Video & Transcript Research : 'security module'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Info Briefing - Thu Oct 30, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:17.360>
food, and who help patients secure food, and who help patients secure food, - partnerships<00:39:25.599>
and Secured 70 new school partnerships and Secured 70 new school - Kohiki Hoya. food security supporting our partners in food security supporting our partners in the<02
- In just over two years since our founding, we have secured millions of dollars for our community, secured
- In just over two years since our founding, we have secured millions of dollars for our community, secured
Summary:
This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk.
Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience.
Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (2-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, and 95% of our memberships do not participate in Social Security because we are a Social Security
- for teachers' retirements then at that point will be what TRS is, which will be less than Social Security
- and we already have 22% of our security and we already have 22% of our membership<00:03:32.879>
our - security because we are social security security because we are social security replacement<00:03
- Um and that social security I believe.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard testimony from Bo Barnes, deputy executive secretary and general counsel for the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on the TRS budget request for the upcoming biennium and how it compares with House Bill 500 as introduced. Barnes emphasized that the bill fully funds the system’s additional funding request to pay down TRS’s legacy unfunded pension liability, which he described as critical to the system’s long-term funding plan. He also explained that the pension and health insurance requests are broken into several line items, including legacy benefit items, state shared-responsibility payments for retiree health insurance, and reconciliation items that adjust for prior over- or underpayments.
Barnes said the state portion of shared responsibility for retiree health insurance was funded below the request in House Bill 500, but he described the health insurance trust as a success story under the post-2010 shared-responsibility model. He said the trust is projected to be fully funded in about two years if medical inflation and federal subsidies remain stable, and he noted that any shortfall in the current budget would be reconciled later and could reduce investment income. In response to questions, he explained that the legacy benefit items are treated as part of the total actuarially determined employer contribution and that unpaid legacy benefits would have the same impact on the retirement trust as unpaid ADC amounts.
Barnes also addressed questions about whether the $47.2 million SEEK-related teacher contribution reconciliation could be split between fiscal years, saying it could be done but would reduce investment income and potentially increase future contribution needs. He said the pension fund is currently about 61% funded and that TRS has received full funding for the pension for 10 straight years, with the state having provided full additional funding and more in recent budgets. He concluded by asking the committee to consider TRS’s original budget request, warning that underfunding now would be reflected in future actuarial calculations and could cost the Commonwealth more over time.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the President's 2025 trade policy agenda. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They exist to secure rights for their citizens.
- Greer's confirmation hearing, he argued that economic security leads to strong national security.
- So Ambassador Kerr, can you explain to me how it helps America's national security?
- These practices threaten our economic security, our prosperity.
- This poses to me a serious threat to our national security, to our energy independence.
Keywords:
tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls
Summary:
The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/07/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:41.520>
retirement the normal Social Security retirement the normal Social Security - annuitants are under their Social Security normal retirement age.
- They wouldn't be Security benefit.
- January 1 unless the social security January 1 unless the social security cola<00:14:39.560>
- the cola is 100% of the social security the cola is 100% of the social security cola<00:14:44.400
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in short, yes, with the administration we are talking about food security and resiliency.
- So, in short, yes, with the administration we are talking about food security and resiliency.
- So, in short, yes, with the administration we are talking about food security and resiliency.
- So, in short, yes, with the administration we are talking about food security and resiliency.
- Yes, with the administration we are talking about food security and resiliency.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had to increase security at our commission meetings, and as well take various security measures
- The Office of Election Crimes and Security is continuing to pursue violations of the Election Code.
- The Office of Election Crimes and Security is continuing to pursue violations of the Election Code.
- Can you talk about, when you mentioned the Office of Election Crimes and Security, I know that when they
- I've seen their secure rooms. I know what their security procedures are.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers.
The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices.
The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Pamela Bondi, of Florida, to be Attorney General, Department of Justice. Jan 29th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Matt Olson, Assistant Attorney General for National Security Divisions, penned an op-ed to Time Magazine
- Last week, the Trump administration reassigned and removed at least 20 senior career National Security
- These moves, clearly made in the interest of installing his own loyalists, put our national security
- She secured more than $50 billion in recovery.
- She realizes that this border security is national security, and they're going to have to work hand in
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just wanted to make..." ...not have any support beds for security threat groups.
- Security threat groups.
