Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :

Page 156 of 500
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2026

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eight states are moving to close this loophole.
  • Public testimony is closed.
  • It's not their primary care physician.
  • I'll close with this.
  • Public testimony is concluded and closed.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would imagine they'd all be new builds... program closely um and the awards have program closely um
  • </c><00:52:40.400><c> digestors</c> capacity within our primary digestors capacity within our primary
  • So close, Chair. Almost. You're coming.
  • No question, any closing comments?
  • </c><01:42:53.199><c> comments</c> no question any closing comments no question any closing comments
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 4th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Graal, you are recognized to close on the bill. Waive close.
  • Senator McLean, you're recognized to close on the bill. Thank you. Close.
  • Senator Burton, you are recognized to close the amendment. Vote closed.
  • Senator Arbor, you recognize to close on the bill. Wave closed, Chair.
  • Senator Leek, you are recognized to close on the bill. I'll waive close.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (04/10/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • :33:32.480><c> and</c><00:33:32.880><c> it's</c> three primary ways and and it's three primary ways and
  • So, they closed the door and started kissing. Kissing very hard.
  • So, they closed the door and started kissing. Kissing very hard.
  • So, they closed the door and started kissing. Kissing very hard.
  • <c> and</c><00:53:43.760><c> started</c> they closed the door and started they closed the door and started
Committee: Senate Education
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Jan 27th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • So you're recognized to close on your amendment. I waive close.
  • Members, you're recognized to close on the amendment, Senator Oswald. Close.
  • Members, you're recognized to close on the amendment, Senator Oswald. Waive close.
  • You're recognized to close on your bill? Waive close.
  • Senator Martin, you recognize the close on your fine bill. All they have closed.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee met and first took up CS/SB 86, which would make operation of a commercial motor vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and require lawful presence, a valid CDL, English proficiency, and ability to communicate with law enforcement. The bill also authorizes impoundment, a $250,000 civil penalty on the motor carrier, and an out-of-service order until violations are corrected. After adopting an amendment and hearing support from the Florida PBA, the committee reported the bill favorably on a vote with Senator Arrington voting no. The committee then considered CS/SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. An amendment added FAA approval, trademark authorization, and a flexible implementation period for Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County representatives supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1670, a specialty license plate bill for the “outsider” plate, after amending the distribution of proceeds so the Huber Brothers Foundation may receive up to 10% instead of 25%. Next, the committee approved CS/SB 1054, which increases penalties for traffic infractions that result in a crash after running a red light or stop sign, including higher fines, license suspensions, and a one-year bodily injury insurance requirement after an injury crash. Law enforcement testimony supported the bill. The committee also considered CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation surveillance data, which would bar use of that data to calculate or collect landing-related fees; an amendment narrowed the prohibition to landing and touch-and-go fee scenarios. Aviation groups and pilots supported the bill as protecting safety and preventing surprise billing, while airport representatives said they could still charge landing fees but would need to rely on more manual methods. The committee reported CS/SB 422 favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all measures were approved.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have been working closely with the committee, with the industry, and with CalRecycle on it.
  • Seeing no further senators wishing to be recognized, Senator Cabaldon, you may close.
  • Senator Cabaldon, you may close. Thank you very much, Mr.
  • And one of the primary contributing factors to that are individuals who are recklessly driving.
  • And one of the primary contributing factors to that are individuals who are recklessly driving.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files. The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes. The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • IF YOU CAN SHARE IT OBVIOUSLY WHAT ARE THE IF YOU HAVE A CORRELATION TO PERHAPS THE FIVE GREATEST PRIMARY
  • SO, FIRST BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRODUCT IS THE PRIMARY.
  • HOW DO YOU WORK CLOSELY WITH THAT GROUP? IT IS A FRAGILE AND SENSITIVE GROUP IN OUR SOCIETY.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Mar 21st, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In connection with the closing and settlement of certain transactions pertaining to the residential property
  • By an insured directly to a physician providing direct primary care for the Committee on Insurance, HB
  • Tinderholt relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/07/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The secretary will close the roll. The secretary will close the roll.
  • . close. close.
