Video & Transcript Research : 'liability limits'
Page 142 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, certified operators and those who contract with them also have limited liability protection
- <02:46:21.439>
liability them also have limited liability them also have limited liability - As part of that certification, what it does is it says they have a limited liability relief.
- As part of that certification, what it does is it says they have a limited liability relief.
- As part of that certification, what it does is it says they have a limited liability relief.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase.
Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase.
Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility
Transcript Highlights:
- Liability as it is at this minimum area, and that's it. I also worry about that.
- I'm trying to wrap my mind around the unfunded liability.
- Percentage of unfunded liability that's going to put us at...
- This is going to be a hit somehow to the unfunded liability.
- The funding liability represented...
Keywords:
athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, catastrophe savings account, catastrophe fund, storm savings, disaster savings, hurricane, windstorm, floodwaters, hail, tornado, property insurance, homeowners insurance, insurance deductible, FORTIFIED
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Third reading of a bill: An act to increase the income limit for the town of Ipswich senior tax referral
- The bill would also address lingering concerns about professional discipline and criminal civil liability
- The bill would also address lingering concerns about professional discipline and criminal civil liability
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees.
The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 25-after Call of the Chair Mar 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guidelines for the qualifications for the director of the Department of Corrections and also sets the term limit
- Arthur, would you agree that currently, who has a plug-in liability for all the lists on the state's
- so if the average cost of plugging wells is around $25,000 per well, the state already has that liability
Bills:
HR1038, HB3263, HB3127, HB2997, HB3115, HB2123, HB3587, HB3028, HB2035, HB3369, HB3620, HB3621, HB3622, HB3624, HB3175, HB3173, HB3178, HB1979, HB4476
Keywords:
Oklahoma Youth Expo, OYE, 4-H, FFA, agriculture, agricultural education, youth expo, livestock show, junior livestock, scholarships, youth leadership, Oklahoma City, rural communities, ag mechanics, engineering contest, farm youth, student recognition, ceremonial resolution, house resolution, livestock competition
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-04-30 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- person living in the house has 100% of the liability.
- It allows 100% of the property tax It allows 100% of the property tax liability<00:38:31.240>
uh <00:38:44.400>- c> liability uh liability uh to<00:38:32.480>
be <00:38:33.240>If <00:38:33.359>you're Um has 100% of the liability. Um has 100% of the liability. - c> liability uh liability uh to<00:38:32.480>
- <00:38:58.480>
threshold, threshold with tax liability threshold, threshold with tax liability
AK
Alaska 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jul 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alaska House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Message dated July 13 states the governor has Contribution limits, APOC.
- A message dated July 16 states the president has granted limited powers of free conference to the Senate
- A message dated July 16 states the Senate has adopted the report of the conference committee with limited
- This includes, but is not limited to, the Alaska Teamsters Training Center in the Mat-Su, the Fairbanks
- We don't know how much money people are making off of our gas in Alaska, these limited liability partnerships
Summary:
The House met with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the governor and Senate, including notice that the governor vetoed CSHB 16 and allowed HB 14 to become law without signature. The chamber then took up the conference committee report on HB 381, a major Alaska LNG-related bill that revises the project’s tax and regulatory structure. The conference report was explained as a compromise package that, among other things, changes required local contribution language, expands disclosure and notice requirements, adjusts foreign ownership reporting, extends the Phase 1 construction deadline, adds a $10 million workforce development/community impact fund, modifies project labor agreement provisions, and exempts the Alaska LNG project from the new pass-through entity tax while still requiring an informational tax return in 2027. The Speaker also announced the governor had issued a proclamation calling the legislature back into session on July 27, 2026, and said sine die would be moved after debate.
Debate on HB 381 was sharply divided. Supporters argued the bill is necessary enabling legislation to improve the project’s financial viability, protect Alaska’s interests, and move the North Slope gas line toward final investment decision, while also adding transparency, foreign ownership safeguards, and labor and workforce provisions. Several members said the conference committee process was collaborative and that the bill reflects hard-fought compromise with the developer, AGDC, labor, and the administration. Opponents focused on the addition of the pass-through entity/S-corp income tax and related reporting requirements, arguing it is a separate tax policy issue that should have been considered in its own bill, creates uncertainty and litigation risk, could harm existing oil and gas and Cook Inlet production, and may discourage investment. Multiple members also criticized the process as rushed and insufficiently transparent, especially the limited opportunity for the minority and the absence of Department of Revenue testimony during conference.
No final vote on the conference committee report is shown in the transcript excerpt. The debate continued with members alternating between support for the gas line project itself and opposition to the tax provisions and process used to advance HB 381.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Public testimony may be limited.
- I don't know what the size limits are. I would presume if it's, it may exempt Collin County.
- We're talking about limited tax rates by reducing the hold harmless provisions.
- By and large, what you're not going to see is a decrease in taxes—property tax liabilities in Tarrant
- We might have a very limited amount of...
