Video & Transcript Research : 'degree programs'
Page 206 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- expungement in the process of arrest records concerning promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree
- promoting a detrimental drug in<00:02:34.760>
the <00:02:34.840>third <00:02:35.040>degree - <00:02:35.319>
to <00:02:35.440>include <00:02:35.720>the in the third degree - to include the in the third degree to include the possession<00:02:36.120>
of <00:02:36.440>- ordinarily I'd vote Yes for this degree ordinarily I'd vote Yes for this bill<00:28:01.919>
but - ordinarily I'd vote Yes for this degree ordinarily I'd vote Yes for this bill<00:28:01.919>
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills covering criminal justice, elections, and wildfire-related settlement funding. HB 103 would raise the age cutoff for life-without-parole eligibility from 18 to 21; supporters included the Public Defender and others, while prosecutors and some others opposed it. HB 11 would allow civil claims against people or businesses profiting from sexual exploitation or sex trafficking; it drew mostly support but was not ready for a vote and was deferred for further questions. HB 132 would expand a state-initiated expungement pilot to include possession of any Schedule V substance; the Public Defender, ACLU, and oversight groups supported it, with one opponent, and committee questions focused on what substances and how many cases would be affected. HB 145 would require the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit expungement orders to the Judiciary to implement Act 159; the Judiciary and Public Defender supported it, and members discussed technical issues involving multiple defendants and multiple charges. HB 369, a campaign finance housekeeping bill on excess cash contributions, and HB 408, which aligns voter registration-by-mail deadlines with current law, both received support and no opposition of note.
The committee also heard HB 1175, which creates appropriations and a trust fund for Maui wildfire settlement claims; the Attorney General’s office, Maui County Council, and Tax Foundation supported it, while one senator said he would vote no because of concerns about House leadership. HB 386, which conforms drug possession thresholds for methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, and cocaine, was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. HB 134 would require electronic filing of nomination papers; the Elections Office supported it but asked that any convenience fee be authorized in statute, while one witness opposed it over security and cost concerns. After testimony and questions, the committee took up decision-making and passed HB 103 with amendments, deferred HB 11, and passed HB 132, HB 145, HB 369, HB 408, HB 1175, HB 386, and HB 134, with HB 134 amended to clarify no additional charge for electronic filing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:11.440>
is and and how well that program is and and how well that program is working - >
criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sexual<00:09: - And um while I program awards.
- competitive development program competitive development program awards.<00:31:10.159>
While - And finally, a $5 million program.
Keywords:
HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill addresses the currents, really great swim lesson voucher program.
- Psychiatry residency slots in Florida have increased from 22 slots at 3 programs to 176 slots at 28 program
- The Legislature's continued investment in the frame program.
- But this program is working. It's making a measurable difference across Florida.
- And I can even say that as part of the 111 credits our program requires of our students.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study May 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The $29 million for structured literacy implementation, that's paying for the summer program that the
- So these programs that I'm going to talk about here will all have evaluations set up on the front end
- , so we'll know how we're going to measure the impact of these programs before we get started.
- We need to fund programs like that to get kids in school. So, Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time.
- someone enters a program like that, we have faith that when they leave the program, they're as ready
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The authority is granted to the department, but individual programs are going to be promulgating the
- the department but individual programs the department but individual programs and<01:11:19.880><
- uh personal Personnel records programs uh personal Personnel records relating<01:14:03.960>
to - say a transfer station adopted a program say a transfer station or<01:29:12.840>
whatever <01: - But to the degree that we have compounding pharmacies, obviously they have to be under the purview of
Summary:
The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity.
