Video & Transcript Research : 'appointment'
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VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Will the clerk please read the governor's letter of appointment?
- to inform you that I have appointed to inform you that I have appointed Valerie<00:03:10.879>
- The chair has another appointment to make at this time.
- The member from Lyndon, Representative Feltus, is appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee.
- appointed to the joint fiscal committee. appointed to the joint fiscal committee.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tony Miklas, who used the Aesop fable about “belling the cat” to emphasize practical wisdom and the need to consider how legislation will actually be implemented by agencies, towns, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and courts. The chamber then welcomed Representative Valerie Taylor of Mendon, who had been appointed to represent Rutland 11 and took the oath of office; she was escorted to her seat and appointed to the House Health Care Committee. Representative Feltus of Lyndon was also appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee.
Members suspended the rules to introduce 19 House bills by number only, with several referrals announced, including multiple bills sent to Judiciary, Health Care, Government Operations and Military Affairs, Human Services, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, and Environment. The House also referred a petition concerning school security to the Education Committee. In addition, the chamber adopted two joint Senate resolutions in concurrence: JRS 29, setting the weekend adjournment schedule for January 9, 2026, and JRS 31, setting the town meeting adjournment schedule for late February and early March 2026. The House also concurred in moving H.541, relating to interference with voters and election officials, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Judiciary.
The main action item was House Resolution 10, which amended House rules on bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium. The Rules Committee explained that the resolution would move the bill drafting request deadline to December 5, the draft-change deadline to January 15, and the bill approval deadline for introduction to January 31, citing the need for more time for legal review, better coordination between members and Legislative Council, and reduced staff burnout during the holiday and early-session period. The House adopted the resolution. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming Appropriations budget workshops, a new Creative Sector Caucus, and a Climate Solutions Caucus meeting, followed by adjournment until January 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (9-9-25) Part 2 - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- And nobody appointed me the king of this group, and nor do I want to be.
- And nobody appointed me the king of this group, and nor do I want to be.
- And nobody appointed me the king of this group, and nor do I want to be.
- And nobody appointed me the king of this group, and nor do I want to be.
- And nobody appointed me the king of this group, and nor do I want to be.
Summary:
The meeting began with a procedural motion to have the record reflect that the Government Contracts Review Committee had met earlier that morning, that the chairman had attended in person, and that the committee approved a retroactive contract for enforcement counsel in the case under consideration. The motion was seconded, clarified to include any future ratification or approval if needed, and then approved unanimously. The commission then took up a motion to deny a motion to dismiss in matters 24 LEC3 and 24 LEC6; after clarifying that it was denying the motion made on August 18 and not considering a new filing, the motion passed unanimously.
Staff then reported that the commission office was busy with required forms and that the budget remained in good standing and within parameters. The commission approved the financial report by motion. It was also noted that informal advisory opinions issued since the last meeting were included in the materials for review, with any questions to be handled in closed session if needed.
The chairman updated members on the search for a new executive director, saying Denita would serve as acting executive director in the interim. He reported that several strong applications had been received, that a committee was reviewing and ranking candidates, and that the formal application period had closed on August 15. Members were told they could forward recommendations to the personnel committee, but that the full commission would make the final hiring decision. In new business, a member offered a remembrance of Representative Jeff Greer, and the commission observed a moment of silence in his honor before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to take up tab 2 0st, the appointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- So there was a vote cast 3 days after my appointment to back to the commission.
- to appoint wherever he would like to any of these commissions.
- It is also the prerogative of this committee to approve those appointments.
- I unfortunately can't support your appointment or your recommendation for confirmation today.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Confirmations Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Confirmations
Transcript Highlights:
- But this is a slot, y'all, that's been vacant since y'all appointed someone in 2018.
- The person that was appointed at the time never came to any meetings. Let me explain why.
- <00:04:31.360>
The <00:04:31.440>person appointed someone in 2018. - The person appointed someone in 2018.
- The person that<00:04:31.840>
was <00:04:31.960>appointed <00:04:32.240>at <00:04
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Jan 20th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't see it as who's clear that's going to appoint that, because it's clear that the university, in
- my opinion, appoints from the School of Medicine, the MURR, the Cancer Center, and the NextGen.
- And it's clear that the President Pro Tem and the Speaker appoint the House and Senate members.
- I just am not sure who appoints that family member and the next one. Can I ask?
- Many times we see chairmanships, appointments, and so on.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate action on said appointments be taken prior to the adjournment of the 2006 regular session. 3.
- Senate action on set appointments to be taken prior to the adjournment of the 2006 regular session.
- And three, there is no necessity known to the committees for the deliberations on set appointments.
