Video & Transcript : 'Ethics' :

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

Transcript Highlights:
  • No ethical profession behaves this way.
  • S. 539 is a necessary step toward restoring ethics. Thank you.
  • One reason is moral, ethical, and religious; the other is pragmatic.
  • Joseph Lapidot, M.D., Ph.D., the Surgeon General of Florida, succinctly made the ethical point when he
  • The ethical and moral choice for every legislator here should be obvious.
Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Jan 29th, 2026

Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So HB 1752 is an ethics bill.
  • They would have to put it on dot-gov or go through an ethical process. It's just to put the rules.
  • It's an ethics measure that only does three things.
  • And so that anybody who would be in these different sections, they could just see the ethical rules to
  • And so that anybody who would be in these different sections, they could just see the ethical rules to
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2934, which would consolidate the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission and the Regional Sports Authority into a single reconstituted board to govern the Dome and Convention Center complex. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would modernize governance, clarify tax revenue use, and create a convention district funding structure without imposing new general taxes on residents or businesses. Testimony emphasized the facilities’ economic impact, including about $205 million annually, roughly 120 full-time jobs and over 4,000 part-time jobs, and support from Explore St. Louis, hotel interests, the RSA, St. Charles County, and Greater St. Louis, Inc. Committee members asked detailed questions about board representation, ownership, liens, and the proposed sales tax and special assessment tools; supporters said the taxes would apply only within the district, be capped, and be used for maintenance and operations. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard House Bill 2559, the REINS Act, which would require affirmative legislative approval for administrative rules with fiscal notes over $250,000 before they could take effect. The sponsor and an Americans for Prosperity witness argued that major rules should not become binding without a vote of elected lawmakers, especially after Missouri’s recent move away from judicial deference to agencies. They said the bill would strengthen checks and balances, with emergency rules and rules needed for federal compliance exempted. Members questioned the $250,000 threshold, how it would work procedurally, and whether agencies might try to avoid the trigger; the sponsor said the process would shift major rules from an opt-out to an opt-in framework through concurrent resolution. No vote was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2928, which would add certification by the United States Concealed Carry Association as an approved qualification for concealed carry instructors in Missouri. The sponsor said the change would simply expand the list of recognized instructor credentials alongside NRA and law enforcement certification, and members asked about the state registry and sheriff’s role in verifying instructors. House Bill 1752 was then heard, a fire protection district ethics measure requiring surplus property to be sold through sealed bid or an approved online auction platform such as govdeals.com. The sponsor and a fire district witness said the bill was meant to prevent improper sales to insiders and ensure transparent disposal of public property; several members supported it and suggested it could be a consent bill. The transcript ends with the committee concluding its hearing after no opposition or informational testimony on HB 1752.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Oct 15th, 2025

Education Pre-K - 12

Transcript Highlights:
  • AI, and human oversight is what is required in order for us to make sure that these are used in an ethical
  • We have sections on policy, ethical and legal considerations, data privacy, and cybersecurity. one on
  • We have sections on policy, ethical and legal considerations, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
  • Right now, the one at the bottom says AI ethics and compliance module.
  • We are training every student in the district on the ethics behind it and responsible use, as well as
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, the benefits of AI for personalized learning and teacher support, and the risks involving data privacy, overreliance, hallucinations, and misuse. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which published statewide guidance in March and is now providing professional development, case studies, surveys, and resources for teachers and families. She also noted that teacher preparation programs and microcredentials are being developed, but there is not yet a statewide baseline standard for teacher AI training. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district policies and implementation efforts. Hillsborough adopted an AI governance policy, created an implementation guide, and set rules barring generative AI use for students in pre-K through 7th grade while allowing limited, teacher-approved use for older students with district-vetted tools. Pinellas emphasized digital responsibility, parent transparency, data-use agreements, and a governance process for approving tools. Both districts said AI is being used for lesson planning, tutoring, reading-level adjustments, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, but they do not yet have reliable evidence that AI is improving academic performance. They also discussed teacher training, stipends, and certification efforts, including partnerships with universities and vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Magic School, and Gemini. Drew Allen of FSU Inspire offered an industry-focused perspective, arguing that AI is not new but that education must adapt more quickly to industry needs. He described Inspire’s workforce and research mission, its AI and robotics training for teachers, and the need to build teacher comfort and confidence through incentives and applied training. Committee members raised concerns about student dependence on AI, academic integrity, mental health, moral decision-making, data privacy, and whether schools should return to more paper-based testing. The panel generally agreed that AI should be used with strong guardrails, human oversight, and a balance between technology use and traditional learning. No legislation was considered, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, we still have CTE, higher ed, commerce, and ethics. We did move out last night.
  • We still have CTE, higher ed, commerce, and ethics. We did move out last night. Okay.
  • And Representative Louser is going to carry the ethics.
  • And as you said, we have ethics ready for you.
  • And as you said, we have ethics ready for you.
Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House health panel approves HF2371 3/24/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Robbins responded that the medical ethical obligation has not stopped this from happening
  • 00:09:06.399><c> since</c><00:09:07.040><c> the</c><00:09:07.360><c> medical</c><00:09:07.920><c> ethical
  • So, since the medical ethical practice.
  • So, since the medical ethical obligation<00:09:09.120><c> has</c><00:09:09.519><c> not</c><00:09:10.320
  • She said she is hearing that from patients and from medical students, and that whatever the broad ethical
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Nine - Thursday, April 9