The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh we were just talking in the back of the room here how important it is to spend time during programming
- <00:05:06.320>
and <00:05:07.039>uh <00:05:07.199>during time during programming - and uh during time during programming and uh during concept<00:05:07.840>
design <00:05:08.080 - Uh, in addition to that, the ancillary staff and the custody staff should be trained at a higher degree
- uh to manage and to higher degree uh to manage and to interact<00:53:26.559>
and <00:53:26.800
Keywords:
0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:01:19 NKU Capital Project Update
0:38:57 DJJ High Acuity Services Update
1:03:53 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The interim Budget Review Subcommittee for Justice and Judiciary received an update on Northern Kentucky University’s capital project to house the Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office and the Northern Kentucky Crime Lab in the former Highland Heights Civic Center building on NKU’s campus. NKU and Justice Cabinet staff described the project timeline: the building was identified in late 2022, lease terms were agreed to in early 2023, a pre-construction evaluation agreement was executed in May 2023, the General Assembly authorized $21 million in April 2024, and the lease and construction agreement were finalized in spring 2026. The project is now being prepared for bid, with construction expected to start in August and occupancy targeted for January 2028. About $1 million has been spent so far on design and related investigations.
Testimony emphasized that the vacant building was structurally sound but required major upgrades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof, windows, a generator, specialized mechanical systems, security, and geothermal work to meet the needs of two separate operations sharing one facility. NKU said it is contributing $3.7 million to the project. Committee members asked about the condition of the building, the urgency of the project, and why the process took so long. Justice Cabinet and real properties officials said the medical examiner’s office had been shut down since roughly late 2017 or 2018, that the state had first sought funding in the 2022 budget for staffing, a lease, and equipment, and that it took time to find a suitable leased location because the facility has highly specialized requirements.
Members also asked about operating costs, annual lease costs, and the impact of the office’s absence on families and counties in Northern Kentucky. Officials said the lease cost is based on NKU’s expected maintenance-related expenses, while utilities and staffing are covered through the Office of the State Medical Examiner or Kentucky State Police, with seven medical examiner positions funded in House Bill 500 and two additional KSP positions requested for the crime lab. They explained that, until the new facility opens, bodies from Northern Kentucky are generally transported to Louisville for autopsy, with transportation costs borne by the coroner’s office. No votes were taken, but the committee requested follow-up information, including lease cost numbers and additional details on facility usage and timing.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For each level of the educators, that we have to have, you know, different degrees?
- So, you know, that new school district may have a better, you know, AP program or a robotics program
- or a robotics you know, AP program or a robotics program<01:19:55.600>
that <01:19:55.760> - that they that they would think program that they that they would think is<01:19:57.480>
more - Will your school districts may want to introduce a robotics program because the neighboring district
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages.
The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage.
Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- programs that our residents depend on. programs that our residents depend on.
- of the PsyD program at Chaminade, which produces future psychologists.
- I'm Kevin O'Meara, program manager for Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawaii, a program of the Hawaii Public
- <00:50:03.440>
Coalition O'Meara, program manager for Coalition O'Meara, program manager for Coalition - <00:50:05.600>
of for Tobacco-Free Hawaii, a program of for Tobacco-Free Hawaii, a program
Keywords:
cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- -- PROGRAMS LIKE $6 MILLION TO CREATE NET ZERO CITIES IN MEXICO.
- This bill serves as a prime example of the Port Infrastructure Program, a bipartisan program that invests
- This bill serves as a prime example of the Port Infrastructure Program, a bipartisan program that invests
- The Port Infrastructure Development Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Maritime
- THE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE MARITIME
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/28/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It was a pandemic-era government, federal government program.
- So, it doesn't exist government program.
- And if there's people believe it's a fraudulent program, I fear people won't support the program.
- ,<01:51:18.480>
I believe it's a fraudulent program, I believe it's a fraudulent program, - fear people won't support the program. fear people won't support the program.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is a proactive program to prevent that from happening.
- So this is a proactive program to prevent that from happening.
- So this is a proactive program to prevent that from happening.
- . programs. programs.
