Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster declaration'
Page 162 of 329
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/09/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like somebody to be able to declare a material reason on how it, uh, the Department of Labor
- I would like somebody to be able to declare a material reason on how it, uh, the Department of Labor
- I would like somebody to be able to declare a material reason on how it, uh, the Department of Labor
- I would like somebody to be able to declare a material reason on how it, uh, the Department of Labor
- I would like somebody to be able to declare a material reason on how it, uh, the Department of Labor
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, on January 16, 1865, declared all persons held
- <01:46:08.800>
is legislative de declaration is legislative de declaration is exceedingly< - He said they have the ability to provide guidance and legislative declarations and say that guidance
- He said they have the ability to provide guidance and legislative declarations and say that guidance
- He said they have the ability to provide guidance and legislative declarations and say that guidance
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 7, recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. The resolution was read at length and grounded in the history of Black history commemoration, Carter G. Woodson’s work, the evolution from Negro History Week to Black History Month, and Colorado-specific Black leaders and pioneers such as Barney Ford, Clara Brown, John T. Gunnel, Joseph H. Stewart, and others. Members emphasized that Black history is American history and that the centennial observance should honor both the struggles and achievements of Americans of African descent.
Several representatives spoke in support. Representative Bacon described the resolution as an important tradition and said the chamber should record its history. Representative Joseph framed Black history as a living story of resilience, innovation, and justice. Representative Jackson said the resolution matters especially amid efforts to erase or minimize Black history, and tied it to Colorado figures and to her own family history. Representative Carter highlighted the importance of naming schools after Black Coloradans and introduced guests, including educators and community members connected to the resolution.
Representative Gonzalez also spoke in support and honored a community member, Tony Gomes, who died of cancer. Representative DeGraaf stated full support for the resolution but offered a lengthy amendment to add more historical references, including Black patriots of the American Revolution, Nat Love, James Beckwourth, Harriet Tubman, and the Tuskegee Airmen. The transcript ends during his proposed amendment, and no final vote or disposition on the resolution is shown in the excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 30th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #2
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution, it does not change any laws, impose any requirements, or allocate funds; it's purely declarative
- Finally, the bill declares the compact effective once enacted by the 10th member state, and currently
- Finally, the bill declares the compact effective once enacted by the 10th member state, and currently
- Finally, the bill declares the compact effective once enacted by the 10th member state and currently
- 25 states, Finally, the bill declares the compact effective once enacted by the 10th member state, and
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote.
The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote.
House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1.
Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 01/30/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- that is my understanding: when somebody either leaves because they have a weapon on them or they declare
- And if they don't declare it, the metal detector would pick it up. weapon on them or they declare it
- and at weapon on them or they declare it and at that<00:14:58.320>
point <00:14:58.639>the< - it, the metal >> And if they don't declare it, the metal detector<00:15:09.680>
would <00 - Senator, I have to declare my hips when I go through metal detectors.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/04/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there disasters from that time period we can point to, or any other thoughts you might have on that
- It being 2:30, I open the hearing on House Resolution 46, declaring the first Friday in June as
- Um, this bill, in the bill, it declares the first day in June as a day of remembrance for children killed
- is concerning all children in New Hampshire killed by gun violence under 17 or 18 years old. it declares
- the first day in June as a it declares the first day in June as a day<04:33:40.480>
of <04:33:
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight REVISION 2: SB1812 - Added Apr 15th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Education Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Close the vote, declare the vote.
- Close the vote, declare the vote. Representative, we'll send that out as a due pass.
Keywords:
teacher certification, pilot program, education, state board, alternative pathways, education grants, competitive grants, revolving fund, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Strong Readers Act, literacy instruction, reading intervention, dyslexia, science of reading, structured literacy, multisensory instruction, school districts, public education funding, education innovation
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/22/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- 09.680>
to personnel are active duty, they have to personnel are active duty, they have to declare - <02:03:11.920>
So <02:03:12.160>the declare a state of residency. - So the declare a state of residency.
- c><02:03:54.880>
could <02:03:55.120>you <02:03:55.359>just <02:03:55.520>declare - >> you could be you could you just declare >> you could be you could you just declare
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, service members may be deployed overseas, activated here at home in response to natural disasters
- activated, service members may be deployed overseas, activated here at home in response to natural disasters
- We believe that those who not only protect us abroad but also in case of a natural disaster or any kind
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Fixing this problem now will help Texas avoid another disaster like Winter Storm Uri and avoid higher
- destructive effects of EMP, whether from a Carrington event or from a man-made event... cause, you know, disaster
- going down for an extended period of time and the availability of fixes that could prevent this disaster
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/27/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- His license had been revoked, not just suspended, and he was going to declare bankruptcy.
