Video & Transcript Research : 'judgment finding'
Page 178 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment and natural resources committee hears HF8 - pt. 2 2/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's really important that these are the things that are incorporated in and finding out from
- I think it's really important that these are the things that are incorporated in and finding out from
- I think we need to find a way, as I keep on hearing say this is about the small and medium businesses
- I think it's really important that these are the things that are incorporated in and finding out from
- I think it's really important that these are the things that are incorporated in and finding out from
Summary:
The committee heard extended discussion on House File 8, a bill aimed at changing Minnesota’s permitting and environmental review process. Supporters said the bill is intended to help small and medium-sized businesses and projects that face long delays, and argued that the proposal does not lower environmental standards. They described the bill as modeled in part on provisions used in other states, including a staggered permitting process and an expedited option, and said the goal is to improve transparency, reporting, and real-time public access to permit information.
Members raised concerns about whether the bill could also benefit large corporations and major industrial projects, including mining and other large facilities, rather than just smaller businesses. Several lawmakers questioned the use of county-based public input, the lack of tribal consultation, and how the bill would interact with treaty rights and communities outside the affected county. Others argued that the bill could create risks by speeding permits for bad actors or by allowing larger entities to pay for expedited treatment. Testimony also referenced examples from the Minnesota Chamber’s report, with a witness disputing the claim that permitting alone drove companies out of Minnesota and saying those cases involved more complex facts.
The committee first considered a motion to lay the bill on the table, but that motion failed on a 5-7 roll call. The committee then voted on a motion to re-refer House File 8, as amended, to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. That motion passed 7-5, and the bill was sent on to that committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/10/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, let's see if I can find it.
- Let's see if I can find it. I let's see. Let's see if I can find it.
- And then there is a report so we can find out where that goes.
- <00:53:50.760>
a needs to stay in place until we find a needs to stay in place until we find - Uh trying to find ways uh local control.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:27:39.159>
I'm <00:27:39.279>trying <00:27:39.440>to <00:27:39.520>find - and you know we got I'm trying to find and you know we got I'm trying to find it<00:27:39.799>
<01:30:42.080>- the vehicle to find the back door<00:54:31.839>
he <00:54:31.960>said <00:54:32.200>a everyone's comments I want to find a everyone's comments I want to find a - the vehicle to find the back door<00:54:31.839>
- <01:32:48.520>
a room 4:30 again trying to find a room 4:30 again trying to find a compromise
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting.
The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance.
Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 6th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- And you come to find out after the 11 years that the accident had nothing to do with the road work itself
- the roadway was covered up and resurfaced at that point in time, too, so there was, again, no way to find
- I don't know the answer to that, but I'll find out for you. Okay. Just seems... okay.
- I appreciate that, and I will find out for your answer for that. Thank you. And I'll be happy, Mr.
- a resolution to this. ...opened up that question for working so hard to find a resolution to this.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 916, which would limit contractor liability on Missouri Department of Transportation projects when contractors are following approved plans and standards, and would also clarify that contractors are not required to indemnify the state as a condition of bidding or beginning work. Senator Berger and several supporters argued the bill would align responsibility with control, reduce unnecessary litigation, and lower insurance and project costs for contractors who are sued for conditions they did not create. They emphasized that the bill would not protect negligence, defective workmanship, or concealment, and the sponsor described examples of contractors being drawn into lawsuits before work began or after projects were complete.
Supporters included representatives of construction firms, the Missouri Asphalt Payment Association, the AGC of Missouri, the Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and engineering groups. Contractors described cases where they were sued over alleged design issues or incidents occurring after completion, saying they had no ability to change the design but still incurred legal and insurance costs. One municipal league witness also explained a separate provision clarifying that a public entity does not waive sovereign immunity merely by being named as an additional insured on a contractor’s policy. MoDOT’s deputy director testified for informational purposes, warning that removing indemnification could expose the state to more litigation during construction.
After the committee established a quorum in executive session, a motion was made to vote Senate Bill 916 do pass. The committee approved the bill unanimously, 8-0, and then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We notice any interested parties that we can find.
- We also employ skip-tracing methods to find other potential addresses out there.
- We notice any interested parties that we can find.
