Video & Transcript Research : 'parish council'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Tribal council really appreciates that engagement.
- Tribal council really appreciates that engagement.
- Tribal council really appreciates that engagement.
- Uh, and we'll also have Joel Johnson, the legislative director of IBEW State Council.
- , Council, Council, which<00:53:21.520>
represents <00:53:22.120>over <00:53:22.320>
Keywords:
HF4308, Monticello nuclear plant, Prairie Island, renewable development account, RDA, nuclear waste, spent fuel, dry cask storage, utility tax, commercial-industrial property tax, state general levy, property tax exemption, residential heating fuels, natural gas tax exemption, electricity sales tax exemption, year-round sales tax exemption, distributed solar energy standard, solar mandate, community solar, grid modernization
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN DEFER, CPN-HOU, CPN, CPN-EDT Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, vice chair and council members, my name is Jade Bluestone.
- <00:10:41.519>
on have the Hawaii State Council on have the Hawaii State Council on Developmental - <00:10:52.240>
is <00:10:52.399>Jade council members, my name is Jade council members Developmental State Council of Developmental State Council of Developmental Disabilities.<00:- Council in opposition. Council in opposition.
Keywords:
combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land.
They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments.
The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:51.280>
So <00:04:51.440>we <00:04:51.600>are panel council contracts - So we are panel council contracts.
- which we contract enforcement council which we contract with<00:17:39.280>
um <00:17:40.080> <00:47:52.720>- to go ahead and say by uh other council to go ahead and say that<00:30:48.080>
uh <00:30:48.159for that just completed and council for that just completed and council for - to go ahead and say by uh other council to go ahead and say that<00:30:48.080>
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract.
For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts.
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- what needs to happen from the development side, because, you know, I've spent six years on the city council
- You know, we used to say on the council, and you all experience this, you don't get to choose who sits
- I've spent six years on the city council I've spent six years on the city council as<00:04:43.960
- <00:05:02.039>
the of you know we used to say on the of you know we used to say on the council - and you all experience this you council and you all experience this you don't<00:05:04.320>
get
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition.
Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have one in Plymouth where, when I first went by it when I was on city council, I was a little
- I first went by it and I city council I first went by it and I was<00:30:41.000>
a <00:30:41.120 - and the board high-rise resident Council and the board of<00:46:48.839>
the <00:46:49.000> - <00:46:52.480>
which <00:46:52.920>represents representative council which represents - representative council which represents the<00:46:54.119>
interest <00:46:54.640>of <00
Keywords:
affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/14/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- But, members, you have the research overview from Senate Council.
- <00:48:52.240>
Among <00:48:52.800>those from Senate Council. - Among those from Senate Council.
- Council. Council.
- Finally, we're proposing the elimination of the prescription drug advisory council.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, it looks like 20 years or when the city council would approve an ordinance to do the termination
- To fund these improvements, the city council supports... Ottershell County.
- <00:44:16.560>
supports The city council supports the use of a local sales tax. - um if this I'm going to ask uh council um if this I'm going to ask uh council to<00:57:02.000>
- And uh and so they councils are.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um so we also are going Senate Council.
- Um nonpartisan council to the committee.
- Sylvia, Madam Chair, members, Eric Sylvia, nonpartisan council.
- Sylvia, Madam Chair, members, Eric Sylvia, nonpartisan council.
- Sylvia, Madam Chair, members, Eric Sylvia, nonpartisan council.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we also heard quite a bit from folks on the Humanities Council cuts or the Arts Council cuts.
- I mean, we also heard quite a bit from folks on the Humanities Council cuts or the Arts Council cuts.
- cuts or the arts humanities council cuts or the arts council<01:49:43.360>
cuts. - Um, I also think that it council cuts.
- <02:18:22.160>
funds the governor and executive council funds the governor and executive council
Summary:
The committee worked through a series of budget amendments, mostly to House Bill 2 and related House Bill 1 changes, with members discussing whether to reduce or preserve funding for various programs. Early actions included approving an amendment to House Bill 219 that delays implementation of renewable energy-related provisions to 2027, and approving an amendment that removes a $150,000 appropriation tied to a housing-related database while allowing use of housing fund money for the project. The committee also approved an amendment affecting magistrates so they could continue pretrial and other judicial support work, while noting they would not handle bail and that the change reflected separate legislation already signed by the governor.
Members then approved a series of administrative savings items in the Department of Administrative Services, including eliminating a long-vacant computer analyst position and reducing overtime and recruiting/subscription-tool budgets. They also approved an amendment cutting marketing and administrative support for the paid family leave program, with members emphasizing that the program itself would continue. A proposed cut to the WorkInvest NH program was discussed at length, with some members arguing it benefits workers and employers and others noting the cost is borne by employers; the committee ultimately set that item aside without taking action. The committee also debated and then approved a modest reduction to a BEA regional planning grant, despite objections that regional planning commissions provide valuable municipal support.
The most extended discussion centered on the State Library. Representative Sweeney said he did not want to pursue a full cut of the library and instead favored a more targeted approach, noting that some federal funding for library services such as interlibrary loans and the Libby system may be at risk. Members discussed alternatives, including unfilled positions and other partial reductions, but no final action on the full library cut was taken in the portion provided. The committee also paused on some other items to gather more information before voting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Admin also provides finance and HR services to many of the state's small agencies, boards, and councils
- Admin also provides finance and HR services to many of the state's small agencies, boards, and councils
- Admin also provides finance and HR services to many of the state's small agencies, boards, and councils
- Admin also provides finance and HR services to many of the state's small agencies, boards, and councils
- So a few of those services are listed above: the Council on Developmental Disabilities for adults, the
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I know that with my deep work with the Opioid Council, we are doing the same thing there.