- And, you know, we have a maximum security residential treatment unit, two mediums for the males, and
- And so we really work hard on making sure, from a classification perspective, a security perspective,
- Most of the folks in Concord were medium security inmates who went to various other medium security locations
Summary:
The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system.
A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks.
Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives.
The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Their name, date of birth, Social Security number, anything.
- And that’s the information that we’re trying to protect: that address, address, social security number
- But I do still think that if you are unable to secure a conviction for these matters, lessening it to
- It's Social Security number, state of birth, and home address.
- What we would like to protect is his home address, his Social Security number, and his date of birth.
Keywords:
human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- One, as Chip McAuli said on the security issue, you've answered that and said there's no security in
- They were already greatly about one of the official security, but the security of worshippers and attendees
- One, as Chip McAlli said on the security issue, you've answered that and said there's no security in
- They were already greatly about one of the official security, but the security of worshippers, the worshipers
- Security Personnel Program, and I encourage you to expand these initiatives.
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Investments in IT Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board (3-7-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- just technology that we know is secured through our VPN connection, and Mr.
- work, making sure that it is a secure environment.
- Um we have a security telecommute.
- They would not be able to secured.
- Making sure that it is secure work.
Keywords:
Investments in Information Technology Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board will met upon adjournment of both chambers. The time set is noon on YouTube, But the official time will likely vary based on chamber proceedings.
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:00
Tools for Managing Remote Work
Kentucky Personnel Cabinet 00:00:30
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 00:20:20
Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:33:10
Housing, Buildings and Construction 00:47:40
Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:56:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received testimony from Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey and Deputy Secretary Robert Long on the state’s telecommuting policy. Bailey explained that telecommuting in the executive branch is governed by a statewide policy requiring eligible employees to work in the office three days a week and telecommute up to two days a week. Eligibility depends first on the position, not the person: public-facing jobs, roles requiring special equipment or insecure document handling, and other duties that cannot be performed remotely are not eligible. Employees and managers must complete training, sign agreements, comply with safety and IT requirements, and telecommuting privileges can be revoked for poor performance or discipline. She said the cabinet audits compliance and that telecommuting has helped maintain services during inclement weather, disasters, and building renovations. Bailey also said about 33% of the workforce is hybrid, 11% telecommutes full-time, and 56% does not telecommute.
Members asked about cost savings, eligibility, discipline, and technology requirements. Bailey said she did not have statewide cost-savings figures and referred that question to the Finance and Administration Cabinet. She said employees must have reliable connectivity and appropriate equipment, but there is no fixed broadband speed requirement; if an employee cannot connect, they must come into the office. She also said telecommuting postings indicate whether a position is eligible, and that performance issues are handled through progressive discipline rather than being ignored.
Transportation Cabinet officials then described how their agency manages remote work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock, along with IT and human resources leaders, said the cabinet follows the executive branch policy and actively manages telecommuting employees through Microsoft Teams, VPN access, daily standups, project tracking, and manager oversight. They said more than 2,600 of the cabinet’s 4,000 employees cannot telecommute because their jobs are public-facing or field-based, while about 35% are eligible to telecommute up to two days per week. The cabinet also has 13 state employees and 94 contract employees working full-time remotely in IT. Officials said telecommuting has improved recruitment and retention, supported emergency response and weather operations, and allowed the cabinet to continue working during storms and other disruptions. Members asked about phone equipment, monitoring, and “mouse jiggler” devices; officials said phones are often forwarded to personal or state devices, Teams shows real-time availability, and managers rely on daily accountability and project management tools to monitor work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/10/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 11, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- We want security.
- We want security. We strict timeline. We want security.
- trying to create accurate and security. trying to create accurate and security.
- security and the transparency. security and the transparency.
- But we had great concerns about security because you have to secure the machines, you have to secure
Keywords:
voting, elections, electronic voting systems, transparency, public testing, voter registration, qualified elector, residency requirements, voting rights, mortgage modification, priority, electronic signatures, real property, financial covenants, 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you also to Senator Farnsworth for helping us secure this testimony.
- and a number of Safety and Security and a number of other<00:58:05.440>
things <00:58:05.640>< - and curriculum cyber security and curriculum cyber security protections<01:05:25.720>
and - operations to make sure we have adequate coverage and safety and security in our schools.
