Video & Transcript Research : 'Government Code Section 556.0056'
Page 149 of 500
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 04/28/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- And per the rules, Rule 7, Section 2A1, you have to have the consent of the chair.
- "Yeah, Chairman, in Section 2 of this bill, it says no local government shall under any zoning ordinance
- My question is, what about structural engineering code, electrical code that may be localized?
- Would their electrical code be able to be applicable, or would this..."
- "When it comes to electrical codes. Okay. And so only in commercial districts.
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee met under Chair Kevin Parker and considered a series of energy, utility, and clean transportation bills. The committee first advanced a bill by Senator Connery on make-ready electric infrastructure for public-serving EV charging, after members raised concerns that the costs of preparing school bus charging infrastructure could be shifted to ratepayers. The committee then advanced Senator Parker’s pilot program for resilient EV charging microgrids, with discussion focused on using existing NYSERDA resources, the role of batteries, and the bill’s purpose in supporting emergency charging during outages. Another bill on heavy distribution centers and EV charging was also advanced after debate over its application to large warehouse and e-commerce facilities.
The committee also considered a bill on carport-mounted solar systems that would limit local zoning restrictions. A motion to substitute in a different bill was ruled improper for lack of notice, and the chair’s ruling was upheld on appeal. Members then advanced a PSC guidebook bill on gas and electric rate-making, and a utility shutoff protection bill for medical emergencies, life support equipment, and elderly, blind, or disabled customers, with questions about age definitions and the scope of medical documentation. The committee also advanced the Home Utility Weatherization Jobs Act, which would create a pilot program for electrification and weatherization in disadvantaged communities, with members discussing whether the program would be available at no cost to building owners and how utilities would access capital.
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about who would pay for the programs, whether ratepayers or taxpayers would bear the costs, and how much local control would remain under the solar siting bill. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed a recent NYISO report warning about possible summer reliability issues and urged the committee and the PSC to review it closely. The chair noted the report should be considered alongside other state planning documents, and the meeting then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- to government.
- Lake Tribe and how we see our government-to-government, nation-to-nation relationships with the state
- The game wardens have said, no, you are in violation of the state's conservation code, century code,
- government or nation to nation.
- , state government, or tribes, tribal governments?
Summary:
The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded.
The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:25 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill would increase annual salary schedules in the code for the base pay for state police troopers
- The bill also, the amendment, I apologize, has a provision that nothing in the newly created section
- rewrote the state code related to real estate tax lien sales.
- rewrote the state code related to real estate tax lien sales.
- On the first one, which is Section 5, line 1, changing the may to shall. Yes, Senator. Okay.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then reconsidered Committee Substitute for House Bill 5212, noting that an Education Committee amendment had been inadvertently omitted the day before; the vice chairman withdrew the prior motion to report the bill, and the committee returned to the bill with the technical Education Committee amendments pending. The transcript then moved through a long agenda of bills and supplemental appropriations, with the committee generally hearing brief explanations from counsel, occasional member questions, and then voting to adopt amendments and report measures to the full Senate.
Among the substantive policy bills, the committee advanced House Bill 4007 on the Industrial Access Road Fund, allowing an additional possible $3 million transfer in a fiscal year, expanding eligible uses, and increasing county/municipal spending limits; House Bill 4765, which raises salaries for state police, teachers, and school service personnel and, via a strike-and-insert amendment, creates a market pay enhancement tied to county and regional income data; House Bill 5162, recodifying tax lien sale procedures and clarifying ownership and government-property tax treatment; House Bill 5382, extending the Neighborhood Investment Tax Credit Program to July 1, 2031; House Bill 5685, authorizing up to $150 million in revenue bonds backed by excess lottery funds for State Culture Center improvements; House Joint Resolution 42, placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to raise the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000; House Bill 4010, creating an airport hangar grant program and fund; House Bill 4404, increasing from $500 to $5,000 the amount volunteer fire departments may spend on training and fire prevention materials; House Bill 4592, requiring standardized campus safety mapping data for higher education institutions; House Bill 4784, extending and making retroactive a qualified opportunity zone business tax modification; and House Bill 5088, increasing retirement benefits for Division of Natural Resources police officers, with a one-time $4.25 million cash injection.
