Video & Transcript Research : 'degree programs'

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Education Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • My son just graduated with a degree in civil engineering from there. civil engineering degree from there
  • . 21st Century is the largest federal program...
  • Program that funds after-school programs, and they have a lot of data on the outcomes that out-of-school
  • My concern is that some programs might be designated...
  • we fund out-of-school time programs through this bill.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does seem very strange that a person's familiarity with a weird program would dictate the degree of
  • It does seem very strange that a person's familiarity with a weird program would dictate the degree of
  • It does seem very strange that a person's familiarity with a weird program would dictate the degree of
  • It does seem very strange that a person's familiarity with a weird program would dictate the degree of
  • It does seem very strange that a person's familiarity with a weird program would dictate the degree of
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have established programs and tariffs to allow that.
  • We have established programs and tariffs to allow that. established programs and tariffs to allow that
  • Along with that tariff, we proposed in 2020 the community microgrid enablement program.
  • And so there's additionally the microgrid incentive program.
  • We're very excited and engaged in that program.
Summary: The Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure held a hearing focused on emerging technologies for climate resilience and infrastructure. The first panel discussed the Calistoga Resiliency Center, a utility-driven microgrid that keeps the city powered during public safety power shutoffs using hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and liquid hydrogen storage. PG&E described microgrids as a resilience tool but emphasized that cost remains the main barrier to wider deployment. Energy Vault explained the project’s design, its ability to provide at least 48 hours of backup power on a small parcel of land, and its use of green hydrogen and battery storage to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. A Calistoga councilmember and NCPA representative also discussed the Lodi Energy Center hydrogen project, saying it could help decarbonize power generation and transportation, but that federal and state funding changes, tax credit timing, and other policy shifts have made the project difficult to advance. The Green Hydrogen Coalition supported the Calistoga model as a blueprint and urged policy changes to create demand and reduce barriers for renewable hydrogen, including addressing behind-the-meter rules and recognizing hydrogen in state energy planning. The second panel focused on water resilience and desalination, with the California Desal Association and Oneka Technologies discussing wave-powered desalination for the City of Fort Bragg. Cal Desal said California’s changing hydrology, reduced snowpack, and drought conditions make local water supply options increasingly important, but noted that conventional desalination is expensive and slow to permit. Oneka described its offshore, wave-powered system as a zero-electricity desalination technology that produces drinking water without greenhouse gas emissions and with limited land use, and said the Fort Bragg pilot is intended to demonstrate the technology under California conditions. The company and Cal Desal both stressed that permitting is a major obstacle, with the project requiring multiple agencies and a timeline far longer than in other jurisdictions. They also said the technology’s autonomous operation could improve water resilience because it does not depend on the electrical grid. The final panel featured the Climate Foundation’s marine permaculture proposal, which aims to restore kelp forests and support carbon removal and coastal food systems. The presenter said warming oceans and nutrient loss have devastated kelp forests along the California coast and argued that offshore platforms that raise and lower seaweed to access nutrients and sunlight could help regenerate ecosystems while producing food, feed, fertilizer, and carbon benefits. He said the technology has shown strong growth rates and storm resilience in other regions, but that California permitting remains a major hurdle, involving 17 state and federal agencies. He proposed a streamlined, code-based permitting approach for smaller projects and said the group is seeking matching funds to complete a first California pilot. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly highlighted the tension between innovation and the high cost, complexity, and length of California’s permitting and funding processes.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we're really proud of those programs.
  • These programs are really important, and we're very proud of how we've set up these programs and how
  • utilities that have decoupling programs utilities that have decoupling programs where<01:00:02.240
  • So, that's have those type of programs.
  • assistant programs. assistant programs.