- That makes absolutely, I find that a hard thing to make sense.
- So could you tell us how you came to find out about the sale?
Summary:
The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed litigation settlements from the Department of Corrections and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. In the first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris, et al., members asked about the underlying sexual assault allegations, whether policies had changed, and whether PREA audits and other safeguards were in place. The department said audits were underway and that steps had been taken to prevent similar conduct. The committee approved the settlement by voice vote. In the second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, members raised concerns about the length of the case and the fact that it involved similar allegations. The department cited attorney turnover, COVID-related delays, and scheduling difficulties; the settlement was approved by voice vote.
The committee then reviewed Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, an appeal of a Claims Commission dismissal involving a 2009 tax sale of family property in Crittenden County. The claimants said they did not learn of the sale or the $4,200 in excess proceeds until 2025, and argued that notice was inadequate and that the overage should not have gone to the county. The Commissioner of State Lands’ office responded that notice was sent to addresses on file, certified mail receipts were returned, and a post-sale notice explained the process for contesting the sale and claiming excess proceeds. The office also argued the claim was untimely, that the commission lacked jurisdiction, and that state law bars monetary damages against the commissioner for actions related to tax-delinquent land sales.
Members discussed broader concerns about the tax-sale and excess-proceeds process, including whether excess proceeds should be held longer or routed differently, but noted those issues would require legislative changes rather than action in this case. The committee then voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the claim. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:25.400>
these has seeing none uh we find these has seeing none uh we find these Administration - I hope that we can find a formal solution to this.
- everybody's part I hope that we can find everybody's part I hope that we can find a<00:30:44.120
- We usually can find placement for with our partners; that's not the delay.
- We usually can find placement for with our partners; that's not the delay.
Keywords:
00:00:00 Introductions
00:00:22 Roll Call
00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85
00:14:03 Vote on SB 85
00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment
00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment
00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively.
Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression.
The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted.
Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 2nd, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm finding it hard to reconcile and synthesize that today.
- And I'm finding it hard to reconcile and synthesize that today.
- I'm finding it hard to reconcile and synthesize that today.
- We're trying to find housing for people.
- And someone finds out that they were a man.
Keywords:
firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and confirmations, with most measures reported favorably. Senate Bill 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, codifying the medical definition of heart disease and allowing transferring law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if a new agency does not provide one. Support was waived in by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Police, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 526, as amended by a delete-all amendment, addressed commercial construction contracts, permit standards, fee reductions when private providers are used, floodproofing, product approval categories, and adoption of certain electrical code standards; it drew support from several construction and business groups and one opposing appearance, then was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families to reduce hold times for callers seeking re-employment assistance and public benefits, and it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 1078 established transition procedures for a governor-elect, including agency liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment shifted IT support to the Department of Management Services, narrowed access to confidential records, and increased penalties for unauthorized disclosure, after which the bill was approved. Senate Bill 7022 extended a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031 and expanded coverage to school district boards and public schools; it was also reported favorably. Senate Bill 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members and witnesses emphasized recruitment, retention, and safety, and the bill passed. Senate Bill 1250 removed the requirement that the Commission on Human Relations use registered mail for certain notices under the Florida Civil Rights Act, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1698 allowed certain employers to post required workplace notices electronically instead of physically, and it passed without opposition. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission.
The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1072, which created an anti-Semitism task force within the Department of Legal Affairs to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend policy changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address a growing problem and noted that Florida already uses the Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism in statute. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it could chill protected speech, especially criticism of Israel, and could be used selectively against students, activists, Muslims, Arabs, and Jewish anti-Zionists; several also said existing hate-crime and civil-rights laws were sufficient and that the task force should include protections against Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. One member raised concerns about the constitutionality of creating such task forces in light of prior actions by the Attorney General. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote with Senator Bracey Davis voting yes along with the majority. Senate Bill 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, was also heard and drew significant questioning. The bill would bar public employers and contractors from requiring pronoun use, certain gender-identity-related training, or non-binary sex options on forms, and would protect employees and contractors from adverse action based on religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs. Senator Polsky questioned whether the bill could interfere with anti-harassment training and workplace discipline, while the sponsor said the measure was meant to prevent government coercion and extend protections similar to those in school settings. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of this bill.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to find every opportunity to streamline.
