Video & Transcript Research : 'Sam Houston'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy finance bill, HF2563, heard in House Ways and Means Committee 4/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- detail of each of the funds, for the Outdoor Heritage Fund, we took the recommendations of the Lessard-Sams
- The recommendations for this particular fund are made from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council,
- I'm the executive director for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Um, Mr.
- executive director for the Lassard Sams executive director for the Lassard Sams Outdoor<00:16:27.360
- I'm the executive director for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Mr.
Summary:
House File 2563, the Omnibus Legacy Bill, was presented as a roughly $779 million package funding projects across Minnesota through the four Legacy funds: Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Chairs Vang and McDonald described the bill as a responsible one-time spending measure with no ongoing base funding, emphasizing habitat restoration, water protection, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the spreadsheet, explaining that the bill largely follows the recommendations of the relevant councils and governor, with some additions such as a Wilderness Inquiry partnership, an Ash River sewer extension, competitive grant funding, and several arts and history projects.
Staff highlighted the major allocations and structure of the bill: Outdoor Heritage funding for land and habitat projects, Clean Water funding for water-quality work, Parks and Trails funding following the traditional 40-40-20 split, and Arts and Cultural Heritage funding for the State Arts Board, Minnesota Historical Society, Humanities Center, Indian Affairs Council, Department of Education, and other recipients. They also noted policy provisions requiring Clean Water Council recommendations to be broken out by fiscal year, requiring recent 990 forms for arts grantees, limiting arts funds from being used for capital construction except in specified cases, and extending a prior appropriation for the Sunni Lee memorial project. Members asked about land acquisition, the new 990 requirement, and reduced funding for children’s museums; chairs and staff responded that Outdoor Heritage includes land acquisition, the 990 is simply a documentation requirement, and children’s museum funding is lower because more money is now placed in a competitive grant pool.
The chairs said the bill reflects compromise and an effort to keep the bill relatively clean of earmarks, while also noting that a Department of Revenue transfer of more than $31 million from legacy funds affected available funding and forced difficult choices. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over, with the chair noting it was also being done in honor of Representative Mary Murphy.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1942, Sam was drafted into the U.S.
- Sam Woerle's commitment has never slowed down.
- IN 1942, SAM WAS DRAFTED INTO THE U.S.
- SAM WOERLE'S COMMITMENT HAS NEVER SLOWED DOWN.
- ISLAND, WHILE SAM WAS ON MIDWAY ILANA -- ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , Houston Regional Business Coalition; Bill King, Houston.
- Houston that I love. Houston is in Harris County. I love it as well.
- Williams, Houston, Sarah, Gavasis. Chetskos. Chetskos. Sorry about that. Houston. Houston. Houston.
- of Houston.
- And Bay Area, Houston.
Keywords:
commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Diaz, Houston Police Department; Alan Hasson Flew; thank you. Yes, Houston Police Department.
- Alan Hassan Flew, Houston Regional Business Coalition, and Bill King, Houston.
- I'm the chief of police of the city of Houston, and I'm here representing the Houston Police Department
- by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Fire Department on and around the toll roads.
- Oscar Slotboom from Houston.
Keywords:
commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote.
The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/17/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- uh during the summer, the Lassar SAM uh during the summer, the Lassar SAM council<00:07:32.960><
- appropriation from the Lassar Sam appropriation from the Lassar Sam outdoor<00:07:57.520>
heritage - Again, Joe Pavevel, the assistant director with Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage staff.
- I have a couple of questions for the Lassard Sams staff, and I'm not going to...
- Lassard Sams Council vets the projects. Lassard Sams Council vets the projects.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Alongside my colleague from San Francisco, it's my honor to welcome the members of the Sam Yup Benevolent
- Founded during a time of exclusion, discrimination, and legal invisibility, the Sam Yup Association stood
- The Sam Yup Association stood as a protector of justice, a provider of mutual aid, and a preserver of
- Benevolent Association, Wai Ming He, Wo Singh Yang, Raymond Liang, Gan Nung Yang, directors of the Sam
- Yup Benevolent Association, and the many members of Sam Yup and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request.
The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He came from Sam Dalton. That's one thing Remy and I share is our love for Sam Dalton.
- Sam Dalton was the old guy. He was considered the father of public defense in Louisiana.
- Sam Dalton for several years.
- He came to meet Remy because Remy was working with Sam Dalton.
- They worked with Sam Dalton for several years. So he's not a politician looking for a job.