Summary: The committee approved the March 5, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3458, as amended, which would exempt tribes from utility exclusive rights and assigned service areas. The bill’s author and the Upper Sioux community chairman said the measure was prompted by a dispute over a solar project at the tribal casino and argued the issue is really about tribal sovereignty, not solar, citing tribal civil regulatory authority and prior court cases. The amendment A1 was adopted before testimony. Testimony was split. Chairman Kevin Jensel of the Upper Sioux community strongly supported the bill, saying the tribe should not be forced to follow utility service territories and that the state should correct a long-standing omission in law. Derek Mo of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association opposed the bill, warning it would undermine the regulatory compact, reliability, long-term planning, and financing for electric service, especially in tribal areas. Justin Johns of East Central Energy also opposed the bill, but emphasized that many cooperatives have productive tribal partnerships and said his co-op has worked successfully with the Mille Lacs Band on solar, resilience, and workforce efforts; he cautioned that removing service obligations could leave difficult-to-serve areas underinvested. Members discussed whether the Public Utilities Commission process already underway should be allowed to resolve the dispute and whether the bill’s scope could extend beyond the current solar issue. The chair responded that the bill was a legislative approach to a problem that had not been resolved and said the amendment addressed concerns about removing the obligation to serve. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted to re-refer House File 3458, as amended, to the General Register.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • that those programs can't?
  • What are the accomplishments of this program that those programs can't?
  • It is not strictly a professional development program.
  • We are the first program that incentivized... It happens to varying degrees.
  • and accounting of its resources, separate and apart from other programs within our agency.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 6, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The reach of CTE programs is vast.
  • It would, in my view, scrap key programs for high school students looking to get their college degree
  • It would, in my view, scrap key programs for high school students looking to get their college degree
  • It would, in my view, scrap key programs for high school students looking to get their college degree
  • It would, in my view, scrap key programs for high school students looking to get their college degree
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • on the program on the program um<00:43:27.920> so<00:43:28.119> it<00:43:28.240>
  • English interpreting program English interpreting program many<02:42:20.080> of<02:42:20.200
  • <02:48:28.640> or Education so what does this program or Education so what does this program
  • <03:39:22.239> would involved in the current program would involved in the current program
  • The program is a service delivery program, so none of us can figure out why that would be under the OPLC
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Agriculture and Water Management Committee Mar 31st, 2026 at 09:30 am

Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Moving on into the low-carbon fuels program. Thank you.
  • Moving on into the low-carbon fuels program.
  • The cost share program runs under me.
  • The year... and grass programs.
  • To some degree, reduce the value of your farmland.
Keywords: 908, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • that those programs can't?
  • It is not strictly a professional development program.
  • We are the first program that incentivized... ...it happens to varying degrees.
  • and accounting of its resources, separate from other programs within our agency.
  • Reallocation within the program to get it done faster—we have that authority, that's all.
Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on several GovOps-related budget proposals, beginning with ongoing funding for the California Education Learning Lab. The Learning Lab described its intersegmental grants to UC, CSU, and community college faculty, including AI-related work and a math alignment project, and said the Governor’s proposal would move the program’s home agency to GovOps and restore $4 million annually. The Department of Finance supported the proposal as a way to improve coordination, while the LAO recommended rejecting it, arguing the projects are hard to scale, similar professional development already exists in the segments, and the state should consider saving General Fund dollars. Senators split on the value of the program, with some emphasizing innovation and intersegmental collaboration and others questioning its measurable long-term impact; the item was held open. The committee then reviewed the Office of Civil Rights proposal to implement AB 715 and SB 48 with $3.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.8 million ongoing. GovOps said the office had been set up administratively, positions were being recruited, and it would provide training, technical assistance, and complaint review related to anti-Semitism and other discrimination in TK-12 schools. The LAO had no concerns, but senators raised substantial questions about the office’s placement in GovOps, the lack of guidance while the laws are being implemented, the use of gubernatorial appointees, and whether the staffing structure matches the likely workload across different discrimination categories. GovOps said it would develop guidance, coordinate with CDE, and shift resources as needed once staff are hired, but several members said they were not prepared to support the item as presented; it was also held open. After public comment supporting the California Education Interagency Council, the subcommittee approved vote-only items 11 through 17 and 6 through 10. It then heard from the Office of Data and Innovation on a request for five positions and $1.25 million in reimbursement authority to expand digital service delivery work. ODI described projects such as reducing unauthorized EBT theft and forecasting community water system outages, and said it uses guardrails and contracts to protect sensitive data when working with vendor AI services. The LAO had no concerns, and members generally praised ODI’s small, high-impact role; the item was held open. Finally, the Department of Technology presented on the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, reporting that 423 miles are complete, more than 70% of the network has been permitted, and about 5,300 miles are expected to be completed by December 2026, with some work potentially slipping into 2027. CDT said Skyline Technology Solutions had been selected to operate the network and that the third-party administrator, Golden State Net, would continue to support development and later help oversee operations and sales. The LAO noted the project’s progress but raised concerns about the novel three-party structure, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability. Senators questioned the legal basis for the operator arrangement, the revenue outlook, reporting to the Legislature, and whether the network will be self-sustaining; CDT said it expects revenues to cover operations over time and will continue annual and quarterly reporting. The item was left open.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/19/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ... ...and Equine Center, Red Mountain, for high school, and completed her Bachelor of Science degree
  • She returned to Arizona for her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of Medicine here
  • We now have the Ag to Urban program. Homes are being built.