- And three, there is no necessity known to the committees for the deliberations on said appointments to
- I move the Senate accept the report in its entirety and confirm the appointments contained therein.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0.
Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, first of all, um, any objection to hearing the two of these appointments in mass?
- <00:05:12.080>
Hearing these appointments in mass? Hearing these appointments in mass? - If I may, would the appointment secretary happen to know what is the population of minority students
- Your appointment is 15 yay, zero nays.
- And I'm just deeply grateful to the committee and deeply grateful for this appointment.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One appointed by the lieutenant governor and one is appointed by the speaker of the House.
- One appointed by the lieutenant governor and one is appointed by the speaker of the House.
- One appointed by the represent H.B.CU.
- c> one<00:13:20.880>
is <00:13:21.040>appointed lieutenant governor and one is appointed - <00:13:54.639>
When programs and appointments. When programs and appointments.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Michael Marshall of Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The chamber then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and moved into the calendar. Several motions to reconsider earlier actions on calendar items were taken up and, in multiple instances, tabled or passed over without further action.
The main substantive debate centered on SB 2208, the Mississippi Public University System Governance Study Committee creation bill. Senator Boyd moved to reconsider the bill, and Senator Dupree offered a friendly amendment to add two additional members representing HBCUs, one appointed by the lieutenant governor and one by the speaker of the House. The amendment was adopted, and the bill then passed by use of the morning roll call. The Senate also took up SB 2587, concerning absentee ballots and removing the envelope requirement; Senator England moved to reconsider the failed vote, explained the bill as a way to let voters deposit ballots directly into a scanner, and answered questions about ballot security and the statewide election management system. Senator Tate attempted to offer an amendment to simplify the bill and return to current law, but the amendment was not in writing and was withdrawn; the bill then passed by morning roll call.
Other calendar items were largely handled by motions to table reconsideration. SB 2746, the Older Mississippians Act, and SB 2728, the Mississippi Chance for Youth Court Act of 2026, were both tabled at the reconsideration stage. SB 2523, relating to state institutions of higher learning, was also tabled. After completing the calendar and brief announcements, the Senate agreed to recess until noon, with the journal to reflect the later return time.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Apr 1st, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any requirements for those that are appointed to review the grants?
- Yes, I don't see a specific definition around those appointed reviewers right now.
- We're going to go to tabs 20 through 27 for the confirmation hearing for appointments.
- Today we have eight appointments to confirm.
- Tab 25, Kerry Carpenter, a new appointment as chair of the Public Employees Relations Commission.
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, many involving public records exemptions and government operations. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 342 on an Agency for Health Care Administration public records exemption for employees facing threats; SB 7018 preserving a public records exemption tied to parental consent/judicial bypass records for minors seeking abortions; SB 626 lowering quorum requirements and allowing remote participation for the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys; SB 710 protecting personal information of Crime Stoppers employees, board members, volunteers, and their families; SB 300 extending clerk personal-information protections to appellate court clerks; and SB 302 creating a similar exemption for Judicial Qualifications Commission employees. The committee also approved SB 7010 and SB 7008, which preserve and narrow public records exemptions related to the Department of Financial Services as receiver for insolvent insurers and the financial technology sandbox, respectively.
The committee also heard and advanced several policy bills. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor; Senator Polsky questioned whether the office was duplicative of existing services and raised concerns about religion in state governance, while supporters argued it complements existing networks and helps connect Floridians to services. SB 1144 codifies the Hope Florida program, with supporters describing it as a connector to community resources and critics again raising concerns about overlap, private donations, and accountability; both SB 820 and SB 1144 passed on largely party-line votes with Senator Polsky voting no. SB 804 would redesignate the SS American Victory as the state flagship, but Senator Rodriguez opposed giving up the current flagship designation for the Key West schooner, though the bill still passed favorably. SB 214 designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day and passed without opposition. SB 1088 requires certain state customer-service phone lines to offer callback features, and SB 576 makes technical fixes to service-of-process law; both were reported favorably.
Additional bills included SB 1524, a broad Department of State measure with a strike-all amendment that revises grant-review procedures, adds an America 250 funding focus, and changes commission-fee and oath requirements; Senator Arrington and Senator Polsky expressed concerns about reviewer qualifications, grant criteria, and the impact on arts and cultural programs, and both voted no while the bill still passed. SB 1640, on confidentiality of lethality assessment forms in domestic violence cases, was amended to allow disclosure to domestic violence centers while barring disclosure to state attorneys, and it passed favorably. SB 1160 expands health insurance premium benefits for certain officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty; supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police appeared in support, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also confirmed eight appointments to the Florida Commission on Community Service, the Investment Advisory Council, the Public Employees Relations Commission, and the State Retirement Commission. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded on specific bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- legislature... ...the Government Efficiency Task Force, and the requirement that the legislature appoint
- Within the legislature, we have the Auditor General, which is an appointed position.
