Video & Transcript Research : 'lobbyists'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (6-17-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the other two changes are housekeeping provisions as relates to how lobbyists are notified that they
- are notified that they to how lobbyists are notified that they are<00:04:38.320>
registered. - lobbyists lobbyists is<00:05:40.320>
two <00:05:40.639>years. - We got to get back on this lobbyist thing about who's a lobbyist, who's not, and when they're doing this
- thing about what who's a lobbyist thing about what who's a lobbyist<00:09:09.360>
who's <00:09
Summary:
The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters.
Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC.
The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- For a lobbyist, and by the way, to all lobbyists, I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here to work.
- And if this lobbyist would actually do his job rather than spend so much time...
- So I'm putting this lobbyist and his team on notice that this needs to stop.
- So I'm putting this lobbyist and his team on notice that this needs to stop.
- So I'm putting this lobbyist and his team on notice that this needs to stop.
Summary:
The House convened for a floor session with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, with two absent and two excused. The Speaker announced temporary committee replacements, and the clerk listed a large slate of bills and measures on second reading, including topics such as child support, water and land issues, abortion, wildlife management, sovereign authority, attorney general powers, housing and homeowners associations, criminal justice, emergency services, education, appropriations, and several memorials and resolutions.
The session also featured introductions of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. A.J. Batnagar, and several guests, including tribal leaders from the Tohono O'odham Nation and Cocopah tribe, and Israel’s Consul General Israel Bashar. During personal privilege remarks, Representative Alma Hernandez criticized a lobbyist for alleged harassment and inappropriate campaign-related conduct in committee and in her district, while another member spoke about tribal visitors and cooperation among Arizona’s tribes. No legislation was debated or voted on during the excerpt beyond routine procedural actions.
Committee and caucus announcements followed, including notices that Appropriations would not meet as scheduled but would hold a special meeting, along with cancellations for several other committees and a special joint Ways and Means meeting. The House then received Senate messages, announced the Rules Committee and caucus meetings for the next day, and adjourned on a motion until 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But the lobbyists don't point that out in there.
- Not the lobbyists that are being hired by Dallas or Texarkana or Tyler, Lobbyists that are being hired
- And so... ...the room was packed with lobbyists.
- Now, in 2012, I'm getting to the lobbyist.
- River authorities have contract lobbyists.
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing.
Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses.
Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But the lobbyists don't point that out.
- As it turns out, the room was packed with lobbyists.
- Now in 2012, I'm getting to the lobbyists, and in fact, before I...
- Where I'm going is, river authorities have contract lobbyists.
- They collect fees, and in that process, they do have contract lobbyists.
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 1/22/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- are again associations which pay lobbyists to represent them.
- Two years ago, lobbyists reported on marginal expenditures that they had related to lobbying.
- So any city or county that has a lobbyist, for example, would not be included in that number.
- Service to register and report as a lobbyist from the board's perspective.
- But generally, they can't be a lobbyist.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Jeff Sigerson, executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, who outlined the board’s mission and core programs: campaign finance disclosure, economic interest statements, and lobbying registration/reporting. He described the board as an independent agency with six members, noted current vacancies and confirmation requirements, and said the board’s budget request was essentially flat, with a base budget of about $1.793 million and most costs tied to salaries, office space, and other fixed expenses. He also reviewed the board’s enforcement structure, emphasizing civil-only penalties, a complaint-driven process, and the availability of reports, enforcement actions, and advisory opinions on the board’s website.
Sigerson highlighted several recent and upcoming changes. Local ballot question committees for city, school district, levy, and bond issues now must register with the board if they exceed $750 in activity, and the board is preparing outreach and online registration tools to help local committees comply. He also discussed the public subsidy and political contribution refund programs, saying the board paid out about $2.12 million to 230 House candidates in 2024, that 93% of candidates signed the subsidy agreement, and that 2023 PCR refunds totaled about $447,000 for candidates and $1.616 million for party donors. He noted that the PCR maximum refund was recently increased from $50 to $75 per donation, and that payments could drop significantly in 2026 if the one-time supplement is not renewed.
A major focus of the presentation was the board’s lobbying report and related legislative recommendations. Sigerson said the board is moving from tracking marginal expenses to tracking the subjects and entities being lobbied, and that lobbying will be expanded from certain metro-area governmental units to all cities, counties, school districts, townships, and other political subdivisions, potentially adding thousands of lobbyists. He said the board held two public hearings and received 23 written comments on proposed changes. The board’s main recommendations were to broaden the expert-testimony exception so that certain paid experts at local hearings would not need to register as lobbyists, while still requiring disclosure of who testified, before whom, and on what subject, and to adjust the current lobbying definition for local government employees and officials who spend more than 50 hours a month on intergovernmental lobbying work.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Civil Judiciary REVISION 2: HB4094 and HB3407 - Added Feb 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- You asked running for office or becoming a lobbyist. What are you? Thank you for the question.