Summary:
The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the agenda. Public comment was dominated by district defenders and other public defense leaders praising State Public Defender Remy Starns for improving communication, collaboration, and overall system performance. Speakers from multiple districts said the system is more unified, better supported, and more stable than in prior years, and several credited Starns with helping resolve long-standing tensions and improve coordination across capital, district, and appellate work. One speaker also paid tribute to the late Mike Ginnard, describing him as instrumental to earlier public defense reforms.
In his report, Starns said the system has improved over the last seven years but still needs a sustainable funding source. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, elimination of filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee requests in light of recent court rulings. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and appellate work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and continue post-conviction work under new statutory rules. Starns emphasized recruitment and retention, including the need for affordable health insurance and retirement benefits, and again honored Mike Ginnard for his leadership and service.
The board then adopted proposed bylaws, after some discussion about special committees and public meeting requirements. Members agreed to create a committee to review and refine the bylaws later, and they also elected a vice chairman and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff support, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely an update to the prior version with terminology changes, new accessibility-related goals, and added performance measures for training, compliance, and communications. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/28/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I am going to defer to Sam to answer that.
- Sam Evans Brown from Clean Energy New Hampshire. Good morning, Sam, and welcome. Thank you, Mr.
- ><00:33:09.440>
and <00:33:09.600>welcome good morning Sam and welcome good morning Sam - Thank you, Sam. Any questions to the committee?
- Thank you, Sam. Any questions to the committee?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:27.800>
But <00:37:27.920>then, SAM staff. But then, SAM staff. - ,<00:40:59.560>
I Vang as as a member of Lessard-Sams, I Vang as as a member of Lessard-Sams - <01:05:09.760>
Outdoor given to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor given to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor - You know, that's done in the Lizard Sams. Also with the big ones.
- You know, that's done in the Lizard Sams. Also with the big ones.
Bills:
HF3564
Summary:
The Legacy Finance Committee met to approve the prior meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its performance audit of the Department of Natural Resources’ administration of Outdoor Heritage Fund grants. OLA explained that the DNR generally complied with the criteria tested, but the audit identified two main problem areas: grant payments and grant monitoring. The audit covered 13 grants, mostly legislatively named grants awarded in fiscal year 2020, and reviewed agreements, amendments, payments, monitoring, and some site visits.
OLA reported that for three grantees, totaling about $400,000, invoices lacked enough detail to determine whether costs were allowable, and about $5,000 was paid to two grantees without sufficient supporting documentation. The auditors also said DNR lacked policies defining allowable costs and what “directly related to and necessary” means under state law. On monitoring, DNR missed required annual visits for six grants, made payments on current progress reports that were missing or not on file, and had weaknesses in closeout evaluations, including missing required elements, late completion, and two grants with no closeout evaluation at all. OLA recommended stronger documentation, clearer guidelines with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, timely monitoring and closeout, obtaining progress reports before payment, and improved internal controls.
Members reacted strongly to the findings, especially the repeated failures to follow grant procedures and the risks of legislatively named grants and advance payments. Representative Heintzeman and Vice Chair Skraba questioned whether the issues reflected broader problems in state grant oversight and asked about prepayments, follow-up, and whether more legislative action was needed. OLA officials said they do not rely on self-attestation, but instead retest agencies after 2 to 3 years, and noted a new annual update-report process that will track whether agencies implement prior recommendations. Judy Randall, the Legislative Auditor, said the laws and policies already exist and emphasized that the issue is ensuring agency staff follow them; she also said most recommendations in the recent update report had been implemented. No further committee action or vote was taken on the audit during this portion of the meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And Sam, tell us all about it. Mr. Chair, members, Mr.
- And with that, if you have any questions for Sam? Seeing none, I have one.
- Thank you, Sam. Anybody sign in for this bill? We do have one. Thank you, Sam.
Bills:
HB2207
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety approved the February 18, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2207, which would appropriate $300,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry for the Braille transcription program. The bill also requires annual reporting on the number of in-state and out-of-state students served and states the funding is intended to be ongoing. Members asked whether the program generates revenue for the department and requested follow-up information on that point.
A representative from the Foundation for Blind Children testified in support, explaining that the prison Braille program partners with the department to train incarcerated people to transcribe Braille and has become the largest prison Braille program in the nation. She said the sale of transcribed materials does not go back to the department, and that the program serves mostly K-12 students with visual impairments or blindness, including textbooks and library materials. She also said the program has expanded beyond expectations and that the additional appropriation is needed to keep up with growth, while still providing materials at a lower cost than the open market.
After discussion, the committee moved HB 2207 for a do pass recommendation. The motion passed 7-0, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- He was a second grader whom I'll call Sam.