Keywords:
appraisal, property value, residential real estate, tax code, appraisal review board, property owners, property tax, homeowners, property owner rights, property appraisal, taxation, Texas Tax Code, real estate, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, market value, condemnation, tax appraisal, open-space land, land use
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/04/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:32:54.960>
limited <00:32:55.320>fiscal considered a limited limited fiscal considered - Is there any limitation for that?
- Is there any limitation for that?
- Is there any limitation for that?
- The median asset limit is $63,000. The average asset limit is $91,600.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- For the general road and all other funds combined, assets totaled $23 million, while liabilities totaled
- Program activity was limited beginning in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in June 2024 the program
- Therefore, we relied solely on the documentation provided by UALR and limited knowledge of current employees
- Therefore, we relied solely on the documentation provided by UALR and limited knowledge of current employees
- have a number of members representative here, and because we have so many, I think we're going to limit
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns.
Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts.
During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, in order to allow as many people to testify as possible, there will be a two-minute time limit per
- It seeks to limit claims to what they call material building code violations, or material violations
- And you also mentioned that recovery should not be limited to the reasonable value of the repair.
- to the reasonable value of limited to the reasonable value of repair.<01:27:21.199>
Can <01:27 - or liability, do they? or liability, do they?
Keywords:
liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers.
Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels.
Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Supreme Court holding in Troxel, which, you know, does limit a grandparent's ability, uh, for better
- Supreme Court holding in Troxel, which, you know, does limit a grandparent's ability, uh, for better
- in Troxel, which, you know, does limit in Troxel, which, you know, does limit Yeah.<00:18:02.440
- Broadly speaking, Senate Bill 195 is about aligning liability with responsibility.
- Senator, my understanding of the bill is that this is a presumption that there's no liability if the
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeking to remove these protections from endangered Mexican gray wolves or undermining them through limiting
- Bill 2781 prescribes requirements for solar energy power plants relating to financial assurance, liability
- And so it seems odd to me that we have this bill and others singling out solar and trying to limit it
- Unfortunately, there is a limited number of specialized contractors capable of providing this level of
- Prescribing by rule may limit the discretion to act in the best interest of the trust.
Bills:
HB2014, HB2055, HB2145, HB2150, HB2696, HB2755, HB2763, HB2781, HB2782, HB2787, HB2795, HB2889, HB2975, HB2985, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2020, HCR2038
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, Arizona Revised Statutes, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, state land department, mineral lease, renewals
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the March 17 minutes and then took up a long calendar of bills, holding HCR 2038. HB 2787, which would bar the state and its political subdivisions from using personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with the Mexican wolf reintroduction program, drew opposition from Sierra Club and Humane World for Animals/Animal Defense League of Arizona, who argued it would hinder wolf recovery and undercut science-based wildlife management. The committee nevertheless gave HB 2787 a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered HB 2055 on a Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program Fund and HB 2782 on disclosure requirements for regulatory assets in utility rates. Testimony on HB 2055 raised concerns that brackish groundwater is still groundwater and that pumping it could cause localized impacts, but the bill initially received a do-pass recommendation before a later vote failed on reconsideration. HB 2782 prompted discussion about Corporation Commission authority and utility regulation, but it ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 2781, a solar energy decommissioning and financial assurance bill, with testimony from environmental groups, industry representatives, and a local official; an amendment by Senator Sundareshan to strengthen financial assurance and remove the remediation fund failed, and the underlying bill also failed on a tied 4-4 vote.
Later, the committee approved HB 2975, which would suspend use of solar scoring maps on state trust lands and require new mining and housing scoring maps, despite opposition from environmental groups and neutral comments from the State Land Department that the solar map is only a guidance tool. HB 2696, as amended, passed after the committee adopted amendments shifting the Arizona Commerce Authority’s fuel-price mandate and creating a fuel resiliency task force; testimony focused on fuel supply, pipeline capacity, refinery access, and whether the ACA was the right agency to lead the effort. The committee also passed HCM 2009 urging Congress to require legislative approval for new national monuments and to streamline mining and land-swap processes, and HB 2889, which funds ADEQ monitoring of uranium contamination and creates a statewide registry and tribal partnership program.
Finally, the committee approved HB 2763, which would require legislative approval before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a shooting range. Supporters said it was meant to protect facilities like Ben Avery and preserve safe shooting locations, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary because existing review steps already exist and there was no imminent closure threat. The committee also heard testimony on the bill from Game and Fish, which said the measure would add another layer to an already extensive closure process and that the department was neutral on the proposal.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Sep 30th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- For FY 26 to FY 30, limiting the state and local tax deduction cap, basically, the H.R. 1. 1 provisions
- At the same time, I think our state is committed to making sure that we produce this limited, finite
- TCJA was passed, and there was The $10,000 limit, so let's say $10.
- This definition is limited to individual practitioners and their associations, not to institutions.
- So they manage the claims, they manage the network, but they actually don't bear any of the liability
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-02 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then adding a layer of liability just because somebody's in or out of network is problematic.
- Representative Gant: I worry about how much liability schools will have in these situations and also
- I am not in opposition to limitations on cell phones, but I think it's fair to acknowledge that today's
- I am not in opposition to limitations on cell phones, but I think it's fair to acknowledge that today's
- This removes the appeal on ineligibility decision, time limits, removes the board appointments, and it
Summary:
The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur.
