Video & Transcript Research : 'term limits'
Page 163 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also changes the appointment and term of the two-year terms to correspond with the reorganization
- Importantly, this budget limits growth and recurring spending.
- These programs work, and they save the state money long term.
- The correct term would be, does this bill already do that?
- Debate limited to 10 minutes per side in 10-minute increments.
Bills:
HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696
Keywords:
animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/27/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:32:39.039>
for with whatever the official term for with whatever the official term for - <00:33:55.519>
of uh Miss Primo's view is in terms of uh Miss Primo's view is in terms of - <01:48:12.400>
that <01:48:12.639>specifically terms to two new terms that specifically - terms to two new terms that specifically being<01:48:13.599>
changing <01:48:14.119>videotape - <02:23:17.520>
her mentally healthy and limiting her mentally healthy and limiting her ability
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-16 (2:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I suggest that the UAA sign you both to a long-term
- But why are we trying to limit the capability of an out-of-state attorney general to represent the best
- The bill defines the term third-party reservation platform to mean any website, mobile application, or
- The bill defines the term third-party reservation platform to mean any website, mobile application, or
- It specifies that allowable density, determined by FEMA and limits the height of each story to 10 feet
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and gallery recognitions, including students, university basketball coaches, and other visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar of bills, with most measures explained by sponsors, often substituted with identical House companions, and many passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, utility services, higher education, pre-arranged transportation services, the Uniform Commercial Code, altered sexual depictions, firearms during emergencies, brownfields, false reporting, health care billing and collection, and motor vehicles.
Among the bills passed were measures on the Florida Trust Code, school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, debt collection email communications, service of process, public lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers and releases, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ties affecting health care licensure, diabetes management in schools, platting procedures, fentanyl testing in hospitals and emergency departments, third-party reservation platforms, electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, background screening of athletic coaches, and surrendered infants. Debate was especially notable on the surrendered infants bill, where some senators raised concerns about safety, anonymity, and liability, while supporters argued the devices could save lives. The affordable housing/Live Local bill also drew extensive discussion and a late-filed amendment, with the sponsor describing major land-use and permitting changes and the chamber adopting the amendment before final passage.
The most contentious floor debate came on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, where senators argued over its fluoride-related provisions and broader policy package. Opponents criticized the bill as an overbroad preemption and raised public health concerns, while the sponsor defended it as a farm-and-consumer package with multiple unrelated provisions. That bill ultimately passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a resolution honoring Florida’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, made additional announcements, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Oct 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I come from a more urban county, but in rural areas there is real concern that long-term and even mid-term
- So there's limited news in the majority of our state.
- In the medium term, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, gentlemen.
- To engage with Aging and Long-Term Services. Mr.
- Themselves in actuarial terms, much more sophisticated.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, January 22, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:38.479>
of decline across the state in terms of decline across the state in terms of - limited time uh of property tax revenue. limited time uh of property tax revenue.
- <01:27:46.080>
of deal in terms of deal in terms of uh<01:27:47.840>earning <01:27: - It's the long-term maintenance.
- Sigma could increase costs and limit Sigma could increase costs and limit healthc<02:49:43.840><
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are specifically seating, extra breaks, and the ability to consume food, and limits on lifting
- on lifting 20 food uh and uh limits on lifting 20 pounds.<00:13:14.720>
Um pounds. - And it gives you the different numbers in terms of the respective areas of the law, in terms of the exact
- >
of respective areas of the law in terms of respective areas of the law in terms of the<00:22 - performing that work are not uh limited performing that work are not uh limited to<00:42:36.480>
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- However, these funds have limited protections in statute.
- Second, the license term is extended to two years for efficiency.
- They sign terms of service and they're bound by those.
- I'm in my second term of recovery.
- But it is meant to put a time period and a limit, so as Mr.
Bills:
HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984
Keywords:
digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending.
In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :19:30.960>
housing <00:19:31.440>tiff limitations applying to housing tiff limitations - state agricultural society's debt limit state agricultural society's debt limit for<00:23:18.400
- Um this is slightly limitations.
- Uh Iowa has no limit on their 25%.
- especially this year, try to limit that. especially this year, try to limit that.
Keywords:
local government debt, municipal bonds, county bonds, capital improvements, public financing, bond issuance, public hearing, notice period, bond guarantee, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, volume cap, private activity bonds, housing finance, residential rental bonds, LIHTC, low-income housing tax credits, redevelopment, courthouse financing, jail financing, law enforcement center
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The limited funds that we do have.
- The limited funds that we do have.
- It's just limited, like you said. Yes, sir.
- So that's why I limit just... Right.
- Curtilage is a well-defined term.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented.
House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable.
Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on S.F. 1832 - Jobs Omnibus - 05/16/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but so just in terms of for the Senate in terms of looking at it to be aware of that as to what the
- Um, but so just in terms of for the Senate in terms of looking at it to be aware of that as to what the
- Um, but so just in terms of for the Senate in terms of looking at it to be aware of that as to what the
- of for the Senate in just just in terms of for the Senate in terms<00:15:42.639>
of <00:15:42.720 - c> not<00:16:06.320>
to limited duration covenants not to limited duration covenants not to
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This custom network provides more limited choices to their workers.
- The caps and limits on this are just antiquated.
- So we strongly believe that there should be a longer statute of limitations.
- In my four terms here, I have witnessed this body take great strides.
- I was an Opportunity Youth before I even knew what the term meant.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And everyone, we have some appearance forms on this, so I'm going to try to limit everyone.
- I'm going to try to limit everyone to three minutes. You're recognized, sir. To limit everyone.
- Guys, we're going to limit, since we heard a lot, we're going to limit to about a minute and a half just
- Again, please, let's limit this to 90 seconds. Before, after Mr.