The committee also reported several supplemental appropriations and originating bills, including Senate Bill 842 for the Spay Neuter Assistance Fund, Senate Bill 846 for Culture and History capital repairs, Senate Bill 872 for Natural Resources capital repairs (reduced to $10 million in committee substitute), Senate Bill 876 for Department of Health facilities, Senate Originating Bills 1 through 5 covering Culture and History, road funds, corrections IT and services, tobacco education, and the Adjutant General’s armory board transfer, respectively. Most items were adopted by voice vote; House Bill 4765’s strike-and-insert amendment was adopted after a division vote of 10-6. The committee then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant May 30th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In terms of land grant governance, land grant governance really has been.
- federal government.
- Article 5, Section 8, I believe, provides for the exemption of property taxes for units of government
- So that was a different new part of the governance that came in with the territorial water code.
- What if we added the bolded sections here? So, governing structure, BLM, and land grants panel.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The next item is the compensation council um sections, a few sections also House-only.
- It's just coded in a different section of statute.
- motion one state government government government policy<00:00:35.440>
licensing <00:00:36.160 - It's just coded in a different section of statute.
- It's just coded in a different section<00:03:43.200>
of <00:03:43.360>statute.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/11/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is coded A5.
- amendment is coded amendment is coded S4476 S4476 S4476 A7.
- The amendment is coded A5. amended. The amendment is coded A5.
- The amendment is coded A6.
- The amendment is coded 4476 as amended. The amendment is coded RA26-025.
Summary:
The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs.
Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote.
Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- section.
- But there may not be a The code section.
- As my representative, everything you're talking about is some other section of the code.
- That's not this section of the code.
- That's a different section of the code. The other thing is a pendulum. is a pendulum.
Keywords:
law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, illegal immigration
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- CS for HB 515, Uniform Commercial Code. Chairman, good afternoon, members.
- It would create a new Chapter 12 of Florida's Uniform Commercial Code.
- The Uniform Commercial Code came into being.
- Now, previously, Article 8, which governs investment securities, and Article 9, which governs secured
- And so currently Florida's UCC ...which governs investment securities, and Article 9, which governs secured
Summary:
The Commerce Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. First, CS/HB 515 on the Uniform Commercial Code was presented as a Florida Bar-backed update creating a new chapter to address digital assets and ledger technologies, including rules for perfection of security interests and lien priorities involving items such as Bitcoin. The bill drew support from the Florida Bar’s business law section and the Florida Bankers Association, had no amendments or opposition, and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call.
The committee then heard HB 1427 on rural communities, a broad package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a rural resource directory, a Renaissance grant program, a rural arterial road monetization program, housing and school support measures, and new health care grant programs for telehealth, staffing, training, and mobile units. Sponsors and many local officials, economic development groups, chambers, utilities, and other organizations testified in strong support, emphasizing infrastructure, workforce, housing, and health care needs in rural Florida. Members from both parties praised the bill’s focus on rural counties, and it was reported favorably.
Finally, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements would allow an additional shorter interior support well in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch support well requirement, with the goal of improving accessibility and flexibility for building owners. The National Elevator Industry supported the measure, there was no opposition or amendment, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 290, pursuant to Penal Code Section 290.006.
- But instead, what this bill changes is the Government Code section and transfers probation duties to
- But instead, what this bill changes is the Government Code section and transfers probation duties to
- What the bill would do is change the Government Code section on probation duties to transfer to a different
- This bill takes the step of changing the Government Code section around these really important public
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call.
Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call.
Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 10, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- >
theou <00:25:26.720>with codes available under theou with codes available under theou - Um, government overreach.
- >
this <00:38:00.880>is Um government overreach this this is Um government overreach this - <00:43:23.440>
4 11 beginning with line 22 and section 4 11 beginning with line 22 and section - <00:52:33.599>
4012 equipment, and systems in section 4012 equipment, and systems in section
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/29/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- government license to do their job. government license to do their job.
