Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Election Code'
Page 186 of 500
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 25 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment would modernize the Tax Reform Code by taxing digital ads.
- Pennsylvania's tax code was written in 1971. The digital advertising economy didn't exist then.
- This amendment modernizes the code. The digital advertising economy didn't exist then.
- This amendment modernizes the code to reflect how the largest corporations in the world actually make
- This amendment transfers EITC from the school code to the tax code, and it increases scholarships by
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Rob Misa III from Cedar Park, Texas, who has been reappointed to the Texas State Technical College Board
- Texas and Texas State Technical College, and we are open for any questions you may have. Thank you.
- I had to find a way to justify Texas, and it's not just about justifying Texas.
- Texas has made significant strides in the aerospace industry, and we're looking forward to the Texas
- Appointees to the Texas Board of Nursing, which the Texas Department of State Health Services indicates
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have 23 of those in the state of Texas.
- by Texas mobile application.
- I could use a reference in Texas.
- Maritime commerce moves 24/7, 365 through Texas maritime ports, propelling the Texas economy.
- the region that fuel the Texas economy.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving to page 23, the Texas Military Department.
- Ryder for the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.
- This is the available Texas University.
- This is for the Texas Tech University.
- On page 40, this is Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
Bills:
SB 1
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- provisions in this bill are modeled after recent legislation from states like Indiana, Nevada, and even Texas
- Like Texas, Utah, and Indiana. And they're still investing there.
- Indiana and Texas take different approaches to their overall regulatory structure, and as I included
- The building will be roughly 40% more efficient than code requires.
- The piece around how excited I am to hear a 40% energy reduction from base code, that's a big deal.
Keywords:
water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We as a state have had trailers donated to us from other states, Texas, Louisiana, for example, and as
- hurricane shelter selection standards or it's enhanced hurricane protection area and International Code
- success of retrofitting buildings, construction of new schools, you know, changes in the building code
- Construction of new schools, you know, changes in the building code.
- We have a suborbital launch site and test site in West Texas.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm taking elected officials... ...time limit.
- As is customary in the legislature, I am taking elected officials out of turn.
- At the moment, I believe that is our last elected official.
- Code, and Title V, but also lesser-known codes and minimum standards covering recreational camps, bathing
- Code, and Title V, but also lesser-known codes and minimum standards covering recreational camps, bathing
Summary:
The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination.
Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 14th, 2026 at 01:49 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is an elective outpatient procedure where visual changes occur gradually over time, affecting
- Elect to participate in training. 2.
- Speaker, gentlemen, are you saying then that on page two, section four of your amendment, elected state
- officials who provided that elected state officials keep for public inspection, etc., would have to
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Which agency code for the governor's office? 356. Okay, sorry, Mr.
- Commission, and that's going to be Agency Code 410.
- We're going to the Indian Affairs Department, Agency Code 609.
- We get that number on the code. Do they have about five funded vacancies?
- Code 680, please come forward.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Dante Bataki, CTO of Eleanor Codings, who continues to build his company.
- I don't remember the percentage of the 40 that actually were elected officials.
- I would say compliance for state board policy and century code compliance.
- The council comprises two or three elected members from each of the 11 institutions, who then elect the
- But collapsing programs in like CIP codes, we've also identified new programs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- TEXAS, LOUISIANA FOR EXAMPLE.
- OF CONSTRUCTION WHETHER IT'S AMERICAN RED CROSS STANDARD SHELTERS OR HURRICANE PROTECTION STANDARD CODE
- THE CONTINUING SUCCESS OF RETROFITTING BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOLS, CHANGES IN BUILDING CODE
- NATIONWIDE PRESENCE HEADQUARTERED IN SEATTLE WE HAVE A SUB ORBITAL LAUNCH SITE AND TEST SITE IN WEST TEXAS
- OUR NEW SHEPHERDS SUBORBITAL ROCKET LAUNCHES FROM WEST TEXAS AND CARRIES ASTRONAUTS ABOVE THE CARMEN
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 21, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In Texas, like Hawaii, the average doesn't reflect pockets of higher and lower rates.
- <01:22:21.360>
I'm digging into the data from Texas I'm digging into the data from Texas I'm - Aloha, thank you everyone for making our jobs easier to win House seats next election.
- The same people you have been elected to represent.
- We have a president that has just been recently elected.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments.
The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition.
HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The witness said they would see that on the screener report and may or may not elect to take the case
- Next week, I'm going to Texas. I'm going to Baylor and UT Austin, Texas Southern, and South Texas.
- As far as the other issue with 17, I would note that that would have to be part of the juvenile code
- including um Ohio and I think um Texas including um Ohio and I think um Texas maybe<01:44:56.480
- >> Texas, Minnesota, Georgia >> Texas, Minnesota, Georgia >> and<01:44:59.760>
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:07
26RS BR 8 - AN ACT relating to machine gun conversion devices: 00:01:33
Department of Public Advocacy Update: 00:51:33
26RS BR 126 - AN ACT relating to boating under the influence: 01:23:46
26RS BR 60 - AN ACT relating to grooming: 01:33:23, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership.
The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage.
Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have a former student who has a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M.
- We also have a former student who has a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M.
- So the purpose of this report is to comply with North Dakota Century Code 15.1-02-09.
- That legislation was before my time and hadn't noticed that in code.
- There is a lot to cover if you go through this section of Century Code.
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families.
Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions.
Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, should foreign nationals vote in our elections? Absolutely not. Okay.