- <01:19:09.960>
cameras operations was used security cameras operations was used security cameras
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Caucus of the Whole - State of the Guard - 2026-02-19 - 9:00AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- service members transition from active duty with leadership experience, technical certification, security
- They strengthen Vermont while contributing to broader global security and stability.
- broader global security and stability. broader global security and stability.
- <00:27:35.120>
and Now when I speak of security and Now when I speak of security and stability - ,<00:27:47.919>
transparent <00:27:48.480>and security, transparent and security, transparent
Summary:
The caucus of the whole was held as the annual State of the Guard address, featuring Adjutant General Gregory Knight’s remarks to legislators and guests. Knight said this would likely be his final address before retirement and thanked Gold Star families, military survivors, Governor Phil Scott, honorary commanders, legislative leaders, his family, and many Guard and community partners. He emphasized that the Vermont National Guard is a civic institution, not just a military force, and said its strength depends on a strong relationship with the legislature.
Knight reviewed several priorities and accomplishments, including regular transparency updates to the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and force; the creation of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Caucus; and legislation supporting education, workforce development, benefits, and service members’ families. He highlighted recruiting and retention efforts, including the Prime employer partnership program, which he said now has 40 employer partners and 24 more pending, and argued that Vermont can attract and retain service members by connecting military experience to civilian jobs and education opportunities. He also discussed organizational climate improvements, mental health and prevention staffing, and the need for more providers who accept military patients and Tricare, noting the Howard Center and other health centers are expanding military and veteran care.
The address also covered the Guard’s broader role in emergency response, citizenship, diversity, and international partnerships. Knight described recent deployments and state responses to COVID-19, flooding, and other emergencies, explained Guard duty statuses and called for congressional reform to simplify them, and outlined state partnership work with Austria, North Macedonia, and Senegal, as well as related educational and economic initiatives. He recognized numerous Guard members, recruiters, fiscal staff, media partners, and outside collaborators for their contributions.
No votes were taken. The meeting concluded with Speaker recognition of Knight’s service and an announcement that the caucus had ended and the House would gavel in shortly afterward.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Jul 18th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we are designated as the Social Security Administrator for the state of New Mexico.
- do not elect to have coverage under Social Security.
- We ensure that they either elect or do not elect to have coverage under Social Security.
- It was Social Security. I mean, it's the baby boomers. They're getting to the top of the pyramid.
- Changes to their Social Security Agreements.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your comments about privacy and security.
- The effects of this bill would lead to both physical safety risk and threats to the security and privacy
- OEMs currently offer a wide range of safe, secure, and affordable repair options through their authorized
- a third-party network prevents them from being able to fully stand behind our product safety and security
- Senate Bill 1132 would prevent manufacturers from ensuring that the privacy, safety, and security of
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 702, as amended by a strike-all amendment on digital content provenance and authenticity. Senator Burgess said the bill would require generative AI providers to add provenance data to content wholly generated by AI, allow provenance tags on AI-modified images, require social media platforms to retain and display provenance data in an accessible format, and apply content credentials to online election advertisements. He also described a two-year pilot program for the Division of Emergency Management to test provenance data in emergency communications, and said the bill would be enforced only by the Attorney General with no private right of action. Supporters from Microsoft and Adobe waived in support, while TechNet and the James Madison Institute raised concerns about broad definitions, implementation burdens, and the possibility that the rules could be easily circumvented. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 702 favorably.
The committee next considered CS for SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements, which would allow extended warranty companies to use multiple insurance policies to back obligations and let companies with a $100 million net worth satisfy proof requirements through SEC filings or an audited financial statement. The Florida Service Agreement Association supported the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 678, which allows pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; the Florida Pawnbrokers Association and a business representative supported the change, the amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1132, the Portable Wireless Device Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair information, and parts to owners and independent repair providers, and would also extend right-to-repair concepts to agricultural equipment through an amendment. Supporters argued the bill would expand consumer choice and repair access, while opponents including TechNet, the Repair Done Right Coalition, the James Madison Institute, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance warned about privacy, cybersecurity, trade secret, safety, and compliance concerns. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 1132 favorably.
