Video & Transcript Research : 'Department of Environmental Protection'
Page 134 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Academy, and as professor and non-resident scholar at Baylor University in the Department of Educational
- and Wyoming Departments of Education.
- that promote and protect students, and the impact of COVID-19 on their lives. enrollment for students
- And members, we also have Rachel Bowden here. as a resource from the Department of Insurance if needed
- It's a legacy of hard work, steward ship and generosity that should be respected and protected.
Bills:
SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59
Keywords:
accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (6-24-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the second area that was part of this was the Kentucky Department of Library and Archives has
- >
Department <00:13:33.200>of was um the Kentucky Department of was um the Kentucky Department - city governments that fund police departments, fire departments, quality of life, and other types of
- city governments that fund police departments, fire departments, quality of life, and other types of
- of life and and departments, quality of life and and other<01:04:37.039>
types <01:04:37.280><
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:11
Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42
Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48
Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09
Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33
Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer.
The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control.
Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.
LA
Keywords:
teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board, Louisiana teachers, Department of Education, statutory entities, re-creation, termination date
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so that's the simplicity of it. >> Any question by any members of the committee?
- Um, so that's the simplicity of it. >> Any question by any members of the committee?
- Department of Revenue [snorts] 4 hours of of of gohead. >> Any questions?
- Department of Revenue... 4 hours. Any questions?
- All right, we have a favorable report by... 4<00:19:36.880>
hours 4 hours 4 hours of of of gohead
Keywords:
body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, law enforcement, public disclosure, investigation, transparency, juveniles, nonviolent offenses, intervention program, juvenile detention, youth services, volunteer firefighters, cancer compensation, death benefits, line of duty, first responders, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Governor's Inauguration (01/05/2023)
Keywords:
NH House of Representatives Committee Streaming, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P2SebNSBew, 2026-07-02T03:39:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/calendars_journals/
0:00 House Session – Inauguration Day – January 5, 2023
9:23 Call the House to Order
9:25 Adjourn from Session of January 4, 2023
9:38 Leaves of Absence
11:20 Introduction of Guests
11:58 Resolution to form Joint Convention
16:51 Senate Message
17:19 Introduction of Senate and Senate President
18:45 Joint Convention called to Order
18:49 Report by Joint Committee
19:12 Introduction and Seating of Special Guests
28:27 Recess
40:56 Joint Convention called to Order
40:59 Introduction and Seating of Special Guests (Cont.)
42:35 Introduction of Governor Sununu and Mrs. Sununu
43:29 Invocation by Pastor Michael Worsley
48:22 Posting of Colors by New Hampshire National Guard
49:18 Pledge of Allegiance by Charlotte Cotti
49:46 National Anthem by Molly Dennehy
52:40 Administration of Oath to Governor Sununu
54:41 Administration of Oath to Executive Counselors
56:45 Inaugural Address by Governor Sununu
1:23:47 Benediction by Pastor Michael Worsley
1:28:25 Adjournment of Joint Convention
1:29:33 House called to Order
1:29:35 Adjourn from the Early Session
1:30:13 Recess to the Call of the Chair, 928, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-25-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- I am an assistant director with the Division of Protection and Permanency inside of DCBS.
- I am an assistant director with the Division of Protection and Permanency inside of DCBS.
- activities of daily living or protect activities of daily living or protect themselves<00:35:10.160
- the last piece is the may be in need of the last piece is the may be in need of protective<00:35
- division of protection and permanency. division of protection and permanency.
Keywords:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24
2. Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46
3. Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22
4. Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34
5. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41
6. Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties.
CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits.
The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- You involve millions of lines of code.
- <00:05:08.560>
how is a bit of a knowledge vacuum of how is a bit of a knowledge vacuum of - kind of find some of today and and helps kind of find some of those<00:09:45.839>
efficiencies - And, and I'll of the strength of COT.
- to consume all of those other pieces of to consume all of those other pieces of that<00:20:51.760
Keywords:
0:20 Rollcall
2:28 Definition of Legacy system and demands of modern workplaces
10:48 Discussion of funding and planned expenditures
22:26 Contingency funding
23:16 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard a presentation from the Commonwealth Office of Technology on legacy IT modernization funds and how they are used to address outdated, unsupported, or unsustainable systems. David Carter and Carrie Welch explained the state’s definition of a legacy system under KRS 7A.180, emphasizing not only vendor support issues but also changing business needs, regulatory compliance, and the loss of institutional knowledge for older systems. They described the office’s review process for determining whether a project qualifies, including assessing business risk, comparing options such as upgrades, replacements, shared solutions across agencies, or commercial products, and then matching the project to available funding.