- He was a second grader whom I'll call Sam.
- He was a second grader whom I'll call Sam.
- He was a second grader whom I'll call Sam.
- <00:10:33.000>
Sam second grader whom I'll call Sam Sam second grader whom I'll call Sam Sam
Keywords:
education funding, nonpublic schools, counseling services, guidance services, transportation for students, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Jan 29, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I do think that, as last I count, Sam Dit from the brewers association would have this information.
- I do think that, as last I count, Sam Dit from the brewers association would have this information.
- I do think that, as last I count, Sam Dit from the brewers association would have this information.
- I do think that, as last I count, Sam Dit from the brewers association would have this information.
- I do think that, as last I count, Sam Dit from the brewers association would have this information.
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism.
Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments.
Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/10/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So Sam Adams is not a good example. >> So an example would be... >> I was worried about, say, a Sam Adams
- That's the whole point, because unless they start brewing that Sam Adams in New Hampshire, they can't
- about uh say a Sam Adams purchasing<00:37:37.839>
one <00:37:38.079>of <00:37:38.160>- That's the whole point<00:37:44.480>
because <00:37:44.720>Sam <00:37:45.280>unless< - Sam unless they start brewing<00:37:46.320>
that <00:37:46.560>Sam <00:37:46.800>Adams - That's the whole point<00:37:44.480>
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Congressional Redistricting, Select Jul 26th, 2025
Congressional Redistricting, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm actually a state representative in the Houston area, Northwest Houston, District 135.
- So it's more than just Houston. It's about... Maybe about 30% of Houston?
- Southeast Houston, East End, parts of Houston.
- Southwest Houston and the greater Houston area.
- While Houston was ready for this committee, the committee was not ready for Houston. Mr.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Sam Gordon with Tech Equity, here in support. Thank you. Good morning.
- Sam Gordon with Tech Equity, here in support. Thank you.
- Dylan Finley on behalf of Houston Mniani and Associates, representing the Association of Plastic Recyclers
- Doug Houston, representing the Recycling Partnership, in support. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, health privacy, location data, digital provenance, reparations, and age assurance. AB 54 would protect the medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and others from liability; AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and enforcement tools for child sexual abuse material on social media; AB 49 would limit ICE activity at California public schools; AB 82 would expand privacy and safety protections for gender-affirming care patients and providers; AB 1355 would restrict the collection, use, and sale of precise location data; AB 853 would expand provenance requirements for AI-generated and authentic content; AB 62 would create a pathway for restitution for racially biased eminent domain takings; and AB 1043 would create a device-based age assurance framework for online services.
Supporters generally framed the bills as necessary responses to current harms: reproductive rights advocates emphasized California’s role as a safe haven; child safety witnesses described the persistence and re-victimization caused by CSAM online; immigrant rights and education advocates said schools should remain safe from immigration enforcement; health and LGBTQ+ advocates stressed privacy and safety risks tied to tracking and harassment; privacy and consumer groups backed limits on location data and stronger provenance tools; and reparations advocates said AB 62 would help address historic injustices. Opposition came from family policy, tech, business, law enforcement, and industry groups, who raised concerns about safety claims, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, transparency, law enforcement access, and the need to preserve existing privacy frameworks and voluntary standards.
The committee members largely expressed support for the policy goals while noting implementation concerns on some measures. Several members asked for or were offered coauthor status on bills. AB 1137, AB 54, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 853, and AB 62 all received do-pass votes to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. AB 1355 and AB 853 were advanced with amendments or ongoing work promised with opponents, and AB 1043 was presented with discussion of possible amendments on parental consent and age assurance details, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, both the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Police Department have numerous challenges
- Of Houston.
- It's really exciting to bring the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Police Department together
- I am the Chairman of the Houston Firefighters Pension System.
- The Houston Fire Department is 600 firefighters short compared to 2010.
Keywords:
Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of both the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Police Department have numerous challenges
- It's really exciting to bring the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Police Department together
- I am the chairman of the Houston Firefighters Pension System.
- The facts remain that the Houston Fire Department is 600 firefighters shorter.
- Uh, the Houston Food Bank is the largest food bank in the nation by distribution.
Bills:
HB104
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Alongside my colleague from San Francisco it's my honor to welcome the members of the Sam Yup Benevolent
- The Sam Yup Benevolent Association, like the broader Chinese six companies, has been a symbol of endurance
- Founded during a time of exclusion, discrimination, and legal invisibility, the Sam Yip Association stood
- Directors of the Sam Yap Benevolent Association and the many members of Sam Yap and the Chinese Consolidated
TX