- fund unconstitutional governance. fund unconstitutional governance.
- , whether that's vis-à-vis the federal government and the state, and the state government and local governments
- , whether that's vis-à-vis the federal government and the state, and the state government and local governments
- , governments, visav the state government, governments, visav the state government, visav<04:35:12.000
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 9th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Current law in Texas government code requires all Texas police agencies to provide a retired police officer
- code.
- So House Bill 3138 amends Chapter 342 Local Government Code to conform to that 2021 law, uh, four years
- The substitute amends Penal Code Section 2205, Deadly conduct Subsection C, to clarify that the presumption
- Uh, mostly I just want to clarify, uh, Section 9 of the Penal Code provides justifications, uh, for certain
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 3rd, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 13.
- to divide it to Division A would be all of Section 8 and all of Section 13.
- Section 7 of the amendment enacts a new section of code under Chapter 12-67 related to tampering or destroying
- a new subdivision to subsection 7 of Section 57-38-30.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to
- The government operations section of House Appropriations will go in at 3:20. Mr. Chief Clerk.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Representative Hoverson offered remarks recognizing World Autism Day, and the House then handled conference committee motions on several bills, including House Bills 1460 and 1248 and Senate Bills 2262, 2070, 2294, and 2297, with the Speaker appointing members to each conference committee. The chamber also set aside Senate Bill 2200 for re-referral to Appropriations and moved to amendments on Senate Bill 2128, which was the main subject of the day.
Senate Bill 2128, a major criminal justice and corrections bill, drew extensive debate over truth-in-sentencing, mandatory minimums, parole, transitional facilities, work release, electronic monitoring, and the fiscal impact of longer incarceration. Division A of the amendments removed mandatory minimums for resisting arrest and felony simple assault while keeping consecutive-sentence language; supporters said this preserved judicial discretion and reduced costs, while opponents argued it weakened public safety. Division A was adopted 70-23.
Division B proposed broader changes to preserve transitional programming, add penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring and escape, limit some work-release restrictions, create a parole board study, and fund electronic monitoring with a $600,000 appropriation. Supporters framed it as a compromise that balanced rehabilitation and public safety; opponents said it undercut the bill’s intent and left dangerous offenders with too much access to transitional release. Division B failed on a 46-46 tie. The House then took up the bill itself, with the Judiciary Committee reporting a do-not-pass recommendation as amended, and debate continued over whether the amended bill should advance, with members split between concerns about victims and public safety versus rehabilitation, prison capacity, and recidivism.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And Lindsay, our director here, our code enforcement section is responsible for boiler and elevator safety
- They have to meet all the International or the Arkansas Fuel Gas Code, National Electric Code, and they
- It's eight hours of training per code cycle.
- “Rebecca Miller-Rice, counsel in the rules section.”
- “Rebecca Miller Rice, counsel in the rules section.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The color coding, the blue section, as you all know, is the SEG section.
- State government.
- And so that is typical across state government.
- We have Public School Code 22, Section 22, 513 and also NMAC, New Mexico Administrative code 6.291, which
- And governance is really important because it provides not only governance, oversight, but accountability
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations. (2-24-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- individuals who are abusing the CPT code individuals who are abusing the CPT code um<00:09:36.320
- 00:21:27.840>
222233, the uh current section 222233, the uh current section 222233, there's<00 - the billing code that gets us the most. the billing code that gets us the most.
- And the billing code is the billing code. So it's a group rate, but the $9.
- And the billing code is the billing code. So it's a group rate, but the $9.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages.
Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed.
Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- To correct this issue, we are proposing to remove this from Government Code Section 11553 and instead
- Labor Code Section 5909 requires the Appeals Board to act on a petition for reconsideration of a decision
- Code Section 19816.16.
