Video & Transcript Research : 'state question'

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LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations May 11th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • The witness responded that she started with state employees because, if the state is using state-owned
  • State employees?
  • state employees.
  • Question.
  • Any other question?
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which would reinstate an existing TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans after a sunset expired. The author said the program had been underused because it was not well promoted, but that the new veterans workforce effort called “The Boot” would help connect veterans to the benefit. Members confirmed it would use existing TOPS funds and not require new money, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3 asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be used for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. The author described it as an exploratory study, while members raised concerns about the fiscal note and the scope of the study. Fiscal staff explained the agency had requested additional positions to do the work. The committee discussed narrowing the study to certain areas, but the resolution was ultimately reported favorably. House Bill 189 sought supplemental pay for fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport. The author and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform hazardous, specialized ARFF duties at a busy public airport and should be treated like other supplemental-pay recipients. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualified under existing law and whether the proposal would expand an already costly program. After debate, the committee rejected the bill on an 8-10 vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 461 favorably, which would place certain small groups of active employees under the Office of Group Benefits to improve insurance rates without using general fund money. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor product producers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was amended to clarify the direct-to-consumer shipment prohibition and then reported favorably. House Bill 1222, which would authorize LED to create a grocery initiative grant and assistance program to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters said it would only create incentives for private grocers and related assistance. It was amended and reported favorably by a 16-2 vote. Finally, House Resolution 80, as amended, would shift a proposed audit-related effort on higher education budget metrics away from the legislative auditor and toward university systems’ own boards; members questioned the need for a look-back report and the added workload, and the chair indicated he would move to recommit the resolution to the education committee.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 17th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on State Affairs will come to order.
  • Senator Parker, do you have questions?
  • Chairman, I'm happy to answer any questions.
  • Members, any other questions? Mr. Moylan, Mr.
  • Any other questions, members? And thank you.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - House Science & Technology

Science & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, it's a really interesting question.
  • There's no question. We build this. We today have superiority in space. There's no question.
  • Madam Chair, one follow-up question.
  • Madam Chair, please, final question.
  • the state of Arizona?
Bills: HB2809
Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard two informational presentations before taking up its only bill, HB 2809. The first presentation, from the University of Arizona, focused on fusion energy research and commercialization. The presenter described fusion as a clean, safe, long-term energy source with major potential for Arizona, emphasized growing U.S. and Chinese investment in the field, and argued that Arizona could become a hub for fusion supply chains, talent, and deployment. Members asked about timelines, regulation, and how fusion might compare with small modular reactors and other energy sources; the presenter said fusion could be commercially deployable in roughly 12 to 15 years if public-private investment continues. The second presentation, from XRDNA, described a spatial-temporal addressing system for physical objects and events, aimed at improving coordination across space, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. The company said it is testing with Space Force and launch providers, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its main near-term use case in logistics and space operations. HB 2809 would require state agencies handling sensitive data, including elections, public safety, benefits, finance, and infrastructure information, to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 validation, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed, manufactured, or maintained components. An amendment clarified that agencies would not be required to connect offline systems to the internet to install encryption, and that agencies could use offline methods such as removable media. The sponsor argued the bill is needed because Arizona’s legacy systems are vulnerable, cited prior cyber incidents and audit findings, and said the bill would secure data even on older systems while keeping the encryption key with the Auditor General. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, the Auditor General’s role, and the need for more stakeholder input. No one signed in opposition; the Secretary of State’s office was noted as neutral. The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. Several members explained their yes votes as support for the bill’s goal while emphasizing the need for careful implementation and broader discussion. The meeting then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 10:04 am

Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Antonio Maestas, State Senator from West Mesa, Albuquerque.
  • Does anybody have questions? Senator Sharer? Does anybody have questions? Senator Sharer?
  • Chair: It’s a very good question.
  • Chair: Okay, I think that's my second question.
  • Senator: Thanks for the question, Senator.
Bills: SB61, SB62, SB99
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • First of all, the question was, where does referrals go? Your response was local DAs or state. DPS.
  • SCR 22 designates the cannon as the state gun of Texas. And of course, I'll yield. Any questions?
  • you. as to how the state can ask these questions, but I can tell you this bill does not limit the state's
  • question.
  • I think they're very good questions, and I think that our state has the power. to ask these and appropriately
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • In reference to your question, 95% of our students are local, in-state.
  • In reference to your question, 95% of our students are local, in-state.
  • , even states like Maine and Alaska and Montana, that didn't need... ...every state, even states like
  • state.
  • Great question.
Bills: HB42, HB125
Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Insurance Committee Mar 17th, 2026

Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • any questions.
  • . question. question.
  • Uh question.
  • <00:32:42.960> Sir, a question. Sir, a question.
  • In other states, the ERISA plans have participated. Not in all states.
Bills: HB424, SB63, SB269
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 11th, 2026 at 05:14 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On Form 4473, on the background check, question 11A, what does it state? You know? Yes, I know.
  • That was my first question, Madam Chair, Representative, to that fact that when y'all stated the number
  • One more DPS question. One more DPS question.
  • their state laws.
  • their state laws.
Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Jan 28th, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • state affiliation.
  • state affiliation with a foreign country of concern or its subdivision, and the Department of State
  • Other questions on the bill?
  • states to help them build out state solutions to national security problems.
  • No questions for you. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much, Mr. Pierce. No questions for you.
Bills: S1622, S1178
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act, sponsored by Senator Garcia. The bill would expand state restrictions on foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including creating a state registration framework for foreign agents, banning gifts to public officials from covered foreign entities, requiring ethics training on foreign influence, tightening procurement limits for information technology and critical infrastructure, restricting sister-city/sister-state encouragement, revising linkage institute rules and tuition provisions, and criminalizing certain conduct tied to foreign governments or unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect election technology, software development, federal foreign-agent registration, educational exchanges, and the treatment of organizations such as CARE; the sponsor said the bill focused on ownership/control and foreign countries of concern, not specific components or general participation in events. An amendment by Senator Grall was adopted to clarify definitions, align penalties with willful violations, and specify that new ethics training content is additive. The committee then heard supportive testimony from Kelly Curry of State Armor and Rob Pierce of American Global Strategies, both of whom argued the bill would help Florida counter foreign influence, protect data and infrastructure, and improve transparency. CS for SB 1178 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure under specified conditions, including that the filer submitted the disclosure before the maximum fine accrued and had not previously received such a waiver. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the bill preserves transparency and compliance goals while making the fine and appeals process more workable. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments in tabs 3 through 26. No separate votes were requested, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointees was recommended favorably to the full Senate by roll call vote. The meeting then concluded with no further business.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Government Oversight Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Government Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yield for questions. Do we have any questions?
  • I think my question is, I mean, we've been a leader in this state on protecting children.
  • We come to the question: should the state have any relation to medical care and medical decisions?
  • state.
  • Back to your other question, at the end of the day, cities only exist in the state of Oklahoma because
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/24/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • United States and the state of United States and the state of Minnesota.<00:27:08.880> And
  • So, correct, federal has federal laws and state have state laws.
  • :24.400> for<01:01:24.640> state<01:01:24.880> and stated, the the overlap for state
  • and stated, the the overlap for state and federal<01:01:25.680> state<01:01:25.839> and
  • for our state peace officers? for our state peace officers?
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • With that, I'm open to questions. Members, any questions for our staff?
  • Members, any questions? Yes, I have a question.
  • Additional questions, please. I have a question, please.
  • state.
  • Question or not? Question, Mr.... Mr.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment made by companies owned or controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent sensitive genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was little public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2804, a rural development and housing tax credit bill that would let the Department of Housing allocate up to $2 million per year in credits for qualifying rural affordable housing projects, with the program set to expire in 2037. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, and housing investors and developers, said the credit would leverage federal LIHTC dollars, attract private capital, and help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural Arizona. Opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, and hard to oversee. The committee passed the bill 13-4. The committee also heard HB 2388, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due by June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study could help Arizona plan for future energy and data-center growth, while opponents argued the agency already has other funding sources and should not receive additional money for the study. The amended bill passed 10-7. After a presentation from Auditor General Lindsay Perry on county treasurer procedural reviews and the Santa Cruz County embezzlement case, the committee approved HB 2352, which provides $2,385,900 in FY 2029 for the Auditor General to continue county treasurer reviews, on an 11-7 vote. The committee then unanimously approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five major incident task force counties and codifies the longstanding distribution practice. Finally, the committee took up HB 2499, the first of two ESA administration bills, which would appropriate $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration and oversight beginning in FY 2027; the bill drew extended debate about ESA growth, accountability, testing, and spending oversight, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • With that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Any questions for staff? All righty, thank you.
  • Any questions from this call? We don't take questions from the audience. I'm sorry.
  • Happy to answer questions. Happy to answer questions. Any questions for Fareed? All right.
  • And so with that, I can take any questions. Any questions for Trent? Okay. All right.
  • So with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Any questions for Dave? All right.
Summary: The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting. Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • All across this great state.
  • to a license issued by this state.
  • Members, any other questions? Any questions right now for the bill author?
  • Take any questions.
  • And so the question came from...
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The question was how many site visits would there be, not how many state grants are given.
  • The question was how many site visits would there be, not how many state grants are given.
  • The question was how many site visits would there be, not how many state grants are given.
  • The question was how many site visits would there be, not how many state grants are given.
  • The question was how many site visits would there be, not how many state grants are given.
Bills: HF1, HF98
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • With that, I yield for questions. Is there any questions on the Amendment.
  • in the state Of Oklahoma.
  • Thank you for the question.
  • Further questions, Senator, you're recognized for a question. Thank you.
  • Thank you for that question.