The presenters said COT reports twice a year to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on progress with legacy modernization projects. They reported 30 projects funded to date, with 18 completed, and said remaining projects are still moving forward while agencies continue to identify modernization needs. They highlighted examples of completed work, including modernized security cameras, replacement of unsupported systems, migration of documents to the Commonwealth Enterprise Content Management Platform, restoration of vendor support, a digital policy acknowledgement portal, replacement of the State Police dispatch system, and digitization of paper records for faster retrieval and better disaster resilience.
Members asked for more detail on how the $10 million request would be allocated, including system-by-system spending, the split between software, hardware, vendor contracts, and staff time, and how the office determines when a system needs replacement. COT said it did not have a system-by-system or cost-category breakdown at the hearing but could provide one later, and explained that the funds are intended for development and first-time acquisition costs rather than ongoing maintenance. They also said the $5 million annual request was based on prior years’ experience and that agencies often contribute some funding themselves, so the program could still operate if appropriated less than the full amount. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (9-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, one of the reasons is that currently the Department of Housing Building Construction here in Kentucky
- of give you all the technical review of of give you all the technical review of how<00:06:28.720
- :31:14.640>
people projects a lot of home a lot of people projects a lot of home a lot of people - advantage of of a smaller size house. advantage of of a smaller size house.
- All of it. All of it. Every last year. All of it. All of it.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:03
Roll Call 00:00:08
Discussion of Indiana Residential Infrastructure Fund 00:01:27
Discussion of Affordable Housing Trust Fund 00:33:30
Discussion of Urban Infill 01:12:37
Approval of Minutes from July Meeting 01:39:00
Adjournment 01:39:42, 958, all
Summary:
The Housing Task Force heard a presentation from Anita Sanford of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky and Sheri Cybert of Indiana’s Residential Infrastructure Fund about Indiana’s low-interest loan program for local housing infrastructure. They described the program as a voluntary, locally driven model that helps communities finance roads, sewers, sidewalks, traffic lights, turning lanes, and other infrastructure needed for new housing development. Sanford emphasized that infrastructure and regulation are major drivers of housing costs, citing estimates that infrastructure can account for up to 30% of a home’s cost and regulations another 25%, and said the association is studying Kentucky-specific regulatory costs. She also noted that every $1,000 added to new home construction can price out about 2,000 Kentucky households.
Cybert explained that Indiana’s program, administered through the Indiana Finance Authority, began in 2023 with $75 million appropriated over two years and has since closed 17 loans totaling $60.7 million, with more than 2,700 projected housing units. The program reserves 70% of funds for rural communities and 30% for urban communities, requires applications from local governments rather than developers, and asks communities to show need through a market study, describe the infrastructure and housing to be built, and provide preliminary engineering plans and a repayment source. She said the loans currently carry an interest rate around 3.5%, reset quarterly, and that the program has generated about $25 million in savings to communities compared with private borrowing. She also described recent Indiana legislative changes that encourage higher density and other zoning reforms, and said a majority of those local ordinance changes must be adopted for an application to be fundable.
Members asked about the ordinance requirements, the funding split between rural and urban areas, repayment mechanisms, and whether there were caps on project size. Cybert said repayment is worked out case by case, often through existing or project-specific TIFs, temporary tax agreements, or letters of credit, and that the program has no cap on request size or income/affordability restrictions. She said the largest request funded was $19 million for a 700-unit project. Co-chair Mills and others discussed whether Kentucky could adopt a similar model and what it would cost, while Sanford and Cybert said they were still refining budget estimates. Later, Scott Welch, president of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky, testified that upfront infrastructure costs are a major barrier in his projects, citing a $1 million pump station and road-widening and utility relocation costs as examples, and said an infrastructure fund would help get projects off the ground.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- whom of whom only utilize segments five and six of S.
- of good services and people.
- I am the mayor of Lago Vista. I'm here to testify in strong support of HB 3643.
- In November of 22, 2022.
- Simply put, log of...
Keywords:
high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- a clarification regarding the requirements for loans and grants with the Texas Department of Transportation
- Subsection B-3 states that when the Texas Department of Transportation approves the loan or grant, the
- This bill would increase general revenue funding for the Texas Department of Transportation's Strategy
- The Texas Department of Transportation approves the loan or grant.
- This bill would increase general revenue funding for the Texas Department of Transportation's Strategy
Keywords:
high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- out-of-network services, but they are required to notify the department when they obtain that.