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Missouri Ethics Commission is right there out on the Rotunda.
  • The Missouri Ethics Commission. sides of the aisle, more or less an announcement.
  • The Missouri Ethics Commission is right there out on the rotunda.
  • They know what's going on in the world, and I taught social workers, and we have a code of ethics.
  • And so as a social work professor, I felt that it was my ethical responsibility to incorporate current
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous House Journal by a 101-0 vote, and numerous special guest introductions, including student groups, robotics teams, artists, and a choir. Committee reports from Fiscal Review recommended passage of several bills, including HB 1869, HB 2387/HB 2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885. The chamber then took up Senate changes to HB 2016, a bill addressing anti-Semitism in educational institutions. Supporters said the Senate amendments clarified that schools should consider context, protected criticism of Israel, added charter schools, and required reporting of all Title VI complaints; opponents argued the bill was redundant, could chill speech, and did not match the state’s broader anti-discrimination rhetoric. After a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the Senate substitute 101-19 and then gave final passage to the bill 100-17. Several third-reading bills followed. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid-related verification and program restrictions, drew sharp debate over fraud prevention versus added bureaucracy and harm to low-income Missourians; it passed 95-44. HB 1869, creating a process to repair veteran gravestones damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, requiring written settlement demands in bad-faith liability claims to remain open for 90 days and reference the statute, passed 90-50. HB 2387/HB 2480, reinstating the presidential primary and moving it to the first Tuesday in March, passed 116-23. HB 2885, redirecting the final $1 million from boat registration fees to fund the water patrol, passed 112-27. HB 2517, a real estate wholesaler disclosure bill, passed 130-6. HB 3107 was moved to the informal calendar. Debate also began on HB 1730, which would legalize firearm suppressors in Missouri; supporters framed it as a freedom, hearing-protection, and economic bill, while opponents warned it would make gun violence harder to detect and could aid criminals, but no final vote on that bill appears in the transcript.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 21, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are also concerned that currently for ethics reasons...
  • HB 603 Ethics for Public Employees by Representative Lopez. Brings it in for a landing. Last bill.
  • House Bill 603 makes an update of Florida's ethics laws by recognizing foster families as families.
  • Our ethics laws require public employees to disclose certain gifts unless they come from a relative.
  • We have a card from the Florida Commission on Ethics as a proponent.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (01/15/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> quite</c><01:35:51.199><c> frankly,</c> ethical obligation, but quite frankly, ethical obligation
  • I mean, ethically, first appropriate.
  • We have the ethical obligation to control what we say to the public.
  • We have the ethical obligation to control what we say to the public.
  • We have the ethical obligation to control what we say to the public.
Committee: Senate Judiciary
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are saying that we do not want any consideration of ethics when it comes to these types of investments
  • Ethical considerations should be disregarded. Is that correct? Thank you, Mr. President.
  • Ethical considerations should be disregarded. It's only money. Is that correct?
  • Anyone who serves in any sort of government position must behave ethically, but certainly, you can behave
  • ethically and maximize the return on the investment.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Emerging Issues Mar 9th, 2026

Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know why we didn't establish this when we set up the ethical guidelines for elected officials
  • It is a bill entirely about ethical standards.
  • impeccable because it's important for the functioning of the judiciary constitutionally to uphold the ethics
  • Those rules also include ethical guidelines relating to those commissioners and their duties.
  • Those rules also include ethical guidelines relating to the commissioners and their duties.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 3423 from Rep. Darren Chappell, which would require judges in Missouri courts of record to file annual financial disclosure statements, bar judges from hearing cases involving people who have given them money, and extend similar disclosure rules to members of judicial nominating commissions. Chappell framed the bill as a transparency and ethics measure. Business groups supported the proposal, but judges, bar groups, and trial and defense lawyers opposed it, arguing existing judicial ethics rules already address gifts and recusals, that the bill is overly broad in covering “anything of value,” and that it could create unintended consequences, including strategic donations to force recusal and reduced public access to judicial financial disclosures. The Supreme Court’s representative said the bill should be read alongside the full Code of Judicial Conduct and offered to provide the committee with that material. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2922 from Rep. Jeff Myers, which would align Missouri’s right-to-try law with federal law by extending access from terminal illness to debilitating conditions and by addressing the use of Schedule I drugs in that framework. Myers said the bill is intended to help ensure access to emerging treatments and has passed in various forms in prior sessions. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without action. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2643, also from Rep. Senate, the “Hope for Missouri Patients Act,” which would expand right-to-try access for individualized treatments such as gene therapies, enzyme replacement therapies, and substrate reduction therapies for patients with rare or debilitating diseases. Supporters, including the Goldwater Institute, a parent of a child with a rare disease, and Americans for Prosperity, said the bill could help patients access customized treatments sooner and reduce red tape. The sponsor and witnesses emphasized that the bill would not require insurance coverage and is meant to help patients who cannot wait for lengthy clinical trial or FDA pathways. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3204 from Rep. Senate, which would create a tax credit to encourage private donations to prevention resource centers that work on substance misuse prevention. Supporters from prevention organizations and advocacy groups said the credit would strengthen local prevention coalitions, reduce future treatment and criminal justice costs, and stabilize funding for services such as school education, early intervention, and suicide prevention. One opponent warned that Planned Parenthood could qualify as a prevention resource center and receive tax credits, but supporters said they had no concern about that. The hearing ended with no vote or other committee action, and the committee adjourned.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/23/2026 #2

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • members of the General Assembly ethics members of the General Assembly state<00:39:55.680><c> and</c
  • The ethics department, the joint ethics committee, uh, heard some of this on Friday and came up with
  • </c><00:41:05.200><c> depart</c><00:41:05.880><c> ethics</c> That occurred.
  • The joint ethics committee heard some of this on Friday and came up with a number of suggestions that
  • And at-will jobs is the concern that the joint committee on ethics had when we met on Friday.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session-Day 4, February 12, 2026-AM

Wyoming House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have an Ethics and Disclosure Act. It's open to amendment.
  • We have an Ethics and Disclosure Act. It's open to amendment.
  • </c><01:13:15.920><c> and</c> those more, we can amend the Ethics and those more, we can amend the Ethics
  • This comes morals, values, and ethics.
  • </c> down to the ethics part of this. down to the ethics part of this.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 01-30-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:08:36.959><c> administr</c> this relates to ethics administr this relates to ethics administr
  • code and lobbyist law first up on ethics code and lobbyist law first up on 289<00:08:45.880><c> is</
  • ethics commission good morning<00:08:51.800><c> law</c><00:08:52.080><c> chair</c><00:08:52.440><c>
  • </c> this measure uh the the ho State ethics this measure uh the the ho State ethics commission<00:09
  • Ethics disclosure by January 31st, and I filed it by January 31st, but it cut somewhere.
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rep. Liz Reyer departing member remarks 5/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I had no idea the brilliance, the creativity, the work ethic, the dedication from every staff person,
  • 38.000><c> work</c> the brilliance, the creativity, the work the brilliance, the creativity, the work ethic
  • , ethic, ethic, the<00:00:40.280><c> dedication</c> the dedication the dedication from<00:00:42.280><
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 03-20-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • substance is known to cause cancer and respiratory harm and safer alternatives do exist, the only ethical
  • ,</c><00:02:19.680><c> uh</c><00:02:19.760><c> the</c><00:02:19.880><c> only</c><00:02:20.080><c> ethical
  • </c><00:02:20.400><c> choice</c><00:02:20.680><c> we</c> do exist, uh the only ethical choice we do exist
  • , uh the only ethical choice we feel<00:02:21.080><c> is</c><00:02:21.160><c> to</c><00:02:21.240><c>
Bills: HB1979
Summary: The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure. The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded. Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I feel it's my responsibility and my ethical duty to testify today to advocate for those families.
  • I feel it's my responsibility and my ethical duty to testify today to advocate for those families and
  • I feel it's my responsibility and my ethical duty to testify today to advocate for those families, I
  • don't know. my responsibility and my ethical duty to testify today to advocate for those families and
Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary. SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Ethics Committee Meeting - 2025-04-10

