Video & Transcript : 'public duties' :
Page 141 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She was the kind of public servant every community hopes for, steadfast to her duty, kind to those in
- </c> public school and for other purposes. public school and for other purposes.
- </c> And none of this is about public safety. And none of this is about public safety.
- Customs duties is the proper term.
- </c> Customs duties is the proper term. Customs duties is the proper term.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Education Committee of Reference
Senate Education Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It just means that the staff who does support them do that in the other duties as assigned category on
- their job description. ...that in the other duties as assigned category on their job description, and
- Is there any public testimony? Public testimony? Okay. Any other discussions or recommendations?
- Both public school districts and charter schools can participate in the program.
- The department also contracted with a third party for coordinating the placement of off-duty officers
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee of Reference first heard a sunset review of the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board. Governor’s Office staff explained that the board was created in 2016 to lower borrowing costs for qualifying schools by providing a state guarantee that improves credit ratings, but the board has no dedicated staff or budget and is now largely in a monitoring role because it has reached its statutory leverage cap. Members discussed the long maturities of the approved financings, whether rural districts might benefit from additional capacity, and why a 10-year continuation was being requested. The committee voted to recommend continuing the board for 10 years until July 1, 2036.
The committee then heard a sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s president described the interstate compact, its regional student access programs—WUE, WRGP, and PSEP—along with behavioral health fidelity reviews and cooperative purchasing savings. Testimony emphasized tuition savings for Arizona students, the return of health care graduates to Arizona, and the value of regional collaboration. The committee voted to recommend continuing WICHE for 10 years until July 1, 2036.
Finally, the committee reviewed the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Program performance audit. The Auditor General reported that the program has grown substantially, but many sampled schools were not fully complying with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The department agreed with the finding and said it would implement the recommendations. The school safety director responded that the department has already begun tightening monitoring, training, and documentation procedures, and he answered questions about emergency plans and campus safety. No further action was taken on the audit, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Feb 3, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Public Safety Committee members of the Public Safety Committee uh<00:09:35.399><c> this</c><00
- </c> have an executive assistant public have an executive assistant public information<00:14:02.360><
- We host many public meetings.
- monthly public meetings that includes monthly public meetings facility<00:39:43.400><c> specific</c>
- </c><01:02:29.640><c> private</c> using public private using public private Partnerships<01:02:31.920
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 18 March, 2026; 1:30 PM
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- Six of those were on active duty.
- Uh when I got back from an active duty.
- </c><00:13:40.880><c> land,</c> increase hunting on public land, increase hunting on public land, we<
- .<00:15:30.880><c> Um</c> public.
- Um public.
Committee:
Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> cards I will now close the public cards I will now close the public hearing<01:42:05.719><c> on<
- It does say public and private funding would be the same, and I have a question of what public means,
- It does say public and private funding would be the same, and I have a question of what public means,
- It does say public and private funding would be the same, and I have a question of what public means,
- It does say public and private funding would be the same, and I have a question of what public means,
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops.
Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight.
Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a common occurrence when you work with the public on a daily basis, like I do when I'm not here
- One is, obviously, the certainty for our public institutions.
- If they choose to take public money, yes.
- And this only applies to those who are wanting to take money, take public money.
- When we start doing in addition to these 30-minute duty for— Doing in addition to these 30-minute duty-free—well
Bills:
SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195
Summary:
The Senate first considered Senate Bill 1623, a measure updating the state charter for state-regulated credit unions to make them more competitive with federal credit unions. Two amendments were adopted: one changing certain board authority language from “shall” to “may,” and another restoring the title. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of negotiation with bankers and credit unions and would not affect national banks; after questions about membership expansion and census-tract service areas, the bill passed 44-0.
The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would send to voters a constitutional amendment lowering annual caps on assessed-value growth for homestead and agricultural property from 3% to 1%, and for other property from 5% to 3%. Proponents argued it would slow property-tax growth, help seniors and fixed-income homeowners stay in their homes, and not reduce government revenue but only slow future growth; opponents warned it would reduce local revenue growth for schools, counties, infrastructure, and bonding capacity, and would disproportionately benefit higher-value property owners. The resolution passed 38-8, and the special-election referral also passed 38-8.
