Video & Transcript Research : 'voting process'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And by your vote, SB 1594 is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
- And by your vote, CS for SB 1182... Chair Wright, yes.
- And by your vote, CS for SB 1182 is reported. Members, don't go away yet; we've got more to do.
- Unless the senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take one vote on all
- And by your vote, the confirmation of the appointees on tabs 1 through 3 is recommended favorably.
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, business incentives, tax exemptions, economic development, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill.
The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on County & Regional Government May 5th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This non-binding process helps improve retention, recruitment, and conflict resolution while supporting
- Statutes in other municipalities have used this meet and confer process.
- Right now, they can amend a budget without any of that process.
- Then, in the next meeting, they can vote on it. That's all it does.
- I would ask for your vote on this, and I close. All right, thank you.
Keywords:
county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes SF1832, the workforce, labor, and economic development finance bill 5/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an easy yes vote to vote for this amendment.
- This is an easy yes vote to vote for this amendment.
- This is an easy yes vote to vote for this amendment.
- This is an easy yes vote to vote for this amendment.
- This is an easy yes vote to vote for this amendment. to to vote for this to to vote for this amendment
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- A yes vote will report it favorably by substitute; a nay vote will not report it favorably.
- crisis in that process.
- floating through the process.
- There's a process.
- I voted on the same bill. You did. We voted for that.
Summary:
The committee heard a personal privilege update on HB 1227, which Representative DeWitt said would return next week as a proposed HCR for a two-year study of the three-doctor panel after discussions with Dr. Nia Colotta. Better Louisiana also presented its new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, describing it as a data-driven leadership initiative focused on health care workforce, rural access, chronic disease, and other system issues; members discussed whether the program could also help generate policy research, including on managed care organizations.
The committee then considered SB 427 on anatomical gifts. After adopting technical amendments, Senator Presley and Dr. Jeff White explained that the bill would strengthen organ donation law by creating a decision registry that records both yes and no choices, clarifying the legal effect of refusal, and codifying ethical principles such as the dead donor rule. Questions focused on organ viability, registry procedures, minors, and a Monroe case involving a disputed donor designation. Supporters included LOPA and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the bill was reported favorably.
HB 946, dealing with hospital price transparency and compliance with federal pricing rules, drew extensive testimony. Representative Landry and a witness from Patient Rights Advocate described it as a consumer transparency measure, but the Louisiana Hospital Association opposed the bill’s state-level enforcement and debt-collection provisions. Landry offered an amendment removing the debt-collection and affirmative-defense language, but after debate the substitute failed on a 5-6 vote and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably on SB 109, which revises membership qualifications for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; SCR 20, urging federal flexibility on Medicaid redetermination for elderly and disabled beneficiaries; SB 216, allowing coroners to rely on licensed practical nurses for medical pronouncements of death; and SB 45, exempting certain gratuitous hospice houses from licensure, with testimony from hospice house operators and supporters.
Finally, HCR 71 by Representative Chasson sought an LDH study of how Louisiana’s law and guidance on pregnancy-related emergency medications is working in hospitals, urgent care, and retail settings. Supporters said providers are hesitant to use medications such as misoprostol because of stigma and uncertainty, while opponents from Louisiana Right to Life argued the resolution was unnecessary and could create controversy. The discussion centered on whether the study should be narrowed or made more objective, but no final action on the resolution was reached in the portion provided.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman I did in the process of And Mr.
- 45.440>
it's vote for it because it's vote for it because it's 100<00:34:46.919>1.5 <00 - vote for it. it. it.
- probably vote for it. Thank you. Okay. probably vote for it. Thank you. Okay.
- desire to vote. desire to vote.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Mar 1st, 2025
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Will there be a process to dispose of them? Mr.
- The vote will be on the substitute motion to table.
- Chair, takes enhancing our permitting processes.
- These processes don't really use water.
- Overall, it is generally a neutral process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think who voted for what is not a matter for the people of Minnesota.
- I think who voted for what is not a matter for the people of Minnesota.
- I think who voted for what is not a matter for the people of Minnesota.
- You said a strong bipartisan vote on that bill in the Senate chamber.
- out through an administrative process. out through an administrative process.
Summary:
The discussion focused on reactions to Governor Walz’s final State of the State address and the remaining priorities for the end of session. DFL leaders described the speech as hopeful and a summary of accomplishments over the past several years, highlighting education, paid family and medical leave, climate and labor policies, fraud prevention, affordability, and a new economy shaped by AI. They said the governor’s call to action on gun violence was especially important and argued that Minnesotans care more about the results of legislation than whether bills passed with bipartisan support.
Gun violence prevention was a major topic. Leaders said the legislature had already passed measures in 2023 and 2024 including red flag laws, universal background checks, and a ban on binary triggers, and they defended those laws as saving lives. They said the governor’s renewed push for gun legislation was not divisive and that Republicans should join the effort. They also discussed public safety more broadly, including capital security and judicial security, saying there was bipartisan support for a security bill.