- Cannot use it to vote in elections is what it says. What happens? What happens?
- I mean, you're not supportive of them voting in our elections. I'm not, but I don't have to be.
- So why do we need elections? So why do we need it? Nobody had unless you could show many...
- What election... Running out of time, what election did it happen? These are fairly new IDs.
TX
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 10, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- >
theou <00:25:26.720>with codes available under theou with codes available under theou - I have had no complaints, not all of them have utilized the codes.
- Um, at that time there was no, we just couldn't get the codes. We couldn't get the information.
- Even the National Electric Code has language against repairability, saying reconditioned luminaires,
- electric code um has language<00:52:19.280>
against <00:52:19.599>repairability <00:52:
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 28th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- In Code of Criminal Procedure Article 316, before fixing that amount, these factors typically include
- charge the child on the 1498.1, or do you have the ability to go into Chapter 5 of the Children's Code
- charge the child on the 1498.1, or do you have the ability to go into Chapter 5 of the Children's Code
- States like Texas... ...which is great. We already know that these are effective in other states.
- CAP laws have proven in these other states like Texas and Florida to reduce the injuries and harm.
Summary:
The committee first deferred HB 374 without objection. It then heard SB 46, which creates the crime of unlawful operation of a group home aimed at protecting vulnerable adults living in unsafe, unlicensed residences where operators control residents’ assets. The Attorney General’s office described severe neglect and exploitation in some homes, while the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center opposed the bill over concerns it could create confusion, criminalize legitimate recovery or disability housing, and chill protected housing arrangements. After discussion, including assurances that the bill was narrowly targeted at bad actors, the committee reported SB 46 favorably.
The committee next took up HB 276, which sets a statewide minimum bail amount for certain sexual offenses against minors. Testimony from a victim’s mother and an anti-trafficking expert supported the bill as a way to keep dangerous offenders detained and protect children, while members debated whether the original $50,000 minimum was too low and could be treated as a benchmark. The committee amended the bill in committee to raise the minimum to $1 million and to add human trafficking involving a victim under 18 to the covered offenses, then reported HB 276 favorably as amended.
Members then heard SB 42 and SB 110, both addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. SB 42 expands the definition of child sexual abuse material to include digital and AI-generated depictions, while SB 110 prohibits using a child’s image to train AI to produce such material. The Attorney General’s office and survivor advocates supported the measures as necessary updates to keep pace with technology and protect children; the committee reported both bills favorably. HB 998, dealing with forensic medical exams and reimbursement for domestic violence victims, especially strangulation cases, was also heard and amended to remove human trafficking references and set implementation steps; advocates said the bill would improve evidence collection and reimbursement, and it was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee heard SB 51 on fraudulent representation of military service or awards, which was supported as a tool to address stolen valor and was reported favorably, and HB 323 on notification and reporting of inmate deaths, which was presented as a transparency measure after a family testified about learning of a relative’s death from the news rather than the facility.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/10/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- and what the fire code requires.
- I would have to check the fire code on that, and I'm not a fire code expert.
- the fire code and what the fire code the fire code and what the fire code requires.<04:24:32.720
- or closed in place which the fire code or closed in place which the fire code offers<04:26:16.800
- Um however, we have an election<04:59:42.400>
in <04:59:42.718>November election in November
Summary:
The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent.
The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day.
The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Agriculture Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Transcript Highlights:
- and in person, so we ask that you do keep to that three-minute limit, or we'll have to turn on the election
- Okay, so I don't see any—usually we take elected officials out of order.
- Now, you might think that the PRCA, the rodeo association, was founded in a place like Alabama or Texas
- consists of what's known as transposons, or jumping genes, which allow them to rewrite their own genetic code
- finger transcription factor genes, 100% more protocadherin genes, and approximately 61% more protein-coding
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Agriculture opened its first hearing by outlining procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony options, and the plan to hear 27 bills in docket order. The committee then took testimony on H.11/S.53, a resolve promoting equity in agriculture, with advocates from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Southeastern Mass Agricultural Partnership, and urban farming organizations describing racial and economic disparities in farming, lack of data on BIPOC farmers, barriers to land and capital, and the need for a commission to collect information and recommend policy changes. Committee members asked questions about the importance of data collection and future policy development, and the bill was repeatedly urged to be reported favorably out of committee.
Testimony also supported H.118, which would create a special commission to examine the strengths and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s emergency food network. The Amherst Survival Center described serving 1.6 million meals last year and explained that food pantries are now functioning as essential parts of the state’s food system while relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and unstable funding. Members discussed the need for a more holistic look at food security infrastructure. The committee then heard H.119/S.60 on climate change impacts on farms and fisheries, with regional planners and farm advocates describing flood damage, rising costs, canceled federal climate-smart funding, and the need for direct state support for adaptation, resilience, and infrastructure improvements.
The committee also heard testimony on H.125/H.142/S.65, a healthy soils bill, from landscape professionals who said construction sites often leave poor or stripped soil and that the bill would require better post-construction soil standards to support healthier landscapes and reduce long-term maintenance and environmental problems. Finally, the committee took extensive testimony on H.127, which would prohibit aquaculture of octopus for human consumption. Supporters, including legislators, scientists, veterinarians, students, and animal welfare advocates, argued octopus are highly intelligent and sentient, cannot be farmed humanely, and that octopus aquaculture would create environmental harms such as waste runoff, pressure on wild fish stocks, and ecosystem disruption. No votes were taken during the hearing; the bills were heard and testimony was received.