Video & Transcript Research : 'background studies'

Page 139 of 500
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • a Nobel laurate Economist who studies a Nobel laurate Economist who studies human<00:09:29.120><
  • <01:13:55.480> have<01:13:55.600> shown<01:13:55.840> the counties um Studies
  • have shown the counties um Studies have shown the benefits<01:13:56.440> that<01:13:56.600>
  • Without this, I wouldn't have gained this experience and background knowledge that could help me in my
  • Without this, I wouldn't have gained this experience and background knowledge that could help me in my
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Human Services - 02/05/25

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • First, a background study must be completed for everyone who will be present in the home.
  • First, a background study must be completed for everyone who will be present in the home.
  • Initial and annual assessments, along with background studies for all individuals age 13 or older, is
  • Initial and annual assessments, along with background studies for all individuals age 13 or older, is
  • <00:21:16.960> studies<00:21:17.720> for<00:21:17.960> all with background studies
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jun 2nd, 2026 at 09:00 am

Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • study.
  • Last legislative session, we had the results from that desktop study.
  • Wellhead with some tanks in the background.
  • And that was actually a legislatively directed study led by the Bank of North Dakota.
  • Actually, I think there's a study.
Keywords: 908, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Durrant came from a criminal law background.
  • <00:04:22.680> She came from a criminal law background.
  • She came from a criminal law background.
  • Before my retirement, I was a high school social studies teacher for more than 21 years.
  • studies teacher for more than 21 years. studies teacher for more than 21 years.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (03/14/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • so thank you one thing that background so thank you one thing that always<00:28:25.360> happens
  • This takes a long time to get used to, so you’re... everyone here is a quick study.
  • This takes a long time to get used to, so you’re... everyone here is a quick study.
  • This takes a long time to get used to, so you’re... everyone here is a quick study.
  • This takes a long time to get used to, so you’re... everyone here is a quick study.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (02/04/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would like to start by way of a little bit of background and to note that really for about 12 years
  • I appreciate your background in this topic, and I don't think there's anybody in the room that does not
  • But a 2024 Pew Research study said nearly half of U.S. teens are on the internet almost constantly.
  • The same study found that almost all students surveyed use their cell phones at school during the day
  • them and the teacher same study found them and the teacher same study found that<01:25:35.239> almost
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • A recent independent economic impact study found that Aftershock generates nearly $80 million in annual
  • A recent independent economic impact study found that Aftershock generates nearly $80 million in annual
  • still feel the bill requires a label anytime a synthetic performer appears, even in a sedentary background
  • we still feel the bill requires a label anytime a synthetic performer appears, even a sedentinal background
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard several bills focused on California’s creative economy, sports development, and cultural preservation. SB 226 by Senator Cabaldon would clarify that infrastructure revitalization financing districts may be used for entertainment and sports facilities, with testimony from West Sacramento officials emphasizing that the tool would rely only on project-generated city tax increment and would not affect school districts, counties, or the General Fund. Members discussed the relationship between IRFDs and EIFDs and the distinction between infrastructure financing and direct subsidy of private sports teams or stadiums. SB 865 by Senator Ashby proposed support for destination music festivals, citing the economic impact of events such as Aftershock and Golden Sky in Sacramento and similar festivals elsewhere in the state. Supporters from Visit Sacramento and Danny Wimmer Presents said festivals generate substantial jobs, tax revenue, and tourism spending while promoters bear the financial risk. Several committee members and public witnesses supported the bill as a way to sustain the creative economy, local businesses, and opportunities for artists. The bill passed the committee on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby would require disclosures when synthetic performers are used in advertisements, including audio ads, to inform consumers and protect human performers from displacement. SAG-AFTRA and voice actor advocates argued that consumers deserve to know when an ad uses AI-generated likenesses or voices, while TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and other industry groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about overbreadth, audio-only implementation, private enforcement, and the need for clearer exemptions and definitions. Members generally supported the bill’s goal but noted technical issues to refine; it passed unanimously to Judiciary. SB 1073 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a voluntary tax checkoff to support the South Los Angeles Black Cultural District. Supporters described the district’s historic and cultural significance and framed the measure as a way to help preserve Black cultural assets amid limited public funding. Members discussed how the checkoff would appear on tax forms statewide, its voluntary nature, and whether it could serve as a model for other districts. The bill also passed unanimously to Appropriations, and the committee later adopted the consent calendar unanimously as well.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 12th, 2026

