Transcript Highlights:

• They do it by appointment only.
• They do it by appointment only.
• They do it by appointment only.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with equal bipartisan representation from both chambers, the Commissioner of Revenue, as well as appointments
• Commissioner of Revenue, as<00:01:48.800> well<00:01:49.040> as<00:01:49.240> appointments
• <00:01:49.680> from<00:01:49.840> local as well as appointments from local as well
• as appointments from local government<00:01:50.720> associations.
• One week at an appointment after hearing Elsa's heartbeat, Dr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The point of the program is to ensure that people are able to get to their appointments when they have
• So if the only way to get to your appointment is through an Uber, because you don't have anybody to drive
• you to your appointment, then that's what the program is for.
• We want to congratulate you on the appointment from Governor Abbott.
• Citizens who once waited weeks for an appointment completed the process online in minutes.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee: the representative from the Council of Presidents to represent the four-year institutions appointed
• committee: the representative from the Council of Presidents to represent the four-year institutions appointed
• committee: the representative from the Council of Presidents to represent the four-year institutions appointed
• the initial bonus funding to institutions of higher education under the CHEER Act. institutions appointed
• by the council. institutions appointed by the council. the<00:36:35.040> executive<00:36:35.359

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker shall appoint a chairman of the select committee.
• by the speaker and must appointed by the speaker and must include<00:37:32.320> at<00:37:32.320
• The speaker shall appoint<00:37:36.160> a<00:37:36.400> chairman<00:37:36.800> of
• ><00:37:37.040> the<00:37:37.280> select appoint a chairman of the select appoint a chairman
• He had to be excused to a doctor's appointment. So, Chief Clerk, call the roll.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:06.480> by public employees who are appointed by public employees who are appointed
• Public employees in these appointed positions are experts generally.
• He said you have to make an appointment, plan ahead, and get somebody to drive you.
• The response was that the moderator for that election can appoint people to step in and serve in that
• The only way he gets away with that is because he's appointed by an executive body.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Topics such as panel membership and appointment, meeting requirements, and reporting requirements.
• The panel member appointed by the Secretary of State serves as the chair of the panel.
• The panel member appointed by the Secretary of State serves as the chair of the panel.
• Given that the members are appointed for their expertise, LOIC staff agree that it is reasonable for
• the members are appointed for their expertise,<00:30:02.240> LOIC<00:30:02.960> staff<

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, created by President Pasadomo, and she appointed
• Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, created by President Pasadomo, and she appointed
• In the Justice Administration, the budget includes $5.1 million to enhance fee rates for court-appointed
• The CIO is appointed through the cabinet, by the cabinet, and it is a standalone agency. Thank you.
• If any of you are looking to make an appointment with me, you won't be able to this afternoon because

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they appointed?
• c><00:39:16.359> they by dnrc are they elected are they by dnrc are they elected are they appointed
• how do they get on to that appointed how do they get on to that committee<00:39:20.119> uh<00
• They’re appointed by different stakeholders.
• <00:39:54.119> on<00:39:55.240> stat<00:39:56.240> yeah appointed on stat yeah appointed

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is a foreign-flag vessel, it must have a state-appointed pilot. If it's a U.S.
• currently in place to eliminate a monopoly which exists that says only pilots in District 3 can be appointed
• It doesn't usurp the power of the District 3 pilot commissioner to then appoint people to, in fact, be
• Marine Fisheries, which affects the North River because that's where the heron come up, so I was appointed
• The Commission is made up of appointed representatives from the six towns that fall within the North

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House refuse to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment, and that a committee of conference be appointed
• Pursuant to your action, the chair appoints the following members to serve on the part of the House:
• 01:02:26.120> chair Pursuant to your action, the chair Pursuant to your action, the chair appoints
• c> following<01:02:27.480> members<01:02:27.960> to<01:02:28.120> serve appoints
• the following members to serve appoints the following members to serve on<01:02:28.680> the<01

