Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
Page 258 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (12-16-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- And revenue collected from students that are in the program will compensate. >> Repay that debt. >> Well
- </c> are in the program are in the program >> that<00:04:31.040><c> will</c><00:04:31.280><c> compensate
- It is located at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky.
- The last item for approval is a grant from round two of the Cleaner Water Program.
- </c> round two of the cleaner water program. round two of the cleaner water program.
Keywords:
Reuploaded tor restore the roll call and minutes approval
0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:20 Approval of Minutes
0:00:50 Information Items
0:01:39 Project Rpt from Eastern KY University
0:06:54 Lease Rpt from University of KY
0:11:33 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
0:18:50 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
0:29:33 OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
0:38:27 OFM – Debt Issues
0:46:27 Louisville Arena Authority
1:24:30 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the November minutes and received information items on University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts reporting upcoming bond issues with no additional tax levies needed, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues for fiscal year 2026. It then considered an appropriation increase for a University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. University officials said the project is 100% federally funded and will construct a terminal building tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school. Members asked about the relationship to aviation expansion and whether the flight school would be publicly operated; the witnesses said EKU would operate it, public appropriations had already been applied, and student revenue would help offset costs. The committee approved the item by roll call vote.
Next, the committee approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for property at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, for $6.4 million. UK said the property, which includes an 85,000-square-foot facility on 9.6 acres, is directly across from UK St. Clair and was offered by the Rowan County Board of Education after it moved to a new location. Members questioned why the payment schedule was structured as quarterly installments and why the price was below two appraisals; UK said the board requested the arrangement and did not want the full amount upfront, and there was no interest on the purchase price. The committee also approved this item.
The deputy state budget director then reported three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Ballard Wildlife Management Area pump station project, Lake Barkley State Resort Park emergency repairs, and Lake Barkley lodge wing exterior repairs. After questions, staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies because bids came in close to available funding. The committee approved the action items, then heard four no-action pool projects: HVAC upgrades at the FFA leadership training center in Hardinsburg, Kentucky School for the Blind’s McDaniel Scoggin building, KSD’s Brett Brady Hall, and a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation for the School of Engineering Technology. Finally, the committee heard two real property items: a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the high per-square-foot cost and whether another county location could be used; CHFS said it maintains offices in every county seat, this lease would replace an existing 1977 office, and the new construction was negotiated down from a higher initial bid. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing space, with renovation costs partly absorbed by the lessor and the remainder amortized over the lease term.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty One - Monday, February 16
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think just by virtue of having a licensing program, a regulated program, you limit not just the number
- At a different program.
- So there's not a lottery terminal program.
- So there's not a lottery terminal program.
- And that goes—40% of that goes toward veterans programs in the state.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we start these programs as soon as we get the referral and, um, So we start these programs as soon
- Chairman, I'm just curious if this is the same program or an evolution of the same program that LSS,
- So the demand reduction program, this is a sentencing diversion program that came through the 2015 legislative
- So just to explain a little bit more of how the program works is if someone's sentenced to this program
- And in this program, it's a day-long program... ...where it's eight to ten hours, where we go over what
Summary:
The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting.
The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals.
Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Protection and Victim Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So we start these programs as soon as we get the referral and, um, So we start these programs as soon
- Chairman, I'm just curious if this is the same program or an evolution of the same program that LSS,
- So the demand reduction program, this is a sentencing diversion program that came through the 2015 legislative
- So just to explain a little bit more of how the program works is if someone's sentenced to this program
- And in this program, it's a day-long program... ...where it's eight to ten hours, where we go over what
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/03/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> could be used uh in the pilot program could be used uh in the pilot program because<00:43:38.000
- </c><04:30:54.479><c> Like,</c><04:30:54.720><c> I</c> price goes up to 700 bucks.
- Like, I price goes up to 700 bucks.
- </c><06:01:06.240><c> And</c><06:01:06.400><c> I</c> portfolio standard program.
- And I portfolio standard program.
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation also finally program.
- </c> cut Pennsylvania's Medicaid program cut Pennsylvania's Medicaid program known<06:31:48.000><c> as
- </c> uh weapons program. uh weapons program.
- Strikes might delay a program, facility.
- </c> nuclear weapons program development nuclear weapons program development ground<07:53:30.638><c>
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a really great program. It's a leadership program that I host in the summer.
- There was a program called PRP, the Propulsion Replacement Program.
- And there were just, again, getting the program up, getting the grant program in place.
- spay and neuter program.
- , they utilize this program.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region.
The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success.
Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You have monitoring programs, in fact, probably all districts have monitoring programs where they have
- The board does have financial assistance programs.
- The board adopted rules for this program at its April 2025 meeting.
