee would adjourn to caucuses.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- That transparency protects consumers, strengthens trust in the markets, and helps ensure that...
- I'm the Vice President of Government Affairs for Washington Realtors.
- Federal records reinforce this legislature's premise on transparency. On February 6...
- Records reinforce this legislature's premise on transparency.
- Windermere believes in market transparency. We believe in healthy and diverse competition.
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I served in local government. I care deeply about neighborhoods and local government.
- My background is in local government.
- That includes local governments, the communities we serve, and those who are dedicated to transparency
- Cal Cities believes in conducting the business of government with transparency, openness, respect, and
- We acknowledge that local government and state government have their own unique needs and understand
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee began with housekeeping and then took up SB 753 by Senator Cortese, a bill to update California’s shopping cart recovery law. The author and supporters from San Jose, the League of California Cities, counties, and water districts argued the bill would let local governments retrieve abandoned carts immediately, return them directly to retailers, and recover documented costs, rather than storing carts for 30 days. Retail groups and grocers opposed the measure, saying carts are stolen property, that the bill could create a new revenue stream for cities, and that retailers should retain a first right of retrieval without added fees. Members debated notice periods, cost caps, and local control, and the author agreed to continue working on amendments. The committee adopted the bill as amended and passed it 6-0.
The committee then heard SB 445 by Senator Wiener, which would speed up third-party permits and approvals for high-speed rail projects. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader transit proposal and now focuses on requiring early engagement, clear rules, and binding arbitration to prevent utilities, cities, and other entities from delaying a state-approved project. Supporters said permitting delays add major costs and can hold projects hostage; opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts said they were concerned about impacts on safety, reliability, affordability, and local authority, though many said they were willing to keep working on amendments. The committee sent SB 445 to the Utilities and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote.
Finally, the committee heard SB 9 by Senator Wiener, a narrower housing bill dealing with accessory dwelling units. The bill would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards apply if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings within the required time. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the measure would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee passed the bill 6-0.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the goal here is to promote government accountability.
- The goal here is to promote government accountability and transparency and to ensure that the laws that
- So our role really is to extend the reach of government, be a good partner.
- We wanted to see transparency with how these charitable platforms operated.
- We are committed to transparency, and we invest heavily in compliance and trust.
Summary:
The Assembly held its first-ever outcome review hearing, focused on AB 488, Assemblymember Irwin’s 2021 law regulating charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Irwin described the hearing as part of a new oversight process meant to evaluate whether enacted laws are working as intended and to identify implementation problems. Irwin reviewed the bill’s purpose: updating California’s charitable solicitation rules for online fundraising, requiring platform registration and reporting, setting disclosure and conduct rules, and creating protections for charities and donors.
The Attorney General’s office said the implementing regulations took effect in stages in 2024 and 2025 after extensive rulemaking, and argued the law was needed because online fundraising had outgrown older solicitation laws. The office highlighted enforcement concerns, including unregistered platforms, delayed remittances, and unauthorized fundraising pages, and said the new online filing system should improve processing and compliance. Nonprofit representatives and platforms generally supported the law’s transparency goals but said implementation has created major burdens, especially around “good standing” determinations, slow registry response times, and disruptions to fundraising when charities are flagged as delinquent. PayPal Giving Fund and GoFundMe both said they complied with the law but urged changes to better fit platform operations, reduce delays, and ease requirements for small or micro-donations.
Committee members pressed the witnesses on donor protection, due process, and whether California should shorten the time to resolve good-standing issues. Several members said the law has helped stop misleading or unauthorized fundraising practices, while also acknowledging unintended consequences for nonprofits. Irwin said she is preparing follow-up legislation to address implementation problems and balance the interests of charities, platforms, donors, and the Attorney General’s office. During public comment, Candid praised the review and the DOJ’s efforts to improve the process, and a PG&E representative described an unintended consequence in employee giving where donations were redirected because recipient charities were not in good standing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- This simply creates more transparency sooner.
- It does not require promises or guarantees, but it does require transparency.
- It does not require promises or guarantees, but it does require transparency.
- Fifteen agencies across four levels of government oversee our industry.
- She referenced governance gap.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Organizational business meeting to consider committee rules for the 119th Congress, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress, designation of subcommittees for the 119th Congress, designation of member Feb 6th, 2025 at 08:50 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Greer is not in the government and not privy to various discussions.
- I think that having this kind of transparency is very important.
- We need a lot more border personnel from the United States government.
- To the extent something like this happens, it needs to be transparent.
- There's a question of how do we fund the government? What should the government be paying for?
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is silent, though, in allowing local governments to find ways to fund their governments and their
- would fund their local government.
- And unfortunately, many local governments, not all, but many local governments have made the choice to
- The local governments are closer to the people.
- You know, the role of local government has really grown as the federal government and the state government
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I also have served in county government as a child welfare director.
- Because they are governments, and our department had not had a consultation ever yet.
- And building trust means we're transparent, but what we can and can't do.
- So that's the kind of concrete transparency that I think we...
- I welcome that transparency.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules convened, established quorum, and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear: Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair/member assignments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous votes.
The committee then heard and advanced two appointments requiring testimony. Dr. Hernando Garzon, nominated as chief medical officer for the Emergency Medical Services Authority, discussed his background in emergency medicine, disaster response, EMS data modernization, local flexibility within statewide standards, ambulance offload time regulations, stakeholder engagement, and alternatives to emergency transport such as community paramedicine and telehealth. Members pressed him on strategic planning, rural and climate-related disaster response, ambulance rate reporting, and how EMSA can better protect vulnerable people during evacuations; his appointment was approved 4-0 and sent to the Senate floor.
Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, described her tribal background, prior public service, and focus on health equity, behavioral health, tribal consultation, data, and community-led programs. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, serving rural communities, balancing equity work amid federal DEI opposition, youth mental health, and preventing fraud or waste through transparency. Public commenters, including tribal, health, and community advocates, strongly supported her nomination. Her appointment was also approved 4-0 and forwarded to the full Senate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/10/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:46.160><c> and</c> is the lack of transparency and is the lack of transparency and accountability
- </c> shift into an unaccountable government. shift into an unaccountable government.
- </c> challenge is we don't have a government challenge is we don't have a government especially<01:05
- </c> to the Committee on State Government. to the Committee on State Government.
- . government. government.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got three branches of government for a reason. Thank you, gentlemen. Yes.
- That's overregulation of government. This is America and a private enterprise.
- One of them is a lack of transparency on their donor list that's protected. Our statute.
- They are transparent. They're not playing any shady games.
- The process is in place so that we don't have to be... ...that this is transparent.
Summary:
The committee first took up executive-session votes on prior bills, adopting a House committee substitute for House Bill 2605 and then passing it 9-1, and passing House Bill 2301 by a 10-0 vote. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2124, which would standardize initiative petition forms, require circulator residency or Missouri presence, prohibit per-signature pay, limit who may challenge ballot titles to Missouri registered voters, and adjust timing for constitutional verification. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve clarity, reduce fraud, and keep control of the petition process in Missouri hands, while opponents argued it would add burdens, restrict speech and access to the courts, and likely face constitutional challenges. No vote was taken on HB 2124 in the transcript.
The committee then heard House Bill 3383, which would require nonprofits involved in signature-gathering or political management to use E-Verify to confirm workers are U.S. citizens, with the sponsor saying it responded to Attorney General investigations into alleged use of non-citizens by signature-gathering organizations. Supporters framed it as a simple election-integrity measure, while opponents called it unnecessary, overreaching, and unsupported by evidence, arguing nonprofits should not be burdened based on unproven allegations. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after no further business.