Video & Transcript Research : 'voting integrity'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- We urge you to support S-868 and vote favorably out of committee. Thank you.
- plans, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers that makes it very complicated with the vertical integration
- Chairman, clarify a previous question asked about the integration of insurance and PBMs... ...the integration
- I think we're still seeing it move the wrong direction, right, when you look at the vertical integration
- think I think we're still seeing it move the wrong direction right when you look at the vertical integration
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing.
On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals.
Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 108 May 2nd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to vote.
- I ask for an I vote. at heart. I ask for an I vote.
- the vote to dodge the vote required by the vote to dodge the vote required by the taxpayer<02:31
- I ask for a no vote. vote. vote.
- asked for an I vote. asked for an I vote.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 30, 2026, and then moved through a series of announcements and introductions, including recognition of guests from Aurora Public Schools, remarks about International Workers Day and Law Day, and several social announcements about food events and a Cinco de Mayo potluck. The chamber also heard a brief recess and then proceeded to third reading business.
The first major action was House Joint Resolution 10:30, sponsored by Representatives Gonzalez and Joseph, which designates a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia, two Greeley Central High School student-athletes killed in a 2014 crash. Sponsors and supporters described the resolution as a permanent tribute to the young men and to the Greeley community. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 62-0, with three excused.
The House then considered Senate Bill 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, and Senate Bill 124, concerning information related to the automated protection order notification system. Both measures passed on third reading, each by a vote of 43-19 with three excused. The chamber also laid over Senate Bill 43 until Monday.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 1421, which would prohibit certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and create the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Supporters argued it would prevent private equity from influencing law firms and protect client-focused legal judgment, while opponents raised concerns about separation of powers, the judiciary’s role in regulating lawyers, and possible effects on rural legal services and consolidation. One member requested and received an excusal from the vote due to a potential conflict. The debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for the bill in the excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee and votes on those appointees will be taken up individually.
- Nowhere in our ads did we say don't vote on this amendment or that amendment.
- If not, let me make a comment before we vote.
- If not, let me make a comment before we vote.
- Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take one vote on the remaining
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large slate of appointments, with the main discussion centered on the confirmation of Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Harris testified about her background in state service and outlined agency priorities including Medicaid financial accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, behavioral health redesign, rural health access, workforce recruitment, and use of technology and AI. Senators questioned her extensively about the Hope Florida/Medicaid settlement controversy, opioid settlement-funded advertising campaigns tied to marijuana prevention and the 2024 Amendment 3 election, public records compliance, abortion reporting and enforcement under the Heartbeat Protection Act, managed care denials, value-based purchasing, and Medicaid funding pressures. After debate, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation, with Senator Polsky voting no.
The committee then considered Anna Ortega and Robert Payne for the Florida Public Service Commission. Ortega, a current PSC commissioner and former staff advisor, discussed utility regulation, data center load issues, ratepayer protections, transparency in PSC decisions, and lessons from other states. Payne, a former legislator and longtime utility co-op employee, emphasized his technical background and the need to balance utility returns with consumer affordability. Both nominees were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and recommended favorably to the full Senate.
Next, the committee heard from Jeffrey Aaron for reappointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission. Aaron described PERC’s role in public-sector labor disputes and said his work had been upheld in appellate courts without reversal. Senators questioned him about his law firm’s state contracts, his role as chairman of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s PAC, and his connection to the Hope Florida Foundation matter; he declined to discuss the pending investigation. Public testimony included opposition from Florida Voice for the Unborn. The committee nevertheless recommended his confirmation, with several no votes. Finally, the committee approved the remaining appointees on tabs 5 through 46 in a single vote, postponing Dr. John Littell and DCF Secretary Hatch, and then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:21:01.159>
so <00:21:01.559>I'm already voted voted on and passed so I'm already - voted voted on and passed so I'm I'm<00:21:01.919>
going <00:21:02.000>to <00:21:02.240 - respectfully urge my colleagues to vote respectfully urge my colleagues to vote ought<00:26:58.760
- vote no, they are voting to allow a different motion.
- If you support voting down the committee amendment, you're going to vote no.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- So on a vote of 40-1, your Judiciary Committee recommends passage of the bill.
- President, the vote out of your Mr.
- I think the reporter has requested that when the vote is taken it's by roll.
- Those voting yes. 26. Those voting no two.