- You are recognized, please try to limit it to 90 seconds, sir. You are recognized. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony.
The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably.
Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:36.480>
on providers don't want to be limited on providers don't want to be limited - <01:09:27.600>
Muhammad's Um, we are limiting Senator Muhammad's Um, we are limiting Senator - <01:16:55.679>
care <01:16:55.920>facilities, long-term care facilities, long-term care - ,<01:22:36.639>
you um that we are limiting, you um that we are limiting, you know,<01:22: - <01:28:00.000>
They off seniors and long-term care? They off seniors and long-term care?
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG DEFER, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 02-12-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And because of our 90-minute time limit on hearings, there'll be a 2-minute time limit for all testifiers
- be a 2-minute time limit for there'll be a 2-minute time limit for all<00:01:36.079>
testifiers,< - So, in terms of adaptation, that is our proposal. Thank you.
- So, in terms of project proposal.
- :28:06.960>
and It creates long-term infrastructure and It creates long-term infrastructure and
Bills:
SB2699
Keywords:
fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session.
The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used.
Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion.
The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level.
Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So to do that, there are a couple of limitations.
- So this bill would limit the growth of that spending and therefore limit the growth of property taxes
- spending and therefore limit the that spending and therefore limit the growth<03:02:34.520>
of - This has a huge impact in terms of legal understanding of what the term is.
- <03:57:38.880>
of huge it has a huge impact in terms of huge it has a huge impact in terms
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities.
A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds.
Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (2-4-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- But it'll probably be more long term than it is short term.
- But it'll probably be more long term than it is short term.
- But it'll probably be more long term than it is short term.
- But it'll probably be more long term than it is short term.
- But it'll probably be more long term than it is short term.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services heard Senate Bill 18, a bill described by the sponsor and podiatry witnesses as a modernization of Kentucky’s podiatry laws. The bill would recognize and regulate podiatric assistants, podiatric residents, and supervising podiatrists; allow podiatrists to supervise physician assistants in podiatry practices with approval from the relevant licensing boards; require new podiatrists licensed after January 1, 2027 to complete at least two years of residency; and extend disciplinary authority to the new categories. Witnesses said the measure would improve access to foot and ankle care, especially in rural areas, without expanding scope of practice. The Kentucky Medical Association was said to be neutral after working on the language with the sponsors.
Committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “supervision,” whether it required direct or indirect oversight, and whether the bill could broaden billing or coding privileges. Dr. Roberts said supervision could mean direct supervision or indirect supervision, including being available by telephone, and noted the bill mirrors language used in allopathic PA supervision. He also said the bill would not change office staff billing roles and that podiatric assistants would not bill separately. Several senators said they supported moving the bill forward but remained concerned about workforce, cost, and scope creep.
The committee adopted a committee substitute, then voted on the bill. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression. After the vote, the committee moved on to a presentation on outpatient pediatric therapies, where providers described Medicaid reimbursement pressures, workforce turnover, and long waiting lists for children’s therapy services, but no action was taken on that presentation in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Everybody today is included, we throw around that term THC. in the included, we throw around that term
- It's still limited. It still limits what conditions people can take medical cannabis for.
- It still limits the dosage.
- schools and churches, and limits on milligrams.
- no—HB 1325 was not passed with an age limit.
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children.
Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available.
Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:40:57.920>
inspections, limited inspections, limited inspections, and<00:40:59.760>vague - This term does not include a camp.
- This bill is a limited rules to do that. This bill is a limited government<01:14:52.000>
bill. - Then you say that this is limited government. >> I would say yes, this does limit government.
- regulation; it limits protection.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:21.399>
the limiting the limiting the requesters requesters requesters um<00:25:25.640> - My law practice is limited to representing cities and towns.
- We probably should use a hypothetical about limiting it. Why?
- We probably should use a hypothetical about limiting it. Why?
- <02:21:47.720>
your sure and again please limit your sure and again please limit your testimony
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee opened its hearing with a procedural discussion about a forthcoming Monday hearing, and the chair confirmed that any amendment deemed non-germane would be made public in advance and included in the calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would replace the word “citizen” in the Right-to-Know law with “any person,” allow requesters to specify the format of records, and expressly reference preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body as disclosable material. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law, remove uncertainty after a Rochester-related dispute over requester eligibility, and make records easier to obtain electronically unless doing so would be impossible, unusual, unduly burdensome, or harmful to recordkeeping integrity.
Testimony was mixed. Cordell Johnston, speaking for himself as a municipal attorney, opposed most of the bill, especially the requirement that records be delivered electronically or by mail, arguing that out-of-state or out-of-country requests can be fishing expeditions that impose significant burdens on towns and clerks. He said local residents already can obtain records at town hall and that many municipalities voluntarily email records as a courtesy, but should not be required to mail large volumes of material. He also said the preliminary-draft language was unnecessary because such drafts are already covered when circulated to a quorum or majority. Representative Alexander raised concerns about the breadth of “any person,” potential abuse by bad actors, and the cost to municipalities, while Representative Peternell asked about whether the bill should account for nonresident property owners and business owners. The sponsor responded that limiting requesters by residency would not meaningfully stop abuse and said he did not know the bill’s fiscal impact, though he suggested it might improve efficiency.
Yil Biset of the ACLU of New Hampshire testified in support of HB 6, calling it a modest and reasonable transparency measure. He said the preliminary-draft language was acceptable and consistent with existing exemption language in the public-meeting and documents statutes, and he said he was not aware of foreign-bot document requests occurring in New Hampshire. He also noted that current law already requires electronic disclosure when records exist electronically and can reasonably be provided that way. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.