Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 190 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> will be useful for further legislation will be useful for further legislation as<00:26:28.520><c
- I wonder if someone supporting the legislation would help me better understand the connection between
- would help me better legislation would help me better understand<00:38:37.800><c> um</c><00:38:38.200
- I don't believe that the public interest is really gained by adoption of this particular legislation.
- </c><01:37:35.560><c> budget</c> to have um the legislative budget to have um the legislative budget
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed.
House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/25/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- lowest caliber, and in our test the .30 caliber did not penetrate far enough that we felt it was an ethical
- the muzzle by this air rifle is far more determinative on its penetration and its lethality and its ethical
- the muzzle by this air rifle is far more determinative on its penetration and its lethality and its ethical
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Seven - Thursday, April 23
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was vice chair of ethics, former member of the pensions and professional registration licensing committee
- As everyone is preparing their wardrobes for next week, I want to remind you that the women legislators
- The correction should be made right now in this legislation. The summary I'm reading...
- The correction should be made right now in this legislation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the last thing I just want to say is... ...I have worked on legislation like this since 2016, so
- And this is first-of-its-kind legislation in the country that I think California will be proud of when
- They don't, you know, and they're hiring people, you know, that may not have, you know, the ethics, not
- The Legislative Analyst's Office is on standby to answer any technical questions that we may have.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to public safety, emergency response, wildfire prevention, and environmental protection. AB 2152 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would streamline CEQA litigation for new fire station projects and add best-practice requirements; supporters, including firefighters, said it would help communities and firefighter safety, while opponents argued the project labor agreement requirements would raise costs and limit participation for small and nonunion contractors. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand reporting related to 911 dispatcher pre-arrival medical instructions; after amendments and stakeholder agreement, opposition groups said they would remove their opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 by Assembly Member Gipson would require human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites and for disaster response workers; supporters said it would protect vulnerable workers, while broadband, city, and county representatives raised implementation concerns, especially in rural disaster areas. It passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick.
The committee also considered AB 1805, which would require an audit and stronger oversight of the state’s Next Generation 911 project after concerns about major spending and delays. CalNENA supported the bill’s transparency and accountability provisions, and the measure passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 by Assembly Member Addis would tighten safety and public review requirements for offshore oil pipeline restarts and require decommissioning of certain spill-prone pipelines; environmental and coastal government groups supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association warned it would threaten fuel supply and pipeline operations. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1964 would direct the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening in fire-prone areas and estimate costs; it passed to Appropriations with broad support.
AB 1960, also by Assembly Member Bennett, would use a portion of wildfire prevention grants to encourage community-level home hardening certification. The author said the bill would create incentives and broader public awareness, while the vice chair argued it would favor communities that can already afford hardening and divert resources from higher-need areas; the bill still passed to Appropriations. AB 1863 by Assembly Member DeMaio would clarify that people cannot be charged simply for calling 911 or when no services are rendered, while preserving fees for actual services and allowing billing for legitimate emergency response costs; it passed to the Assembly floor. The committee also took up consent item AB 2517, which passed to Appropriations. After add-on votes for absent members, the meeting adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And this legislation does exactly that.
- Together, these amendments would provide enhanced legislative oversight for long-term leases involving
- Together, these amendments would provide enhanced legislative oversight for long-term leases involving
- legislative authorization requirements of<00:10:43.519><c> sections</c><00:10:44.480><c> 171-53</c>
- </c><01:32:00.880><c> support</c> actually ethical realators would support actually ethical realators
Bills:
SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken.
The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed.
For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties.
Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is not about an inconvenience; it's about a responsibility.
- I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this meaningful legislation.
- session to unveil their plan, knowing well enough that legislation would come out.
- session to unveil their plan, knowing well enough that legislation would come out.
- </c> choice for Hawaii and pass legislation choice for Hawaii and pass legislation to<03:28:12.479><c
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- efforts like s sp14 we will legislative efforts like s sp14 we will make<00:23:56.799><c> even</c><00
- I do not believe in criminalizing addiction, but I do not believe that is what these pieces of legislation
- For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to recommend that SB 15 is inexpedient to legislate.