Senate Joint Resolution 47, which would place current voter ID requirements into the Constitution, also advanced and passed 39-8, with the special-election provision passing by the same margin. Supporters said it simply constitutionalized existing law requiring proof of identity and would preserve election security; critics said Oklahoma already has voter ID rules, the measure was unnecessary, and the language could create uncertainty for absentee voters and future changes. Debate also touched on provisional ballots, military and overseas voting, and whether the measure would make future adjustments harder.
Later, Senate Bill 2084 passed 35-7 and as an emergency measure. The bill limits wrongful-termination settlements for faculty members at higher education institutions to two times annual salary, including pay and accrued benefits. Supporters said it would provide certainty for universities and regents; questions focused on tenure, free-speech claims, and how the cap would interact with existing tort limits. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1655 unanimously to allow Oklahoma Complete Health’s Children’s Specialty Program to contact adoptive parents and offer continued voluntary services for post-adoption children, and Senate Bill 1679 was introduced as the “Preserving Oklahoma Values Act,” aimed at codifying adherence to the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions and rejecting foreign law, with debate beginning over its enforcement and scope.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee will start out in public testimony.
- That's very public, well, they're not just public, but they're education-driven people.
- public, but they're education-driven people.
- public, but they're education-driven people.
- I have one still in this public school system, and I have grandchildren who will be in the public school
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and related levy/bond questions from April to the November general election, extend terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The sponsor argued the bill would increase voter participation, broaden community input, and potentially save money, while several supporters said April turnout is too low and that November elections would better reflect the county’s voters. Supporters also said the change could help candidates campaign more effectively and bring more attention to school issues.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri NEA and Missouri School Boards Association, argued the bill would politicize school board races, crowd out local issues on November ballots, and reduce the value of staggered terms and institutional continuity. Several witnesses objected to carving out only St. Charles County rather than making any change statewide, and some warned that limiting levy and bond elections could delay urgent district needs. One witness also said the bill would burden regular parents and community members who run for school board, while others emphasized that school boards should remain focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than partisan labels.
After testimony, the committee voted on Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1002 and advanced it by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee then took up Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1135, described as the Henderson, Bentley, and Mason’s law, and voted it do pass by 16 aye and 9 no. The committee then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But or while performing official duties.
- </c> prohibition against nepotism and public prohibition against nepotism and public employment.<00:02
- </c> easier and more cohesive for the public. easier and more cohesive for the public.
- >> Yes. >> How long were you a public defender?
- </c> to it from the point of view of a public to it from the point of view of a public defender.<00:24
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures.
The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice.
Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- permissible examples of where they can use it within the bill and what it can disclose. ...there's a public
- Now we'll take up tab 5, SB 506 on public records, body camera recordings recorded by a code inspector
- It just had to be a separate bit of legislation because it's a public records exemption.
- This bill proposes changes to the duties of the Medical Examiners Commission and the appointments of
- It also proposes changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills, most of them related to public safety, criminal justice, and privacy. The committee first heard SB 504, which authorizes local governments to allow code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies, and SB 506, its companion public-records exemption bill protecting certain body-camera recordings from disclosure. Members raised questions about notice to property owners and when cameras may be used; both bills were supported by local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after roll-call votes.
The committee then approved CS for SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, which extends public-records protections to petitions for that injunction. Senator Sharif described the bills as filling a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories; supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The committee also favorably reported SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for involving minors in certain animal cruelty offenses, and SB 432, which adds 7OH to Schedule I, exempts approved veterinary xylazine products, and increases penalties for trafficking and candy-like xylazine products. Senator Osgood spoke in support of SB 432, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder.
Finally, the committee approved SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, including shifting district medical examiner appointments to the commission and clarifying notification procedures for administrative complaints. All bills received favorable votes, with support statements or waivers from various state, local, and advocacy organizations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT
Transcript Highlights:
- a full slate because our state is one of the states where if anybody files a complaint, we're on a duty
- The only thing I will say is our answers and things like that are of public record.
- However, this is a very public body. Our opponents are often listening to us.
- This is a very public body.