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first passed H.953, an act approving an amendment to the charter of the town of Panton, on third reading by voice vote. It then took up S.325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, where a Lowell member offered an amendment to redefine conserved land for purposes of the conserved land inventory and Vermont’s conservation goals. The Speaker ruled that amendment not germane, and the House sustained that ruling. A separate Williamstown amendment to expand interim housing exemptions was then debated; supporters said it would help housing growth in already developed areas, including rural towns, while opponents from the Environment Committee and Ways and Means said it remained unfavorable and could affect towns that rely on Act 250 review. The House rejected that amendment by voice vote. A Barre City member then offered a wetlands amendment to limit Class 2 wetland buffers in targeted housing areas, arguing it would support housing in designated growth areas while still protecting most wetlands; after discussion, the member withdrew the amendment. The House then passed S.325 in concurrence with proposal of amendment by voice vote. The House next postponed action on S.208, relating to standards for law enforcement identification, for two legislative days. It then considered S.209, prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations. The Judiciary Committee explained that the bill expands existing civil-arrest protections beyond court proceedings to include schools, government buildings, DMV offices, libraries, polling places, social service sites, places of worship, camps, and health care facilities, while preserving exceptions for judicial warrants, court orders, contempt, and court security. The committee also described changes to remedies and definitions, including exclusions for temporary custody during a mental health crisis. Testimony cited included representatives from medical, immigrant justice, legal, library, municipal, faith, education, and civil rights groups; the bill was reported favorably by Judiciary on a 6-5 vote. A Bennington member offered an amendment to S.209 that would remove the governor’s statutory exemption to authorize 287(g) agreements, arguing such agreements can undermine due process, public safety, and trust in law enforcement. The Judiciary Committee had already found the amendment not germane, and the member withdrew it. Debate then continued on the committee-recommended bill, with a Sheldon member speaking from a law-enforcement perspective to argue Vermont already does not conduct civil immigration arrests and warning the bill could create confusion and liability for officers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before final action on S.209 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker hereby appoints Representative Dolan.
• the governor might have a difference of opinion with you on consent when he's trying to get his appointments
• the governor might have a difference of opinion with you on consent when he's trying to get his appointments
• You on consent when he's trying to get his appointments approved over in the Senate, and whether that
• Is there a law that says that the Senate has no right to deny an appointment?

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 58th day by roll call vote, 123-1. Members also introduced a number of special guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and a police chief, before moving to third reading and perfection of bills. House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, was debated at length. Supporters said it would end the twice-yearly clock changes and argued it could benefit children, productivity, and quality of life. Opponents warned it would create darker morning commutes, safety concerns, and health issues tied to circadian rhythms. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 107-31 with two present. The chamber then perfected and printed House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which clarifies that SALT/pass-through entity provisions are deductions rather than tax credits for Department of Revenue processing. Both bills were described as cleanup and efficiency measures, with supporters emphasizing accountability and reduced manual work at DOR; both moved forward without opposition in committee and were approved on the floor. Finally, House Bill 2426, a parental rights bill, drew extensive debate and an amendment. The bill would elevate parents’ rights in education, medical, privacy, and related decisions to a fundamental-rights standard and add provisions on school records, recordings, evaluations, and certain health-care decisions. Critics argued it was overly broad, could interfere with school operations and existing protections, and might create problems in areas such as IEPs, truancy, and medical consent; supporters said it simply codified and strengthened parental authority. House Amendment 1, focused on IEP procedures and requiring parental consent for major changes, was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate on the underlying bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Meyer has served not one, but two terms as a state senator, each time answering the call to be appointed
• public interested in improving the relationship may be involved, and legislative members are to be appointed
• The commission members are to serve two-year terms, with appointments continuing in the same manner as
• the original appointment.
• The transcript is garbled, but it appears to discuss service terms and appointment procedures for the