- Legal consequences are appropriate, but they are ethical only when implemented alongside evidence-based
- </c><02:04:45.920><c> only</c> appropriate but they are ethical only appropriate but they are ethical
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I have always prioritized good governance, ethical governance, and public trust, and I will continue
- Certainly, we’ve seen that come through legislation, and it’s caused quite a bit of deliberation.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I have always prioritized good governance, ethical governance, and public trust, and I will continue
- Certainly, we've seen that come through legislation, and it's caused quite a bit of deliberation.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director.
Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate.
Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you 657 for one legislative day.
- </c><00:25:50.360><c> intent</c> It seeks to clarify legislative intent It seeks to clarify legislative
- counsel in our office of legislative counsel, an associate professor with UVM Extension, the legislative
- counsel in our office of legislative counsel in our office of legislative<00:28:43.200><c> counsel,<
- /c> legislative counsel, legislative counsel, associate<00:28:45.440><c> professor</c><00:28:45.960><
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.124, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for disciplinary procedures for supervisors and managers at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to modify the procedures of personnel actions against employees of the Dep Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We meet this morning to consider 15 pieces of legislation sponsored by senators from both sides of the
- There's some good pieces of legislation on the table.
- This legislation may be well-intentioned and may have good effects.
- Engelbaum, and then I hope to get to... a question about one piece of legislation.
- And Senator Hassan has legislation to improve in- internal VHA scheduling.
Keywords:
Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments
Summary:
During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- I represent the 28th legislative district.
- This legislation, crafted in partnership with Washington students, campuses, legislators, and clinic
- I don't have all the solutions as a legislator.
- This bill enhances that legislative oversight.
Summary:
The Workforce Development Committee heard public testimony on several higher education bills. Senate Bill 5954 would expand veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility to better align state law with federal DEA benefits, allowing eligible children and surviving spouses/domestic partners to use the waiver outside current age and time limits. The sponsor and veteran advocates said the change would help families access earned benefits; no opposition was heard, and the public hearing was closed.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5826, which would require public postsecondary institutions to provide access to medication abortion through student health centers or referrals and web-based information by the 2027-28 academic year. Supporters, including students and reproductive health advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers, travel burdens, and stigma and help students stay enrolled. Opponents, including clergy, Catholic Conference representatives, and other individuals, argued the bill promoted abortion, raised safety and moral concerns, and was outside the mission of colleges. The public hearing was closed after extensive testimony.
Senate Bill 5828 would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for students attending private not-for-profit four-year institutions, using the average award at public institutions rather than the reduced formula adopted last session. The sponsor and many students, private college leaders, and business and workforce groups supported the bill as a matter of fairness, access, and student choice, while public university faculty and representatives opposed it, saying state aid should prioritize public institutions and that the bill would deepen funding inequities. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5909, which would require public baccalaureate institutions to review and potentially discontinue low-enrollment degree programs; supporters framed it as a transparency and efficiency measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as too blunt and potentially harmful to smaller, specialized, or equity-focused programs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 1300 starts the clock on calculating legislative term limits to January 1, 2023.
- that if term limits were to pass, it would apply to that legislator they just voted for.
- We did it with the Ethics Commission.
- And so if we defeat this, the only thing that. for legislators.
- I move to suspend House Rule 329, Section 4 for three legislative days.
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office.
The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage.
A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This designation is effective As a qualified substitute for Legislative District 32, C.A., State of Idaho
- Dear legislators, happy Idaho Day.
- In 2014, he sponsored legislation to restore the teaching of cursive handwriting in public schools.
- to model as a legislator, it’d be Lyndon Bateman.
- The remaining bills on the third-reading calendar hold their place one legislative day.
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal. Members also received notice of a substitute legislator appointment for District 32. The chamber then held its Idaho Day program, including a performance of the national anthem, a historical presentation by Justin Vipperman on Idaho’s frontier and founding ideals, and remarks honoring former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered for Idaho Day, cursive writing, history, teaching, and his public service.
The House suspended rules and took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognized and commended Bateman’s lifetime achievements. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal memories and describing his kindness, handwritten letters, cartoons, and advocacy for Idaho history and Idaho Day. The resolution passed the House by roll call vote, 68 ayes, and was sent to the Senate.
