Transcript Highlights:

• the Vermont Human Rights Commission, the Vermont Attorney General's Office, and the Vermont State Ethics
• 00:48:18.160><c> the</c><00:48:18.319><c> Vermont</c><00:48:18.800><c> State</c><00:48:19.119><c> Ethics
• </c><00:48:19.599><c> Commission</c> and the Vermont State Ethics Commission and the Vermont State Ethics

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an Ethics Hotline, which does allow individuals to anonymously report concerns and issues
• ><00:49:37.760><c> an</c> up the chain above or we do have an up the chain above or we do have an Ethics
• 39.280><c> which</c><00:49:39.400><c> does</c><00:49:39.680><c> allow</c><00:49:40.040><c> for</c> Ethics
• Hotline which does allow for Ethics Hotline which does allow for individuals<00:49:40.960><c> to</c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education met on January 30 and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with an announcement asking testifiers and members to keep remarks brief because of weather. The vice chair also explained that HB 440, relating to immigration issues in schools and state hospitals, was removed from the agenda because the proposal would not create meaningful legal protections and immigration policy is governed by federal law. The committee then moved through a series of education-related measures, with testimony largely from the Department of Education, the School Facilities Authority, the Attorney General’s office, unions, advocacy groups, and individual testifiers. On HB 330, concerning school impact fees, the School Facilities Authority supported the bill as aligning policy with implementation, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the fee accounts have accumulated large balances, including more than $20 million in impact fee funds and nearly $9 million from predecessor fair-share contributions, and urged that collected money be used rather than left idle. DOE said it would follow up on the balance and why it was not being used. On HB 1188, dealing with workforce housing, DOE and the Charter School Commission offered comments or support, the Attorney General suggested clarifying the phrase “within commuting distance” by using a mileage standard and adding repayment language, and HSTA, HGEA, and others supported the bill, with HSTA saying teachers need housing to be able to live and work in Hawaii. On HB 624 and HB 625, both related to school psychologists, DOE said it would participate in a work group on the pathway bill and supported the incentive program bill; school psychologists and related groups supported the measures, while one testifier said DOE should not lead the work group alone because school psychologists may work in many education settings beyond DOE schools. The committee also heard HB 1314 on youth mental health in schools. DOE described its student support process, universal screening tools, and behavioral health services, saying schools already identify and respond to concerns and that staff are trained to report issues, while the Attorney General warned the bill could expose schools to liability and recommended a broad liability waiver. Testimony was mixed, with several supporters and one opponent. On HB 616, concerning school safety and harassment protections for educational workers, the Attorney General sought clarifying amendments on harassment definitions, temporary restraining order costs, and paid leave, while HSTA, HGEA, and individual teachers strongly supported the bill, describing harassment incidents and arguing for a standardized statewide response. DOE said it already has reporting pathways, visitor codes of conduct, trespass notices, and an ethics hotline, but acknowledged implementation varies by school and that staff can escalate concerns if needed. The committee also began hearing HB 88 on a three-year pilot program for athletic travel, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s testimony is completed or any votes are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• a change to section 20.2 of the House Administrative and Financial Manual, specifically the FLEY Ethics
• a change to section 20.2 of the House Administrative and Financial Manual, specifically the FLEY Ethics
• a change to section 20.2 of the House Administrative and Financial Manual, specifically the FLEY Ethics
• a change to section 20.2 of the House Administrative and Financial Manual, specifically the FLEY Ethics

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations. The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements. No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did the public, in your opinion, get adequate time to research, analyze, and provide input to the map
• , Office of Economic and Demographic Research, through the American Community Survey, which is a rolling
• , Office of Economic and Demographic Research, through the American Community Survey, which is a rolling
• That's 1.8 million more people, and that that constitutes, with EDR's analysis of that research, Senator
• And that that constitutes, with EDR's analysis of that research and which counties are growing, which