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • According to a study by the Nature Conservancy, mangroves prevented $1.5 billion in direct flood damages
  • So Senate Bill 428 brings Florida's swimming voucher program in line with studied recommendations from
  • The proposed UFC plate design will include a black background, the red UFC logo, and the words 'UFC Lives
  • president-designate has put me on the spot, and I will be perhaps polishing my resume soon, I do actually have a background
Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported a series of bills favorably, covering health care, public safety, insurance, coastal resilience, juvenile justice, drowning prevention, transportation designations, and beach management. Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 68, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, designated pediatric readiness personnel, and participation in a national readiness assessment; it passed. Harrell also presented CS/SB 340, requiring nursing students to complete two hours of human trafficking identification training before licensure; it also passed. Senator Sharif’s CS/SB 32 and SB 210, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and the related public records bill, were both reported favorably. Senator Garcia’s CS/CS/SB 302 on nature-based coastal resiliency, Senator Jones’s SB 418 on law enforcement interaction with individuals with autism and the Blue Envelope Program, and Senator Martin’s CS/SB 1734 updating juvenile probation and detention officer definitions and related cost-share language were also approved. The committee then took up several drowning-prevention measures. CS/SB 606 by Senator Smith would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials and direct the Department of Health to create standardized materials; an amendment removed a records-retention requirement, and the bill passed. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand the state swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; it received strong support from advocates, including a young swim instructor and autism advocates, and passed. The committee also approved CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and a First Responders’ Resiliency Foundation plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance and clearinghouse procedures to prioritize admitted carriers and prohibit public funds for the clearinghouse; that bill drew discussion about market competition, Citizens’ exposure, and potential impacts on policyholders. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 628, designating a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, and CS/SB 636 on beach management, which would create a proactive pathway for coastal communities to obtain erosion-related designations and align with federal programs. Beach industry testimony supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about perpetual easements and funding shortfalls. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Children and Family Law (01/20/2026)

Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, a little bit about my background. Um, I'm a practicing attorney.
  • Um, a little bit<00:49:03.040> about<00:49:03.280> my<00:49:03.599> background.
  • <00:49:04.640> Um,<00:49:05.280> I'm<00:49:05.440> a bit about my background
  • Um, I'm a bit about my background. Um, I'm a practicing<00:49:06.160> attorney.
  • You could certainly if you decided you wanted to keep this for interim study you could however um uh
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He has written nearly 70 books. his innovative multimedia study Bible, which he's brought a copy for
  • He started it in 2005. and I call it a study Bible for the digital age.
  • It's the Life Essentials Study Bible. I don't... don't get a commission off of this.
  • Senator Miles, study after study shows that DEI is not working. achieving its intended outcomes, at the
  • We have study after study after study that shows that common or implicit bias trainings for educators
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • By way of background, um the university took possession of the former Highland Heights Civic Center from
  • By<00:03:26.159> way<00:03:26.400> of<00:03:26.560> background,<00:03:27.680>
  • um<00:03:27.840> the<00:03:28.159> university By way of background, um the university
  • By way of background, um the university took<00:03:28.959> possession<00:03:29.360> of
  • <00:48:10.079> to team provided a comprehensive study to team provided a comprehensive study
Summary: The interim Budget Review Subcommittee for Justice and Judiciary received an update on Northern Kentucky University’s capital project to house the Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office and the Northern Kentucky Crime Lab in the former Highland Heights Civic Center building on NKU’s campus. NKU and Justice Cabinet staff described the project timeline: the building was identified in late 2022, lease terms were agreed to in early 2023, a pre-construction evaluation agreement was executed in May 2023, the General Assembly authorized $21 million in April 2024, and the lease and construction agreement were finalized in spring 2026. The project is now being prepared for bid, with construction expected to start in August and occupancy targeted for January 2028. About $1 million has been spent so far on design and related investigations. Testimony emphasized that the vacant building was structurally sound but required major upgrades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof, windows, a generator, specialized mechanical systems, security, and geothermal work to meet the needs of two separate operations sharing one facility. NKU said it is contributing $3.7 million to the project. Committee members asked about the condition of the building, the urgency of the project, and why the process took so long. Justice Cabinet and real properties officials said the medical examiner’s office had been shut down since roughly late 2017 or 2018, that the state had first sought funding in the 2022 budget for staffing, a lease, and equipment, and that it took time to find a suitable leased location because the facility has highly specialized requirements. Members also asked about operating costs, annual lease costs, and the impact of the office’s absence on families and counties in Northern Kentucky. Officials said the lease cost is based on NKU’s expected maintenance-related expenses, while utilities and staffing are covered through the Office of the State Medical Examiner or Kentucky State Police, with seven medical examiner positions funded in House Bill 500 and two additional KSP positions requested for the crime lab. They explained that, until the new facility opens, bodies from Northern Kentucky are generally transported to Louisville for autopsy, with transportation costs borne by the coroner’s office. No votes were taken, but the committee requested follow-up information, including lease cost numbers and additional details on facility usage and timing.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating Apr 27th, 2026