Finally, the committee took up SB 676, which would create a framework for employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the Florida minimum wage in certain internship, apprenticeship, and work-study settings, with a parent or guardian sign-off for minors. The sponsor said the bill was intended to expand job training and first-job opportunities for young people and others seeking experience, but multiple speakers and senators argued it conflicted with the Florida Constitution and existing case law, could be exploited by employers, and would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage. The committee continued extensive debate on the bill, with strong opposition testimony and questions about constitutionality, definitions, and enforcement.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:33:07.279>
and access to opportunity, security, and access to opportunity, security, - Through his leadership, Alliance Cyber provided cyber security and its security solutions to others.
- We enhanced Boxer's economic security.
- Despite many advances since security.
- I support securely modernize the FAA.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board May 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- First, through the donation of campaign surplus funds to AEG in order to secure a job for someone with
- a special privilege for EEC because... ...this ultimately secured a special privilege for EEC because
- This is clearly indicative of using her position to secure a special privilege by trying to influence
- If you're referring to RCW 42.52.070, that's securing a special privilege, using your position to secure
- That's securing a special privilege, using your position to secure a special privilege.
Summary:
The Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings held oral argument before the Legislative Ethics Board in the matter of Tara Simmons, docket 401-645, on a respondent-filed motion for summary judgment. Judge T.J. Martin identified the issues as whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for the benefit of others and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her official duties, under RCW 42.52.070 and RCW 42.52.020, and, if violations were found, what penalties or sanctions would be appropriate. The judge clarified that board staff had not filed its own summary judgment motion, only a response to Simmons’ motion.
Attorney Doug McKinney argued that the complaint and board staff’s allegations were legally insufficient because they did not allege a personal benefit to Simmons, only benefits to her employer, EEC, or to others. He contended that the Ethics Act has historically required a benefit to the legislator herself, that employees do not automatically have a disqualifying interest in their employers, and that the board’s position would create a new bright-line rule and unfairly change the law as applied to Simmons. He also addressed allegations involving a contract provision, a campaign surplus donation to AEG, a subcontract dispute involving AEG and EEC, and text messages with Anthony Powers, arguing none showed a special privilege or conflict of interest for Simmons.
Assistant Attorney General Julia Eisenhower, for board staff, argued the motion should be denied because the record sufficiently alleged violations of both statutes. She said Simmons’ involvement in securing funding for EEC, her employment duties involving stakeholder and legislator connections, her donation of campaign surplus funds to AEG to help secure a job for someone she knew, her role in the AEG-EEC subcontract dispute, and her text messages referencing her official capacity all supported the allegations. A board member asked whether the allegations were sufficient to show a special benefit, and Eisenhower responded that the facts were enough at the summary judgment stage. After rebuttal by McKinney, the ALJ closed the hearing and the board went into deliberations; no ruling was announced during the transcript.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M.
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- it offers a secure mechanism for online<00:14:42.800>
renewals. - The vendor has looked at it and said the security of that system is not there.
- They're not getting the security updates because of that.
- threats. susceptible to security threats.
- They do have really high security because of some of the hearings that they hold.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, followed by the physical therapy board. The Pharmacy Board said it licenses pharmacists, technicians, students, and many facilities and supply-chain entities, including wholesalers, manufacturers, 3PLs, PBMs, and nonresident compounders. Its main requests were a 3% salary increase for specialized staff, about $118,000 for contract help to evaluate pharmacists with substance abuse or mental health issues under a recently passed public health bill, and additional IT spending authority for system upgrades and cloud migration. Members discussed the board’s role in protecting the public, vetting out-of-state facilities, and the need to keep sensitive data secure; no vote was taken.
The Chiropractic Examiners board described itself as a small, contract-staffed agency with about 700 active licenses and a database system that is no longer supported by Microsoft. It said it had requested about $173,000, but the legislative budget recommendation was $134,000, and it needs roughly $40,000 more to upgrade or rebuild the system, including security fixes and online renewal capability. Members focused on the cybersecurity risk of using unsupported software and the need to protect personal information; the board also noted that its licensing data does not include banking information because payments are handled through the state portal.
The Physical Therapy Board said it regulates physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, with 4,242 licenses and 252 complaints in the last fiscal year, and that demand for the profession continues to grow. Its requests included $6,000 in salary progression for long-serving staff, about $360 more in PDM salary authority, and roughly $38,610 for a one-time upgrade to its LMS licensing system, plus related cloud-migration costs. Senators noted the board’s strong reputation, discussed the burden of annual or biennial renewals, and supported the technology upgrade because the current system is no longer supported and could create liability risks if not addressed.