  • It is also the case that since that Harquahala legislation was passed, we have the ADWR program.
  • We have the Ag-to-Urban program. There are exceptions to the moratorium.
Keywords: 1182, all
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the Senate portion of the program.
  • Hopefully they will be at your desk before we get to that portion of the program.
  • Chair: But right now it is your portion of the program to explain the bill. You're recognized.
  • Assata Shakur was a member of the Black Panther Party who was convicted of first-degree murder in the
  • So her original idea was to establish a Students and Survivor Grant program for students in school to
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Nominations May 19th, 2025

Nominations

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it is distorting the market to some degree. Would you agree? I do.
  • We do have two good policy programs moving forward this session with regard to dispatchable energy as
  • We do have two good policy programs moving forward this session with regard to dispatchable energy as
  • To some degree, that's where you are, where Courtney is in the management of PUC.
  • To some degree, that's where you are, where Courtney is in the management of PUC.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs. Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers. The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I’m just really surprised at this bill, at the degree of precision about surveys, Apple Watches, we want
  • misdemeanor if the dog has previously been declared dangerous; a second-degree misdemeanor if the dog
  • The first-degree misdemeanor, if the dog has previously been declared dangerous, is where we're at.
  • This trespass will now be classified as a third-degree felony.
  • We need to take the next steps to encourage community awareness programs and ensure our children are
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 4th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the, just so I'm clear, the program will mirror for animals what our PA program has for humans, correct
  • The prerequisites to enter the master's degree program are almost identical to those required for veterinary
  • The master's degree itself delivers more training in dental surgery than the veterinary program does
  • , the critical designation program.
  • , the critical designation program.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS/SB 796, which would create Veterinary Professional Associates as a new supervised veterinary role, expand telehealth prescription timeframes, and set training and scope limits. Supporters said it would improve access to care, lower costs, and create a career path, while opponents argued the proposal lacked a clear regulatory framework, could create liability and federal-law conflicts, and would not address the real shortage in rural large-animal practice. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Members also heard and favorably reported SB 1682 on local authority over derelict and abandoned vessels, CS/SB 1028 on a commercial Citizens clearinghouse for property insurance, SB 394 on exempting certain reinsurance underwriting managers from licensing, SB 636 on beach management and erosion designations, CS/SB 546 on public notice for conservation land sales or exchanges, CS/SB 302 on Biscayne Bay nature-based solutions and related coastal resiliency provisions, SB 1050 on pharmacy choice for pet medications, and SB 774 extending workers’ compensation benefits to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental and nervous injuries. Testimony on these bills generally focused on access, regulatory clarity, environmental protection, or workforce support, with some concerns raised on insurance consumer protections and beach-management language. Senator Harrell’s bills were also taken up and reported favorably: CS/SB 480, a major overhaul of state IT governance creating DIGIT and new procurement, reporting, and workforce structures; CS/SB 1230, restricting PFAS-containing firefighting foam and adding testing, inventory, and disposal requirements; and CS/SB 1288, a naming bill designating the Andrew Red Harris Shoal and requiring markers. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 1066 regarding restoration of the Oklawaha/Rodman system, with supporters emphasizing ecological restoration, flood-risk reduction, and economic benefits, and opponents warning about local impacts, water quality, and the loss of a world-class fishery. The transcript ends during testimony on that bill, before final action is shown.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, Roswell is home to a high-performing early childhood program.