- activities may include outreach programs activities may include outreach programs etc. etc. etc.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine District Judges, focusing on exploring legislative solutions to the bipartisan problem of universal injunctions. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- holded the policy for approximately 350. thousand Venezuelans under the Temporary Protective Status Program
- DREAM Act, which I introduced a long time ago, and my pleadings with President Obama to create that program
- Substantively, we have a president running roughshod over existing legal constraints to a degree we've
- message this committee would be sending is that its goal is to insulate and uncover. unprecedented degree
Keywords:
universal injunctions, legislative reforms, judicial authority, executive power, balance of power, judicial overreach
Summary:
During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- No further amendments in the third degree to such amendment shall be in order.
- No further amendments in the third degree to such amendments shall be in order.
- No further amendments in the third degree to such amendments shall be in order.
- No further amendments in the third degree to such amendments shall be in order.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted an emergency preamble for Senate No. 2799, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education employee. The chamber also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Warren Public Library on its 150th anniversary. Several local bills then advanced, including Senate No. 2509 on filling mayoral vacancies in New Bedford, House No. 4171 on vacancies among town meeting members in Milford (as amended), and House No. 4233 amending the Charter of the City of Malden, which was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. Senate No. 2799 was also passed to be enacted.
The Senate adopted a committee report extending the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure’s reporting deadline to March 5, 2026. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition concerning the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to the Committee on Financial Services. Multiple Senate orders were then adopted setting expedited procedures for Ways and Means consideration of several bills, including campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees (Senate No. 507, new draft 2898), property tax bill shocks (Senate No. 1933, new draft 2899), municipal tax relief (Senate No. 1935, new draft 2900), property tax deferral (Senate No. 2713, new draft 2901), a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption (Senate No. 2036, new draft 2902), and honoring Blue Star Families (Senate No. 2903).
The Senate also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and dispense with printing a calendar. At the close of business, members moved to adjourn in memory of Mary Ann Lomba of Dorchester, with remarks noting her community service and family, and the motion prevailed. The Senate adjourned in her memory.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for the entire program year. for the entire program year.
- Um, Accelerate Mississippi would identify these high-priority workforce programs where degrees or certificates
- <02:55:57.000>
The <02:55:57.280>so programs and for CTE programs. - The so programs and for CTE programs.
- House Bill 1067, Rural Health Transportation Program Transformation Program.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions.
Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism.
The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/1/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of a vehicle without an interlock device, when someone is on or eligible or supposed to be on the program
- , these offenses, them driving program, these offenses, them driving without<00:05:29.120>
one, - any other in public programs to any other government<03:10:00.479>
entity. - to withhold payments to uh to program to withhold payments to uh to program participants<03:10:19.520
- allegation of fraud and the the program allegation of fraud and the the program participant<03:10
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/26/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Land Conservation Investment Program was a land acquisition program that ran in the late 80s
- , even though their programs may be very costly.
- less costly even though their programs less costly even though their programs may<01:34:34.040><
- a manner that merits the highest degree a manner that merits the highest degree of<03:19:44.680>
- However, to any significant degree? I see. So, in what sense?
Summary:
The meeting began with testimony from Charlotte Harding of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program, who explained that the office protects the state’s interests in conservation lands by monitoring conservation easements and related stewardship obligations. She described the program’s funding sources: a land conservation endowment held at the State Treasury and administered by the Council on Resources and Development, plus transfers from Fish and Game for easements not covered by the endowment. Members discussed how the endowment is funded when new easements are created, the program’s staffing, the loss of a state vehicle, and the need to increase in-state travel so staff can use personal vehicles for field monitoring. Harding said the office has two full-time positions and a seasonal employee, that the work is mostly monitoring rather than hands-on land management, and that enforcement issues are referred to the grantee agencies or, if needed, to the Council on Resources and Development. She also noted that the office works directly with landowners to resolve smaller issues and that stewardship has become a greater focus in the conservation community because ongoing oversight requires funding. Members asked about examples of properties under the program, including LCIP lands such as Musquash Headwaters, Hidden Valley Boy Scout Camp, and Nash Stream, and the committee did not take a motion before moving on.