The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating

Transcript Highlights:
  • Many of them do study abroad now, or they have internships, or they have reasons why they can't spend
  • Officer who basically checked for whether you did background checks on your employees? Check.
  • , If you look towards the background, you can see the flooding.
  • You have to study it, but you can see, I think you can see possibly Edward and/or counselors.
  • You can see the lights still on in the background.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 22 (2-6-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And don't get me wrong, it's having a law enforcement background, I understand when you're dealing with
  • And don't get me wrong, it's having a law enforcement background, I understand when you're dealing with
  • And actually he had studied, went to medical school in Russia.
  • And I've studied hard. I've even went to books of psychology.
  • And I've studied hard. I've even went to And I've studied hard.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the February 5, 2026 journal. The House clerk then delivered messages that the House had passed House Bills 103, 188, 189, 258, 276, and 419 and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 2, 4, 71, 136, and 183, which were sent to the Rules Committee, and later committee reports that posted SB 2, SB 4, and SB 71 for Monday, February 9, and SB 136 and SB 183 for Tuesday, February 10. The Committee on Committees also referred several bills to standing committees, including SB 155, 118, 153, 158, 160, 72, 98, and 145. The main floor action was passage of Senate Bill 132, relating to massage therapy. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help local governments investigate businesses posing as massage parlors and to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed practice, including raising the penalty for certain violations from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and treating each unlicensed session as a separate offense. Supporters said it would aid efforts to combat human trafficking and preserve local zoning and licensing authority. Several senators voiced concerns that the bill could be too broad and might unintentionally affect trafficking victims or impose harsh penalties for unlicensed massage without injury or fraud, but they still voted yes. SB 132 passed 32-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Committee Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 18 and then passed the bill 32-0. SB 18 updates Kentucky’s podiatry laws, formally recognizes podiatric assistants and residents, gives the Board of Podiatry authority to license and regulate them, allows podiatrists to supervise physician assistants with board approval, limits supervision to four assistants, and requires new podiatrists starting in 2027 to complete at least two years of residency training. The sponsor said the measure modernizes oversight and improves access to foot and ankle care, especially for patients with diabetes. After the floor work, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees, and later received the committee reports noted above.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-24 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As background, in August 2019, Governor DeSantis launched And enhance their collaboration.
  • I think there's 25, or up to 25, that can appoint from various faith backgrounds.
  • What future employers, school admissions, will see on a criminal background check.
  • Also requires that the agency look at and do a study on a total redesign of the Medicaid model waiver
  • This will likely strengthen background checks and investor protection.
Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Minnesota House passes HF2403, the commerce policy bill 4/29/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this is a complex issue, and I know that many of you probably don't have the background for
  • But I do want to give you some background and help you understand a little bit about it because your
  • <00:07:21.440> In don't have the background for it. In don't have the background for it.
  • <00:07:34.720> and want to give you some background and want to give you some background and
  • The Commerce Department did its study of this, and this was why implementation was delayed, and they
Keywords: 1183, house
WY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We would love for this to be studied further.
  • We would love for this to be studied further.
  • this<00:42:45.440> have CMS studies published on this have CMS studies published on this
  • So, without knowing the specific background, I can't speak to that.
  • <01:32:17.360> and really great thing for us to study and really great thing for us to study
Keywords: 916, all
Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • know, as has been discussed in the group, you know, we definitely do want to provide the fiscal background
  • on this because, you know, we background on this because, you know, we we<00:31:25.080> certainly
  • ,<00:41:36.840> but<00:41:37.040> may<00:41:37.400> be<00:41:37.560> studying
  • in Minnesota, but may be studying in Minnesota, but may be studying outside<00:41:38.320> of<
  • of how we can do a that background of how we can do a better<00:47:13.920> job better job better