Afterward, the House received messages from the Senate and governor, committee reports, and first-reading referrals for numerous bills. Among the measures introduced or referred were bills on minors and school/library protections, taxation, stablecoins, parental rights and child custody, license plates, honey industry regulation, Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance, transportation, agricultural products, veterans, retirement, naturopathic licensing, trespass, state controller reporting, elections, cloud seeding, irrigation rights-of-way, water delivery, and cell-cultivated animal protein labeling. The House also placed several bills and resolutions on the third-reading calendar, moved House Bill 750 to General Orders, and adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight of the members are legislative members, and we have new co-chairs.
- Our research projects are primarily legislatively directed.
- I'm Lisa McLean, legislative policy manager and tribal liaison for FSEC.
- The legislation is not an analysis of the current state of nuclear power.
- The legislation is not an analysis of the current state of nuclear power.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5821, which would direct the Department of Commerce, if funded by gifts or grants, to develop a nuclear power strategic framework and integrate it into the state energy strategy. Supporters, including Sen. Braun, Energy Northwest, public power representatives, and several pro-nuclear advocates, said Washington needs to keep advanced nuclear on the table to address rising electricity demand, reliability concerns, and clean energy goals. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill gives nuclear special treatment, lacks sufficient guardrails on waste, safety, cost, and public process, and was rushed without adequate tribal consultation. Several tribal testifiers said the bill should require early, meaningful government-to-government consultation and stronger protections for treaty rights and cultural resources.
The committee then held a work session on a Washington State Institute for Public Policy report reviewing state policies supporting small modular reactors. Staff and researchers explained that the report surveyed 79 policies in 35 states and found most states are still in preliminary planning stages, with policies focused on feasibility studies, siting, workforce development, permitting, financial support, and market integration. Members asked about water use, waste, footprint, and whether the report covered fusion; the researchers said it was limited to fission and that water needs vary by reactor design. Some senators noted the need to consider lifecycle impacts and compare nuclear with other energy technologies.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6010, which would change FSEC tribal consultation procedures by exempting most government-to-government consultations from the Open Public Meetings Act when there is no deliberation or commitments, requiring all FSEC members to participate in consultation, and giving tribes a chance to review and correct the consultation summary before it goes to the governor. Tribal witnesses and environmental groups supported the bill as a way to improve confidentiality and meaningful consultation, while the Association of Washington Business opposed it, saying it could add delays and suggesting timelines. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6004, which would update contracting statutes so public entities can contract for renewable or non-emitting generation capability under CETA definitions; utilities supported the update as a modernization, while consumer and environmental opponents warned it could shift financial risk to ratepayers, especially for nuclear projects. No votes were taken in the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- I represent the 28th Legislative District.
- This legislation, crafted in partnership with Washington students, campuses, legislators, and clinic
- I don't have all the solutions as a legislator.
- This bill enhances that legislative oversight.
Keywords:
medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, veterans, tuition waiver, education, survivors, eligibility, 904
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is identical to I appreciate the opportunity to do this on his behalf.
- This legislation builds on the landmark 1994 Texas Supreme Court decision Leeper v.
- And unless there's federal legislation, we're going to be in trouble.
- And this legislation has had a positive impact. In these circumstances.
- So it can be done, but I’m glad we’ve got the legislation to support it. Senator West.
Keywords:
election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, voting integrity, education, property values, school districts, comptroller, funding formula
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to hear testimony on a full agenda of education-related bills. Several measures were laid out and left pending, including HB 322 to allow JET Grant funds to be used for subscription-based and ongoing technology costs for career and technical education; HB 3062 to require fentanyl and drug-poisoning prevention instruction for entering college students; HB 121 to update school safety laws, including TEA peace officer commissions, annual renewal of certain safety exceptions, new reporting requirements, and special education behavior threat assessment changes; HB 3627 to let the State Board of Education chair employ staff; HB 5515 to curb inflated shipping and handling charges on instructional materials; HB 2674 to prohibit new state regulation of homeschool programs; HB 2310 to require a statewide strategic plan for early learning and inclusion for young children with disabilities; HB 367 to standardize documentation for excused absences due to serious illness; HB 1178 to speed certification for out-of-state educators and military spouses; and HB 1481 to expand cell phone restrictions to the full school day.