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituting identical House Bill 1D, to establish Florida’s congressional districts. The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by procedural remarks, then extensive floor discussion focused almost entirely on the redistricting proposal, its timing, and its legal basis. Senator Gaetz, explaining the bill, said the Governor had transmitted the map two days earlier, argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is not prohibited by law, and said the Governor’s stated reasons were to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts. He also said the legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal. Much of the debate centered on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana decision and whether it affected Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators Smith, Rouson, Sharief, Polsky, Arrington, Bracey Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and others questioned the short notice, lack of public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony, and whether the map diluted minority voting strength or fragmented communities of interest. Gaetz repeatedly said he was not offering legal opinions, that the Governor’s counsel believed the Fair Districts race-based provisions were inconsistent with federal law, and that any legal challenge would be for the courts. He also said the Governor’s mapmaker reported using census and demographic data, along with political data as one of many inputs, and claimed the map’s compactness was comparable to the current map. A motion by Senator Smith to temporarily postpone consideration of the bill failed on a 12-23 vote. After the Senate returned from a 30-minute break to review the new Supreme Court decision, debate continued. The chamber then substituted HB 1D for SB 8D, read the House bill, and advanced it to third reading. The transcript ends during debate on final passage, with Senators Rouson and Bernard speaking in opposition and arguing the map was procedurally rushed, legally vulnerable, and politically motivated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did the public, in your opinion, get adequate time to research, analyze, and provide input to the map
• , Office of Economic and Demographic Research. the Office of Economic Research, Office of Economic and
• Demographic Research, through the American Community Survey, which is a rolling sample by the U.S.
• That's 1.8 million more people, and that that constitutes with EDR's analysis of that research, and that
• that constitutes with EDR's analysis of that research and which counties are growing, which counties

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved to the special order calendar to consider congressional redistricting legislation, beginning with Senate Bill 8D and then substituting the identical House Bill 1D. The bill would establish Florida’s congressional districts. Senator Gaetz, presenting the measure, said the Governor had proposed the map to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts, and argued that mid-decade redistricting is legally permissible and has occurred before in Florida and other states. He repeatedly said the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal, but that the Governor had the prerogative to propose it. The floor debate focused heavily on the legality and timing of the map, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana redistricting decision was announced during the session. Several senators, including Rouson, Sharief, Smith, Polsky, Arrington, Bracy Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and Berman, questioned whether the map complied with the Florida Constitution’s Fair Districts Amendment, the Voting Rights Act, and equal protection principles. They raised concerns about the short notice, lack of statewide public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony from the Governor’s representatives, the claimed severability of the Fair Districts Amendment, and the impact on minority communities and communities of interest. Gaetz generally declined to offer legal opinions, saying those issues would ultimately be for the courts, but he relayed the Governor’s position that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional and that the proposed map is race-neutral and compact. Members also debated whether the map’s population data and compactness scores justified the district lines, with critics arguing that the plan cracked and split communities in places such as Central Florida, Tampa Bay, and South Florida. Gaetz said the Governor’s office relied on 2020 census data plus updated population estimates from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research and the American Community Survey, and that the mapmaker said he drew the map himself without outside consultants. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted a motion to substitute HB 1D for SB 8D, read the bill a third time, and proceeded to debate the House bill. The transcript ends during debate, with no final vote on passage shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Ethics and Elections Committee will now come to order.

Summary: The Ethics and Elections Committee met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 588, relating to campaign communications and repeated political text messages or calls, was introduced by Senator Leake. He explained it would create a cause of action to stop unwanted campaign communications and recover attorney’s fees, but said the bill may be too broad and asked to temporarily postpone it while he works with stakeholders to narrow it. The committee agreed, and a pending amendment by Senator Polsky became moot. The committee then took up Senate Bill 280, which would create a private right of action to enforce party-affiliation qualification requirements for candidates seeking partisan office. Senator Arrington said the bill would allow political parties or others with standing to challenge a candidate who did not meet the 365-day party affiliation requirement before qualifying, and that a court could disqualify the candidate from the ballot. She offered a strike-all amendment clarifying that the 365 days must be the consecutive days immediately preceding qualifying and narrowing who may bring suit to political parties and other candidates for the same office. After brief questions, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted on the bill as amended. The roll call was unanimous in favor, and SB 280 was reported favorably. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a researcher focused on AI safety, including fairness, bias, and discrimination risks.
• Generally, AI is spreading fast, but it is very much still an emerging field, and our research keeps
• I’m Emiko Tajima, a researcher with Partners for Our Children.
• This mandate creates heightened scrutiny liability risks and ethical dilemmas for officers.
• The maximum College Bound Scholarship award in the underlying bill was 100% of the average of the research

Bills: SB6346, SB6347, SB6147, SB6246, SB5940, SB5882, SB6223, SJR8206, SB5762, SB5828

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is, it's in research right now. Since I get my green back, I'll be filing that bill.
• If my research is right, that was created under the constitutional medical marijuana.
• Page 463 is the core for the Missouri Ethics Commission.
• So our... we have an independent study that does research yearly for our agency.
• It's called the Smari Report, Statistical Marketing and Research Insights.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Personally, it should be higher because when I did some research on first- and second-degree rape,
• I am really excited to be able to share a couple of insights with you from my research and work.
• You should know that in your research.
• Physicians practice with research and data.
• That’s, you know, that’s a common thing that has come up in my research with this.