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Part of my focus as the DAPO director is I come from a very strong public safety background.
  • And one final question, in the background material, Thank you. And one final question.
  • In the background material, I should have known this, but you supervise over 3,000 people that are unhoused
  • So you can sit in a study carrel in the library, in the new building, and look out at the Marin Headlands
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items. The committee first approved, on initial roll calls, appointments not required to appear including Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two appointments to the California Law Revision Commission (Anacubas and David Hubner, J.D.), while also taking up bill referrals and floor acknowledgments. Later, after all members were present, the committee completed add-on votes on those items, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support; Anacubas and Hubner drew some opposition but were still approved. The committee then heard testimony from Brian Bishop, nominated to lead the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Members questioned him about data-driven supervision of high-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, drug and alcohol testing, unannounced visits, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop emphasized a public-safety-and-rehabilitation approach, frequent collaboration with local agencies, compliance sweeps, victim exclusion zones, and efforts to expand housing and reentry support. Public witnesses from reentry and criminal justice organizations spoke in support, and the committee voted 5-0 to send his appointment to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, nominated to direct CDCR’s Facilities Management and Construction division. Questions focused on aligning facilities with a declining prison population, aging infrastructure, heat and cooling needs, safety during construction, prison closures, disaster planning, and the status of the Norco closure. Larson said the department has reduced its footprint, is piloting cooling upgrades at several sites, is using the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing design, and is maintaining closed facilities in cold shutdown while planning for possible future use. Public commenters from reform and reentry groups strongly supported her, and the committee approved her nomination 5-0 for the full Senate.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Part of my focus as the DAPO director is that I come from a very strong public safety background.
  • And one final question, in the background material, Thank you. And one final question.
  • In the background material, I should have known this, but you supervise over 3,000 people that are unhoused
  • So you can sit in a study carrel in the library, in the new building, and look out at the Marin Headlands
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first considered several governor’s appointments not required to appear. The committee voted to advance Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission appointments: Anacubas and David Hubner, with the latter two receiving split votes but still moving forward. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees and later, by unanimous add-on votes, approved floor acknowledgments and the remaining appointments on the agenda. The main hearing was on Brian Bishop’s appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Bishop described his law enforcement and Marine Corps background and said his focus would be balancing public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. Senators asked about risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with local agencies, exclusion zones for victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reviews. Public testimony supported Bishop’s confirmation, including from reentry providers and advocacy groups. The committee then voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, appointed Director of the Division of Facilities Management and Construction at CDCR. Larson discussed aligning the prison footprint with a declining population, addressing aging infrastructure and heat issues through cooling pilots, and using projects like the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing facilities. Senators asked about prison closures, cold shutdown status, disaster planning, water and utility issues, and how to manage closed or deactivated facilities. Larson said closed facilities are maintained minimally, reactivation would be costly, and the department is exploring more holistic infrastructure planning. Public witnesses from criminal justice and reentry organizations strongly supported her, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Nov 3rd, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alabama who decides if the fire's worth sending to the bureaucrat in Boise, Idaho, who does a cost study
  • This aviation task force, is that information that is available to the legislature as to what you studied
  • Just by way of background, when you look at the Texas A&M Forest Service toolbox, if you look in there
  • That's part of my background from the Marine Corps.
  • If you'll turn to uh the first slide label background.