The committee then heard from Paul Breen and Susie Anzelone of the Pease Development Authority regarding the Division of Ports and Harbors operating budget. They explained that the authority provides finance, legal, environmental, and engineering support to the division, which operates New Hampshire’s only deep-water berth at Market Street, as well as facilities in Hampton, Rye, the Portsmouth Fish Pier, and navigational waters in the Piscataqua and Great Bay. They described the authority’s history after the closure of Pease Air Force Base, the transfer of roughly 2,400 acres, and the creation of a self-sustaining enterprise fund tied to airport and port operations. They emphasized that the division does not draw on the general fund because revenues from wharfage, dockage, parking, registration, and mooring fees cover operating costs, with any surplus retained for capital improvements and replacement.
Members questioned several budget lines, including a sharp increase in overtime and workers’ compensation. Breen said overtime is driven largely by security needs at the deep-water port and fluctuates with vessel traffic, such as salt shipments, while workers’ comp is a DAS-set cost and not something the division controls. He said the budget is conservative and that if revenues fall short, capital projects would be the first items scaled back. The discussion also covered fee-setting, with Breen saying rates are reviewed against the local market and infrastructure constraints, and that some smaller facility fees had recently been increased after being stagnant for years.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I also teach in the behavior technician program in the Workforce Development Department at San Diego
- I also teach in the behavior technician program in the Workforce Development Department at San Diego
- Local community colleges and behavior technician programs are part of the solution.
- specialists supports three programs within the county's behavioral health system.
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, CCAP, in opposition. Thank you.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , two days, managing our intern program, two days, managing our intern program, overseeing<00:08:
- <00:47:36.560>
over programs. - This program has trained over programs.
- Let's make this a nationwide program.
- Let's make this a nationwide program. Let's make this a nationwide program.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- programs, health programs, doesn't have much capacity to backfill that federal spending if it's delayed
- that are federally funded, programs that are federally funded, education<01:04:22.000>
programs,< - programs, social service programs,<01:04:24.319>
um <01:04:24.480>health <01:04:24.799> programs, <01:04:25.760>doesn't programs, um health programs, doesn't programs, um health- Um, I I funding for those programs.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing with Professor Colin Moore on democratic norms and their erosion in the United States, with a focus on what that could mean for Hawaii. Chair Carl Rhodes introduced the topic and the professor, noting the briefing was livestreamed and could be rescheduled if technical problems arose. Moore defined democratic norms as unwritten guardrails that make written constitutional rules work in practice, emphasizing two core norms from political science: mutual toleration, meaning acceptance of political opponents as legitimate, and institutional forbearance, meaning restraint in using legal powers to the maximum for partisan gain.
Moore used historical examples to show how norms develop and erode, including George Washington’s resignation, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the contested 1800 election, Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, and Watergate. He argued that democracies usually erode gradually rather than through sudden coups, often through leaders who reject opponents’ legitimacy, tolerate political violence, restrict civil liberties, or attack the press. He said the United States is vulnerable because of its strong presidency, an 18th-century constitutional design that did not anticipate modern political parties or a neutral civil service, and because polarization has encouraged “constitutional hardball” and retaliation.
He cited comparative examples such as Hungary, Turkey, and other countries that slid toward authoritarianism over time, and said the U.S. has been rated a flawed democracy by outside indexes. Moore said the erosion predates Donald Trump, though he believes Trump has accelerated it, and pointed to recent actions and rhetoric as moving beyond ceremony into government practice. He also warned that Congress has not consistently checked executive power and that public willingness to excuse anti-democratic behavior from preferred candidates is troubling. The briefing ended with Moore turning to federalism and Hawaii, arguing that the state depends heavily on federal funding for health care, schools, housing, and infrastructure, and that delays or disruptions from an unstable federal government could create serious local harm even if no law is formally broken.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- information of an applicant for or a participant in a federal, state, or local housing assistance program
- Representative, I see that you're a Florida State graduate with a degree in philosophy.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.