- Please note that this control section is based on control section 1196 previously approved by the Legislature
- ODI is new to state government.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held a May Revise hearing focused on state administration proposals, with the chair noting no actions would be taken and all items would remain open. The committee heard presentations on a range of budget proposals, including technical adjustments for the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement and the California Workforce Development Board, security and election-related funding for the Secretary of State, modernization and loan-backfill requests for the Department of Consumer Affairs, and multiple Employment Development Department updates covering EDD Next, UI and DI/PFL benefit estimates, workforce funding, and an EMT training reappropriation.
Several items drew discussion from the LAO and committee members. The LAO generally supported technical or modernization items such as PERB’s implementation requests, GoServe’s College Corps adjustment, the Secretary of State’s security and HAVA grant items, and the Board of Pharmacy modernization proposal, but raised concerns about the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s proposed $10 million General Fund backfill and interest-free loan language. For EDD, the LAO flagged the size of the DI/PFL benefit adjustment and the unusual structure of the document management system proposal within EDD Next, while EDD said the changes reflected higher participation and benefit levels after SB 951 and ongoing modernization needs.
The Department of Industrial Relations drew the most extensive questioning. It proposed funding for legal unit reclassifications, EAMS and Cal/OSHA data modernization, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COYA reappropriation, and trailer bill changes requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and adjusting the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board timeline. Members pressed DIR on high vacancy rates, long wage theft and workers’ compensation backlogs, low collection rates for fines, and the need for clearer workload and outcome measures. DIR said the requests were intended to improve efficiency, support audits and corrective action plans, and better address emerging workplace risks, while the LAO said the workload drivers behind delays remain unclear. The hearing also included support for CalHR’s employee assistance program consolidation and CDT’s proposal to expand “Poppy,” a statewide generative AI assistant for state employees.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Code 5032 is our oversized and overweight permitting section.
- uh we talked about the this or code uh we talked about the safety<02:01:55.520>
section <02:01 - The equipment line, our survey section—the equipment line—our survey section.
- Okay, so the state government and federal government are very different.
- Okay, so the state government and federal government are very different.
Summary:
The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process.
A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities.
Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Those cross-references are to Civil Code Sections 51.7, 51.9, 52, and 52.1.
- I just think it's Section 22675 of the Business and Professions Code, which defines what a social media
- And that may be a question about Section 230.
- And there's a lot of discussion today about Section 230. Let's talk about Section 230 very briefly.
- If there is no design in the code to actually make lies and hatred... ...design in the code to actually
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call.
SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call.
The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (04/09/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:00:23.920>
I code. Uh thank you for the question. I code. - they're in there inputting ICD codes. they're in there inputting ICD codes.
- section shall be considered a violation of the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators and subject
- section shall be considered a violation of the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators and subject
- section shall be considered a violation of the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators and subject
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 34, which would require parental consent for each new service provided to a student through the Medicaid to Schools program and require reports to legislative policy committees. Senator Ruth Ward said the bill was intended to increase transparency, protect parental involvement, and ensure continuity of care, especially for students with disabilities. She also noted a proposed amendment she received shortly before the hearing that would change the bill’s focus from a “new service” to a “new care plan.”
Representatives from the New Hampshire Primary Care Association and Amoscake Health testified that they opposed the bill as written but would support it with the amendment. They explained that tying consent to individual diagnosis codes or services could be burdensome, could delay care, and could create compliance problems if a diagnosis changes during a visit. They said the amendment would better align consent with the overall care plan and avoid interrupting treatment mid-appointment. Committee members raised questions about how the bill would interact with IEPs, individualized health plans, homebound services, telehealth, billing, and whether the amendment would still require parental involvement after a care plan changes.
The deputy Medicaid director from the Department of Health and Human Services testified that the amendment was more operationally feasible because Medicaid billing involves many ICD-10 codes that can change or overlap, and consent should be tied to the care plan rather than to each code. He said the current law already requires parental consent for participation in the Medicaid to Schools program and annual consent for billing, but the bill would make explicit consent for care-plan changes. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and the committee appeared to continue discussion with DHHS after the testimony.