  • </c> close to home. close to home.
  • , rural hospitals will close, urban hospitals will close.
  • </c> will close. will close.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/11/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Seeing and hearing none, the debate is now closed.
  • BE SURE TO TAPE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE FORM CLOSED.
  • Seeing and hearing none, the debate is closed. Secretary will ring the bell.
  • Senator Skoufis to close. It does have to make you wonder why. I vote no, Mr.
  • Senator Skoufis to close. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened with routine business, including approval of the prior journal and several messages from the Assembly to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills. The chamber then took up a budget extender, Senate Print 10262/Assembly Bill 11295, which would appropriate $2.9 billion to keep state government operating through May 14 while budget negotiations continued. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in reaching a full budget and criticized the lack of clarity on major policy issues, conference committees, school aid timing, and a proposed $1 billion utility ratepayer relief plan, arguing the state’s spending and affordability problems were worsening. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were in the final stretch and that the extender was necessary to maintain government operations. The extender passed 59-1 after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. The Senate also considered a major election-law bill, Senate Print 88A, providing for automatic voter registration and pre-registration through DMV, Medicaid, and NYCHA-related transactions. Senator Walczyk’s proposed amendment to require voter ID was ruled nongermane, and his appeal was rejected. The bill prompted extended debate over whether the process would protect against non-citizen registration or instead remove barriers for eligible voters. Supporters, including Senator Gianaris, said it would streamline registration and help eligible but unregistered New Yorkers participate; Senator Zellner said it would strengthen the process. Opponents, including Senators Walczyk, Borrello, Helming, Rhoads, and Martins, warned it would shift responsibility away from bipartisan boards of elections, create administrative errors, and risk improper registration. The bill ultimately passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar, with senators explaining votes along party lines. The chamber also adopted or advanced several resolutions and recognized guests. Senator Gallivan’s Police Week resolution drew remarks honoring fallen officers and law enforcement families, with Senators Chan, Rolison, Weik, Ryan, and Myrie speaking in support. Senator Sepúlveda’s resolution commemorating Dominicans in Albany was also discussed, with praise for the Dominican community’s contributions to New York and supportive remarks from Senator Chan. In addition, the Senate heard introductions for guests from Allen A.M.E. Church and the creators of the documentary “Teenage Wasteland.”
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this bill deals with which offices are going to be under the closed party primary.
  • Is that close enough?
  • On this committee, we have to deal with confidentiality and we just can't just keep closing doors, closing
  • On this committee, we have to deal with confidentiality and we just can't just keep closing doors, closing
  • I want to close on your— Thank you, Secretary of State. Want to close on you, Bill, sir? Are you?
Summary: The committee first deferred Senate Bill 49, which would remove the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from the list of offices subject to closed party primary elections, after the sponsor said additional amendments were being prepared. It then took up House Bill 1247, which creates a statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator within the Department of Justice to improve access, evidence collection, and coordination for sexual assault survivors. Members adopted a committee amendment package that clarified the coordinating structure, geographic response considerations, reimbursement language, and related public records issues, and the bill was reported favorably as amended with support from health care and law enforcement-related groups. House Bill 1245, also dealing with public records, was amended to protect certain personal identifying information in criminal history records of criminal justice agency employees who serve as witnesses in criminal proceedings. The discussion focused on limiting release of Social Security numbers, home addresses, and dates of birth while preserving disclosure required for court proceedings and impeachment-related purposes. The committee adopted a further amendment narrowing the protection to those PII items in records held by the clerk of court, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1011, allowing jurors to donate per diem compensation to CASA, and House Bill 1186, which standardizes construction code and inspector licensing records while protecting inspectors’ personal information, were also reported favorably. Senate Bill 425, which implements the constitutional mandate for removal by suit of certain elected officials for felony conviction, malfeasance, or gross misconduct, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it creates a civil process to address serious misconduct when criminal prosecution is unavailable or incomplete, while opponents warned it could be abused for political targeting, duplicate existing remedies, and rely on vague standards. After amendments clarifying the process and standards, the committee voted 10-5 to report the bill favorably as amended. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorably House Bill 1057, extending absentee-by-mail eligibility for overseas service members from one year to two years, and began discussion of House Bill 709, which would create a rulemaking notification system, a 10-year sunset for certain rules, and an Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the governor’s office.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law

Federalism and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and members of the committee, and try and get as close as you can to the microphone.