- It seeks compensation for harm caused by the state's failure to perform a required administrative duty
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 26.440><c> of</c> 1393 relating to relating to the use of 1393 relating to relating to the use of public
- 35:27.839><c> we</c><00:35:28.119><c> have</c><00:35:28.440><c> state</c><00:35:28.720><c> of</c> public
- lands first we have state of public lands first we have state of Hawaii<00:35:29.359><c> Department<
- ><00:59:36.280><c> we</c><00:59:37.280><c> abdicate</c><00:59:37.760><c> our</c><00:59:37.880><c> duties
- </c> settlement that we abdicate our duties settlement that we abdicate our duties so<00:59:38.640><c
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 18, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures related to state funds, public lands, wastewater, port infrastructure, and other land and water issues. Early in the hearing, SB 1395, relating to state funds and climate mitigation financing, drew support from the Governor’s office, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, the State Energy Office, and others, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii urged the committee not to revert to the original version because of concerns about a special fund and compliance with state statutes. After discussion, the chair said the bill would be deferred because of budget uncertainty and the need to preserve reserves, and members agreed to that recommendation.
The committee then took up SB 1393, SB 1669, SB 102, SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946, among others. SB 1393 and SB 1669 received support or comments from agencies including the Attorney General’s office, the State Energy Office, and other departments; SB 1669 was sent on with amendments and to Finance for further review. SB 102, concerning a third-party review process, prompted questions about who would select consultants and whether the bill would affect staffing and permitting costs; it was advanced with amendments, with one member noting reservations about the shift to private third-party review. SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946 also moved forward, generally with amendments or as amended, and several members noted reservations tied to budget impacts or statutory language.
The committee also heard testimony on HB 1393, which involved public lands and school facilities, where the Department of Education sought a change to the deletion language and the School Facilities Authority said it stood on its written comments. For SB 146, relating to the Ali Canal, the University of Hawaiʻi and DLNR supported the measure, and a member asked about the estimated annual cost, which was described as $125,000 per year. On SB 946, members discussed whether removing the term “person” could narrow the law too much; after that discussion, the committee agreed to restore the term and proceed with an HD1. The meeting ended with the committee recessing after completing its agenda and adopting the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- such</c><00:26:49.320><c> as</c> notaries public and other duties such as notaries public and other
- We then will classify their identity as not public.
- There are obligations for public employees to report suspected misuse of public funds to us, and we expect
- c> misuse</c><00:44:51.240><c> of</c><00:44:51.440><c> public</c> report um suspected misuse of public
- those checks on their own using public records. the Department of Public Safety was the Department of
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 12th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- On Senate Bill 53, if not, that concludes public testimony on this bill.
- And public testimony is closed. Thank you, Dean Zaffirini. Thank you.
- There will be no public testimony at this time. We call on Michelle Evans.
- So at this time public testimony is closed and we will leave this bill pending.
- The floor is now open for public testimony. This chair calls Michelle Evans.
Bills:
SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Public service requires faithfully.
- ><c> has</c> The public infrastructure that has The public infrastructure that has transformed<03:41:
- <03:41:44.080><c> service</c> public service public service to<03:41:45.920><c> defend</c><03:41:46.399
- </c> Because of him, I'm a better public Because of him, I'm a better public servant,<03:43:12.160><c
- safety and public devastating public safety and public health<04:59:20.560><c> challenges</c><04:59:
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this relates to the public land trust working group.
- Let's move on to the next measure: House Bill 395, relating to jury duty. Thank you.
- Let's move on to the next measure: House Bill 395, relating to jury duty.
- House Bill 395, relating to jury duty.
- On behalf of the house, we have duty.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- There are public clinical reports.
- But public health or environmental health is not always best positioned to address all the public health
- Prohibition is not a public health strategy.
- Prohibition is not a public health strategy.
- It is our duty to look into it and our duty to figure out what it is that we can do to protect the residents
Committee:
Senate Health
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful for consumption, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. The hearing was framed as part of ongoing legislative work, including a future review of AB 1088, and members emphasized the need to weigh potential benefits against risks and consider whether stronger safeguards are needed.
Expert testimony from a toxicology professor and several public health and medical officials described kratom as a plant with multiple alkaloids, with 7-OH identified as the more potent opioid-like compound associated with tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression. CDPH reported 362 kratom-related overdose deaths in California from 2019 to 2023 and 15 deaths involving 7-OH, while Los Angeles County officials described unexplained deaths in young adults that led them to expand toxicology testing and identify 7-OH as a common factor. County and state public health representatives said they have issued advisories, contacted retailers, removed products from shelves, and taken enforcement actions, but they stressed that local enforcement is patchy, under-resourced, and limited by unclear jurisdiction and lack of testing capacity.
