Video & Transcript Research : 'voting accessibility'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Elections - 02/26/26

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • between um accessibility of information? between um accessibility of information?
  • , wanting to be uh open and accessible, wanting to be uh open and accessible, but<00:30:20.799>
  • I'm not ready to support swinging the pendulum from full access to no access whatsoever.
  • I'm not ready to support swinging the pendulum from full access to no access whatsoever.
  • I'm not ready to support swinging the pendulum from full access to no access whatsoever.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • for Proposition 56 to support health care access for folks.
  • Californians who voted for Proposition 56 to support health care access for folks covered by Medi-Cal
  • You guys have the votes.
  • , including for people in Medi-Cal who don't have access otherwise.
  • Chair and members, Kathy Mossberg with Essential Access Health.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not voting. Lackey, not voting. Gwen. Ramos? Aye. Ramos, aye. Sharp Collins, aye.
  • Not voting. Lackey, not voting. Gwen. Ramos? Aye. Ramos, aye. Sharp Collins, aye.
  • Vote change: Assembly Member Lackey changed from not voting to no.
  • Vote change: Assembly Member Alonese changed from not voting to no.
  • Vote change for assembly member Alanese from not voting to no.
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We ask that you vote no. And then next, is Dr.
  • And so we are going to vote for this.
  • Senators, by your vote, CS for Senate Bill 714 is reported favorably.
  • Well, not all parents have access to diagnoses by age eight.
  • And I'm sorry, I just can't vote for this today.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we're not going to vote this bill today.
  • We'll bring it back, um, probably next week and vote at the end.
  • But we're not going to vote this bill today.
  • we're not going to vote this bill today. we're not going to vote this bill today.
  • vote it next week. vote it next week.
Bills: SB63, SB80, SB63, SB80
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 18th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, if you'll just allow me this, I voted for psilocybin.
  • So, what was the vote? Negative. OK. Great. A vote of 9 to 6, we have a do pass.
  • Good evening, Ata Chavez from NM Native Vote.
  • The barriers to access stacked up in each conversation.
  • I'm going to vote yes on this bill.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-PEER Jan 13th, 2026

ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:
  • a minimum of a voice vote.
  • It’s not access directly from the lake, but from access points along public roads.
  • but from access points along public roads.
  • We've got a request for vote by division. We need three hands.
  • Okay, the vote... All right, that's been withdrawn.
Summary: The committee met to consider a series of temporary appropriation requests, reserve fund transfers, federal grant appropriations, and review items. Early items included a $32 million appropriation and matching reserve transfer for the Department of Education’s educational freedom account program, a $476,000 request for the State Crime Lab, and a $90,000 assessment coordination request from DFA. Members asked questions about the assessment contract costs, and the item was approved. The committee also approved a $1 ARPA return to the CDC and a Department of Human Services reallocation package that moved general revenue and positions among divisions to meet client needs. The most extensive discussion centered on a $32 million restricted reserve transfer for the educational freedom account program. Members questioned the growing number of participating students, the program’s long-term funding needs, and safeguards against improper purchases. Agency representatives said about 44,000 students were being funded, that reimbursements and marketplace purchases are reviewed, and that reporting and audit controls are in place, though not every instance of fraud can be prevented. The committee approved the transfer after discussion. Members also approved smaller cash and federal grant items, including funding for a teacher shortage data dashboard, All Kids Bike grants, crime lab outsourcing, veterans cemetery operations, and a podiatric medicine licensing investigation fund. The most contentious item was a $7 million federal Forest Legacy grant request for Central Arkansas Water and the Department of Agriculture to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed, including acreage in Perry County and Pulaski County. Members debated water quality, development pressure, property tax impacts, local support, and whether Perry County had been adequately consulted. Agency and company representatives argued the acquisition would protect drinking water, preserve forested watershed land, and support recreation, while some legislators emphasized the county’s tax and development concerns. Senator Davis moved to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and to request removal of the Perry County portion; that motion passed. The committee then reviewed the remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay plan request, and adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair votes no.
  • role chair votes role chair votes no<00:42:07.680> we<00:42:07.760> are<00:42:08.000
  • I ask you to vote no. Thank you.
  • I ask you to vote no. Thank you.
  • assistant will take the role chair votes assistant will take the role chair votes no<01:15:03.400
Bills: HF10
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, without this owner vote, a majority of all owners have to vote to approve going over this 5% cap.
  • I'm sorry, I said the access program, the UBI.
  • ACCESS was built by IBM at a cost, so far, of $35 million.
  • Who has access to it? Can Harris County prove...?
  • Education and finance to vote a certain way.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:30 am