Testimony was generally supportive on most bills, with some concerns raised on HB 121 about school district police departments investigating misconduct and on HB 2674 about how it would interact with the new ESA program in SB 2. HB 5515 drew support from instructional materials coordinators who described extreme shipping invoices and argued the bill would restore transparency and fiscal responsibility. HB 2310 was supported by disability advocates and early learning groups, who said a coordinated state plan would improve access and inclusion for children with disabilities. HB 367 was presented as a simple clarification to reduce confusion for medically vulnerable students and families, and HB 1178 was described by TEA as a modest pathway that would help bring experienced out-of-state teachers into Texas schools more quickly.
HB 126, updating Texas’ NIL law to align with the pending House settlement and allow direct payments and pre-enrollment NIL agreements, received extensive testimony from university counsel and committee questioning about the settlement, recruiting, and future college athletics rules. HB 1481, expanding school cell phone restrictions from instructional time to the entire school day, drew strong support from parents, students, educators, and advocates who linked phones to distraction, cyberbullying, and mental health harms; one teacher asked for flexibility so phones could still be used for limited academic tasks. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee then recessed to attend the floor session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Assembly.
- On behalf of the Native American Legislative Caucus.
- Members, I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- I find myself compelled as a parent and as a legislator to bring this piece of legislation.
- Several hours of ethics and code study.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 897 hold its place on the third reading calendar one legislative day.
- Get with a member of Legislative Counsel. We can see about that.
- Obviously, we passed a lot of legislation through this body.
- This is one of the more interesting bills of this legislative session, I think.
- This is one of the more interesting bills of this legislative session, I think.
Summary:
The House convened with 53 members present, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate announcing several signed bills, enrolled measures, and new Senate bills and resolutions. Committee reports moved multiple bills forward, including measures on elections, health and welfare, education, revenue and taxation, transportation, and state affairs. The House also introduced new bills on property, land use, conversational AI safety, and housing, and referred them to committee. A Senate concurrent resolution supporting Idaho’s partnership with Taiwan was referred to State Affairs.
The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading bills. Among the major policy debates were House Bill 928, the “Merit-based Health Care Act,” which would restrict DEI-related practices in Medicaid and health care provider agreements; supporters framed it as a merit and patient-care measure, while opponents argued it would block anti-racism and implicit-bias training and worsen health disparities. House Bill 929, allowing patients to negotiate discounted cash prices with providers and have them count toward deductibles, passed after brief debate. House Bill 930, revising campaign finance reporting, loans, and investment rules, also passed after concerns about credit card treatment and reporting complexity. House Bill 879, aimed at closing a loophole in industrial hemp regulation to prevent THC products from being sold as CBD, passed as well.
Several other notable bills passed the House, including House Bill 932 creating an advisory ballot question on an official state gun for America 250; House Bill 896 establishing a process for the Attorney General to investigate and seek remedies for alleged failures by public officers or entities to follow the law; House Bill 895 regulating water use for new data centers; House Bill 856 closing a loophole involving the sale of human remains; and House Bill 911 codifying protections so large electrical loads do not shift costs onto other ratepayers. The House also passed House Bill 898, which reorganizes the State Historic Preservation Office within a new administrative structure, despite concerns that it could weaken preservation independence. In addition, the House approved a number of appropriation and enhancement bills, including funding for the Commission on Aging, the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Idaho State Lottery, Veterans Services, the Public Utilities Commission, the Industrial Commission, and Pardon and Parole.
The House returned some bills to committee or moved them to General Orders, including House Bills 529, 828, 862, and 903. It also adopted House Resolution 28, which approved House Agriculture Committee rules. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight of the members are legislative members, and we have new co-chairs.
- Our research projects are primarily legislatively directed.
- Yeah, so in our legislative assignment, we were tasked with looking at fission.
- I'm Lisa McLean, legislative policy manager and tribal liaison for EFSEC.
- The legislation is not an analysis of the current state of nuclear power.
Keywords:
nuclear energy, energy strategy, advanced technology, sustainability, state policy, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, tribal consultation, government-to-government consultation, federally recognized tribes, energy facility siting, RCW, clean energy, alternative energy