Video & Transcript Research : 'equalization board'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's do the whole, you know, how equal is equal. I would love to get started with that, if I may.
- We have been known to use a random generator, which speaks to equality, and that's our current practice
- It's important that these services provided by the state are provided on an equal basis, free of any
- um and that's our speaks to equality um and that's our current current current practice<00:21:54.559
- basis uh free of provided on an e equal basis uh free of any<00:23:22.520>
discrimination <00:
Summary:
Finance Division 3 met for a work session on House Bill 519, which concerns funding for Waypoint. The chair noted general support for the organization but said the bill would likely need to be suspended and folded into the budget process because the committee did not yet know available revenues or what amount, if any, could be committed. Kya Fox, director of the Division for Behavioral Health, testified that the department supports the bill and the program, explaining that it had been funded with other available funds, including $100,000 for 2024 and $400,000 for 2025, under a contract running through June 30 of this year. She said the shelter serves a unique population of young adults and is part of the department’s children’s system of care and Mission Zero efforts to reduce barriers to psychiatric discharge and emergency department use.
Members questioned Fox and Waypoint representatives about the budget placement of the request, the difference between the efficiency budget and prioritized needs, and whether state budget documents would show any internal Waypoint revenues. Fox said the request appears as a general fund item and that the state would not see Waypoint’s internal financial operations in the budget. A legislative member explained that prioritized needs are critical services already in place but not necessarily included in the efficiency budget, and another member said the distinction is not strictly applied. The committee also raised a separate question about how DHHS would handle any future state or federal restrictions on DEI practices; Fox said that was a question for department leadership and legal staff, but that the department follows state law and contract requirements.
Waypoint CEO Bor Alvare and Director Mandy Lancaster then described the shelter and related services. They said the shelter serves ages 18 to 24, is a 14-bed open-room facility with half walls, and is staffed overnight by two full-time workers. They said admission is first come, first served, with some vulnerability factors considered, and that they do not discriminate by race, gender, or sexual orientation. They reported no known incidents of sexual violence, though some youth are turned away each night because the shelter is full. They also explained that Waypoint provides broader services beyond the shelter, including outreach, drop-in centers, housing support, rental assistance, and family mediation, and said they serve about 400 youth and young adults in Manchester alone. The discussion ended with questions about whether lowering the upper age limit would affect the program; Waypoint said most residents are already in the 18-to-23 range, but that housing shortages make the current age span important for helping young adults avoid chronic homelessness.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/22/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, we have a Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board.
- As you know, we have a Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board.
- As you know, we have a Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board.
- <00:56:22.760>
voted therapeutic cannabis board voted therapeutic cannabis board voted unanimously - Some members of the board also pointed out that other professions are equally at risk of PTSD.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So they would like to treat those instances equally.
- <00:40:45.280>
um perspective, we would like to equally um perspective, we would like to equally - In other treat those instances equally.
- In some towns, in Manchester, my guess is the board of aldermen.
- Um but I as I everyone's on board with.
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach.
The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information.
Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 107 May 1st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, uh we Rail Board decided to do.
- I know several people on this board and respect them a great deal.
- Get out there, start that small business and equalize things.
- <02:32:13.640>
And and equalize things. And and equalize things. - composition of the post training board. composition of the post training board.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-HSH Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The more equal comparison of what that future fuel might look like, you know, are they applicable to
- You know, they went directly to the utility-scale solar where all ratepayers benefit equally from it,
- <02:09:12.159>
from where all rateayers benefit equally from where all rateayers benefit equally - Peter Sternlight, I'm a board member with Sustainable Energy Hawaii, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Peter Sternlight, I'm a board member with Sustainable Energy Hawaii, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Bills:
HB2284
Keywords:
energy assistance, low-income households, electricity costs, Hawaii home energy assistance program, energy efficiency, 910, house, all
Summary:
The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted.
The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 088 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That was voted down. the board the board and<00:58:19.359>
having <00:58:19.839>and <00: - And so 10 to 12 to 15% across the board.
- They said they watched the board.
- board board that<04:09:24.000>
were <04:09:24.319>increasingly <04:09:25.040>unable - just to keep it equal to last year. year. year.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they on board with this? Can CSP? Are they on board with this?
- Uh I don't know what the rules board.
- because uh you actually sit on the board because uh you actually sit on the board of<02:08:47.440
- security for us, they should have equal security for us, they should have equal opportunity<02:17
- So Colorado Water Conservation Board.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the omnibus state government finance and elections bill, SF3045 5/1/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Further, it supports 30 boards and commissions.
- <00:02:19.680>
and Further, it supports 30 boards and Further, it supports 30 boards and commissions - budget for the campaign finance board. budget for the campaign finance board.
- Yes, it would apply equally to voting.
- amendments get thrown up on the board amendments get thrown up on the board and<02:16:11.040>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/08/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The Minnesota Arts Board, $925,000 for the biennium. The Board of Accountancy, $44,000. Excuse me.
