Video & Transcript Research : 'state legislators'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 02-12-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • from the Senate President and House Speaker dated February 10, 2026, regarding the renumbering of legislative
  • 03:33.200> the<00:03:33.360> renumbering<00:03:33.920> of<00:03:34.159> legislative
  • regarding the renumbering of legislative regarding the renumbering of legislative days<00:03:35.040
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Civil Law and Procedure Apr 27th, 2026

Civil Law and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lobby is the State Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturing Association.
  • businesses across the state.
  • How many states... Cost consumers less. Thank you. Question. How many states use this? Mr.
  • Well, I want to know what states do this.
  • Well, we're in the law of this state or any other state. Do we allow the judgment debtor to decide?
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee shows it never held property of, or owed money to, the judgment debtor. After brief questioning about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up Senate Bill 260 on youth athletics, which establishes required injury-mitigation training content for youth sports coaches, including emergency preparedness, concussions, heat injuries, overuse injuries, equipment, heart defects, and sudden cardiac effects. An amendment was adopted to remove language allowing the department to spend donated funds to purchase the courses, and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 79, which removes the damage threshold for carbon capture release, was also reported favorably after sponsor testimony that carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive a special liability cap. Senate Bill 424, clarifying service by mail, delivery, or electronic means by defining “counsel of record” as someone who actually represents a party, was reported favorably as well. Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying property, received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.8A report, then was reported as amended. The committee spent the most time on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are actually used for medical care, function like a money market/HSA-style account, and potentially reduce costs; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, unclear mechanics for payment, and the impact on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, non-billing-code-based care. Several members suggested exclusions or clarifying amendments for med-mal, intentional torts, and sexual abuse victims, and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-1 vote after amendment. Finally, House Bill 437 was taken up, which bars expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case. An amendment excluding criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would prohibit contingent-style expert fee arrangements while still allowing cross-examination about an expert’s prior testimony and payment history. The discussion emphasized that the rule would apply to both plaintiffs and defendants.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EIG-PSM Public Hearing 03-31-2026

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • their essential role in emergency response, public safety, and community well-being throughout the state
  • Honolulu Ocean Safety used their state.
  • <00:14:23.400> And<00:14:23.880> with Pohakuloa and any state land.
  • And with Pohakuloa and any state land.
  • <00:17:34.640> Um be upheld cuz that is state law. Um be upheld cuz that is state law.
Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • It’s like, you know, it’s only the state or the county.
  • So it’s not in the form typically of a legislative working group.
  • So putting actual money into this, and so is the state of Oregon.
  • So putting actual money into this, and so is the state of Oregon.
  • <01:19:40.360> concerns No, I will say that the stated concerns No, I will say that the stated
Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services Oversight Mar 4th, 2026 at 03:00 pm

Health and Human Services Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Oklahoma and 40 other states.
  • The goal with this legislation is to come up with a baseline standard for the state, because what we've
  • Because this bill only applies to if they are receiving federal funds through the state or any state
  • In the state of Alabama, they worked hand in hand with their state legislature to We're trying to get
  • Why would we, as a state, mandate?
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 30th, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for bringing this legislation forward.
  • We support legislation like this throughout the United States.
  • If Texas were to pass this, it would be the fifth state to pass legislation like this.
  • Yes, there are multiple states that have passed something similar, but they also recognize out-of-state
  • Some states that have done this have recognized that and recommended that the state not do this, where
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 23rd, 2025

Finance and Taxation Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Through traveling the state, I've talked to a lot of chicken I've talked to a lot of chicken growers,
  • It affects nothing for our state revenue.
  • Our local area does 50%, and then the state matches that.
  • companion bill to Senate Bill 184 we passed earlier addressing the shortage of athletic trainers in the state
  • and the loan repayment program. ...the state and the loan repayment program.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • If you would, state your name for the record.
  • I also chaired the TMA Council on Legislation.
  • What I would say is the state-mandated version of gold carding is very prescribed in state statute, and
  • Most other states, it's around 11 to 14 days.
  • As stated before, many older adults who are not born in the United States or not born in a hospital do
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, currently, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, and 30 other states require this coverage.
  • If you would, state your name for the record, who you're with, and your position on the bill.
  • legislation.
  • If you would, state your name for the record, who you are with, and you may begin your testimony.
  • If you would, state your name for the record, who you're with, and you may begin.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you would state your name for the record, who you're with, and you may begin, we'll start with you
  • In fact, currently Medicaid, CHIP, Tricare, and 30 other states require this coverage.
  • important legislation.
  • Thank you for what you do in your service to our state.
  • If you would state your name for the record, who you're with, and you may begin.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also chair the TMA Council on Legislation.
  • When you began your testimony, you did not state who you're with. Could you state who you're with?
  • Most other states, it's around 11 to 14 days.
  • If it's not, we'll go with the state route. Right.
  • That came from the Department of State Health Services. Okay.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with several members initially absent, then later established a quorum. The committee heard multiple bills, with most testimony focusing on access to care, insurance practices, senior safety, and health care worker protections. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes, and public testimony was limited to two minutes per witness. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with no final votes taken in the portion provided. Senate Bill 2069 would create a work group to study the feasibility of a statewide acute psychiatric bed registry; the substitute shifts appointment authority to the Health and Human Services Commissioner and extends reporting and sunset dates. Senate Bill 463 would expand workplace violence protections to additional hospice, home and community support, intermediate care, and state-supported living center settings. Senate Bill 1283 would require background checks and transparency measures for senior retirement communities after testimony about the Dallas-area serial killings of elderly residents. Senate Bill 1784 would require 60 days’ written notice before medical debt is sent to collections. Senate Bill 527 would require medical insurance coverage for general anesthesia for medically necessary pediatric dental procedures for children under 13 with qualifying conditions; pediatric dentists testified that denials delay needed care. A major portion of the meeting centered on prior authorization. Senate Bill 1380 would eliminate prior authorization for a broad list of services, including emergency, primary, mental health, substance use, chemotherapy, preventive, pediatric hospice, and certain chronic-condition care. Physicians and hospice advocates supported the bill, describing delays, administrative burden, and patient harm, while health plans opposed blanket exemptions and argued prior authorization helps prevent unnecessary care and control costs. Relatedly, Senate Bill 547 would require insurers to report gold-card prior authorization exemptions to TDI and create a centralized database and annual report; TMA supported better tracking, while health plans warned of duplicative reporting and administrative cost. Senate Bill 407 would require health care facilities to honor conscience- and religion-based vaccine exemptions for employees, with testimony from a physician and vaccine-choice advocate supporting the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1383, which would regulate senior living referral agencies, allow more flexible compensation structures, and add disclosure and consumer protections; an out-of-state referral company and A Place for Mom supported it. Senate Bill 1511 would allow freestanding emergency centers to provide outpatient services in addition to emergency care, with consumer protections such as estimates, limits on facility fees, and restrictions on balance billing. The chair repeatedly announced that bills were being left pending after testimony, and no final committee action or recorded votes were taken in the transcript provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 9th, 2025