- Water Implementation Fund for Texas program.
- I just wanted to add that we've got a program called Groundwater...
Committee:
House Natural Resources
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Judiciary Committee Aug 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Judiciary Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They have to complete their programming.
- He’s not cleaning his programming.
- Is it programs within incarceration?
- You had looked into the 24-7 program.
- The chapter is called release programs, and it’s the programs used for work release.
Committee:
Joint Judiciary Committee
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- These vehicles have, because of the way they're programmed and with the equipment that they have on board
- So my question is, you want us to trust a non-human vehicle that's built and programmed by humans versus
- I was recently out in Las Vegas, middle of December, and they are in a starter program, I guess, for
- In an era of partisan politics where the two major parties can rarely agree on which direction the sun
- that I’ve managed at Webster University and additionally programs that I’ve managed and lectures that
Committee:
House Emerging Issues
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- We refer to it as the SANE program.
- </c> sexual assault nurse examiner program. sexual assault nurse examiner program.
- </c> We refer to it as the SANE program. We refer to it as the SANE program.
- </c> the director of one of our programs the director of one of our programs today.<00:21:27.360><c>
- </c> Assault Nurse Examiner Program. Assault Nurse Examiner Program.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:53.119><c> be</c> library construction grant program be library construction grant program
- </c><00:02:23.920><c> secured</c> construction grant program secured construction grant program secured
- </c><00:02:33.920><c> funding</c> matching grant program provides funding matching grant program provides
- A quarter of the public this program.
- That's what makes this program so key.
Bills:
HF1972 , HF229 , HF1090 , HF1084 , HF1307 , HF1274 , HF1609 , HF2110 , HF211 , HF216 , HF222 , HF224 , HF225 , HF203 , HF206 , HF207 , HF208 , HF227 , HF246 , HF427 , HF466 , HF502 , HF680 , HF971
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- implement a vulnerability<03:48:14.399><c> disclos</c><03:48:14.760><c> osure</c><03:48:15.120><c> program
- </c><03:48:15.399><c> for</c> vulnerability disclos osure program for vulnerability disclos osure program
- > Hampshire General Court where we earn Hampshire General Court where we earn 100<04:29:55.159><c> bucks
- 55.760><c> is</c><04:29:56.000><c> the</c><04:29:56.319><c> the</c><04:29:56.479><c> noblest</c> 100 bucks
- a year is the the noblest 100 bucks a year is the the noblest least<04:29:57.600><c> corrupt</c><04:
Committee:
House Election Law
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:55:20.839><c> long-term</c> while ensuring the programs long-term while ensuring the programs
- I have the Hawaiʻi Keiki program leader here, Dr.
- So I have the Hawaiʻi Keiki program leader here, Dr.
- So I have the Hawaiʻi Keiki program leader here, Dr.
- I have the Hawaiʻi Keiki program leader here, Dr.
Summary:
The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt.
The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored.
HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- It marks the moment when the earth tilts back toward the sun and the long winter begins to loosen its
- </c><00:10:38.160><c> at</c><00:10:38.280><c> the</c> starting the social dance program at the starting
- the social dance program at the University<00:10:38.880><c> of</c><00:10:38.960><c> Alabama.
- She is going to be rolling into the Sustainable MBA program in August.
- She has also been MBA program in August.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And the pilot program has a sunset.
- I like the idea of having a pilot program.
- And the pilot program has a sunset.
- I like the idea of having a pilot program.
- Like the health facility program, this program would pay for its administration and defaults through
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote.
The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces.
SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action.
Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We administer other programs as well: state tax credit programs, the Community Development tax credit
- tax program the Community Development tax credit<00:43:16.000><c> program</c><00:43:16.800><c> as</c
- as well as some loan credit program as well as some loan programs<00:43:18.119><c> and</c><00:43:18.319
- </c> on page 160 line 531 and Pad programs on page 160 line 531 and Pad programs did<03:23:37.600><c>
- that is a professionals health program that is a program<03:23:49.920><c> it's</c><03:23:50.120><c>
Summary:
The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions.
Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later.
The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I personally watched the local authorities develop the programs that are in place now.
- I personally watched the local authorities develop the programs that are in place now.
- We need drug programming. We need behavioral services. But we also need to give tools.
- I'm Marco Ramos with Camphro, a statewide network of peer-run mental health programs.
- Quick programming note: we do not have a committee meeting next week.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote.
SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote.
Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing.
The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- There are plenty that have used this program, or plenty that use the free program.
- How does this differ from other veterans programs in the courts? Mr.
- This is actually a diversion program.
- My office has a diversion program for veterans as well.
- So there are programs out there that exist, yes. I guess my question, Mr.
Summary:
The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government.
The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.