Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 28 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As a commissioner, I am subject to statutory ex parte and Bagley-Keene restrictions and, in addition,
- County, an unconnected part of L.A.
- County, an unconnected part of L.A.
- County, an unconnected part of L.A.
- We have ex parte rules about communications with different parties to our proceedings and appearances
Summary:
The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review.
Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs.
A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate the inclusion of SCR 115 as part of this discussion.
- I was part of the meetings that took place, part of the comments that were submitted, because I understood
- A generation that says, I feel I am a farmer, a rancher who is part of conservation, and that I'm part
- It's because it's part of a bigger message.
- And then we also have an ex officio, non-voting commissioner, An ex officio, non-voting commissioner
Summary:
The House Agricultural Affairs Committee began by approving the minutes from February 12, 2026, and then heard a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers and Hadley Brown, the state creed speaking champion and national finalist. The FFA students described their agricultural experiences, leadership training, community service, and the three-circle model of classroom instruction, FFA activities, and supervised agricultural experience. They invited legislators to the state convention in Twin Falls and asked them to keep agricultural education and CTE in mind when considering future bills. Hadley Brown then recited the FFA Creed and discussed the competition process that led to her national title.
The committee then took up House Bill 503, which would place the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission within the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Sponsor Representative Manwaring said the bill was intended to improve efficiency, reduce administrative duplication, and save about $107,000 while preserving the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts reflected initial concerns about mission creep, but both groups said those concerns were addressed by Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which affirms the commission’s independence and voluntary conservation role. Director Matthew Weaver said the merger process had been credible and stakeholder-driven, and that the agencies could work successfully together if the statutory duties and resources were preserved.
The committee voted to send House Bill 503 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. It then heard and passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports the merger framework and the preservation of the commission’s mission. Representative Miller, who sponsored the resolution, gave a lengthy background on conservation districts and argued that local, voluntary control is essential to their effectiveness. Members also noted that the resolution and bill should be considered together. Both measures received do-pass recommendations without opposition.
After the votes, Director Weaver, Deputy Administrator George Hitz, and Tori O’Neill provided a detailed report on the Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s work, including district support, conservation programs, CREP, WACPA, and budget requests for a new miscellaneous revenue fund and matching-fund shortfalls. The final presentation came from the Idaho Wheat Commission, whose executive director described the commission’s grower-funded structure, research and market development work, export markets, education programs like Bread in a Bag, and challenges such as low prices, high input costs, misinformation about wheat, and farmer mental health. The committee adjourned after the presentations.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the non- and so for the non- ones that we assess them, the cost out of their special fund, that's part
- of their Fringe benefit fund that's part of their Fringe benefit assessment<00:04:56.960><c> so</c><
- I thought we were supposed to be monitoring how the use fund isn't that part of the deal?
- </c> director of transportation is an ex director of transportation is an ex official<00:21:27.880><c
- </c><00:30:12.240><c> just</c> defer I think the the first part just defer I think the the first part
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- of Kirkland, and parts of unincorporated Snohomish County.
- I'm Mark Clicker, the 16th Legislative District, which consists of Walla Walla County, a large part of
- Franklin County, the north part of Pasco, and also a large part of Benton County, which includes North
- All of our ex officio legislative members are invited to that particular meeting.
- Well, part of it is a good checklist, so that...
Summary:
The Local Government Committee met in work session and heard a series of presentations on SEPA, permitting reforms, and building code implementation. Department of Ecology staff gave an overview of the State Environmental Policy Act, explaining its role in state and local decision-making, common exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related statutory changes such as transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Committee members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA relates to NEPA; Ecology responded that repeated reviews usually occur when proposals change and that programmatic EISs can help front-load analysis. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections described how recent SEPA exemptions reduced residential review volume and supported more housing permits, and said the city is considering raising thresholds further.
The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and legislative tasks tied to the 2024 codes, including single-stair housing, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards. Council staff said the content of the codes is largely set, but administrative timelines have been delayed, prompting a motion to postpone final adoption while pursuing ways to preserve the planned implementation schedule. Members asked about the timing of code changes and the impact on housing costs, and staff said the legislative topics remain on track for inclusion in the 2024 code package.