- We think that will protect the best interest of kids, but also protect parents' rights when those...
- HMR, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
- Currently parents who are investigated by the Department of Family and Protective Services are placed
- And, you know, I think death's... do occur, and also suffering, and so I think the cost of... of protecting
Bills:
HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The case may be closed by the Department of Family and Protective Services or the investigation may continue
- put protections in place to protect the rights of the innocent?
- Well, even in the parts that are not under It says the department shall forward a copy of the, so much
- Okay, so right here it says the department shall on recipient receipt of a report suspected abuse or
- And so do you see this bill as providing an extra level of protection?
Bills:
HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, Senate Bill 1019 requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental
- Chair and members, Senate Bill 1019 requires the Director of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
- or the ADEQ to prescribe rules that prohibit any person, The Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental
- And I urge all of you to pass this bill and move it forward to protect the public health of Arizona.
- and i urge all of you to pass this bill and move it forward to protect the public health of arizona's
Bills:
HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006
Keywords:
budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The medal is presented by the United States Department of the Navy.
- under the Department of the Navy.
- He promised my daughter when he left that he was going to protect the rest of us, rights that many women
- Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill, and the National Cemetery System.
- The program, unlike programs operated by the Department of Housing or by Texas State Affordable Housing
Keywords:
Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of them?
- I'm mayor of the city of Coppell.
- this. made the comment that a lot of, and this is for the city of Capelle, that a lot of this. of the
- of things.
- Like environmental impact, and that the tax revenue should go in. in there to support that part of the
Keywords:
sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When someone is of protecting them.
- I respectfully ask for a vote to sustain the veto. protection, and the people of Kentucky protection,
- the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, cabinets, departments, boards
- of competence would anyone in the<01:59:02.960>
Department <01:59:03.199>of <01:59:03.360 - of Agriculture have to do the Department of Agriculture have to do with<01:59:04.880>
running
Bills:
SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75
Keywords:
legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It actually allows the Secretary of the State Board of Elections to use the existing stockpile of cards
- Secretary of the State Election Board, you are recognized.
- Is this a request bill from the state board of elections?
- Representative, what is the purpose of the bill?
- What is the purpose of adding a 10-day protest period?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. (3-16-26)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iogvjV91QvU, 2026-06-21T07:17:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:15 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:30 - Approval of Minutes
02:00 - Legislative Proposals
02:18 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 24
03:48 - Dicussion of 26RS HB 169
05:54 - Discussion of 26RS HB 176
09:27 - Discussion of 26RS SB 345
16:53 - Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to protect the original intent of this program.
- We want to protect the original intent of this program.
- We want to protect the original intent of this program.
- We want to protect the original intent of this program.
- We want to protect the original intent of this program.
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785
00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785
00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61
00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61
00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788
00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14
01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685
01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language.
Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions.
Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , one from the Attorney General's office or designee, one representative from the Department of Corrections
- of uh the<00:04:49.479>
Department <00:04:49.800>of <00:04:49.960>Corrections <00 - :04:50.880>
got <00:04:51.000>a the Department of Corrections got a the Department of Corrections - of justice.
- c><00:15:21.639>
administration of the last minute of administration of the last minute of administration
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum, recognized a student page from Covington Catholic High School, and then took up House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway. The resolution would create a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Act task force to study restoration of civil and voting rights for people who have served their sentences and shown rehabilitation. Callaway said the task force would include legislators and representatives from state offices and advocacy groups, and she noted the issue should receive serious attention as part of civic participation and reentry.
Members asked about differences between the House resolution and a similar Senate measure. Callaway explained that her version was more specific about membership and included state agency representatives and advocacy organizations. Representative Blacket said he preferred the House version and noted expungement had also been discussed. Representative Marzian said she would vote no, arguing the Secretary of State already handles election integrity and that the proposal was unnecessary and costly. Representative Roberts supported the resolution, saying the current process for restoring voting rights can be expensive and lengthy. The resolution passed with favorable consideration.
The committee then heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Bill 126 from Senator Chris McDaniel, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power. McDaniel argued the power has been abused and said the amendment would not eliminate pardons, but would restrict them to the 60 days before an election and the period between the gubernatorial election and inauguration so voters could weigh in. He cited high-profile pardons and commutations as examples and said the measure had previously been supported by law enforcement groups. Representative Lockard and another member expressed support, saying pardon power can be undemocratic and that the timing of mass pardons after elections is troubling. McDaniel said the 60-day window was chosen as a practical period for information to reach voters. No vote was taken on the bill, and the meeting adjourned after a visiting district judge was recognized.