  • If you would please give your name for the record and who you represent and get as close to the microphone
  • If you would, please give your name for the record, who you represent, and get as close to the microphone
  • Get as close as you can to the microphone. No, you're not going to break it.
  • Not even close.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Feb 13th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Teres and I are close to he and his... ...job.
  • But you know that we're always as close as a phone call.
  • I think that is the primary focus of the team that would come in to the...
  • That's the primary focus. That is correct. That's the primary focus. That is correct.
  • In as a sophomore, almost junior, close to a junior classification.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair's pair and close. Pae, aye. Chair's pairing to close. Kennedy, aye. Marty, aye.
  • Chair's pair and close. Close the vote. 79 aye, 13 nay.
  • Chair is preparing to close. Hill, aye. Tedford, aye. Close the vote.
  • Chair is preparing to close. Thank you. Chair is preparing to close. Close the vote.
  • Close the vote. Aye, 10 nay.
Summary: The House convened after a quorum call, welcomed visitors in the galleries, and then took up a series of bills. HB 4104, relating to the Sex Offenders Registration Act, was explained as making second or subsequent misdemeanor “peeping tom” offenses a felony and making felony convictions under that statute registrable; it passed 91-0. HB 3722, an elections bill, drew extended debate over whether a voter registration application should be considered incomplete if the applicant leaves party affiliation blank; supporters said the state should not infer intent, while opponents argued the change would create an unnecessary barrier and could disenfranchise voters. The bill passed 75-18. HB 3787, as amended, clarified that any person appointed to fill an unexpired term in an elected office must be a U.S. citizen; it passed 79-13. HB 3700, from the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, requires colleges and universities to grade students on academic content rather than opinions or beliefs, and it passed with an emergency clause. HB 3701 codifies the Regents’ process for reviewing low-performing degree programs and passed with an emergency clause as well. The House also passed HB 3310 on state government transparency and accountability 94-0, HB 3404 creating a framework for prescribed burn associations and financial relief 89-4, HB 2964 on medical records fees after amendment 92-0, HB 2398 allowing postsecondary institutions to designate credentials of value 70-20, HB 3024 on transparency for state employee pay and bonuses 79-9 with an emergency clause, HB 3499 allowing special judges to hear certain title-issuance cases 84-5, HB 3278 providing corrections for Open Meeting Act violations without going straight to district court 82-4, and HB 3279 updating public corruption rules to address contract and post-employment conflicts 10-? (the transcript indicates passage but the exact final tally is unclear). The session ended with adjournment until Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 28, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Having closed debate, Representative, you are recognized to close.
  • Seeing no debate, you're welcome to close on the amendment. We've closed, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
  • Having been closed, and closed on the bill, Amy, would you please call the roll? By Chair Abbott.
  • Seeing none, you're recognized to close. We close. Thank you.
  • wave close thank you having wave close and closed on the amendment members any objection on the amendment
Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings. The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no. Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
  • of policy decisions made during the last session and prior to that to address this issue, to try to close
  • I want to make sure this is a primary thing that everybody focuses on.
  • So, that closes the discussion on the FY26 budget.
  • So that closes the discussion on the FY26 direct budget.
  • With that, I think I would just close again by reiterating the need.
Keywords: 924, joint, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've got the old code that we had, and I'm going to read it to you, just so you'll know it's pretty close
  • And the primary consideration needs to be the best interests of the children, not what a one-sided...
  • And the primary consideration needs to be the best interests of the children, not what a one-sided, And
  • the primary consideration needs to be the best interests of the children, not what a one-sided local
  • That was closing. So take your seat. All right, committee.
Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 11, 2026, then took up House Bill 803 on execution procedures. The bill would extend confidentiality protections for people involved in firing squad executions to match those already used for lethal injection, with supporters saying it protects state employees from doxxing and is consistent with recent court rulings. Some members objected that the bill reduces transparency and removes even limited administrative review, but the committee passed it on a roll call vote, 11-2, with Representatives Matthias and Rubel voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 857, which would give both parents equal access to a minor child’s records, including medical, educational, child care, law enforcement, and court records, unless a court order restricts access with written findings that the restriction is necessary to prevent substantial harm to the child. The sponsor said the bill clarifies parental rights and helps schools and providers know when records must be released, while opponents argued it could expose parents and children to danger, create a high burden for courts, and reduce privacy protections. After testimony from family law attorneys, a court representative, and parents, the committee sent the bill to General Orders unanimously. House Bill 859, also from Representative Scott, would require restoration of parenting time when a parent loses time due to abuse allegations that are later found unsubstantiated or insufficient, and would require courts to order make-up time and report willful interference to prosecutors. Supporters said it would deter false allegations and restore time wrongfully lost, while opponents said existing family law rules already provide make-up time, the bill would burden courts, and the reporting requirement would compromise judicial neutrality. The committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead passed a motion to hold it in committee by a 7-5 roll call vote. The committee then quickly passed Senate Bill 1308, a cleanup bill related to mediator information, and Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims compensation is not a public benefit under last session’s public benefits law. Both were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/16/2026 - Senate Finance

Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • Working closely with our branch employees and the households they serve, I saw firsthand not only the
  • customers kept carefully evaluating their circumstances and remaining responsive after a loan has been closed
  • May I remind this committee that we have a 264% shortage of primary care physicians alone in Maryland
  • We have a 264% shortage of primary care physicians alone in Maricopa County.
  • And I fear that with this bill, where we're closing down when you can go and inspect, I appreciate the
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee considered a lengthy agenda of bills covering consumer lending, insurance coverage, professional scope of practice, property tax administration, digital assets, and aviation tax policy. The committee first approved prior committee amendments, then heard SB 1689 on consumer loan thresholds and rates. After sponsor testimony that the bill modernizes outdated lending caps and lowers rates on larger loans, the committee adopted an amendment but the bill failed on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Epstein arguing the structure would shift costs onto smaller borrowers. The committee then passed several health-related measures. SB 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, was amended and passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and cancer survivors; Senator Epstein opposed the religious-employer definition. SB 1165, eliminating cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, passed 5-1 after testimony from Senator Angus and Susan G. Komen, with supporters saying it would reduce barriers to follow-up screening. SB 1212, barring insurers from reimbursing providers differently based on vaccination status, also passed 4-2 despite concerns that it could undermine vaccination incentive programs. Other bills advanced or failed after similar debate. SB 1206, addressing contractor and public adjuster conduct after property losses, passed 5-1 with an amendment and support from State Farm. SB 1291, limiting county reassessment and inspections of agricultural property for four years after a successful appeal, passed 5-1 over assessor opposition and farm group support. SB 1649, creating a digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed 4-2 after debate over civil asset forfeiture and whether crypto should be treated as a strategic reserve. SB 1516, expanding an aviation-related tax exemption to aircraft maintenance and repair property, passed 4-1 amid sharp disagreement over whether it was economic development or a tax break for private jets. SB 1554, changing chiropractic statutory language from x-rays to diagnostic imaging, initially failed 3-3 but was reconsidered and later passed 3-2 after additional discussion about its practical effect.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • is supposed to be supporting all of New Mexico, supporting the region, but of course, some of the primary
  • The staffing shortage can potentially cause us to close classrooms, leading to parents losing a day of
  • There is also a regulation that states you can have no more than three primary caregivers within one
  • So, when you have a call-in and you don't have a qualified teacher who is one of those primary teachers
  • Madam Chair and Representative Matthews, unfortunately, we have had to close classrooms.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the custodies, five custodies, are community, minimum, medium, close, and maximum.
  • We do it in two primary ways. The first way is through office visits.
  • We do it in two primary ways. restitution. How do we monitor the conditions of supervision?
  • We do it in two primary ways. The first way is through office visits.
  • As I close out on my part about probation, I want to go back to what I said earlier.
Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.