- Barber Examiners Board, $21,000, and the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, $169,000.
- The Minnesota Arts Board, Board, Board, $925,000<01:38:10.639>
for <01:38:10.800>the <01 - The<01:38:14.320>
board <01:38:14.560>of <01:38:14.719>accountancy, The board of - the architectural and engineering board the architectural and engineering board is<01:38:21.159>
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote.
- Secretary to lock the board and record the vote.
- Seeing five hands, Secretary will unlock the board and senators will proceed.
- The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote: 37 yeas, Mr. President.
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote.
The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0.
The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Jun 12th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's some variability in that schedule until we have the contractor on board and have that discussion
- toll rates adjust annually and Scenario 4 has that slightly lower adjustment rate, they kind of equalize
- So the last of those is working through the J-Pact and Oregon Metro boards in the next couple of weeks
- contract like this, which they do, we require that those people are replaced with people that are equal
- contract like this, which they do, we require that those people are replaced with people that are equal
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Christopher Fernandez is in a board meeting right now, so the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Candace, I'm an executive officer with the DC... officer Board of Speech Pathology and officer Board
- Christopher Fernandez is in a board Christopher Fernandez is in a board meeting<00:42:34.079>
- The board.
- granted Hawaii teacher Standards Board granted Hawaii teacher Standards Board licensed<01:12:46.760
Summary:
The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation.
The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Prices are up across the board. If you look to the far left, you can see the Ukraine conflict.
- The California Air Resources Board has a mission, and they pursue that mission.
- So it's your point that in the future, this 32 cents is going to go away and be equalized by a 32-cent
- a gallon of gasoline equal out over time.
- At the Air Resources Board, I would say that at-birth regulation continues to be an issue that we are
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the impact of the Iran conflict and global oil supply disruption on California fuel markets. Committee members and administration witnesses from the California Energy Commission and the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight described California’s heavy reliance on imported crude and refined products, the state’s shrinking refining base, current inventory levels, and how global supply tightness is affecting gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices. CEC officials said near-term supply looked adequate for roughly the next six weeks, but warned that continued disruption would likely raise prices further and increase competition for imports. DPMO said the conflict is a real supply shock, but also emphasized a separate, longstanding problem of unusually high California retail gasoline prices, especially among major branded stations.
Witnesses and members debated the causes of high prices and the state’s longer-term fuel strategy. Professor Severin Borenstein argued that much of the price gap beyond taxes and environmental costs comes from a “mystery gasoline surcharge” downstream of refineries, while also noting that California’s shrinking number of refineries creates market-power and supply-resilience concerns. Western States Petroleum Association CEO Jody Mueller argued that state policies have weakened California’s refining system and made it more vulnerable to global shocks, urging the state to protect remaining refining capacity and improve infrastructure for imports. United Steelworkers Local 675 Vice President Norman Rogers stressed the need for safe, reliable refinery operations and adequate staffing.
Several members pressed witnesses on whether California should rely more on imports, how to manage inventories and port/storage capacity, and whether the state needs clearer authority and better data collection to coordinate fuel policy. Discussion also covered branded versus unbranded gasoline pricing, the role of California fuel specifications, and whether a floating gas tax or other policy tools could buffer consumers from global price spikes. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- on behalf of the Child Care Services Advisory Committee and the Early Childhood Services Advisory Board
- was selected by legislative management and met jointly with the Early Childhood Services Advisory Board
- And that board is charged with advising the department each time that the early childhood services rules
- went over this, but as a reminder, to be eligible for this program, a household must have an income equal
- To be eligible for this program, a household must have an income equal to or less than 150% of the state
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Parker, if you could hit up Southlake—are you on the board of some biggest infrastructure building
- Thankfully, not long after this experience, the State Preservation Board made it clear that in the Texas
- A hundred years from now in history, we will be equal.
- A hundred years from now in history, we will be equal.
- A civilian review board.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, and heard extensive public testimony both for and against the measure. Supporters, including representatives of Texas Values and Texas Values Action, argued the bill was needed to protect women’s privacy and safety in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, prisons, domestic violence shelters, and other government-controlled spaces, and said it would provide clear, sex-based rules. Opponents, including many transgender Texans, civil rights advocates, clergy, business and public safety voices, and others, argued the bill would invite harassment, gender policing, lawsuits, and invasive inspections, while harming trans, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people as well as cisgender women who do not fit stereotypes. Several witnesses said the bill would conflict with federal law or prison standards, worsen safety in shelters and prisons, and hurt Texas’s reputation and economy. The chair repeatedly noted the compressed special-session schedule and said flood relief remained the session’s top priority. Public testimony on SB 8 was eventually closed, and the bill was left pending.