Committee staff then reviewed recent permitting legislation, including SB 5290’s permit decision deadlines and fee-refund provisions, later bills limiting pre-application meetings and clarifying that building permits are excluded from those timelines, and project-specific changes affecting middle housing, ADUs, lot splits, passive house projects, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking requirements. Commerce’s Dave Anderson reported on SB 5290 implementation, including guidance on permit fees, studies on staffing and statewide permitting systems, grants to local governments, and the first annual performance report, which showed mixed results and highlighted the importance of digital tools, clear checklists, staff training, and coordination across departments. Local officials from Issaquah and Kitsap County described their own process improvements, including code updates, optional pre-application meetings, new staffing, reporting systems, and a phased “Two by Six” review model in Kitsap, while also noting challenges from staffing shortages, agency coordination, and the burden of implementing multiple new mandates.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 106 Apr 30th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of this that are part of an executive order that are really going to make big changes.
- About 1 in 10 young people between 16 and 24 are not a part of the system we support for K-12 or the
- > 24</c><01:17:51.120><c> are</c><01:17:51.520><c> not</c><01:17:51.920><c> a</c><01:17:52.159><c> part
- It is a very uh integral part of what we were trying to do.
- of what we It is a very uh integral part of what we were<02:14:36.320><c> trying</c><02:14:36.560><c
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Secretary of State serves as the ex officio secretary of this three-member commission, which is charged
- The Secretary of State serves as the ex officio secretary of this three-member commission, which is charged
Summary:
The committee first took up Idaho Transportation Department budgets. It approved increases for the Transportation Services Division, including deferred maintenance, airfield improvements, aeronautics facilities maintenance, replacement items, IT hardware, and health benefit costs. It also adopted reappropriation language for capital facilities and aeronautics programs. The Division of Motor Vehicles budget was then approved for replacement items and IT hardware, followed by Highway Operations funding for roadside safety, tree removal, new and replacement equipment, IT hardware, and a small personnel transfer. The committee also approved Contract Construction and Right-of-Way Acquisition funding, including a large general fund transfer and language allowing accounting corrections and reappropriation authority. All of these items received due pass recommendations.
The Department of Agriculture budget was next. The committee approved two FY 2026 supplementals: one for quagga mussel treatment costs from the Invasive Species Fund and another for pest monitoring and control from the General Fund to the Pest Control Deficiency Fund. It then approved FY 2027 enhancements for replacement items, IT hardware, and health benefit costs, along with reappropriation language for the Resilient Food Systems Grant. The State Liquor Division budget was also approved, including ongoing inflation adjustments, replacement items, and IT/security hardware. However, a proposed reporting requirement on energy and utility rebates for the Liquor Division failed after the Senate did not support it, so that language was not adopted.
The Secretary of State budget drew the most discussion. The committee approved a one-time voter pamphlet appropriation and an internal transfer for overtime, but rejected a substitute motion that would have imposed an additional base reduction. The Secretary of State testified that the office was already dealing with major filing backlogs and an earlier rescission, and that further cuts would slow business filings and election-related work. The committee then approved the original motion. Finally, the Office of the State Public Defender budget was approved for six new trial attorney positions, data migration and storage costs, IT replacement items, and health benefit funding. The meeting ended with notice of the next day’s budget-setting agenda and adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was told, and I was married at the time, my ex-wife was a Harvard alum, and she was actually sixth
- And I was told, and I was married at the time, my ex-wife was a Harvard alum, and she was actually sixth
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to community standard of care at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise to reduce confusion and align prescription validity with medical judgment. The Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill, saying it codifies best practice and gives clearer standards for patients and practitioners. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1023 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using hiring or personnel policies based on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered and adopted to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill ensures public jobs are awarded based on qualifications, experience, and merit, and several witnesses testified in favor, including representatives from Do No Harm.
Opponents argued the bill could undermine diversity efforts and existing equity-focused hiring practices, and several members raised concerns about the veterans’ preference language and the definition of merit. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SB 1013, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was told, and I was married at the time, my ex-wife was a Harvard alum, and she was actually sixth
- And I was told, and I was married at the time, my ex-wife was a Harvard alum, and she was actually sixth
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I was part of the longest F-15 deployment to date.
- I think the next part of it is, you know, charter schools...
- That was part of the question here.
- There was one part of the bill that was struck.