Other priorities mentioned for the final weeks included combating fraud, making life more affordable, child tax credit changes, a tax on social media/data companies, HCMC modernization and IT, bonding, and school safety. Leaders said the Senate would take up health and human services next, expected the gun package to move out of finance and reach the floor soon, and anticipated conference committees or working groups to begin. They said they were confident the legislature could resolve differences with the House’s single-subject approach and finish its work by the May 18 deadline without a special session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:38.800>
The <00:13:39.440>CD1 vote on this one. The CD1 vote on this one. - We have a bill. vote? Yes, please. Chair Chang. Uh, the vote? Yes, please. Chair Chang.
- <00:14:25.839>
Yes, vote on behalf of the house? Yes, vote on behalf of the house? - <00:16:57.120>
So <00:16:57.440>chair's the vote? We are. So chair's the vote? - Chair votes: I. Representative Purick is excused. May I take the vote on behalf of the Senate?
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? 24 eyes. reservations? Any no votes? 24 eyes. Thank<00:05:29.280>
you. - Any no votes? No votes for Senator Awa. Senator DeCorte. 22 eyes, two noes. Thank you.
- Any<00:07:34.639>
no <00:07:34.880>votes? - Any no votes? No votes for Senator Awa. Any no votes? No votes for Senator Awa.
- Any no votes? No vote for Senator Awa. Senator DeCorte. 22 eyes, two noes. Thank you.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 10 (1-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- by vote. by vote.
- President. and I vote I. >> Thank you, Mr. President. and I vote I.
- So I'm happy to vote aye.
- So I'm happy to vote I. Thank you. time. So I'm happy to vote I. Thank you.
- cast change or explain their vote? cast change or explain their vote?
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7.
After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day- REASSEMBLE Part 1 Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lynn from yes to voting no. So. Mr. Lynn from yes to voting no.
- Representative Collins changed from voting yes to voting no.
- Representative Collins changed from voting yes to voting no.
- Not voting. Ms. Romer? Yes. Ms. Ross Levin? Yes. Mr. Short? Not voting. Mr. Shupe? Not voting. Mr.
- Short: not voting. Mr. Schult: not voting. Mr. Smith: not voting. Mr. Spiegelman: not voting. Mr.
Summary:
The House met on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for two deceased community members. Members also adopted Consent Calendar 29, which included House Concurrent Resolutions 153, 154, and 156, and passed House Concurrent Resolution 157 directing the State Lottery to report on iLottery options to support traditional lottery retailers, as amended to set a February 15, 2027 reporting deadline.
The chamber then considered several bills on agriculture, telecommunications, health, fire service standards, corrections, elections, and education. Among the measures passed were Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program, Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecom carriers, Senate Bill 339 clarifying advance health care directives, Senate Bill 235 extending manufactured home rent increase rules, Senate Bill 325 updating firefighter/EMS background check and membership standards, Senate Bill 309 discharging incarceration-related balances, Senate Bill 324 on constable-related handgun purchase exemptions, Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication access, and Senate Bill 293 creating a licensure pathway for summer camp providers in the Purchase of Care program.
The House also passed Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry regardless of race or gender while explicitly preserving religious freedom. The bill drew extended debate, with supporters framing it as a safeguard against future rollbacks of marriage equality and opponents raising concerns about constitutionalizing an issue already in statute; several members explained changed votes and personal reflections before the final roll call, which passed 28-12. House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after amendment, despite some opposition over party-system effects.
Two measures were tabled or amended after debate: Senate Bill 233 on removing snow and ice from vehicles was initially tabled to consider a truck-driver exemption amendment, then the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended; and Senate Joint Resolution 19 on studying health care costs was tabled briefly pending legal clarification. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a three-year pilot program for AI and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, data privacy, and teacher oversight. The transcript ends as House Bill 478 is being read in, but no final action on that bill appears in the provided text.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the people would have to vote. Correct. the people would have to vote. Correct.
- I'm reading this, but just what's the process?
- That's all we would be voting for in November.
- But with probably would have voted no.
- <00:54:33.040>
Uh taking a vote on the bill today. Uh taking a vote on the bill today.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Members will proceed to vote. Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted?
- The clerk will record the vote. 202 members having voted on the master roll, a quorum is present.
- And in the process, aggregate our responsibility to solve it. Today we pull out the rug.
- Members will proceed to vote. The yeas and nays will now be taken. Members will proceed to vote.
- The clerk will record the vote.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Color Guard, district office staff, and a guest page. A quorum was established with 202 members voting on the master roll. The chamber also noted that Deputy Sergeant Hopkins is retiring after three years of service, and several committee meetings were announced for later in the day.