Summary: The committee first deferred HB 374 without objection. It then heard SB 46, which creates the crime of unlawful operation of a group home aimed at protecting vulnerable adults living in unsafe, unlicensed residences where operators control residents’ assets. The Attorney General’s office described severe neglect and exploitation in some homes, while the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center opposed the bill over concerns it could create confusion, criminalize legitimate recovery or disability housing, and chill protected housing arrangements. After discussion, including assurances that the bill was narrowly targeted at bad actors, the committee reported SB 46 favorably. The committee next took up HB 276, which sets a statewide minimum bail amount for certain sexual offenses against minors. Testimony from a victim’s mother and an anti-trafficking expert supported the bill as a way to keep dangerous offenders detained and protect children, while members debated whether the original $50,000 minimum was too low and could be treated as a benchmark. The committee amended the bill in committee to raise the minimum to $1 million and to add human trafficking involving a victim under 18 to the covered offenses, then reported HB 276 favorably as amended. Members then heard SB 42 and SB 110, both addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. SB 42 expands the definition of child sexual abuse material to include digital and AI-generated depictions, while SB 110 prohibits using a child’s image to train AI to produce such material. The Attorney General’s office and survivor advocates supported the measures as necessary updates to keep pace with technology and protect children; the committee reported both bills favorably. HB 998, dealing with forensic medical exams and reimbursement for domestic violence victims, especially strangulation cases, was also heard and amended to remove human trafficking references and set implementation steps; advocates said the bill would improve evidence collection and reimbursement, and it was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee heard SB 51 on fraudulent representation of military service or awards, which was supported as a tool to address stolen valor and was reported favorably, and HB 323 on notification and reporting of inmate deaths, which was presented as a transparency measure after a family testified about learning of a relative’s death from the news rather than the facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd have to research that within the history of the law. Okay. I'll find that.
• I'd have to research that within the history of the law. Okay.
• I have not even done the research on it. Again, this is... I have not even done the research on it.
• Again, I didn't do the research on that. And if they do? Again, I didn't do the research on that.
• But I'll gladly do your research and get it to you.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Ethics and Election Committee. Let's open our meeting in prayer.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and better integrate small businesses' innovation into government research.
• The SBA Research Act will empower Main Street America to contribute to cost-cutting research, drive the
• Research Act promises to bring.
• Space is research and development.
• SPACE IS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. And space is a return on investment.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So our team, the tourism research branch does do certain amount of research for them and we do publish
• So our team, the tourism research branch does do certain amount of research for them and we do publish
• So our team, the tourism research branch does do certain amount of research for them and we do publish
• So our team, the tourism research branch does do certain amount of research for them and we do publish
• </c><02:09:33.920><c> and</c> anything related to the tax research and anything related to the tax research

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a biologist and was a postdoctoral researcher at the EPA Office of Research and Development.
• </c> about the future of the research about the future of the research according<07:32:23.120><c> to<
• </c> operator and captain of a research operator and captain of a research vessel<07:33:36.558><c> as
• In addition, one of the great benefits of our universities is the research that they do, the research
• In addition, one of the great benefits of our universities is the research that they do, the research

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the former representative are three students from Hawaii Pacific University in his environmental ethics

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question for the Department of Finance: it was not unnoticed that there was not any budget line item for ethics
• Legislature passed AB 101 with the plan... ...and the intention of starting all school districts to start ethics
• Why does the Governor's January budget proposal not provide for an appropriation for ethics studies implementation

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was President Gates, sitting in on the Ethics Commission, who took it upon himself when I had hand-delivered
• and prepackaged to investigators an Ethics Commission complaint that took three and a half years. to
• investigators and an Ethics Commission complaint that took three and a half years to see the light of

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says removing funding needed for research and helps school counselors and social workers research.
• It says removing funding needed for research and helps school counselors and social workers research.
• It says removing funding needed for research and helps school counselors and social workers research.
• It says removing funding needed for research and helps school counselors and social workers research.
• They're using the word research. me. They're using the word research.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “In terms of what the voter guide said, somebody might want to do the research.
• It might be fun to research. Go find the minutes of that constitutional convention.
• 20:19.840><c> might</c><01:20:20.480><c> be</c><01:20:20.640><c> fun</c><01:20:21.199><c> to</c> research
• Uh it might be fun to research.
• </c><02:17:27.760><c> rules</c> satisfied that under the ethics rules satisfied that under the ethics

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research has repeatedly demonstrated that high-quality early childhood care and education programs like
• Research has repeatedly demonstrated that high-quality early childhood care and education programs like
• Extensive research shows that when people develop protective factors, also known as external supports
• </c><00:30:18.080><c> shows</c> Justice System extensive research shows Justice System extensive research
• </c><01:48:11.599><c> and</c> Minnesota where I run a research and Minnesota where I run a research and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all