- And now they can serve the community that they're part of.
Summary:
House Education began by approving minutes from February 18, 19, 20, and 23, 2026. The committee then heard House Bill 657, which would change charter school lottery priorities to give military-connected students and foster children greater access, while also allowing charter schools more discretion to set their own enrollment priorities. The sponsor and several military family and charter school witnesses supported the bill as a fairness and stability measure for families facing frequent PCS moves; opponents, including Mountain Home school officials, argued it could significantly harm the local district and that a simpler amendment to the military enrollment statute would address the problem without creating district-level disruption. The committee held HB 657 in committee and then introduced RS-33489, sending it to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next took up House Bill 711, an alternate authorization pathway for principals and superintendents. Supporters, including the sponsor and the State Superintendent, said it would help rural districts recruit leaders by creating a “grow your own” and executive pathway with mentoring and board approval, while opponents from school boards, administrators, and educators warned that removing the master’s degree requirement and allowing broader use of training funds could weaken preparation and accountability. After testimony and debate, the committee passed HB 711 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered RS 32862 C1, which would move the STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council, reduce overhead, require industry matching funds, and add annual performance reporting for general fund spending. The sponsor said the change would improve efficiency and accountability, and the committee asked about charitable contribution deductions and governance details. RS 32862 C1 was introduced and sent to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation. The committee also announced that House Bill 712 would be moved to the next morning’s agenda.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Undoubtedly, the values my parents instilled play a major part.
- I chose ACCA because of its mission and was excited to be a part of something that helps some of our
- Ensuring access to care is another important part of fulfilling our mission.
- I can't remember if I was an actual voting member or just ex officio, just attended.
- But what happened was, as part of the protocol, she came to see me on Saturday.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large slate of appointments, with the main discussion centered on the confirmation of Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Harris testified about her background in state service and outlined agency priorities including Medicaid financial accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, behavioral health redesign, rural health access, workforce recruitment, and use of technology and AI. Senators questioned her extensively about the Hope Florida/Medicaid settlement controversy, opioid settlement-funded advertising campaigns tied to marijuana prevention and the 2024 Amendment 3 election, public records compliance, abortion reporting and enforcement under the Heartbeat Protection Act, managed care denials, value-based purchasing, and Medicaid funding pressures. After debate, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation, with Senator Polsky voting no.
The committee then considered Anna Ortega and Robert Payne for the Florida Public Service Commission. Ortega, a current PSC commissioner and former staff advisor, discussed utility regulation, data center load issues, ratepayer protections, transparency in PSC decisions, and lessons from other states. Payne, a former legislator and longtime utility co-op employee, emphasized his technical background and the need to balance utility returns with consumer affordability. Both nominees were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and recommended favorably to the full Senate.
Next, the committee heard from Jeffrey Aaron for reappointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission. Aaron described PERC’s role in public-sector labor disputes and said his work had been upheld in appellate courts without reversal. Senators questioned him about his law firm’s state contracts, his role as chairman of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s PAC, and his connection to the Hope Florida Foundation matter; he declined to discuss the pending investigation. Public testimony included opposition from Florida Voice for the Unborn. The committee nevertheless recommended his confirmation, with several no votes. Finally, the committee approved the remaining appointees on tabs 5 through 46 in a single vote, postponing Dr. John Littell and DCF Secretary Hatch, and then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm part of the Idaho Day Committee, and Representative Mitchell co-chairs that.
- Representative Jeff Ehlers, I'm part of the Idaho Day Committee.
- This is the hardest part. We should give bonus points for those that get logged in.
- parte orders.
- The sad part about it is Friday is the last day for Cyrus to be with us.
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal. Members also received notice of a substitute legislator appointment for District 32. The chamber then held its Idaho Day program, including a performance of the national anthem, a historical presentation by Justin Vipperman on Idaho’s frontier and founding ideals, and remarks honoring former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered for Idaho Day, cursive writing, history, teaching, and his public service.
The House suspended rules and took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognized and commended Bateman’s lifetime achievements. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal memories and describing his kindness, handwritten letters, cartoons, and advocacy for Idaho history and Idaho Day. The resolution passed the House by roll call vote, 68 ayes, and was sent to the Senate.