- You asked running for office or becoming a lobbyist.
- Are you referring to registering to become a lobbyist? To my knowledge, no.
- That's not what I'm saying, but we all know that lobbyists compete on access, right?
- It's just the registered lobbyist category that we're talking about.
Bills:
HB1453, HB2933, HB2941, HB2945, HB2959, HB3087, HB3094, HB3297, HB3298, HB3319, HB3321, HB3386, HB3453, HB3471, HB3505, HB3510, HB3544, HB3549, HB3652, HB3727, HB3791, HB3845, HB3906, HB4119, HB4125, HB4126, HB4198, HB4236, HB4425, HB4343, HB4094, HB3407
Keywords:
foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, abortion
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/14/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- China, get a lobbyist. They have lobbyists everywhere.
- China, get a lobbyist. They have lobbyists everywhere.
- China, get a lobbyist. They have lobbyists everywhere.
- China, get a lobbyist. China, get a lobbyist.
- They have lobbyists everywhere. They have lobbyists everywhere.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 4/7/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- No, he left being a lobbyist from the organization.
- Was he being paid as a lobbyist while carrying that legislation in 25? No.
- He was a registered state lobbyist, and then he left being a registered state lobbyist.
- The way we've placed the line is on registering as a lobbyist and doing lobbying at the state level,
- I think that's that's adequate lobbyist.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (10/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- But which deals strictly with lobbyists. >> Correct.
- um which deals strictly with lobbyists. um which deals strictly with lobbyists.
- And lobbyist as in section 15 colon 1.
- Therefore, none register as lobbyists.
- . lobbyists. lobbyists.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session to consider HB 314, which would prohibit the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities. Representative Turkot offered a replace-all amendment intended to be a compromise measure focused on transparency and local control. He explained that the amendment narrows the bill to registered lobbyists, clarifies that public officials and employees who are not required to register as lobbyists are not restricted from testifying, and adds a process allowing municipalities to opt in to lobbying-related spending if approved locally and disclosed in annual reports. He also said the amendment was designed to address confusion he believes has been caused by misinformation about the bill’s effect on municipalities and associations.
Committee members raised repeated concerns about how the amendment would apply to school districts, cooperative districts, counties, and other associations beyond the New Hampshire Municipal Association. Turkot and others said the language in RSA 15 and the added references to RSA 318-A were intended to cover lobbying entities generally, while the NHMA section was included because it is separately addressed in statute. Several members questioned whether the amendment’s intent was clear enough without explicit references to schools and counties, and whether the committee should have held a public hearing on the substantially revised language. Supporters argued the amendment was clear, that school districts and municipalities are distinct legal entities, and that cooperative districts could handle the issue through their existing annual-report and voting processes.
The discussion also covered how local approval would work, including whether the proposal would require an opt-in vote and how county budgets would reflect lobbying-related dues or expenses. Members noted that in cooperative districts and county settings, approval would likely be handled through existing budget or annual report procedures, with majority vote rules applying where relevant. No final vote on the amendment or bill is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee spent most of the session debating the scope, clarity, and transparency requirements of the proposed changes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MN House of Representatives' 2025 State Fair opinion poll results Sep 2nd, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Question 11: Should legislators be banned from acting or registering as lobbyists for 2 years after leaving
- Minnesota is one of 12 states that don't have a law restricting legislators from becoming lobbyists.
- banned from acting or<00:04:57.440>
registering <00:04:57.919>as <00:04:58.160>lobbyists - for 2 years or registering as lobbyists for 2 years after<00:04:59.840>
leaving <00:05:00.160> - Most states mandatory waiting lobbyists.
Summary:
The segment presented the results of the 2025 Minnesota House legislative opinion poll, which asked fairgoers about a range of policy issues tied to recent or possible future legislative action. Topics included school calendar flexibility before Labor Day, state funding for sports stadiums and arenas, undocumented immigrants’ access to state programs, unemployment benefits for hourly school workers in the summer, banning guns in the Capitol, budget-balancing options for a projected 2028-29 deficit, removing party labels from legislative ballots, limiting free school meals by income, free fishing licenses for residents age 65 and older, local control over cannabis businesses, a post-employment lobbying ban for legislators, and a higher income tax rate for the highest earners.
For several questions, the segment noted the underlying legislative context. It referenced the 2023 law making undocumented immigrants eligible for MinnesotaCare and the 2025 law ending adult eligibility at year’s end, the school meals program’s higher-than-expected costs, and a 2025 proposal to remove party designations from legislative ballots that did not receive a committee hearing. It also mentioned the projected nearly $6 billion budget shortfall for the 2028-29 biennium, the Xcel Energy Center renovation funding request, and the recent killings of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife as part of the discussion about Capitol gun restrictions.