- And I think that that in some respects is the fun part, because with the legislature appointing...
- So not including anything, like I know the bill, it looks like they would be appointed no later than
- I was appointed as a HUD regional administrator of the Southeast region, which is Region 4.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote.
The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously.
In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm certainly honored that, um, Speaker Burroughs appointed me chair of this committee again.
- And congratulations on your Appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
- I think Chief Justice Jefferson appointed him to that back, back when.
- by the state bar president, 6 public members appointed by the Supreme Court.
- And they are appointed by the Supreme Court.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 10th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- In other places they're appointed by the governor, right? And so they kind of...
- They stay at other places they're appointed by the governor, right?
- So in 'refuse to appoint as a special assistant attorney general upon request,' refuse to appoint absent
- And then how can the Attorney General revoke the appointment?
- The way we currently have it, it says that he can only revoke the appointment.
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee reconvened and reviewed the status of several bills. The chair said bill 1377 could not be acted on until the House finished work on campaign finance bill 2156, and bill 1535 likely would not be ready because of unresolved concerns from Representative Davis and planned meetings with Highway Patrol and BCI. The committee therefore focused on bill 1601, which dealt with when the Attorney General may refuse or revoke special assistant attorney general appointments for certain state offices and entities.
Members debated the policy and constitutional implications of the bill, including whether it was solving a real problem or creating a potential conflict, and whether statewide elected officials and independent bodies should have their own counsel. After testimony from the Chief Deputy Attorney General clarifying current law and the appropriations process, the committee amended the bill to add the Ethics Commission to the list of entities and to narrow the affected offices to the Governor, State Auditor, and Ethics Commission. The committee also changed one provision from “and” to “or” to clarify the standard for refusal or revocation.
The committee then approved the bill as amended on a 6-0 vote and designated Senator Braunberger as the carrier. The chair said the committee would not meet the next morning and would instead reconvene the following week at the call of the chair.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- Will this be applicable for everybody, or just court-appointed?
- I mean, I guess guardians are always appointed by the court. "But is it a court-appointed guardian?
- As I understand it, the legislation to be written is only for individuals who were appointed by the court
- Like, actually court-appointed guardianship. This is a court-appointed guardianship, yes.
- Just to recap: This is a one-hour training course within six months of the appointment, at least once
Keywords:
electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we will not be voting on the appointments today.
- I don't take this appointment lightly or the process as well.
- I'm the eldest grandchild on my mother's side and my... if appointed as a District Court Judge. if appointed
- enough to be appointed. enough to be appointed.
- Kennedy's appointment, to confirm Mr.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented.
Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character.
Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, considerations of the daily file will move to governor's appointments.
- Trinidad Solis for an appointment to the Medical Board of California. Dr.
- Gerald Tolbrook for an appointment to the Medical Board of California.
- That appointment is confirmed. Next. The noes are zero. That appointment is confirmed.
- The ayes are 37, the noes are zero; that appointment is confirmed.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journals, and took up several gubernatorial appointments. Senators confirmed Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control Department, Jennifer Osborne as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook to the Medical Board of California, with roll-call votes showing broad support. The chamber also adopted a request to remove SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly.
A major portion of the session was devoted to Senate Resolution 97, recognizing May as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and discrimination, solidarity with other communities, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution was adopted 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community honorees and guests, including leaders in advocacy, education, business, and public service.
Members then adopted several awareness resolutions: SCR 168 designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring May 23, 2026 as GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming May as ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 recognizing Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 marking National Hospital Week in California. Each measure was supported by personal testimony or remarks from members and guests, often tied to lived experience or advocacy work, and each passed unanimously or by unanimous consent. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice and heard additional floor recognitions before adjourning until May 14, 2026.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- by this body and still appointed by a multitude of statewide elected officials would still have that
- My question is, why aren't we holding those who appoint the directors accountable?
- by the governor, so he has two appointments on that board.
- But at the same time, these individuals are representatives of their. appointing authority.
- You know, that's up for that appointing authority to decide. I'm not proposing that, though.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- And does the lawyer have to be board-certified to be the court-appointed ad litem or guardian?
- We serve in 220 of the 254 counties, and we are appointed as guardians ad litem in all but nine.
- I will say We're typically not appointed until the adversary hearing.
- Required statutory court appointments in these cases are included in the rules.
- It doesn't create any new appointments that counties are going to have to pay for.