Afterward, the House received messages from the Senate and governor, committee reports, and first-reading referrals for numerous bills. Among the measures introduced or referred were bills on minors and school/library protections, taxation, stablecoins, parental rights and child custody, license plates, honey industry regulation, Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance, transportation, agricultural products, veterans, retirement, naturopathic licensing, trespass, state controller reporting, elections, cloud seeding, irrigation rights-of-way, water delivery, and cell-cultivated animal protein labeling. The House also placed several bills and resolutions on the third-reading calendar, moved House Bill 750 to General Orders, and adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2026.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that three and a half million is the part that would have been budgeted.
- that would would have been the part that would would have been budgeted.<00:09:27.760><c> So</c><00:
- of that RSA or that settlement part of that RSA or that settlement agreement.
- I'm going to talk to the second part first, lines six and seven. I'll speak to that first.
- </c> says that the credit shall not ex says that the credit shall not ex increases<00:44:40.240><c> the
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- part of a nonviolent, non-dangerous, non-contact offense.
- part of a nonviolent, dangerous, excuse me, non-dangerous, excuse me, non-dangerous, can also be part
- This raises a serious constitutional concern under the ex post facto clause.
- And I do worry about the ex post facto argument, the constitutional argument.
- We didn’t know that that was part of the conversation.
Bills:
HB2109, HB2168, HB2198, HB2226, HB2415, HB2440, HB2665, HB2805, HB2811, HB2825, HB2857, HB2874, HB2966, HB4067, HB4117, HCR2001, HCR2016, HCR2051
Keywords:
distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A central part of restoring the stability of California's insurance market is modernizing the mechanics
- We will continue to do our part to make our insurance incentives as clear and accessible as possible.
- or the low-fire part of the city, would be covered by that 85% because it's in the zip code.
- No, but she's like, you know, ex-officio members. Thank you.
- No, but she's like, you know, ex-officio a member, so she's still a member.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara providing a detailed update on implementation after the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Lara said the strategy has helped stabilize the market, speed claims payments, and keep insurers in California, citing $22.4 billion paid to wildfire survivors, 94% of 4,121 claims paid fully or partially, $210 million returned through department investigations, and a 27% reduction in claim closure time. He said major insurers, including Mercury, CSAA, USAA companies, Pacific Specialty, and California Casualty, have filed under SIS, with several more filings pending, and that approvals have generally been completed within 100 days of public notice. He also discussed modernization of rate review, a new data reconciliation tool, a planned regulation to require rate reviews within 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension, and ongoing work on Fair Plan oversight, wildfire risk modeling, and mitigation standards such as Zone Zero.
Committee members focused on wildfire survivor non-renewals, Fair Plan growth, claim handling timelines, and whether new legislative proposals could help or hinder market stability. Lara said visible consumer relief should begin in 12 to 24 months, with broader market stabilization expected over three to five years, and emphasized that mitigation, faster rate review, and insurer participation are key to reducing reliance on the Fair Plan. He also highlighted his 22-bill package, including SB 876 on disaster claims handling, AB 1795 on smoke damage standards, AB 1680 on Fair Plan accountability, and reforms to the intervener process. Members raised concerns about balancing consumer protections with insurer participation, and Lara said the Legislature should weigh those tradeoffs through the committee process.
Public commenters were divided but generally acknowledged the importance of the issue. Consumer and survivor advocates argued that insurers still delay or underpay claims and that more protections are needed, while industry representatives praised the department’s work and urged caution so the new system is not undermined. Several speakers stressed the need for mitigation, Zone Zero rules, and adequate rates, while others warned that wildfire and liability insurance problems are affecting foster care providers, commercial coverage, and utility wildfire costs. The hearing concluded with the committee adjourned after public comment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- A central part of restoring the stability of California's insurance market is modernizing the mechanics
- We will continue to do our part to make our insurance incentives as clear and accessible as possible.
- or the low-fire part of the city, would be covered by that 85% because it's in the zip code.
- No, but she's like, you know, ex-officio members. Thank you.
- No, but she's like, you know, ex-officio, a member, so she's still a member.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, I missed the first part of your question. What was the first part?
- This process, referred to as ex parte, is the most powerful tool to maximize coverage retention in Medi-Cal
- This process referred to as ex parte is the most powerful tool to maximize coverage retention in MediCal
- And we're working sort of vigorously to use that ex parte process for as many as we can.