  • We have a 4-wide program embedded in our elementary schools as well.
  • Uh, currently we have 311 students enrolled in that program.
  • In my building we have a very robust grads program.
  • Um, I see a, a nice little SEL program in your future.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Fresno Center grew to operate 14 Under his leadership, the Fresno Center grew to operate 14 programs
  • this school district was one of the first in the state to provide wellness, mental health wellness programs
  • Leadership Torrance is a great program where they send a delegation from the Los Angeles South Bay, sponsored
  • In 1979, he earned a master's degree in biochemistry from St. Peter's College.
  • He earned a master's degree in biochemistry from St.
Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then made a series of guest introductions recognizing Vaisakhi celebrations, nonprofit leaders from San Joaquin County, immigrant and refugee advocate Liu Yang, students from Somerdale Elementary School, Trustee Sylvia Leong, and a Leadership Torrance delegation. The chamber also took up several procedural motions, including a successful motion to withdraw SB 100 from Budget Committee and send it to the second reading file, and unanimous consent to re-refer several Assembly bills to different committees. On the floor, members considered a number of bills and resolutions. AB 238 on wildfire relief, providing up to a year of mortgage forbearance for fire-impacted homeowners, passed with urgency. AB 373 on client-directed representation for non-minor dependents in foster care passed unanimously, as did AB 287 requiring accessible parking for curbside voting at vote centers. AB 628, requiring new residential leases to include a working refrigerator and stove, passed 49-8. ACR 15 designating April 15 as California Propane Day was adopted by voice vote after adding 55 co-authors. AB 483, requiring disclosure and limiting fees for early termination in fixed-term installment contracts, passed 43-11. AB 234, an urgency bill allowing the Assembly Speaker and Senate Pro Tem or their designees to sit on the Fair Plan governing committee, passed 60-0. The Assembly also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including for Gustavo Camacho Lopez, retired firefighter William Brett Potter, and Rob Ashley. The day concluded with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session schedule, followed by adjournment until April 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. A later vote change noted Assembly Member McKinnor changed her vote on AB 483 from aye to not voting.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • accreditation things are used by different industries to find qualified candidates are looking for some degree
  • Of these degrees more so than just having it, but how widely will they be able to apply it?
  • I obviously want the degrees that are earned here in the state of Oklahoma to be nationally recognized
  • I said in a workshop at Alec and sat under the the The speaker and kind of fell in love with the program
  • propagated, and so I'm assuming that would not happen because we are truly trying to push Oklahoma programs
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 5/15/26 - Part 2

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, this is not the entire program that you may have heard about before, but it does kick off the program
  • So, this is not the entire program that you may have heard about before, but it does kick off the program
  • So, this is not the entire program that you may have heard about before, but it does kick off the program
  • So, this is not the entire program that you may have heard about before, but it does kick off the program
  • <00:15:44.399> Minnesota medical cannabis program in Minnesota medical cannabis program in
Keywords: 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • In addition, we need staff to run the program.
  • And this program could probably be best compared to the Hela MOA program in the Department of Labor.
  • Helmo is an internship program and of Helmo is an internship program and of course<00:09:36.160> that's
  • So that would be judiciary, DOE, and the counties. program. We do ask for an amendment to program.
  • Um program for Hawaii for many years.
Keywords: 910, house, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • He holds an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College, a law degree from Boston College Law School
  • He holds an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College, a law degree from Boston College Law School
  • She is one of the leading experts in the area of legislative auditing programs.
  • She is one of the leading experts in the area of legislative auditing programs.
  • It's a specific area, a specific program, how certain things are done.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.