- Those<01:23:42.800>
voting <01:23:43.199>yes. <01:23:43.600>26.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You were one of the first of two women to be integrated onto a ship.
- I will be voting yes on this bill today.
- Senators, by your vote, CS for Senate Bill 318 is reported favorably by unanimous vote.
- Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee?
- Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee?
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted.
During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/09/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't I'm not worried about 10. lot of interest in integrating medical lot of interest in integrating
- <00:48:27.200>
reasonable integration, it seemed only reasonable integration, it seemed only - I'm here to introduce HB 509, which passed on a voice vote from the House.
- Do we have all voted in the affirmative.
- Committee and it passed by a voice vote. Committee and it passed by a voice vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 214 is reported favorably. Thank you, Senator McLean.
- By your vote, CS for CS Senate Bill 1266 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- Senate Bill 694 allows Florida to close this chapter with integrity.
- By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 694 is reported favorably. Well done. Thank you.
- By your vote, CES for Senate Bill 694 is reported favorably. Well done. Thank you.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, described as a targeted rural access bill, would allow special districts in rural communities and areas of opportunity to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments by invoice rather than reimbursement. An amendment expanding the benefit to independent special districts in those rural areas, including water and wastewater projects, was adopted, and the bill then passed favorably. Support was noted from representatives of water and sewer cooperatives, a water and sewer district, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts.
The committee then took up CS for SB 1266 by Senator Kalata on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment creating a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and participating institutions to provide certification and clearance-related training. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which would provide compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. Senator Bracey Davis and a supporter testified about the history of the case, prior legislative apologies, pardons, and exonerations, and the need for compensation as a final step. Members spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Human Services and Agriculture Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- which aims to increase opportunities for providers to offer farm-fresh and locally sourced foods, integrated
- The ability to integrate UC ANR, Cooperative Extension, UC SAREP, and small farm advisors with community
- Valadeo saying, 'Don't vote for the budget resolution. Don't vote to cut Medicaid.'
- work of the agency, the Department of Social Services, and the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration
- So all the Human Services members just voted for yesterday, so it's on its way, too.
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce.
Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households.
PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally.
The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Transportation Bill - 06/06/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- network of bus guideways and integrated network of bus guideways and busways.<00:58:40.640>
Um - of electricity used as integration of electricity used as vehicle<01:01:14.839>
fuels. - In effect, those counties keep saying they want you legislators to take the tough revenue vote which
- Please vote yes and thank you for your good work on this bill. all the counties using that authority
- We took the votes.
- of electricity used as integration of electricity used as vehicle<01:01:14.839>
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- That would be my preference today, to vote on the ones that can be voted out before...
- I won't be voting this bill out.
- I think you've already heard we're not going to vote the bill out.
- I'll remind members again that we will text you; we will vote on all the bills that are voted today out
- If we voted on it at this moment, Mr. Chairman, I would not support it.
Bills:
SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155
Keywords:
wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >> No. >> Hearing none, Vice Chair votes aye. >> Chair votes aye. >> Vice Chair votes aye. >> Senator
- aye. >> Vice Chair votes aye. >> Chair votes aye.
- Chair votes I. discussion? Hearing none. Chair votes I. SD1. SD1. SD1.
- Chair votes I. Vice >> Senate bill 2412. Chair votes I.
- Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. >> Senator Fukunaga.
Keywords:
student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured.
For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission - Evaluation Subcommittee 10/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- As you'll recall, this spring the commission voted to start giving us topics in two different times during
- As you'll recall, this spring the commission voted to start giving us topics in two different times during
- <00:36:23.280>
into quickly because they're integrated into quickly because they're integrated - <00:48:30.000>
oversight <00:48:30.640>process program integrity oversight process - program integrity oversight process which<00:48:31.680>
Minnesota <00:48:32.240>does <00
Summary:
The Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee met on October 6, 2025, to choose additional program evaluation topics for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mson Rodriguez explained that the commission had previously selected seven topics from an initial list of 11, with background papers already prepared on five of those items, and that the subcommittee was now being asked to select five more topics for background papers before narrowing the full set to four recommendations later in the fall or early spring.