The poll itself was presented as a public opinion survey rather than a legislative vote, so no formal committee action or roll call occurred. The segment closed by thanking participants and saying the poll would return next year at the fair.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (3-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- in January we had approximately 15 forms out and collected $750 in fines from late employers and lobbyists
- Yes, I... from late employers and lobbyists wow we from late employers and lobbyists wow we uh<00:04:
- and employers, or anybody in the public that works with lobbyists and employers could join on a monthly
- and employers or training for lobbyist and employers or anybody<00:10:31.399>
in <00:10:31.519 - and employers could join on a lobbyist and employers could join on a monthly<00:10:36.040>
basis<
Summary:
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on March 17, 2025, approved the January 14 minutes, and received staff reports on budget, compliance, and training. Staff reported the January and February budget reports were within spending parameters and were approved. On reporting compliance, staff said about 15 forms were late in January, generating $750 in fines from late employers and lobbyists, but that all reports ultimately came in and the commission ended the month in full compliance. Staff also noted that all annual financial disclosure statements were filed except one, from former Representative Jacob Justice, who has been sent repeated notices and a certified letter regarding a $100 fine.
The commission discussed a potential ethics-related bill for the session. Staff said freshman Representative Kim Holloway of Graves County and part of McCracken County agreed to sponsor the bill, but there was little expectation it could advance this late in the session. Holloway met with staff on March 4 and expressed interest in continuing discussions over the interim so the proposal could be ready for next session. Staff also said the commission is nearly fully compliant with certification requirements for legislators who missed or were late to the January 8 current issues seminar.
Training efforts were also reviewed. Staff proposed starting a monthly Zoom training for lobbyists, employers, and others who work with them, beginning on a trial basis after session ends. The first session is planned for April 22 at 2 p.m., with notice to be sent through the newsletter and a special email. Staff said the goal is to help with filing questions, reduce late filings, and improve accuracy. The commission then voted to enter executive session under the cited Kentucky Open Meetings Act provisions to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 45 Apr 22nd, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This was a time when lobbyists could still give gifts.
- There This was a time when lobbyists could still give gifts.
- Sitting at the head of the table were some of the old-school lobbyists, Clem McSpadden, Ken Nance.
- Terry. school lobbyist, Clem McSpadden, Ken Nance, a lobbyist who never ever forgot your family's names
- I already had relationships with those lobbyists that have served me well. I appreciate them.
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
Summary:
The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol.
A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state.
The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response.
No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/13/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- They like to think that people do not need lobbyists in order to apply for funds and be successful in
- lobbyists that work on the university's budget, but they pretty much stay out of here.
- lobbyists that work on the university's budget, but they pretty much stay out of here.
- of Minnesota does not have a lobbyist of Minnesota does not have a lobbyist who<00:32:05.039>
- a lobbyist I I talk to enough lobbyists a lobbyist I I talk to enough lobbyists but<00:32:35.519
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm their lobbyist.
- Snow cone stands, muffler shops, donkey dairies, if I'm not their lobbyist, and if we're not the lobbyists
- Marijuana has lobbyists. I represent taxpayers. Why should they stay open?
- I'd like to comment about being a lobbyist and that constituents here.
- I hadn't seen any paid lobbyists for that dairy except for me.
Bills:
HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346
Keywords:
tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- A lobbyist is someone who either makes or spends of their own money more than $3,000.
- A lobbyist is not someone who lobbies and makes more than $3,000.
- A lobbyist is someone who makes more than $3,000 lobbying.
- But I do want to make those important points just so we're clear about what a lobbyist is.
- It adds some lobbyists.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (1-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- have that, but LRC recommended that we get Constant Contact to send out our emails to employers, lobbyists
- We've got financial forms due and lobbyist forms due.
- <00:09:37.440>
and our emails to employers lobbyists and our emails to employers lobbyists - /c><00:10:13.240>
and we've got Financial forms due and we've got Financial forms due and lobbyist - forms due we're very very busy lobbyist forms due we're very very busy and<00:10:18.040>
working<
Summary:
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on January 14, 2025, with a quorum present in person and by Zoom. The commission swore in new member Representative Jeff Greer, with Judge Willhoit administering the oath. Members then approved the minutes from the November 19, 2024 meeting without changes.
Staff reported that the commission remained within budget for the year to date, noting a refund related to an earlier overcharge for record center storage fees. The commission approved the financial report. Emily also introduced new general counsel Steven Pum, who began work on December 16 and is handling financial disclosures and informal staff opinions. Staff gave updates on recent training, including the December 3 new legislator orientation and the January 8 current issues seminar, which featured former U.S. Attorney David Devillers discussing the House Bill 6 scandal.