- :20:46.080>
to suspended revoked and he was going to suspended revoked and he was going to declare - declare declare bankruptcy<01:20:48.920>
I <01:20:49.080>found <01:20:49.520>out - money like Woodbury DL has declared money like Woodbury DL has declared bankruptcy<01:25:43.360>
- we've got a solar solar lending declared we've got a solar solar lending case<01:30:53.600>
as
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 01/29/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to know more about that before I pass a bill that would declare all of it public, because the
- <01:43:11.159>
as <01:43:11.400>private 13.65 which it says declares as private 13.65 - which it says declares as private data<01:43:11.960>
on <01:43:12.119>individuals <01:43 - <01:43:56.639>
or under that they have declared or under that they have declared or determined - <01:44:18.320>
all <01:44:18.440>of <01:44:18.560>it declare all of it declare all
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received three yeses and 9 nays, I declare House Bill 3272 has failed.
- Peterson, Senator Murdock, twelve ayes, zero nays, having received twelve eyes and zero nays, I had declare
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare the same to have passed. Thank you, committee members. I'm adjourning the meeting.
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (3-4-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I think for the first time ever, we had all 120 counties declared state of emergency for the first time
- 00:11:25.960>
all <00:11:26.200>120 <00:11:26.800>counties <00:11:27.200>declared - <00:11:28.280>
state we had all 120 counties declared state we had all 120 counties declared
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:10
Attendance Roll Call: 00:15
SB 133 Discussion: 00:52
SB 133 Vote: 05:01
SB 226 Discussion: 06:10
SB 226 Vote: 09:36
SJR 62 Discussion: 10:22
SJR 62 Vote: 12:55
SB 261 Discussion: 13:42
SB 261 Vote: 18:19
SB 262 Discussion: 19:10
SB 262 Vote: 26:36
Adjournment: 28:02, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 133, which would raise audit and reporting thresholds for certain special purpose governmental entities and allow entities with two consecutive clean audits to move to a less frequent audit cycle. Sponsor Matt Nunn said the bill was intended to reduce audit burdens and costs without reducing transparency, and the committee substitute was adopted. The bill passed the committee 8-0 with favorable expression.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 226, sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, which would allow funeral directors to take up to a 15% administrative fee once a pre-need funeral contract is fully funded. Elkins and a representative of the Funeral Directors Association explained that the bill applies to trust-funded pre-need burial contracts and does not affect insurance-funded arrangements. The bill passed 8-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Joint Resolution 62 was next, a resolution by Senator Mayden asking the Division of Water to provide clearer guidance to local governments on cleaning out creeks and waterways, especially in light of flooding and debris concerns in Eastern Kentucky. The resolution passed with favorable expression, 8-0. The committee also approved Senate Bill 261, sponsored by President Stivers, which addresses ownership, responsibility, and maintenance authority for swinging bridges in Eastern Kentucky and would allow cities and counties to spend money on their upkeep; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 9-0.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 262, also sponsored by President Stivers, which would allow constitutional amendments to be presented on the ballot by question rather than full text. Stivers argued this would make amendments more understandable and noted prior Kentucky constitutional changes had been made by ballot question. One senator explained a no vote, saying the bill did not clearly define who would determine a fair and accurate summary. The bill passed 7-1 with favorable expression and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA Public Hearing 03-25-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I believe the Cahoo District stands to benefit by declaring it, you know, going through the process
- stands to cow uh the Cahoo District um stands to benefit<00:26:00.080>
by <00:26:00.400>declaring - it,<00:26:01.200>
you <00:26:01.360>know, <00:26:01.600>going benefit by declaring - it, you know, going benefit by declaring it, you know, going through<00:26:02.000>
the <00:26:
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui.
In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Fortunately, our founders guaranteed each state the constitutional right to declare gold and silver as
- It enacts the constitutional right to declare gold and silver as legal tender.
- The constitutional right to declare gold and silver as legal tender.
- The purpose of this bill is simply to define and enact the constitutional right to declare gold and silver
Summary:
The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously.
The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-25-25) - Upon Adjournment of both Chambers
Transcript Highlights:
- sewage in the tank could be pumped out into a temporary tank, in addition to a statewide emergency declaration
- Local declarations of emergency were issued by both the city and the county. and so Kentucky waters stands
- sewage in the tank could be pumped out into a temporary tank, in addition to a statewide emergency declaration
- Local declarations of emergency were issued by both the city and the county.
Keywords:
00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Approval of Minutes
00:59 Information Items
03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet
12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority
21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt
23:27 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions.
The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line.
Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%.
Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- assist consumers, especially during severe weather events like we’re expecting this weekend and post-disasters
- aware of some of the common scams that are perpetrated by fraudulent contractors that come in post-disaster
- we're expecting this weekend<00:48:03.359>
and <00:48:03.599>post <00:48:03.920>disasters - <00:48:04.560>
like weekend and post disasters like weekend and post disasters like hurricanes
Summary:
The hearing began with the State Board of Architecture’s budget presentation. The executive director described the board’s mission to regulate architecture, landscape architecture, and certified interior design to protect public health and safety. He highlighted the board’s consolidated structure, license totals, high reciprocity rate, recent rule changes to reduce barriers to practice, and a proposed FY 2027 budget of $368,123, which included a 5% staff salary increase and higher operating costs. He also noted a newly identified need to modernize the licensing system, estimated at at least $25,000, and asked that the board not be reduced below the requested level. A board member also praised the small staff’s responsiveness and effectiveness.
The State Board of Public Accountancy then presented its budget and policy requests. The executive director said the board regulates CPAs and CPA firms, oversees the CPA exam process, and has about 3,600 active individual licensees and 800 firms. The board requested only a 3% compensation increase for staff, plus a special request to allow an audit supervisor to repay the cost of a Becker review course through payroll deduction as part of succession planning. She also described a board-approved waiver program that began January 1, eliminating application fees for CPA exam candidates and retakes; 42 candidates had used the waiver in the first two weeks. In response to questions, she said the board does not assist CPAs with IRS disputes, but it does investigate complaints from the IRS, SEC, PCAOB, or others.
Finally, a representative presented for the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. She explained that the board regulates licensed counselors and psychotherapy providers, meets frequently, and has two staff members. The board’s main request was for additional investigative capacity: a full-time investigator and related funding, because complaints are currently handled by part-time investigators, contractors, and sometimes board members, which can require recusals from hearings. She said the state auditor had recently flagged complaint backlogs at regulatory agencies, supporting the request. The board also sought funding for a contractual administrative position, salary progressions, and a one-time technology increase to modify its new licensing system for the counseling compact and better search functions. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, which was reported at about $860,000, and whether it should provide fee relief or other benefits to members; the presenter said the board would look into that and noted that revenues had increased significantly in recent years, partly due to out-of-state and telehealth-related licensing demand.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to present SR 112, which declares June 14th through June 20th as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- I rise today to present SR 112, which declares June 14th through June 20th as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- By declaring this week as FAP Awareness Week, we acknowledge a commitment to encouraging Californians
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several birthdays and guests. The body then handled procedural motions, including a successful motion to advance measures reported by the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and to adopt authors’ amendments, both on 28-8 votes. AB 28 and AB 2539 were moved to the inactive file at the request of the authors. The Senate also confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Maggie Hallahan to the Bodina Waterways Commission and Kansasaki to the Building Standards Commission, both by unanimous roll call.
On third reading, the Senate adopted SR 112, designating June 14-20 as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week, with remarks emphasizing the importance of family health history, early screening, and cancer prevention. The chamber also adopted SCR 181, declaring June 10 Family Justice Center Day in California; supporters described Family Justice Centers as trauma-informed, wraparound service hubs for survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking, and several members and advocates from the California Family Justice Center Network were introduced in the gallery. The Senate then debated and passed SJR 18, a resolution opposing Citizens United and urging limits on corporate and dark-money spending in elections. Supporters argued that unlimited political spending undermines democracy and transparency, while opponents raised concerns about unions, nonprofit advocacy, and the need for broader campaign finance reform; the resolution passed 28-8.
The consent calendar and special consent calendar were adopted without objection, with item 93 receiving a 35-0 vote and the remaining consent items passing unanimously. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Mazzola, Sr., a longtime San Francisco labor leader; Steve Zaley, a longtime county and state public servant; and James J. McClain Sr., a retired Air Force master sergeant and postal worker. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Dec 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- way the bids were awarded with an event like that versus the state of emergency that the governor declared
- you, in other projects you've had with the state, versus the one that you did under an emergency declaration
- Anyone who is, you know, profiting off of this, in my mind, illegal emergency declaration that's been
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several executive appointments, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his long law-enforcement career, social work background, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, reclassifying juvenile detention and probation officers as officers under statute, adding beds to move youth from detention into residential programs, and increasing per diem funding. Members asked about detention “dead time” and the need to get adjudicated youth into programming sooner. Public testimony included support from Barney Bishop and Christian Minor, and the committee voted unanimously to approve Walsh’s nomination and forward it to the full Senate.
The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee for the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background as CEO of CDR Health, her education, and extensive nonprofit and board service, including leadership roles with the Florida Grand Opera, the Homeless Trust of Miami-Dade County, FAU, and the Hope Florida Foundation. Senators questioned her about free speech issues involving FAU faculty, her relationship with the new FAU president, student diversity, AI and workforce planning, and her prior role on Hope Florida. She also answered questions about her company’s work at the Everglades detention center and the bidding process for state contracts. Public testimony opposed her nomination, citing concerns about her business ties, Hope Florida, and detention-center contracts. Debate split largely along partisan lines, and the committee approved her nomination on a recorded vote.
Afterward, the committee took up the remaining nominations in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, and approved them as a group by voice/recorded vote for forwarding to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.