Ethics

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the Ethics Committee.
  • First of all, I want to make very clear, because this committee is the Ethics Committee, that there is
  • Sitting on this committee, you know, knowing it's again ethics, but we're not here to address an ethics
Committee: House Ethics
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • David Bore along with ethics. So what this... Mr. David Bore, along with ethics.
  • So I think ethics typically upholds this, and we do have Mr.
Summary: The committee met on May 12 with a quorum present and first took up HCR 74 by Representative Beham, which would establish a Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission. The author said the proposal would mirror the existing Louisiana-Ireland trade commission and serve as an umbrella group to promote exchanges in trade, academics, financial services, insurance, economic development, and the arts. Members asked about the commission’s purpose and whether members would be paid; the author said they would not be compensated. Representative Marcelle spoke in support, citing the benefits of the Ireland commission, and the committee reported HCR 74 favorably without objection. The committee then considered SCR 38 by Senator Klein-Peter, which repeals Joint Rule No. 7 relating to the Atchafalaya Basin Program Oversight Committee. Technical amendments to the title were offered and adopted. The senator explained the measure was tied to a separate study commission he had created to address water quality and sediment issues in the Atchafalaya Basin, which he said were contributing to stagnant hypoxia and harming the fishing industry. Members discussed sediment, dredging, runoff, and possible ways to manage river silt, and Representative Marcelle expressed interest in the water-quality effort. The resolution was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 495 by Senator Klein-Peter on campaign finance disclosures. The bill would raise the threshold for unitemized contributions from $200, change the definition of participation in elections to focus on making expenditures, extend the annual report deadline from February 28 to March 15, allow leadership PACs to pay for replacing or cleaning items damaged in connection with public office, and treat the second party primary as an election for filing purposes. The author said the bill was shortened from a much larger draft after working with ethics staff and was intended to make reporting more practical for campaigns and PACs. The transcript cuts off before any final action on SB 495 is shown.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • David Bore along with ethics. So what this... Mr. David Bore, along with ethics.
  • So I think ethics typically upholds this, and we do have Mr.
Bills: HCR74 , HCR95 , HB705 , HB1048 , SCR23 , SCR31 , SCR38 , SB49 , SB233 , SB307 , SB326 , SB387 , SB401 , SB435 , SB495
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Education Postsecondary Feb 4th, 2026

Education Postsecondary

Transcript Highlights:
  • evaluation of artificial intelligence data results, the limitations of artificial intelligence, and the ethical
  • making sure that we're putting some guardrails on the high school side of it with regards to the ethical
  • use of artificial intelligence. ...on the high school side of it with regards to the ethical use of
Bills: S7038 , S1694
Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which would revise general education core standards at public postsecondary institutions to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology integration within existing core courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related instruction in areas such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. For high school computer science courses, the amendment added guidance on critical evaluation of AI results, AI limitations, and ethical use of AI. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. In addition, it considered SPB 7038 on postsecondary education and workforce development, which addresses tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Members asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure exemptions, and the removal of the Classic Learning Test as a fee-waiver qualifier; staff said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment, the CLT removal was an error to be corrected, and a Florida Dental Association representative raised concern about preserving the long-standing exemption for dental assisting programs. The committee moved SPB 7038 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.