Bills: LB764, LB815A, LB839, LB888, LB955, LB972A, LB1029, LB1087, LB1091, LB1126A, LB1181A, LB1237A, LB1261A, LB304A, LB762, LB889, LB929, LB966, LB1022, LB1187, LR508

Keywords: law enforcement, correctional services, Department of Correctional Services, corrections officers, state prison employees, peace officer, certification, police standards, training academy, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council, criminal justice, correctional staff, conditional officer, law enforcement authority, public safety, LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill

Transcript Highlights:

• believed to be a U.S. citizen from Eden Prairie, was followed and harassed on her way to a prenatal appointment
• believed to be a U.S. citizen from Eden Prairie, was followed and harassed on her way to a prenatal appointment
• ><00:09:50.560> to<00:09:50.720> a<00:09:50.880> prenatal<00:09:51.440> appointment
• <00:09:52.640> In on her way to a prenatal appointment.
• In on her way to a prenatal appointment.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a multi-state press event and hearing focused on alleged federal immigration enforcement abuses in Minnesota and other states. Minnesota lawmakers and invited legislators from Montana, Illinois, North Dakota, Tennessee, and elsewhere described ICE and Border Patrol activity as warrantless, masked, and violent, citing detentions of residents and U.S. citizens, school lockdowns, hospital disruptions, chemical munitions, and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Brady. Speakers said the actions were terrorizing immigrant communities, communities of color, Native Americans, and families, and argued that the federal government was using Minnesota as a testing ground for broader authoritarian overreach. Several lawmakers tied the situation to constitutional and civil-rights concerns, saying the conduct violated protections related to due process, free speech, and equal treatment. They urged state and federal officials to resist cooperation with ICE, protect schools, hospitals, churches, and courthouses as safe spaces, and support sanctuary policies. One speaker said Minnesota had never before needed a select committee on federal impacts, but that the current situation justified it; another said a coalition of 27 states was coordinating 85 bills to require coordination with local law enforcement, increase transparency, protect against warrantless arrests and racial profiling, and impose consequences for federal misconduct. During the press question period, lawmakers from North Dakota and Tennessee said similar enforcement activity was spreading beyond Minnesota, including reported abductions in Fargo and a large federal presence in Memphis that had led to deportations and business closures. Illinois lawmakers said their state had already passed sanctuary laws and would continue pushing back. The event ended with calls for continued organizing, state-level legislation, and collective resistance to federal immigration enforcement practices described by speakers as unlawful and abusive.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I was honored to recently be appointed to the United States uh National Coal Council by Secretary
• Uh I was honored to recently be appointed<00:04:50.639> to<00:04:50.800> the<00:04:51.120
• > United<00:04:51.440> States<00:04:51.919> uh appointed to the United States uh
• appointed to the United States uh National<00:04:52.479> Coal<00:04:52.800> Council<00
• just wanted to, um, actually to Rob or to Director Kger, sorry, um, to congratulate him on his appointment

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The board's membership is appointed by the governor and it's made up of a cross-section of industry stakeholders
• I'm Director of Regulatory Affairs for Centerpoint Enterprise. and have recently been appointed by the
• They only work by appointment.
• Congratulations to Chairman Gertie's appointment of. of the spearhead of this effort, and I appreciate
• I have also been involved with this issue since its inception due to to my father being appointed by

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was also recently appointed to the county's Behavioral Health Leadership Committee.
• the beginning of the bill has a lot to do with how the person who will be in that position will be appointed
• The person shall be appointed by the governor, but it will be at the advice of the Senate, and there
• We could not be more thrilled to have attracted her to this and to have the governor appoint her to this
• There's a program support specialist who's following up with that family: "Did you get the appointment

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move that the Senate appoint a committee to notify the Senate. Thank you. Mr.
• Chair, I move that the Senate appoint a committee to notify the House of Representatives that the Senate
• Senators, call back to order of business on the President's appointment by the President and appointed
• I'm appointing Senator Carroll to temporarily replace Senator Kavanagh as vice chairman of the Committee
• This week, 1364, tender clerks, and appointment of aliens.

