Video & Transcript Research : 'Assistant Attorney General'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Paul Moore, Assistant Commissioner of Accounting Services at Minnesota Management and Budget
  • They don't have an end date because there's always a need—for example, general maintenance workers or
  • certified nursing assistants—and so the position may appear as if it's been vacant for, you know, six
  • Generally, the top deputies are in the unclassified service, and the rest of the staff is in the classified
  • <00:31:33.000> the Auditor Office uh the uh generally the Auditor Office uh the uh generally
Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • He also, you know, his executive order had to be signed by the attorney general.
  • <00:42:00.520> And be signed by the attorney general.
  • And be signed by the attorney general.
  • <00:42:47.960> was Attorney General known that that was Attorney General known that that was
  • <00:43:43.960> General yes you're right the Attorney General yes you're right the Attorney
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Mar 4th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • awards may be presented by the governor and that certain awards may be presented by the Adjutant General
  • ><00:02:20.160> by<00:02:20.320> the<00:02:20.520> Adjutant<00:02:21.200> General
  • be presented by the Adjutant General. be presented by the Adjutant General.
Bills: SB216, SB229, SB216, SB229
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas the Oklahoma Affordable Housing Act has generated substantial economic impact including more
  • If you would stand up, I've got head coach Luke Thompson, assistant coach Nathaniel Baker, and the rest
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so this bill, as filed, would not apply to the Attorney General.
  • I would intend to amend it to ensure that the Attorney General, on behalf of the state—basically the
  • And the Attorney General represents, of course, you and me as legislators and the will of the state.
  • And then the Attorney General has to approve that contract.
  • The chair recognizes William Cole on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General on the bill.
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so this bill, as filed, would not apply to the Attorney General.
  • I would intend to amend it to ensure that the Attorney General, on behalf of the state, basically the
  • And then the Attorney General has to approve that contract.
  • The Chair recognizes William Cole on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General on the bill.
  • The Chair recognizes William Cole on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General on the bill.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you have questions, please come up here and see our assistant committee clerk. Ramirez.
  • Currently, we hold general liability insurance that covers our race events.
  • You know, again, 93% of them are not attorneys, right?
  • Wage-earner debtors, and they needed assistance. We made this argument many times.
  • I'm a private attorney. I don't charge very much because...
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 7th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • staff up here and we'll get you some assistance.
  • My name is Daniel Woodard, and I'm a policy. attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project testifying
  • The information will be chopped down by their county attorney, by their DA.
  • Current law prohibits assisting, guiding, or directing two or more individuals to enter or remain on
  • I'm John Hubert and I'm the District Attorney for Claiborne and Kennedy Counties, Texas.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/28/2026 - Joint Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • general, and ADE ongoing through the year.
  • I appreciate the fact that this budget has just generalized 5% cuts. ...that this budget has just generalized
  • $228 million in general fund dollars.
  • It takes away people's food assistance.
  • It cuts food assistance for seniors and children.
Summary: The committee met in a special joint appropriations session to review the FY 2027 budget package, including House Bill 4138 and Senate Bill 1831, the general appropriations or “feed” bills. Staff described the budget as including a one-time transfer of state funds, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general-fund budgets, continued funding for the state health insurance plan and school facilities, and various one-time restorations or reversions of prior appropriations. Members spent much of the meeting clarifying how the 5% reductions would work, noting that formula and mandatory funding such as K-12 basic aid are excluded, while the governor’s executive branch would decide how to implement the cuts within agencies. The chair repeatedly emphasized that the committee was not specifying line-item cuts and that agencies would have discretion over implementation. A large portion of the discussion focused on the practical effects of the budget on universities, public safety, health care, rural programs, and fund sweeps. Arizona Board of Regents and university representatives said the proposed reductions would amount to more than $85 million statewide and could affect programs such as the Arizona Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and tuition freezes, though no specific program cuts were written into the bill. Other testimony raised concerns about fund sweeps from encumbered balances, including university research funds, housing trust funds, utility regulation funds, and ADOT-related accounts, with some members warning about possible impacts on rural infrastructure and federal matching dollars. The committee also discussed the state employee health plan, including a $228 million general-fund infusion and proposed employee premium increases over three years, as well as questions about corrections, forestry and fire management, and rural critical access hospitals. Public testimony was largely opposed to the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, health care, and local government argued that the package would reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care access, and rural communities while preserving tax benefits for data centers and wealthy taxpayers. A mayor from Globe described severe flood damage and asked for state help for a flood relief fund, while a motorcycle safety advocate questioned a proposed transfer from the motorcycle safety fund. Committee members debated whether the budget’s effects should be described as speculative or as likely consequences of the broad cuts, and several exchanges became contentious over comparisons to the Great Recession and references to federal tax policy. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote taken in the portion provided, though leadership had earlier said the committee planned a mass roll-call vote on all the bills at the end.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you typically receive general funds? understand. Um, understand.
