Video & Transcript : 'legislative' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You were there for all of the toughest moments in my legislative career.
- You've been there at all of the highlights of my legislative career.
- You've been there for me at— The highlights of my legislative career.
- I encourage you to support this piece of legislation.
- And I urge your support of this particular piece of legislation.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 3/10/26
Transcript Highlights:
- He could do this on his own, but we have offered this legislation to make sure that this happens.
- He could do this on his own, but we have offered this legislation to make sure that this happens.
- He could do this on his own, but we have offered this legislation to make sure that this happens.
- He could do this on his own, but we have offered this legislation to make sure that this happens.
- </c><00:04:01.240><c> House</c> wouldn't support this legislation House wouldn't support this legislation
Summary:
House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not.
Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in.
In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Two - Wednesday, March 4 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, when it's happening in other places, but this is a very good bipartisan piece of legislation
- I think we've done so well with this type of legislation.
- So I wholly support this legislation. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, gentlemen.
- legislation this year.
- I am curious about how come we need this legislation because we had it last year.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal by a 122-0 vote, and numerous introductions of special guests, including Special Olympics participants, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, social workers, local officials, and community groups visiting for Hill Day and other advocacy events. Members also made announcements about committee meetings before the chamber recessed until 2 p.m.
On the floor, House Bill 2974 was perfected and printed with little debate. Supporters said it would codify telehealth access in Missouri’s licensure reciprocity framework, helping seniors and rural residents continue to receive care. House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention center governance measure, also advanced after adoption of an amendment changing governor-appointed board seats to two city, two county, and one at-large member. The bill would merge existing entities managing the convention center and Dome, create a new board structure, and authorize a convention district tax framework and related financing rules; members discussed local control, revenue use, and the length of agreements under the bill.
House Bill 2057, a technical fix for Osage Beach entertainment district authority, was adopted and perfected and printed. Supporters said it corrects an error from a prior bill and would allow Osage Beach to create an entertainment district similar to those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson to support tourism and economic development. The chamber also took up House Bill 1839 and related bills on age verification for pornographic websites. Proponents argued the measure is needed to protect minors from online pornography and exploitation, citing the Supreme Court’s upholding of a similar Texas law and Missouri’s existing attorney general enforcement efforts; opponents raised privacy, enforcement, and unintended-consequences concerns, including whether less-scrupulous sites could become more accessible. After a motion for the previous question, the House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed House Bill 1839 by a 104-16 vote with 20 present.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/24/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reverend Jackson's legacy is a living blueprint for the current legislative battles.
- REVEREND JACK SCENES LEGACY A LIVING BLUEPRINT FOR THE CURRENT SLAY LEGISLATIVE BATTLES.
- At its core, this legislation Affirms a simple principle: if a rebate is negotiated in the patient's
- This amendment would be a critical step forward and modeled after legislation that recently took effect
- THIS LEGISLATION WOULD HELP ME SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT, AS I'M SURE THAT IT WOULD HELP OTHER PARENTS.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.”
After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements.
On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 38th legislative
- I ask unanimous consent that House Bill 671 hold its place on the third reading calendar one legislative
- There's nothing in the legislation that says you can have only one campaign account.
- I do support the legislation. It's evident that this body wants transparency.
- Hearing none, the remaining bills on the Third Reading Calendar will hold their place one legislative
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal. The session also included a page program recognizing the House pages and their sponsors, with remarks thanking them for their service and highlighting their future plans and experiences in the legislature.
The House received messages from the Governor and Senate, referred several newly introduced bills to committees, and reported multiple committee actions. Among the measures introduced were bills on dental plan transparency, SNAP integrity, tax credit scholarships, a sales tax exemption for Salvation Army purchases, tax administration changes, election canvassing and ballot procedures, creation of an Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination, LLC formation, parental rights-related legislation, public funds, and earned autonomy for charter schools. The House also advanced several bills from committee to the third reading calendar and passed House Bill 620, which gives county commissioners a formal voice in federal land-use decisions affecting their counties.
House Bill 598, dealing with campaign finance transparency and the handling of personal funds or loans in campaign accounts, drew extensive debate over whether the language required separate accounts, how cash and digital donations would be treated, the seven-day reporting requirement, and enforcement by the Secretary of State. After discussion, the House voted 55-10 to send the bill to General Orders for further work. House Bill 620 then passed the House 60-5 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also held remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled House Bills 514 and 515, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District.
- And hello, Vandana Slater, State Senator for the 48th Legislative District.
- State Senator June Robinson representing the 38th Legislative District.
- State Senator June Robinson representing the 38th Legislative District.
- It helps guide our legislative advocacy.
Keywords:
SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- By show of hands, how many in the audience are in support of this legislation?
- By a show of hands, how many in the audience are in support of this legislation?
- So in the legislation, it talks about five units and up.
- And I understand that because my district legislative aide also lives with his parents.
- Anybody in opposition of this legislation? Anybody online in support?