- <00:50:54.359>
we my deep work with the opioid Council we my deep work with the opioid Council - There are six representatives on that council, each from labor and from business.
- By law, the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council approval requires near consensus of the members.
- I chair the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meetings. We have one on Wednesday.
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/18/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:16:59.120>
on that the New Hampshire Council on that the New Hampshire Council on Developmental - of the Quality Council in a family support seat.
- Equality Council to uh conduct<02:37:54.080>
its <02:37:54.399>work. - And I think the quality council legislation does include that and gives people a meaningful voice.
- <02:38:39.280>
statute that the quality council statute that the quality council statute actually
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (7-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- staff<00:05:55.600>
and <00:05:56.080>uh <00:05:57.039>uh <00:05:57.840>council - everyone uh save staff and uh uh council everyone uh save staff and uh uh council and<00:05:59.360
Summary:
The Legislative Ethics Commission met on July 8, 2025, with a quorum present. The meeting began with the swearing-in of new commission member Chris Lily, who was welcomed as a former LRC leadership staffer. The chair also introduced John Scott, a longtime LRC budget staff member and former committee staff administrator for Appropriations and Revenue, noting he would be helping with upcoming budget work.
The commission approved the minutes from its June 17 meeting without amendment. After that, members voted to enter executive session for a preliminary inquiry hearing under KRS 61.810(1)(c), (j), and (k). The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Following the vote, the chair directed everyone except staff, counsel, and Representative Gber to leave the room so the executive session could proceed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ramirez, commenting on behalf of Eric Guerra, chair of the Sacramento Valley Air Pollution Control Council
- Air Pollution Control Council and California Air Resources Board member in support of SB 88, Caballero
- As the analysis states, this bill has no significant state cost, and Judicial Council reports minor and
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on July 2, 2025, to consider 25 bills. After opening remarks and quorum, the committee approved a consent calendar of unanimously supported measures, including several Senate bills and committee bills, and then moved to individual items. SB 391, which would authorize the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge reasonable fees for data requests from research partners, drew support from the author and the California Teachers Association, which withdrew its opposition after amendments; the bill passed on a roll call. SB 251, an annual appropriations bill to pay three state claims totaling a little over $1.2 million, was supported by the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Finance and also passed.
The committee then deemed the suspense calendar approved, covering SBs 748, 329, 388, 439, 458, 454, and 563, and took public comment on suspense-file bills. Commenters voiced support for SB 88 on biomass and SB 80. The committee next heard SB 477, which would clarify the Fair Employment and Housing Act to help the Civil Rights Department investigate and prosecute discrimination and harassment cases more efficiently; the author described changes to deadlines, complaint definitions, and venue rules, and the bill passed. SB 831, which updates the definition of geological hazards to reflect climate-change-related risks and clarify the California Geological Survey’s duties, received support from industry and passed without recorded opposition.
Finally, SB 450, which clarifies California’s jurisdiction over adoption proceedings, including confirmatory adoptions for families who have moved out of state and requires all legal parents to be listed on adoption orders, was presented with support from Equality California and related groups. The bill was described as having no significant state cost and passed on a roll call. Several measures were approved with Republicans not voting, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- NIMCOG has partnered with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and the Merrimack River Watershed Council
- nimcoq has partnered with the merrimack valley planning commission and the merrimack river watershed council
- I'm the executive director of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, MRWC.
- The Watershed Council was founded 50 years ago, back when the Merrimack River was one of the 10 most
- Council of Governments.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states.
The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Transcript Highlights:
- I also serve on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council, where I fill the direct-to-consumer seat, and
- today I am testifying on behalf of the Advocacy Committee of the State Food Policy Council in support
- I also serve on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council, where I fill the direct-to-consumer seat, and
- today I am testifying on behalf of the Advocacy Committee of the State Food Policy Council in support
- All right, no questions, and thank you for your service on the Food Policy Council as well.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders.
The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Jewish Family Services, Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay, Jewish Community Relations Council
- Hi, I'm Jacques Navant, president of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
- Greg Burr with the California Family Council, in opposition. Thank you.
- That was finalized by the City Council in 2018. We did our first groundbreaking a week ago.
- And so this really is... ...that was finalized by the City Council in 2018.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call.
The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The absence of both the California Arts Council request and the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund
- The California Arts Council and the PAEEPF address different sides of the same crisis.
- So we urge you, and frankly implore you, to please fully fund both the California Arts Council at $50
- And for those waiting for public comment, the Arts Council will be at tomorrow.
- And for those waiting for public comment, the Arts Council will be at tomorrow's hearing as well.
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.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (3-11-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm an attorney with Kentucky Resources Council, and we provide services across the Commonwealth to those
- There's PJM, there's MISO, and there is ERCOT in Texas, the Energy Reliability Council of Texas.
- <00:20:03.920>
Energy Reliability Council of Texas. Energy Reliability Council of Texas. - Energy Reliability<00:20:05.200>
Council <00:20:05.560>of <00:20:05.680>Texas. - Reliability Council of Texas. Reliability Council of Texas.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 30 (2-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation will secure eligibility for KSBF officers under the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council
- and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and the Kentucky Law Enforcement<00:37:57.280>
Foundation - > sanctioned by the tourism arch and sanctioned by the tourism arch and heritage<00:38:30.520>
council shall <00:38:31.520>be <00:38:31.720>deemed <00:38:32.000>a heritage council- shall be deemed a heritage council shall be deemed a police<00:38:32.400>
officer <00:38:32.880
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 05:49
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27
Report of Committees 08:12
Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40
HB 43 23:13
HB 139 25:09
HB 414 31:49
HB 297 36:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41
ConC/Rules Report 56:40
Floor Amendments 57:54
Adjournment 58:17, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading.
The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions.
After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.