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • in favor and a vote opposed.
  • As you can see in subsection 2 of section 1, an objective analysis of a vote in favor and a vote opposed
  • What does a yes vote mean? What does a no vote mean?
  • What does a yes vote mean? What does a no vote mean?
  • means, here's what a no vote means.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 26, 2025 - 08:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, the bill will be reported favorably.
  • You know, I'm voting in favor of the bill.
  • You vote yes. You are recognized. You vote yes. All right. Any other questions on the bill?
  • By your vote, the bill will be reported favorably.
  • Now they want access to the distribution rights as well.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard seven measures, including four bills and three proposed committee substitutes. HB 6033, repealing the Labor Pool Act, was presented as a cleanup measure to remove duplicative regulation; supporters argued workers would still be covered by OSHA, wage laws, workers’ compensation, and liability insurance, while opponents raised concerns about losing specific protections for day laborers. The bill was reported favorably on a 4-? vote, with several members voting no over concerns about worker protections. HB 453, dealing with pool and spa contractors, was described as a technical update to Chapter 489 that would better align licensing scopes with current industry practice and allow contractors to perform related work without stopping for additional licensed trades. An amendment making only drafting changes was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. CS/HB 277 on veteran benefits assistance was also reported favorably unanimously after testimony focused on protecting veterans from predatory claims-assistance practices while preserving choice and requiring disclosures, fee limits, and data-security safeguards. The committee then approved PCS for HB 291, which would require personal mobility device batteries sold in Florida to meet an IPX-7 certification standard, after the sponsor cited fire risks from lithium-ion batteries; the measure passed unanimously. PCS for HB 709, allowing valid pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities to nearby high-li permit holders, was amended to require a minimum of 59 live performances and then passed unanimously. CS/HB 4011, expanding who may serve as a building official on Palm Beach County’s Building Code Advisory Board, passed unanimously as a good-government fix to fill vacancies. Finally, PCS for HB 499, allowing small craft breweries under 31,000 gallons to self-distribute, drew extensive testimony from brewers and distributors about small-business growth versus the three-tier alcohol system; despite concerns about weakening distribution safeguards, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 29th, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • I had two other committees meeting, and one of them was voting, and had to go there and vote.
  • I had two other committees meeting, and one of them was voting, and I had to go there and vote.
  • Let's back that vote count up. Members, the clerk will show Senator Middleton voting aye.
  • We'll need to adopt that substitute before voting it out.
  • During the months leading up to the ballot vote, During the months leading up to the ballot vote, we
Summary: The Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills focused largely on special education transparency, school safety, and student support services. Senate Bill 1908, by Senator Zaffirini, would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements, including regional portals for healthcare clinical slots, with a report due by December 1, 2026. A representative of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition testified in support. The bill was left pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then took up Senate Bill 111, by Senator Hall, which in its committee substitute was narrowed to a reporting bill requiring school districts to disclose legal proceedings involving special education due process complaints when legal fees exceed $10,000, rather than capping spending. Several parents and advocates testified that districts spend large sums on litigation against families of children with disabilities and that greater transparency is needed; some senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including possible pressure to settle cases. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1551 on automated external defibrillators in public schools, Senate Bill 865 on CPR instruction requirements for certain volunteers, Senate Bill 1032 on the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and Senate Bill 571 on school employee misconduct reporting and access to the Do Not Hire Registry; each was reported favorably after committee substitute adoption and roll-call votes. Additional bills discussed included Senate Bill 1884, which would formalize and expand dedicated staff support for the State Board of Education and give the board chair hiring authority over that staff; members questioned whether it duplicated TEA functions, while a witness argued the workload increase justified the change, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 625 would replace the current half-credit economics requirement with a half-credit in personal financial literacy; educators and advocates strongly supported making the course required, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 582 would make TEA settlement agreements in special investigations publicly available when sanctions are imposed, and Senate Bill 2600 would bar transportation fees for students living within two miles of campus unless districts do not receive state transportation funding; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2751, which would require TEA inspections of non-public special education programs to consider medical standards of care and crisis-prevention training; testimony from a program operator described severe student behaviors and the need for more flexibility, and the bill was left pending after the substitute was adopted.
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill would amend current law as it relates to the Industrial Access Road Fund.
  • I really want to vote for the pay raise, but it's hard to vote for that one.
  • And I just can't vote for it. Thank you. Further discussion? Senior Senator from the 6th.
  • And I just can't vote for it. Thank you. Further discussion? Senior Senator from the 6th.
  • There being 10 votes for and six votes against, I declare the motion of the amendment adopted.
Keywords: 994, senate, all
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.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Unfortunately, what that means is we lose access to our in-home care, and I lose access to the waiver
  • And by your vote, CS for SB 1016 is reported favorably.
  • And by your vote, CS for SB 1016 is reported favorably.
  • Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take a vote on all of these
  • Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take a vote on all of these
Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment. The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/04/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • working on a new justice partner access working on a new justice partner access and<00:01:40.799
  • <01:23:22.480> Senator this amendment to a vote. Senator this amendment to a vote.
  • . vote. vote.
  • I would urge a yes vote on the A2. >> We're going to have a vote now.
  • to access data of any classifications. to access data of any classifications.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • House File 566 to help Greater Minnesota communities like Ely continue to thrive while improving access
  • about connectivity and accessibility about connectivity and accessibility when<00:03:05.840>
  • residents alike can seamlessly access residents alike can seamlessly access local<00:03:20.000><
  • <00:04:49.680> and thrive while improving access and thrive while improving access and connectivity
  • We'll take the vote. All in favor, please say aye. Any opposed, please say aye.
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
  • Senator Davis voted, yes. Lock the board and record the vote. 36 years. Mr. Davis voted. Yes.
  • If all senators voted, if all senators voted, locked the board and record the vote. 37, yay, zero nays
  • Senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted? Wave and close.
  • Senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? All senators voted. Okay.
Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language. The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Mar 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • And for those reasons, we urge your aye vote. Thank you.
  • I vote. Thank you very much. At this time, we'll take quorum.
  • And so now we can take the roll call vote on AB 250. Thank you.
  • I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
  • It doesn't impact access to justice.
Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added. AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/20/25

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Government Efficiency entered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters and gained access
  • It's online, it's free public access, but we can specifically send it to you.
  • I admit I felt like a sucker after I voted for the $800 million Wall Street bailout.
  • I voted for it. I spoke in favor of it on the House floor.
  • I voted for it again when it returned from the Senate.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • voting equipment, voting processes, voting registration systems, election auditing, cyber and physical
  • security, voter education, and accessibility.
  • Nikisha Robinson, Deputy Secretary of State over the Help America Vote Act.
  • So the Help America Vote Act funds have a broad usage.
  • centers and drop boxes to protect and expand ballot access.
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.