A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22.
The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-02 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then adding a layer of liability just because somebody's in or out of network is problematic.
- I worry about how much liability schools will have in these situations and also the teachers and how
- I am not in opposition to limitations on cell phones, but I think it's fair to acknowledge that today's
- I am not in opposition to limitations on cell phones, but I think it's fair to acknowledge that today's
- This removes the appeal on ineligibility decision, time limits, removes the board appointments, and it
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage.
The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors.
After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur.
The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 13th, 2026 at 05:31 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- on enrollment in a full-time distance learning program, for example, in Moscaro, that would have limited
- We've heard from the school district that obviously that cash gets committed to other liabilities during
- We've heard from the school district that obviously that cash gets committed to other liabilities during
- Chair, Representative, part of the problem, as we've said, is that the reporting around this is limited
- However, at the request of the agencies in the governor's office who are seeking to limit additional
Keywords:
distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- with the bill, you know, I could see some more fragmentation on getting those resources if you're limiting
- They're now limited to using that product.
- There's a time limit anyway.
- These cases haven't yet reached final judgment, but the amount of liability could be quite large.
- So there could theoretically be significant liability on the back end. Any further questions?
Keywords:
modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services
Summary:
The House Committee on Science and Technology convened for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills focused on technology policy, infrastructure security, and a new study committee on assistive technology. Testimony was generally supportive of the bills’ goals, though several members raised concerns about implementation, costs, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission on the infrastructure bill.
HB 2121 would prevent manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, such as using third-party parts or firmware changes, and would allow owners or the Attorney General to sue for damages. After discussion about consumer ownership, security, and possible manufacturing impacts, the committee adopted the Fink amendment narrowing the bill to consumer products and gave HB 2121 a do pass recommendation by a 7-1 vote with one present. HB 2134 would restrict Chinese-produced equipment from critical infrastructure and limit contracts with Chinese companies; the sponsor and supporters framed it as a national security measure, while opponents focused on cost, implementation, and utility coordination. The committee heard testimony from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which said the bill would require new staff and resources, and from outside witnesses who said the bill was prospective and aligned with federal restrictions. HB 2134 passed 5-4.
HB 2451 would adjust Arizona Space Commission board terms, extend the strategic plan deadline, and add astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s duties. Supporters described the commission as a bipartisan effort to grow Arizona’s space industry, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2700 would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and technology-first approaches for people with disabilities. The sponsor and a constituent advocate described how assistive technology can improve independence and service delivery, and members expressed support for the concept. After adopting the Connolly amendment, the committee approved HB 2700 as amended by an 8-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- leaders who are in the chamber today, perhaps in the gallery, who recognize that the sky really is the limit
- permitted by right use in zones designated as commercial, defining permitted by right and other terms, limiting
- mitigation plans, approvals, and annual compliance reports, allowing for cost recovery, establishing limitations
- on liability, providing access to grants for cooperatives to implement mitigation plans, creating a
- statute of limitations, amending Section 30-32-4 NMSA 1978 and Section 37-1-4 NMSA 1978 to create exceptions
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - Senate Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to really limit to introduction of guests.
- Speed limits by bicycle sidewalk paths. Appropriations and Transportation and Technology.
- Speed limits by bicycle sidewalk paths. Appropriations and Transportation and Technology.
- Speed limits by bicycle sidewalk paths. Appropriations and Transportation and Technology.
- House Bill 1094, civil liability for gender reassignment surgery. Health and Human Services.
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened for the opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with prayer, presentation of colors, the pledge, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and welcomed members and guests. Senate leadership reflected on the chamber’s prior session, emphasizing member-driven budgeting, committee authority, tax cuts, and a conservative agenda under divided government. The Senate also heard an opening-day address from Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who argued Arizona could reduce poverty by aligning education and workforce training with projected job growth, including expanded degree, online, apprenticeship, and technical programs, along with AI skills and neighborhood investment in west Phoenix.
The body then handled organizational business. Members adopted a motion to simplify reading of bills and memorials, appointed a committee to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized, and received the House’s reciprocal notice that it was ready for business. Senators also introduced numerous guests, including family members, local officials, law enforcement leaders, education advocates, tribal leaders, and community representatives. Several members used their introductions to highlight policy interests such as victim rights, water, housing, public safety, education, and support for historic neighborhoods and tribal communities.
The Senate adopted an amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature as amended. It also approved committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The chamber requested House consent to adjourn from January 15 to January 20, 2026, after completing its work. A long list of bills was introduced and assigned to committees, covering topics such as health care, education, public safety, elections, housing, water, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and other regulatory matters. The Senate then announced committee schedules and adjourned until January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I know we're on a limited time span.
- We grew the trust by a little over a billion dollars, and I don't anticipate that our long-term liabilities
- Learning less than $25,000, or after an IDD layout, you can come back without any earnings limit for
- And we have tried for many years their reductions in transportation liability, things of that nature.
- shuttering of the federally operated Women's Bureau after more than 100 years of service, and the limiting