The committee then moved to Senate Bill 6, dealing with consumable hemp product restrictions. Testimony on SB 6 focused on whether the bill went too far in restricting hemp-derived THC products. Opponents argued hemp and THC have medical and economic value, that the bill would criminalize conduct and burden courts, and that regulation—not prohibition—was the better approach. Some witnesses supported tighter rules such as testing, child-resistant packaging, and limits on marketing to children, but still opposed the bill’s broad THC ban, higher fees, and age restrictions. Several speakers emphasized benefits for veterans, chronic pain patients, and small businesses, and warned that prohibition would push consumers toward the illicit market. The committee heard the testimony and then continued with additional witnesses, with no final vote or disposition reported in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Rich Templin: the National Labor Relations Board.
- are signed, they are presented to the employer and then presented to the National Labor Relations Board
- we're going to allow private businesses to run their things privately, then let's do it across the board
- And I think that that's across the board.
- A local government would be capped at 100% increase in the fee to be collected in equal installments
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026
Special Education Funding Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an equal and opposite effect going on.
- Does this, either one of those options, benefit equally across the board all school districts the same
- So I can't, to be honest, get on board with that until then.
- We're not meeting any of our LRE targets across the board in the state.
- So, um, but that would be, uh, there's a state board too.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 minutes, and received a lengthy Department of Public Instruction presentation from Stanley Schauer Jr. on North Dakota student performance data in math and ELA, with comparisons between students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Schauer explained the assessment systems used, the 1% alternate assessment cap for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the absence of 2019-20 data due to the pandemic, and how state standards are set by North Dakota educators. Members asked about cohort trends, the role of alternate assessments, grade-level patterns, and whether the state should focus more on reducing the novice category than on moving students from approaching to proficient. Schauer also discussed the new NDA Plus assessment, the state’s planned growth model, and the possibility of future breakdowns by disability category or by schools using science-of-math approaches. Special education educators testified that students with disabilities continued to receive services during COVID because of FAPE obligations, which likely helped limit learning loss, and emphasized that IEP teams focus on individual growth rather than only proficiency buckets.
Committee members then shifted to special education funding and possible funding models. Brandon Bombach of Grand Forks Public Schools presented on the state aid formula, focusing on the special education weighting factor and arguing that the current formula does not adequately respond to growing student needs because it counts enrollment but does not adjust when the number of students with IEPs rises. He used examples to show that a district can have the same enrollment and receive the same weighting even if the number of students needing services increases. Members discussed whether the formula should be tied more closely to actual need and accountability, and the chair indicated that the committee would continue gathering data and ideas for a later meeting.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 25, 2026 - AM
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I just don’t know how the inner workings of the board work.
- Chairman, Senator Salazar, that's great points across the board.
- Or restrict, I should say, not ban, uh, restrict YouTube on student devices across the board.
- Um, I was recently appointed as a school board member at Lander Schools.
- I'm not here to speak as a school board member, ...here to speak as a school board member, but one thing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/26/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hope that we can get on board with this and pass it into law. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- And I hope that we can get on board with this and pass it into law. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- And I hope that we can get on board with this and pass it into law. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- I'm a Washington County Commissioner and currently serve as the board chair.
- Board Board uh uh uh feels<00:50:52.120>
that <00:50:52.240>there <00:50:52.400>are
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/31/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and um and as as hopkington school board and um and as as I<00:13:01.079>
sort <00:13:01.279>< - The developmental delay has jumped significantly from when I came on board here about 210,000 kids; now
- here about 210,000 kids now we're board here about 210,000 kids now we're down<00:17:02.079>
to <01:12:06.760>- For the record, Becky Wilson from the New Hampshire School Boards Association.
to the pration amount was very equal to the pration amount was very equal to
Summary:
The work session focused on special education, especially the differentiated aid component and special education aid, which members noted is still often called “catastrophic aid.” The chair said the committee was trying to better understand how special education costs are growing, how districts are delivering services through SAUs or internally, and how reimbursement formulas affect local costs. Members also discussed the need for better data before making decisions on several education funding bills, and Representative Brown was tasked with capturing questions for follow-up information from the department or elsewhere.
Testimony from the state special education director, Becky Fad, centered on why student counts in various disability categories have shifted over time. She said the categories themselves have not changed much, but autism has increased because of greater understanding and identification, developmental delay has grown because it applies to children under age 10 who may not yet have a clear diagnosis, and some students previously classified under speech/language or other health impairment are now identified in more specific categories such as autism. She emphasized that the IEP is based on a child’s individual needs, so a change in category would not necessarily change services, though it may help educators support the student differently.
Members asked about whether the shifts reflect better diagnostic capability, whether the department should gather more data on the reasons for the changes, and whether autism-spectrum data could be broken down further. Fad said the department does not currently have data on the causes of the shifts or on where students fall within the autism spectrum, but that collecting and analyzing such data is on its list of priorities and a new data manager had recently been hired. She also explained that each child is counted only once on the chart by primary disability, that the IEP or eligibility team determines the primary category based on evaluations, and that any child can be referred for special education by a parent, teacher, or doctor, after which the district must meet within 15 days to decide whether to evaluate. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.