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 283, a workforce housing bill that would let local governments designate housing shortage areas and use metropolitan redevelopment tools, including property tax stabilization, to encourage construction and preservation of “missing middle” housing. Supporters said it would preserve local control, increase supply, and help teachers, nurses, first responders, and young workers afford housing. Opponents raised concerns about gentrification, redevelopment in neighborhoods, and whether the affordability requirements were strong enough. After questions about local designation, affordability percentages, and the 14-year term, the committee passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for SB 283 on an 8-0 vote.
The committee then considered HB 103, which would keep the residential property tax cap in place when zoning changes occur, so long as the property’s use remains residential. Supporters argued the bill would protect homeowners from tax spikes caused by rezoning and preserve stability for seniors and families. Committee discussion focused on how zoning changes affect valuation, what counts as an upzone, and how assessors currently apply the law. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote.
HB 200, a starter-home incentive bill, was heard next. The bill would provide zero-interest loans through the Mortgage Finance Authority to reduce the cost of newly built starter homes, with higher subsidy amounts in Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos. Supporters said it would help young families, retirees, and first-time buyers and encourage construction of smaller homes. Several senators questioned whether the subsidy would simply raise prices, whether the loan structure was the best tool, and whether the program would work equally well across the state. The committee vote ended in a tie, so the bill was held and placed at the top of the next agenda.
The committee also passed HB 154 and HB 285 by unanimous votes. HB 154 was approved 6-1 after little discussion. HB 285, a veterans property tax cleanup bill, clarifies how exemptions apply when more than one veteran in a household has a disability rating; it passed 7-0. HB 165, which expands the C-PACE program to include certain economic development projects working through industrial revenue bond arrangements, also passed 8-0 after sponsors said the change was an oversight fix. After HB 165, the committee lost quorum and recessed, with remaining items bumped to the next meeting.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the division manager of budget policy analysis for the Legislative Services Office.
- And so we may be able to get that legislation out to the floor the following week.
- Placeholder for the legislative scenario for conformity at $155 million.
- So now what we're doing is comparing the governor's recommendation to the legislative scenario.
- That piece of legislation, conformity completely changed the way that taxable income is described.
Summary:
The committee first received a budget presentation from JFAC Chairman Grow and Keith Bybee on the state’s fiscal outlook for FY 2026-2028. They described a difficult budget year marked by uncertainty around revenue projections, tax conformity costs, and whether several policy bills will pass. Bybee explained the concept of structural balance, noting that ongoing revenues are projected to fall below ongoing expenditures over the next three years, and that the state’s cash reserves, while still substantial, are not a sustainable long-term fix. Members discussed tax cuts, possible triggers or delays on tax legislation, Medicaid and school spending growth, and the impact of past policy choices on the budget. No votes were taken on the budget presentation itself.
The committee then approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and voted to send several gubernatorial appointments to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation: Brett Thomas to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, and Dr. Karen Cabell to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board. Representative John Weber and Bobby Cuyo also appeared for reappointment hearings to the State Insurance Fund Board and Your Health Idaho board, respectively; both were thanked and told their appointments would likely be voted on at a later meeting.
The remainder of the meeting focused on DOPL rule dockets for several licensing boards. Michelle Bird presented a contractor registration fee increase to address a low cash balance and comply with statutory reserve requirements; Jessica Spoya presented a liquefied petroleum gas safety fee increase for the same reason; and John Price presented barber and cosmetology rule changes, including mobile establishment rules, deregulation-related updates, and fee increases to bring the board into compliance after years of flat fees and one-time consolidation costs. In each case, members asked about cash balances, consolidation costs, and whether fees would continue rising. Despite some opposition and concerns about DOPL inefficiencies and fee burdens, all three rule dockets were approved by committee vote. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group 08-21-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group.
- The Act 292 Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group was established by the Legislature and enacted
- So, so again one we legislative session.
- But then it also provides us the opportunity as the working group to make legislative recommendations
- </c> the working group to make legislative the working group to make legislative recommendations.<00:
Summary:
The Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group held its first meeting on August 21, 2025, to organize under Act 292, which directs the group to review and recommend laws, policies, and procedures on restrictive housing for vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, those with sensory impairments, and people perceived to be LGBTQIA+. Co-chairs Sen. Brandon Elefante and Rep. Della Au Belatti outlined the group’s purpose, membership, and timeline, noting the final recommendations are due to the Legislature by January 8, 2027. Members and invited participants introduced themselves, including legislative members, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff, the Department of Health, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, ACLU of Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons, UPW, and an OHA representative in the audience.
The working group discussed its initial focus and agreed that a first priority should be understanding current restrictive housing practices at DCR, including policies on solitary confinement, training, reporting, and how the department currently handles vulnerable populations. Co-chair Belatti said the group should also hear from people with lived experience, including incarcerated individuals and family members affected by solitary confinement, and review litigation, settlements, and outside expert work on best practices. DCR Director Tommy Johnson, appearing by Zoom, said the bill contains specific implementation timelines and that the group should use future meetings to surface topics tied to the act’s requirements. Rep. Shimizu asked how the working group’s recommendations would fit with SB 104 and whether they would supersede existing provisions; Belatti responded that the act allows time for review and for both departmental policy changes and legislative recommendations, with section two’s implementation date set for July 1, 2026.