- So, those are the types of engineers we're trying to find.
- They're also the types of engineers that Sandia National Labs is trying to find.
- And if it's in our paperwork, I couldn't find it. Mr.
- I will give you all a moment to find it in your packets.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And now I'll turn the presentation over to Alma. presentation over to Alma, who will present our findings
- I guess I need to study up more on that and find out why it's happening.
- But I'm looking at, I'm curious about trying to find out how much does it cost?
- And when they are out, we want To find out when they are out so that we can help them.
- Did they find that?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Cost is a challenge, and we're finding innovative ways to address that.
- So when we're looking for rice, we can't find that here in that quantity.
- We think we can only find in a primary care doctor.
- Every day we're finding people who do not know of our program. program.
- You have to find.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- But find a facility or find somewhere that is compatible with what you want to do.
- But find a facility or find somewhere that is compatible with what you want to do.
- But find a facility or find somewhere that is compatible with what you want to do.
- But find a facility or find somewhere that is compatible with what you want to do.
- But find a facility or find somewhere that is compatible with what you want to do.
Summary:
The committee first handled House Bill 612, which had been laid on the table because of questions about section one. Senator Tate explained that section one would allow the state, counties, and municipalities to enter interlocal agreements to provide installation support services on military installations, mainly road and infrastructure work such as paving and dirt work, and that section two would add Coast Guard medics to an existing provision allowing trained military medics to sit for LPN certification. After questions about the breadth of “installation support services,” the committee adopted the motion for title sufficient, due pass, with opposition noted, and the bill was reported to the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. House Bill 942 was then passed over at Senator McMahon’s request until Tuesday.
The committee then took up House Bill 1034, which would allow terminally ill hospital patients to use medical cannabis gummies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help terminally ill patients who already qualify for medical cannabis but are denied access in hospitals, and that it prohibits smoking or inhalation. Members raised concerns about whether the bill was too broad, whether it would interfere with hospital and physician judgment, possible drug interactions, federal law issues, liability for hospitals and doctors, storage and disposal requirements, and whether hospitals would incur costs or be forced to handle cannabis on their premises. The sponsor responded that the patient’s use would be logged in the chart, that the caregiver is generally responsible for the lockbox and disposal, and that the bill includes language allowing a facility to opt out if compliance would jeopardize federal funding or licensing.
The bill’s author also described the measure as arising from a Coast Guard family’s experience in which a terminally ill patient was denied access to medical cannabis at one hospital but allowed at another, and said the goal is to prevent similar denials for terminally ill patients. He said he was not aware of other drugs treated this way in hospitals, but argued that terminally ill patients should have access to most anything they want. The discussion ended with Senator England asking whether changing the bill’s requirement that a facility “shall” allow medical cannabis to “may” allow it would better protect hospitals and preserve discretion, but no final action on House Bill 1034 was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Plastic bottle excise tax proposed 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And everywhere we test for microplastics, we find them.
- test for microplastics, we find them. test for microplastics, we find them.
- They're finding it in newborn babies.
- They're finding it in newborn babies.
- sustainable ways to make sure that we're finding the revenue going forward.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That's $270 million that we're paying for students, which on any given day of the week we can't find.
- It's what the Auditor General... ...on any given day of the week we can't find.
- The findings were shocking, though they were not surprising to those of us who were in the arena.
- We can't find where $270 million is being spent. We can't find where $270 million is being spent.
- and find where they fit.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted.
During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Jul 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- If I can't even find that. Yeah, it's the FMAR performance ratings.
- We'll find out though.
- They can find the problem quickly.
- It's about finding that... ...person who can take on that task, right?
- Finding a person to do this.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I did not know offhand, but I can find out for you. Yes, I would appreciate that.
- I did not know off hand, but I can find I did not know off hand, but I can find out<00:30:26.720
- So I think if someone goes and does the work and finds me $7.5 million in savings and some other line
- Not to be pretentious, Senator Lang, but I can find lots of money.
- find something to<00:32:59.519>
do <00:32:59.679>this.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I say that because we may not find the solution that is out there.
- If we value it, then we have a responsibility to find the revenue for it.