Members discussed several possible topics, especially emergency medical services, non-emergency medical transportation, MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, medical assistance fraud prevention, and U.S. Bank Stadium. David Kersner of OLA said emergency medical services and non-emergency medical transportation are distinct programs, and noted the EMS topic was evaluated in 2022 while non-emergency medical transportation had not been reviewed since 2011. Auditor Judy Randall said MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, and medical assistance fraud prevention are better suited to OLA’s financial audit division or special review unit rather than program evaluation, and that financial audits and special reviews do not require Legislative Audit Commission nomination.
On process, Mson Rodriguez said the subcommittee had already met its minimum required selections under the commission’s policy and was free to choose additional topics. The discussion also covered whether to broaden the stadium topic beyond U.S. Bank Stadium; staff said the U.S. Bank financing structure alone would be a major undertaking, but they could help craft a future topic focused on maintenance across multiple facilities. No final vote or motion was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue nominations and discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Because there are no bills or resolutions to be considered or voted on during interim hearings, all witnesses
- These are very difficult decisions that have to be made to preserve the financial integrity of the school
- Some requirements, like state accountability, are integral.
- And I had some schools calling me saying, "Please vote against it," and others, "Please vote for it,"
- Yeah, if I were doing it again, I would vote for it because the state can be the bad guy.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor, vote aye; those opposed, vote no. The ayes have it. So ordered.
- his professional accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Carpetano was also known for his humility, integrity
- Those in favor, vote aye. Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. So ordered. Senator Shamp, thank you.
- supporting last year's driver's license reciprocity legislation that most everyone in this chamber voted
- All those in favor, vote aye. Aye. Opposed, vote no. The ayes have it. So ordered. We're adjourned.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and approved the journal. Members recognized Radiology Advocacy Day and welcomed radiologists in the gallery. The chamber also approved a motion to request House consent for the Senate to adjourn on Thursday, April 2, 2026, after completing its work, until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The main substantive action was consideration of Senate Resolution 1002, honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano, an Italian Air Force officer who served at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor and evaluator pilot. The resolution praised his leadership, service to allied training efforts, and support for Arizona’s driver’s license reciprocity legislation for allied service members. Senators and guests spoke in tribute, a moment of silence was observed, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Secretary of State.
During personal privilege, members introduced guests including a student visitor and several Italian military and diplomatic representatives. Senate Democrats also entered a statement into the journal protesting the March 26 floor handling of HB 2072, the repeal of Cesar Chavez Day, arguing that amendments were not fully heard and that the process lacked meaningful dialogue. The Senate then recessed for caucus and later adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill does not give school boards additional levy authority, as the voters must still be asked to vote
- <00:04:00.079>
yes voters must still be asked to vote yes voters must still be asked to vote - back in 2007 61% of our voters voted back in 2007 61% of our voters voted no<00:16:04.959>
18 - starting to fail this case is Integrity starting to fail this case is no<00:32:20.679>
different< - All right, we're going to vote on this amendment. All in favor of the A2 amendment, say aye.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is by your vote. The bill has been reported favorably.
- Please vote no on this bill and stop it from moving forward. Thank you.
- Thank you for your time, and please vote no. Thank you for your time, and please vote no.
- Members, by our vote, let's show the bill reported favorably.
- Members by our vote, let's show the bill reported favorably.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS.
The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably.
The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote.
Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.(6-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Arts education, the agencies within our cabinet are very integral to what we want Kentucky to be and
- <00:57:11.600>
to integral to integral to what<00:57:12.720>we <00:57:12.840>want <01:17:51.440>- Um, in 2024, uh, our citizens did, um, the people who voted did vote over 60% to um pass a sustainable
to <01:17:52.200>um people who voted did vote over 60% to um people - who voted did vote over 60% to um pass<01:17:53.040>
a <01:17:53.200>sustainable <01:17:
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:12
America 250KY: Impact and Legacy: 00:03:15
America 250 Events in Lexington: 01:02:13, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains.
The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state.
The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026.
The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ticket resale disclosures and pricing restrictions 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We should also note who favors the caps: the dominant integrated company that has actively lobbied for
- Because we really need to get to a vote. Uh, Representative Rhymer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- <00:53:26.720>
this a hurry, so I'll I'm happy to vote this a hurry, so I'll I'm happy to - vote this forward<00:53:27.119>
to <00:53:27.359>judiciary <00:53:28.480>and, <00 - going to come don't know where the votes going to come down<00:57:04.960>
on <00:57:05.119>