- So there are, you know, our ability to perform those ex parte determinations depends on the data being
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's just the commutation part that is difficult. We talk about the volunteer part.
- I'm sorry, I missed the first part of your question. What was the first part?
- This process, referred to as ex parte, is the most powerful tool to maximize coverage retention in Medi-Cal
- And we're working sort of vigorously to use that ex parte process for as many as we can.
- There are, you know, our ability to perform those ex parte determinations depends on the data being available
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the issue as a major federal disruption that would reduce benefits and shift costs to the state, counties, hospitals, and other local systems. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center, each describing projected enrollment losses, higher state and county costs, and implementation challenges.
The LAO outlined H.R. 1’s main changes: new and expanded work requirements, more frequent eligibility redeterminations, restrictions on certain non-citizen eligibility, and financing changes affecting provider taxes and federal matching rates. The LAO estimated that 1 to 2 million people could be disenrolled from Medi-Cal and more than 600,000 could lose CalFresh, with additional costs from reduced federal support and possible state and county administrative burdens. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget includes about $1.4 billion General Fund in 2026-27 to respond to H.R. 1, with larger out-year reductions in federal funds and projected Medi-Cal caseload losses of up to 2 million by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, while noting the state could choose policies that would reduce some of those losses. The Food Research and Action Center warned that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and strain local economies and emergency systems.
Members questioned the witnesses about procedural disenrollments, regional variation, the overall growth in Medi-Cal spending, the future of the MCO tax, the CalFresh error rate, and the downstream effects on hospitals and county indigent care. Several senators argued that the federal law was driven by tax cuts for high-income earners and would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color. Administration witnesses said some impacts are still being analyzed, that counties and departments are working on implementation, and that the Legislature may need to use statute, reporting, and oversight tools as federal guidance develops. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-EDT, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-26-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- pleas</c><00:05:11.960><c> sit</c><00:05:12.560><c> as</c><00:05:12.720><c> a</c><00:05:13.199><c> exe
- </c><00:05:13.600><c> my</c> opportunity um pleas sit as a exe my opportunity um pleas sit as a exe my
Summary:
The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Economic Development and Tourism committees heard S.B. 890, which would have prohibited the sale, display, or marketing of products labeled as poi unless wholly derived from Hawaii-grown taro. The Attorney General’s Office raised Commerce Clause and free speech concerns, and the Department of Agriculture offered support with comments. Testimony was mixed: several individuals and organizations supported the bill as a way to protect the cultural integrity and purity of poi and support local taro farmers, while an industry representative opposed the bill as written, arguing that poi is a process, that the language was too restrictive, and that the industry already faces taro shortages and supply variability. Committee members also discussed the limited supply of local kalo, the use of imported taro for tabletop products, and the need to expand production.
After testimony, the committees recommended passing S.B. 890 with amendments. The amendment package would convert the measure from a prohibition to a labeling requirement so poi made with ingredients from outside Hawaii must be labeled with the origins of those ingredients, remove references specifically to taro to accommodate other ingredients, add a severability clause, and set a defective date of July 1, 2050. The measure was adopted, with one senator voting with reservations and the rest voting aye.
The committees then took up previously heard measures. S.B. 281, relating to telehealth, was recommended for passage with amendments to reinstate an opt-out from video conferencing in the definition of interactive telecommunications software; it was adopted. S.B. 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, was recommended for passage unamended and was also adopted.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 4/9/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> fought in the secret war in Laos as part fought in the secret war in Laos as part of<00:13:28.639
- exceed the the suicide something to ex exceed the the suicide prevention<00:34:01.519><c> funding</c
- in in the everyone who who had a part in in the United<00:34:59.200><c> States</c><00:34:59.839><c>
- This being my first session as a part, and share that I've been moved several times by the bills that
- um and share first session uh as a part um and share that<00:37:08.640><c> I've</c><00:37:08.880><c>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The details that were part of the 91A information were being revealed or that were not part of the 91
- Because in any case a judge can't be involved, can't do external research, no ex parte communications
- Prosecutors are part of the executive branch. Judges are part of the judicial branch.
- Judges are part of the executive branch. Judges are part of the judicial<00:57:55.119><c> branch.
- parte order is issued.