The main floor action was on House Bill 2198, which repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment. Supporters argued the exemption is no longer needed because data centers are large, profitable companies that should pay their share, and cited a projected future cost to the Commonwealth of about $517 million annually. Members in favor also said data centers place heavy burdens on local water, land, and electricity resources and should not receive taxpayer subsidies. Opponents argued the bill conflicted with broader data center policy discussions and that the House was moving too quickly after passing related infrastructure legislation the day before.
After debate, the House took a recorded final vote and passed House Bill 2198 by a vote of 197-5. The bill was sent to the Senate for concurrence. The House then moved several bills from the table calendar to the active calendar and adjourned until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/18/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:14:08.320>
um <02:14:09.520>vote will be on the ballot in March. um vote will be - It will be processed and data.
- Um that's department process.
- have flexibility within our RFP process have flexibility within our RFP process to<03:28:42.800>
- <04:21:21.760>
and actually just do a a voice vote and actually just do a a voice vote and
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair votes Chair votes Senator Kanuha.
- Chair votes Chair votes Chair<01:03:44.280>
votes <01:03:44.640>I. - I vote I. Senator Keohokalole. excused. I vote I. Senator Keohokalole.
- acting vice chair vote Chair votes I. acting vice chair vote Chair votes I.
- I vote I. Senator Keohokalole. I. I vote I. Senator Keohokalole. I.
Keywords:
electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA, state law, penalties, compliance, directory, public health, nonprofit, child welfare, liability, insurance, legal protections, Hawaii, health care, reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, privacy, civil liability
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs.
Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 28th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have concerns about due process for library board members.
- I'm concerned about language about due process and for cause.
- I'm concerned about language about due process and for cause.
- The members voted.
- The<00:49:02.000>
members <00:49:02.400>voted
Bills:
SB115, SB131, SB93, HB319, HB163, HB268, SB115, SB131, SB93, HB319, HB163, HB268, HB181, HB153, SB132, SB26, SB189, SB196, HB140, SB197, HB117
Keywords:
SB115, Alabama, impersonating a peace officer, peace officer, law enforcement impersonation, police impersonation, unauthorized police officer, fake cop, certification revoked, certification suspended, Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, APOSTC, Class C felony, law enforcement hiring, appointment of officers, federal law enforcement, arrest authority, public order, criminal offenses, Judiciary Committee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jun 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Respectfully, I ask for your aye vote. Great, thank you. And no primary witnesses in support.
- Respectfully, I ask for your aye vote. Great, thank you. And no primary witnesses in support.
- Respectfully, I ask for your aye vote. Great, thank you. And no primary witnesses in support.
- Sanchez: Not voting. Arambula. Calderon. Caloza: Aye. Dixon: Not voting. El-Hawari: Aye.
- Ta: Not voting. Tangipa: Not voting. 9 to 0, that bill is out.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 3, 2025, and considered one bill, AB 247. The author said the bill would require incarcerated hand crew members actively fighting wildfires to be paid at least the federal minimum wage, and explained that recent amendments were added to clarify inclusion of the Pine Grove Conservation Camp and to update co-authorship. There was no organized opposition or support testimony, but committee members discussed the bill’s cost, how any annual pay adjustment would be determined, and whether higher pay could reduce opportunities in the program. The author and supporters argued the current pay is extremely low and that the bill would provide fairer compensation without creating parity with Cal Fire wages.
Several members expressed conceptual support while raising questions about the amendment language and the impact on the state budget and inmate firefighting opportunities. The chair noted the bill had been brought back because post-approval amendments added costs and needed further analysis. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed AB 247 on a 9-0 due pass recommendation, with several members not voting. The committee adjourned after the vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 8:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Any<03:30:44.479>
no <03:30:44.720>votes? Any no votes? Any no votes? - No vote for Moroa. No vote for Brett No. No vote for Moroa.
- >> Any no votes? >> No vote for Rep. Cochran and no vote for Rep. Perry.
- Seeing none, vote, please. Voting on HB 2575.
- Any members voting with reservations? Any no votes? >> Any no votes?
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders.
The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present.
The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation.
After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- please HD2 thank you chair the vote please HD2 thank you chair voting<01:11:32.600>
on <01:11: - Vice Chair, for the vote, please.
- Voting on HB 736 HD1, the chair's recommendation is to pass as is. Are there any members voting no?
- Are there any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no? Thank you, Chair.
- Vice Chair, for the vote, please. Thank you, Chair. Voting on HB 1494 HD2.
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state.
The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation.
HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Ethics Commission Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not an adjudicative process.
- in the sworn complaint process.
- So I was just more confused than anything, but I worked the process.
- I'm the former treasurer because of our election process.
- On the sunset process, there's not much to report there.
Summary:
The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes.
The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting.
The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.