Corrections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alternative representation if the State Council for Offenders (SCFO) is unable to do so.
  • The State Office, excuse me, the State Counsel for Offenders (SCO), reports exclusively to the Texas
  • Last session, I passed legislation which... ...created a similar program for Texas game wardens.
  • Currently, state troopers are allowed to pull up to eight hours of personal leave for legislative purposes
  • them to participate in the legislative process while maintaining their commitment to duty.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • As stated, Senator Perry stated, a lot of our state is covered by rural EMS providers, and whether you
  • Senate Bill 1377 has an opportunity to be monumental legislation for EMS in the state of Texas.
  • As the bill currently states, it's for the service to identify areas of the state that are problematic
  • As the bill currently states, it's for the service to identify areas of the state that are problematic
  • As the bill currently states, it's for the service to identify areas of the state that are problematic
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several bills focused on tax administration, transportation, emergency services, historic preservation, forensic training, pension funding, and the state’s rainy day fund. Senate Bill 1337, by Senator Creighton, would require the comptroller to assess penalty and interest only on the net tax due and allow sales and use tax overpayments to offset underpayments more automatically; it was left pending while the author, comptroller staff, and a private witness continued working on the language and fiscal note. Senate Bill 1371, by Senator Hinojosa, would address Corpus Christi transit authority operations, including emergency refueling coordination, fare-setting procedures, and board term limits; it received supportive testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 1377, by Senator Perry, would create a grant program for rural counties to buy ambulances, with a committee substitute expanding eligible uses in some cases to equipment and setting a sunset date; numerous EMS officials, county representatives, and association witnesses testified in support, emphasizing rising ambulance costs, staffing shortages, and the need for rural emergency coverage, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 868, by Senator Sparks, would direct at least 10% of volunteer fire department assistance funding to high wildfire-risk areas; Texas A&M Forest Service explained the map and methodology, and the committee substitute was adopted. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1426, which would place the First Capitol State Historic Site in West Columbia under Texas Historical Commission stewardship, and Senate Bill 1620, which would create a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program through the Office of Court Administration to address forensic scientist shortages; both had no opposition in testimony and their committee substitutes were adopted. Senate Bill 2065 would change the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System funding structure to require an actuarially determined state contribution and address the system’s unfunded liability over 30 years; Pasadena fire department representatives testified that the pension is an important volunteer retention tool, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Joint Resolution 4 would raise the Economic Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 15% of biennial revenue deposits, with a committee substitute correcting the effective date to September 1, 2027; the committee discussed the fund’s current balance and purpose before adopting the substitute. After quorum was established, the committee voted out the measures. Senate Bill 1868, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 264, Senate Joint Resolution 4, Senate Bill 1426, Senate Bill 1620, and Senate Bill 2065 were all reported favorably to the full Senate, with some bills also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 868 was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And where does the state get that money?
  • And pay the state of Texas?
  • That is happening across this state.
  • I'm the legislative officer.
  • The possession and delivery of marijuana is a state crime. ...enforce state law.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 18th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of them is a map of the United States.
  • Showing the 32 states that have filed similar legislation.
  • I think the state of Texas should have the option.
  • , why do we put it outside the state treasury?
  • Well, we'll see what the parameters are in the legislation.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee Feb 12th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alabama like 22 other states have.
  • ... ...to arrest them on a state statute.
  • Alabamians, lives in Birmingham and in other cities across the state.
  • level and... address the issue at the state level, and the problem is growing.
  • The constitution of the state of Alabama does not prohibit that you would not be guilty.