Medical witnesses said patients are presenting with 7-OH dependence and withdrawal in ways similar to fentanyl-related cases, sometimes requiring buprenorphine, methadone, or repeated naloxone. They argued that unregulated retail sales and misleading marketing make the products especially risky, and that a statewide framework would be more effective than a patchwork of local ordinances. Some officials said the safest current policy is to keep kratom and 7-OH unlawful for consumption, while others said any new regulation would need resources, packaging rules, and clearer authority for enforcement.
Industry and consumer advocates urged the committee to distinguish natural kratom leaf from concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products. They argued that kratom leaf has long-standing use, that 7-OH should be targeted rather than the whole plant, and that regulation should focus on age limits, labeling, testing, serving-size caps, and restrictions on adulterated products rather than prohibition. Several speakers warned that bans could push demand to the black market and reduce access for people using the products for pain relief or harm reduction, while critics of the industry said the products are being marketed deceptively and that more comprehensive regulation is needed.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- get everything from... ...and then you get everything from activity that's not able to be done in public
- This is a public hearing, so we won't vote on this bill today.
- Okay, we'll go to the public hearing part first, and we open up the questions from the...
- So, those are not exempt if our rules are subject to public review and legislative oversight... oversight
- Then this person goes off... goes off duty; you know they've worked all night, so they go off duty.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- schools are public too.
- It only includes public district schools. It does? Public, okay, thank you.
- by the public.
- Yesterday in our public...
- So that closes public comment.
Committee:
House Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Public employees have to bargain for advance notice.
- Public agencies that don't already have that notification. It would apply.
- We believe it's critical to protect the privacy of the public we serve and our public employees.
- Public agencies have zero interest in replacing public sector employees with machines.
- We see it both in public and private sector employment all too often.
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board. (2-13-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we have our Public Pension Oversight Board meeting today on February 13th in Room 131.
- Um and then the end the line of<00:27:06.480><c> duty</c><00:27:06.720><c> death.
- I mean, this is going to of duty death.
- So, I think, you know, that brings attention to that line-of-duty death while on probation.
- So, I think, you know, that brings attention to that line-of-duty death while on probation.
Summary:
The Public Pension Oversight Board met on February 13 and approved the minutes after establishing a quorum. The committee then took up three pension-related bills, beginning with Rep. Callaway’s proposal to allow certain retired police officers with 15 to 19 years of service to be rehired by local law enforcement agencies. Callaway and Brandon Lincoln of the FOP said the bill is intended to help recruitment and retention, especially for departments facing staffing shortages, and emphasized that it would be optional and would not allow double-dipping. Committee members raised concerns that lowering the service threshold from 20 to 15 years could create an unfunded liability and weaken the pension system, and several members said they did not yet fully understand how the pension and insurance provisions would work. The sponsor said she was open to working on the bill, and the chair noted the committee would continue to examine it with help from KPA staff.
The second bill, presented by Rep. Lewis with Brandon Lincoln and Jeff Taylor, addressed probationary employees in CS agencies, including firefighters and police officers. The bill would let certain former probationary employees purchase service credit for time spent in probation, and would extend line-of-duty death and disability protections to employees who are injured or killed during probationary service. Testimony said the measure is optional for employers, could be used as a recruitment tool, and would allow employees within six months of the probationary period to buy back the time themselves if they choose. Members generally supported the concept, noted a negligible fiscal note, and discussed whether current employees could buy back older probationary periods; the sponsor said the bill did not appear to allow that, though he was open to further discussion.
Throughout both bills, members focused on whether the proposals would create new pension costs or liabilities and how they would interact with existing retirement tiers and contribution rules. Several members asked for clarification on whether rehired workers would contribute to the pension system, whether employers would pay normal cost or any contribution at all, and whether the bills would affect future retirement benefits. The sponsors and witnesses repeatedly said the measures were limited, optional, and intended to address staffing and fairness issues without changing the core retirement system, but the committee did not take final action on the bills during the discussion.