Public comment was limited, with no online testimony. An OHA representative thanked the chairs and said the office looked forward to participating once formally designated. House legislative attorney Sean Aronson suggested the group should hear about any outside or court-mandated oversight of DCR in a future presentation. A member of the working group also asked about scheduling an in-person visit to a correctional facility, and the chairs said that could be arranged with DCR. The group tentatively scheduled its next meeting for October 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., noted that September would be skipped, and discussed holding future meetings on third Thursdays. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , a very timely piece of legislation.
- There is a need to defend those citizens, and that's what this legislation and the whole suite of legislation
- that Texas is working with right now in this legislative session will do.
- I'd like to make four main points about this piece of legislation.
- It is this type of legislation that will lead to that mastery.
Keywords:
election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list, county requirements, election integrity, computer services contracts, mental health
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> And I'd like to invite all legislators And I'd like to invite all legislators to<00:05:16.000><c
- ,</c> nonprofits, that has been legislators, nonprofits, that has been legislators, and<00:08:20.319>
- </c> legislation seeks to do. legislation seeks to do.
- </c><00:09:29.680><c> that</c> but we have before us legislation that but we have before us legislation
- So why is this legislation reconnection. So why is this legislation needed?
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12
Approval of Minutes 00:02:25
Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48
Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56
Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members.
The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky.
Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you so much for Legislative Council for—oh, sorry.
- They're also our biggest donors collectively, as you as legislators work with them and public service
- I think it becomes a big challenge for us as legislators on how to divvy it up, so to speak.
- The approach to do this does not require new legislation.
- This document from, it was the North Dakota Legislative Management. This is way before my time.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota lawmakers hear proposal to eliminate cash bail, permit universal pretrial release 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislative<00:05:18.000><c> legislation</c><00:05:18.840><c> creating</c><00:05:19.440><c> the</c> Legislative
- legislation creating the Legislative legislation creating the intentional<00:05:20.280><c> release</
- </c> with passing legislation with passing legislation uh<00:25:58.800><c> to</c><00:25:59.000><c> create
- </c><00:30:16.080><c> the</c><00:30:16.160><c> underlying</c> the legislation the underlying the legislation
- And legislation would make that clear.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We supported similar legislation in the regular session.
- Because that's in opposition to this legislation. Is that true?
- Our hired lobbyists, it is their job to evaluate legislation and meet with members.
- In practice, we all know that sometimes legislation has unintended consequences.
- Choice should be up to them, not this legislative body.
Keywords:
trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/27/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator P. and are both here because this is a bill that contains parts of some of her legislation, parts
- </c><00:03:50.439><c> very</c><00:03:50.720><c> clears</c> disputes this legislation very clears disputes
- this legislation very clears out<00:03:51.480><c> clearly</c><00:03:51.879><c> spells</c><00:03:52.280
- </c><00:17:50.919><c> um</c> decisions about other legislation um decisions about other legislation um
- There anything that's in the development of the upcoming legislation or in this legislation that actually
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation committee approves repeal of California clean car standards 2/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- They're not actually voted for in legislation, and so we had bureaucrats and the governor decide what
- They're not actually voted for in legislation, and so we had bureaucrats and the governor decide what
- They're not actually voted for in legislation, and so we had bureaucrats and the governor decide what
- They're not actually voted for in legislation, and so we had bureaucrats and the governor decide what
- </c> we breath report which has a legislative we breath report which has a legislative report<00:03:52.200
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So we were legislating on pills that expired.
- I've had legislation prepared in past years to I've had legislation prepared in past years to try to
- I've run several pieces of legislation.
- So I've ran several pieces of legislation.
- legislative districts.
Bills:
HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 20, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We do support the legislation for a variety of reasons. I began working on this issue back in 2021.
- uh the legislation for a variety<00:32:12.559><c> of</c><00:32:12.720><c> reasons.
- </c> drafted, WHAM supports this legislation drafted, WHAM supports this legislation and<00:41:33.760
- what they they members of legislators what they they look<01:10:26.719><c> like.
- </c> legislation as it moves forward. legislation as it moves forward.
Keywords:
pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (04/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Um, but currently similar legislation Um, but currently similar legislation has<00:35:23.359><c>
- So yeah, so this is merely enabling<00:47:57.760><c> legislation</c> enabling legislation enabling legislation
- It puts legislation. It's enabling it.
- My concern at this point is passing this legislation.
- voters,</c><01:25:56.560><c> that</c> legislative body, the voters, that legislative body, the voters
Summary:
The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy.
Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets.
Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I think the chairs should be legislative.
- Well, I think the chairs should be legislative.
- So if we get one more legislator because teams can vote for their legislators, hi, Dylan’s here.
- Yeah, I wanted to, you know, we're taking a big legislative trip on November 28.
- Obviously— Obviously, as legislators, after two weeks and Thanksgiving, we tend not to meet.
Summary:
The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation.
A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting.
The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.