  • Was there any other funds from the general fund that you know of?
  • >> Public transportation receives a pretty sizable general fund. >> Out of the general fund. Okay.
  • So you're re... >> Public transportation receives a pretty sizable general fund. >> Out of the general
  • >> Out of the general fund. Okay.
Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once quorum was established. The committee heard presentations from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Jeremy Slinker, and Sean McCarnieran on maintenance, vehicle regulation, general administration, highways, and related capital projects. Hancock emphasized that maintenance is the cabinet’s most visible public service, especially for snow and ice removal and routine roadway upkeep, and said rising costs have outpaced funding. He cited a 61% increase in highway construction costs since 2020 and said maintenance spending was $488 million in FY 2024 and $511 million in FY 2025, while the FY 2026 baseline request was $483.3 million. The cabinet’s additional maintenance request would add $23.6 million in FY 2027 and $38.6 million in FY 2028, with expected impacts on litter pickup, mowing, vegetation management, and pothole repair if not funded. The cabinet also outlined five maintenance-related capital projects: additional funding for Ballard County maintenance/salt storage, Hopkins County maintenance/salt storage, Whitley County maintenance/salt structure, and the District 2 office and materials lab, plus reauthorization of the Breckinridge County maintenance and salt facility. Hancock also asked for budget language allowing the cabinet to use unexpected restricted and federal funds more quickly, similar to existing authority for federal earmarks. McCarnieran described the governor’s inclusion of funding for the ASHTOWare system, employee health exams, priority IT projects, and a District 7 office renovation request, noting that some items were not funded because they ranked low among competing projects. He also said the governor’s budget included a $7.5 million annual maintenance pool for the cabinet’s 1,200 facilities and requested additional restricted fund authority for Trimark and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Slinker focused on the Department of Vehicle Regulation, saying recent investments in staffing and equipment had reduced wait times and improved customer service in driver licensing offices. He requested $535,600 to keep temporary contract workers in place for the rest of the year, warning that without it regional office operations would have to be reduced. He said the surge in demand was driven by new 15-year-old licensing requirements, vision testing, and Real ID implementation, but believed the volume was beginning to level out. He also outlined FY 2027 and FY 2028 plans totaling $20.38 million and $19.85 million, including six new regional offices and a shift away from temporary workers toward state positions. Additional requests included $106,000 for debt service on the new driver’s license modernization system and operating costs of $5 million in FY 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028 to support the transition from the old system. Members asked about the cabinet’s funding sources, and officials said the road fund is the primary source, supported by motor fuels tax, usage tax, driver-related receipts, and some restricted funds; they stressed that the requests were not for additional general fund dollars. Questions also covered employee health exam reimbursements, the annual Trimark/Cumberland Gap contract, and the District 7 renovation request. No votes were taken on the budget items during the meeting, beyond approval of the minutes.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Finance May 21st, 2026

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, HB 1 is the general appropriation bill that outlines how the state will allocate funds for the
  • State general fund savings in the Medicaid program.
  • The agencies in this bill operate on fees, self-generated revenues, interagency transfers, statutory
  • There are no State General Fund dollars in this bill. Okay, we have some amendments on this bill.
  • The bill includes $94.5 million from the State General Fund for the legislative branch.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:30 am

A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would not go towards general use, such as administrative costs, payroll costs.
  • This simply provides a fund by which, instead of it going into the general fund of tourism, which is
  • , which were a blight on our state, and now have the opportunity once again to be a real revenue generator