Summary: The Senate met, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then handled a series of messages and floor actions. The chamber transmitted a large group of Senate bills to the governor and Senate Concurrent Memorial 1004 to the Secretary of State. It also received House requests to return Senate Bills 1175 and 1198 for reconsideration, which were granted without objection. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House concurrent resolutions. On H.C.R. 2001, a constitutional referral on election requirements, senators debated a Judiciary Committee amendment and a Hoffman floor amendment that would require voter ID, allow election-day tabulation of early ballots at polling places, and require legislative funding for implementation. Supporters said the measure would improve election security, voter confidence, and speed up results; opponents argued it was vague, could undermine mail voting, and lacked clear implementation details. The amendment was adopted, and after further debate the Committee of the Whole gave H.C.R. 2001 a do-pass recommendation by a 15-12 vote. Later, on third reading, the full Senate passed H.C.R. 2001 by a 16-12 vote and transmitted it to the House. The chamber also considered H.C.R. 2003, a referral on student athletics and biological sex. Senator Ortiz offered a floor amendment to replace the blanket ban approach with rules based on athletic ability and inclusion; supporters said it would preserve fairness while avoiding discrimination, while opponents said it would gut the measure and weaken protections for girls’ sports. The Ortiz amendment failed 11-16, and H.C.R. 2003 then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole and later passed third reading. H.C.R. 2044, a referral on prohibiting preferential treatment and discrimination, also received a do-pass recommendation without recorded controversy. The Senate then adjourned after completing the remaining procedural motions and votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:07.120> going<00:32:07.200> to<00:32:07.279> be<00:32:07.360> appointed
• the OIG isn't going to be appointed the OIG isn't going to be appointed until<00:32:08.159> next
• piece uh would could start in about two years from now essentially because the OIG isn't going to be appointed
• would become the inspector general, the disclosure is primarily around political affiliations, appointments
• ,<01:09:10.159> campaign affiliations, appointments, campaign affiliations, appointments,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So in your report, you talk about the need for an appointed independent oversight monitor.
• My concern is your report: you suggest that an independent oversight monitor is appointed.
• Who do you think should make that appointment?
• So, they're all appointed by the executive branch, reporting to the executive branch.
• So, they're all appointed by the executive branch, reporting to the executive branch.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Judge Tim O’Malley, Minnesota’s director of program integrity, presented a roadmap to program integrity and fraud prevention built around nine areas for improvement, including leadership and culture, stronger program controls, better coordination among agencies and prosecutors, training, technology modernization, independent oversight, stakeholder engagement, and expanded resources. He said long-standing vulnerabilities in state programs have been exploited by organized criminals, and argued the state must shift from reactive enforcement to front-end prevention, faster detection, and recovery of improper payments. He emphasized that modern data sharing and analytics are especially urgent, and said oversight and accountability are essential for lasting change. Fay Bernstein, a long-time DHS employee, testified that she experienced retaliation after raising contract compliance concerns years ago. She said she was removed from the building, barred from DHS property, investigated for months, and accused of racism and threatening leadership, which she denied. Bernstein argued DHS leadership lacks a fraud-prevention mindset and said the department’s culture punishes employees who speak up, while serious program failures have harmed vulnerable Minnesotans. She called for major leadership changes and firings at DHS. Members questioned O’Malley about whether fraud was driven more by sophisticated criminals or by weaknesses in state systems. He said the vulnerabilities have existed for a long time and organized criminal groups are taking advantage of them, especially where data sharing is weak. Members also pressed him on whistleblower protections and retaliation; O’Malley said he should have included the legislature among places employees can report concerns, and said complaints should be thoroughly investigated with accurate information and appropriate consequences for supervisors who fail to act, ranging from coaching to termination depending on the case. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the meeting.