Bills:
HCR10, HB1814, HB2160, HB2353, HB2643, HB2971, HB3282, HB3382, HB3996, HB4507, HB4509, HB4805, HB5551, HB1863, HCR10
Keywords:
family abduction, child safety, custodial rights, parental kidnapping, awareness day, marriage license, informal marriage, family code, identity verification, child support, family law, child custody, court interview, parent-child relationship, child welfare, attorney ad litem, compensation, legal representation, government entity, HB 2643
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 Apr 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Consideration of governor's appointments. Mr.
- <01:00:18.200>
Schafler, governor's appointments. Mr. Schafler, governor's appointments. - <01:01:58.680>
Following appointments are confirmed. - Following appointments are confirmed.
- <01:02:03.720>
to Luévano, and Greg Size are appointed to Luévano, and Greg Size are appointed
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary.
On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training.
The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And is your position appointed by the governor, your position? Yes, sir.
- So you're appointed, and you had to go through the confirmation?
- I only went through the appointment process.
- I have begged for them to appoint us and get board members.
- Oliver, when were you appointed to the state? Thank you. Appreciate that. Mr.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on a series of Senate bills and one concurrent resolution, with most measures receiving due-pass recommendations. SB 1078 would require de novo judicial review in public records disputes; supporters from the sponsor and Goldwater Institute argued it would restore transparency and prevent deference to agency denials, and it passed 4-3. SB 1184 would bar HOAs from prohibiting display of military division flags; it drew support as a veterans’ issue and passed unanimously. SB 1586 would require Arizona agencies to post federal guidance they create, adopt, or receive; supporters said it would improve transparency, while one member argued existing websites already provide this information, and it passed 4-3.
The committee then considered SB 1665, which would standardize state agency hiring with weighted grades, interview panel grades, an overall grade, and an appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. The sponsor and the Arizona State Personnel Board argued it would create merit-based hiring and a needed check on ADOA, while ADOA warned it would add bureaucracy, cost more than $3 million, and slow hiring; the bill passed 4-3. SCR 1024 would change legislative residency requirements from county-based to district-based and add a one-year district residency requirement for party nomination as well, sending the proposal to voters; after extended discussion about district/county complications and ballot-measure concerns, it passed 6-1.
Later, SB 1135 would raise the workers’ compensation burial expense for fallen first responders from $5,000 to $10,000, with emotional testimony from surviving spouses and first responders; it passed 6-1. SB 1136 would allow surviving spouses of first responders to keep death benefits after remarriage, and survivors testified that benefits should not be conditioned on remaining unmarried; it passed 5-2. SB 1435 would make it a class 6 felony for school and public library employees or contractors to refer minors to sexually explicit material, and supporters framed it as protecting children from explicit content while opponents warned it could chill library access and criminalize librarians; it passed 4-3. SB 1567 would extend similar restrictions to state and local agencies and public facilities, including limits on exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and using public property for filming explicit acts; the sponsor said it was another child-protection measure, and it passed 4-3. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Physicians Address ICE Presence in Hospitals and Clinics - 01/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- There are not just missed opportunities or appointments. These are life-and-death appointments.
- What should have been a routine wound care appointment turned into a life-threatening case of sepsis.
- Dental appointments have dropped in half.
- :05.120>
in Dental appointments have dropped in Dental appointments have dropped in half.<00:20 - There are not just missed opportunities or appointments. These are life-and-death appointments.
Summary:
At this meeting, Senator Matt Klein and a group of Minnesota physicians and medical organizations described what they said was escalating ICE activity in and around hospitals and clinics, and argued it is deterring patients from seeking care and interfering with medical work. Speakers from emergency medicine, pediatrics, the Minnesota Medical Association, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine said patients are avoiding appointments, missing follow-up care, and in some cases suffering serious harm because of fear of detention or family separation. They emphasized that emergency departments and other health care settings should remain safe spaces where care is based on medical need, not immigration status.
Several speakers gave examples they said showed actual patient harm, including missed prenatal and pediatric visits, delayed treatment leading to sepsis, perforated colon, burst appendix, and a patient with cancer who was detained and moved without medications. Pediatric and OB/GYN speakers focused on trauma to children and families, including fear of bringing children to appointments, requests for home births, and patients refusing transfer for higher-level care. Family medicine and emergency physicians also said staff morale is low, some workers are afraid to come in, and the situation is affecting diverse health care teams across the state.
The discussion also touched on legal and policy questions. Speakers said they have tried calling police, hospital administration, and security to remove ICE agents from private patient areas, but reported that agents refused to leave. They said ICE may be allowed in public spaces but should not be in patient rooms or during private exams, and suggested there may be a role for legislation to codify best practices for law enforcement interactions in health care settings. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions from reporters, and calls for collaboration and for ICE to stop enforcement activity in health care settings.