- And revenue that is not patched together and... ...responsibility to find the revenue for it.
- I find that to be a disappointment.
- We urge you to find a solution to last year's cut of $400 million to the ATP.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on transportation agency budget proposals and did not take any votes. The first major discussion focused on the Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and a proposed one-time $166 million transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to offset California Air Resources Board mobile source costs. Department of Finance and the LAO described the account’s long-running structural deficit, driven largely by employee compensation growth and REAL ID-related workload, while members criticized the use of Proposition 4, GGRF, and other one-time or redirected funds as backfills and urged a longer-term solution that addresses both revenues and expenditures.
The committee then heard Caltrans’ request for $25 million in General Fund support to create a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program. Caltrans said the program would build on the prior Clean California effort by funding local litter and graffiti cleanup, community engagement, and workforce pathways for vulnerable populations. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility and that one-time funding is unlikely to solve persistent local cleanup needs. Several members echoed those concerns, while public commenters split between support for the cleanup/employment model and calls to instead restore funding to the Active Transportation Program and transit operations.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requested that California administratively recognize Tahoe’s federally designated population figure for state formula-based transportation funding, which would raise the population count used in formulas from 40,000 to 145,000. The agency said the change would not request new money but would better align state formulas with federal law and support a shared regional funding framework; members appeared generally supportive, though they noted the need to phase in the change to reduce impacts on other regions.
The final presentation was on High-Speed Rail. The LAO reviewed the authority’s project update report, noting that it did not fully meet statutory requirements and that key details are still pending in a supplemental report expected later in the summer. The LAO said the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment still shows an estimated roughly $7 billion funding gap, with no specific plan to close it, and highlighted risks from federal review, inflation, and uncertain GGRF revenues. High-Speed Rail Authority staff said they are conducting a bottom-up review of scope, schedule, ridership, and costs, expect to provide updated information by late summer, and are exploring public-private partnerships and other financing strategies. Members stressed that no further funding commitments should be made until the updated analysis is available.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So I hope, hopefully, you will all find it in your heart to vote yes on this bill. Thank you.
- So I hope, hopefully, you will all find it in your heart to vote yes on this bill. Thank you.
- find it in your heart to vote should have it taken away.
- I hope that we'll find this favorable. Michelle, please call the roll on Senate Bill 400.
- Where you'll find, and I think I know the question that you're asking, but where you'll find that defense
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (7-8-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a motion to find that there is probable cause that Representative Daniel Gman violated KRS 6.731
- motion to find that there is probable cause<00:01:33.600>
that <00:01:33.920>Representative - Next motion is to find that there is probable cause that Representative Daniel Gberg violated KRS 6.731
- There's a the next motion is to find There's a the next motion is to find that<00:03:46.799>
- I see if I can find it. He gave me that sheet. I got it. Okay.
Summary:
The meeting focused on a legislative ethics complaint involving Representative Daniel G. Givens. The committee considered and voted on several probable-cause motions alleging violations of KRS 6.731 based on different sets of conduct: intimidating statements or actions toward a private business, attempts to obtain contributions in exchange for possible state catering vendor business for a private company, and inappropriate treatment of an individual at the Capitol Annex before, during, and after a July 2023 committee meeting and in his office. Each motion was made, seconded, and approved by roll call, with Arnold Simpson voting no on the motions and the other members voting yes.
After the probable-cause votes, the chair noted that Representative Givens and counsel could attempt to file an agreed settlement in the case. The committee then concluded its business on the complaint. Later, the chair explained that the Government Contract Review Committee had disapproved a personal service contract for legal services related to the ethics investigation, but the ethics commission, as an independent body with contracting authority, approved the contract effective that day notwithstanding the disapproval.
The commission also accepted a financial report by motion and seconded vote, and members expressed appreciation for the staff’s work and the time spent on the case. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations.(6-18-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- I can't find a barber without an appointment, and I don't like that.
- I can't find a it's a gathering place.
- So, we tried to find a significantly.
- >> We'd have to charge you a finding fee.
- >> We'd have to charge you a finding fee.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, we have to find... No, go ahead.
- what this technology finds.
- That might be able to find that answer more quickly.
- I looked it up too, and you can't find another state.
- That's what you will find.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388