Donita reported on technology and communications improvements, including the new Zoom-capable conference room setup and the Constant Contact email system now being used for newsletters and reminder emails to employers, lobbyists, and the media. She said both systems were working well, and that the office was busy with financial and lobbyist forms. The commission noted that several informal opinions were available in the binder and could be discussed in closed session if needed. The members then voted to enter executive session under KRS 61.810(1)(c) and (k) to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Both of these standards, if they actually exist, will come as a huge surprise to members, lobbyists,
- Representative Tony Cornish faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment from lobbyists and fellow
- Was it a friend, a colleague, a lobbyist? >> Representative Hudson.
- Was it a friend, a colleague, a lobbyist? lobbyist? lobbyist?
- <00:39:05.360>
or when we're talking to a lobbyist or when we're talking to a lobbyist or
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (03/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's inherently boxing them in and saying you both cannot source the funding for a lobbyist which
- <00:48:33.040>
which source the funding for a lobbyist which source the funding for a lobbyist - And finding the lobbyist on the other side of the situation.
- >
and <00:57:19.520>might <00:57:19.680>come imagine, hires lobbyists and might - come imagine, hires lobbyists and might come here<00:57:20.400>
to <00:57:20.720>lobby <
Summary:
The committee first returned to House Bill 157, which had been left pending from an earlier session. After correcting the procedural posture, the committee voted on a motion of ought to pass and it failed on a roll call. A reconsideration motion then passed unanimously, restoring the bill to the floor. Representative Turcot then moved ITL, explaining the committee believed there was a better path, likely through an ad hoc study and a future bill; that motion passed 9-2, and the chair said a minority report would be required and not to place the bill on consent.
The committee next took up House Bill 331, which would require the Secretary of State to publish the current location of bills on the website until gubernatorial action. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and legislative limbo after bills leave the House and Senate. Online testimony was reported as 116 in support and 4 opposed. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill and placed it on consent.
House Bill 347 followed, dealing with protections for legislators’ employment when serving in office. Supporters argued it would protect elected officials from employer retaliation and clarify existing law; opponents said it was an unnecessary mandate on employers and raised enforcement concerns, especially for out-of-state employers. The committee voted 8-3 to pass the bill, and a minority report was anticipated; it was not placed on consent. The committee then considered House Bill 605, which included student loan forgiveness provisions tied to legislative service. Members opposing the bill argued legislators are not state employees and should not receive that benefit, while others noted the bill’s employment-related provisions and the difficulty of meeting the hours requirement. The committee voted 11-0 to ITL House Bill 605 and placed it on consent.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 01/30/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the only comment I have. because they work late as lobbyists in because they work late as lobbyists
- And I know there's lobbyists that like to follow from the gallery.
- And I know there's lobbyists that like to follow from the gallery.
- To those permit holders, I also talked to people who are lobbyists.
- fact what they also said is lobbyists fact what they also said is lobbyists rarely<01:00:04.480>
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 108 Part 2 May 2nd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For this discussion, according to the Secretary of State's lobbyist website, we find that in an amend
- <00:49:07.960>
website lobbyist website lobbyist website we<00:49:09.680>find <00:49:10.320 - For this discussion, according to the Secretary of State's lobbyist website, we find that in an amend
- For this discussion, according to the Secretary of State's lobbyist website, we find that in an amend
- For this discussion, according to the Secretary of State's lobbyist website, we find that in an amend
Summary:
The House first took a call of the House, locked the doors, and then raised the call after members were counted. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 149, concerning pathways for individuals with mental health disorders and an appropriation, along with House Bill 1307 being set as a special order. A recorded vote adopted the motion to make SB 149 and HB 1307 special orders, 50 ayes, 5 noes, and 10 excused.
The House adopted the Appropriations and Judiciary committee reports on SB 149. Appropriations explained that its amendment corrected earlier deficiencies and left the fiscal note at roughly $30 million. Judiciary described an amendment resolving overlap with HB 1343 by moving a cash fund and electronic reporting provisions into SB 149. Members then debated the bill’s fiscal note and capacity estimates, with one member questioning whether the projected beds and costs would meet the need; sponsors responded that the bill is based on fiscal analysis, that capacity will be built over time through hardened facilities, new beds, and contracted beds, and that the issue should be monitored in future budgets.
On the floor, the bill’s sponsors and supporters described SB 149 as a major reform to create a constitutional pathway for civil commitment and treatment of defendants found incompetent to stand trial and unlikely to be restored, especially in serious violent or sexual offense cases. They emphasized due process protections, counsel, hearings, judicial oversight, least restrictive placement, and treatment rather than punishment, while citing public safety concerns and victim cases. The House then adopted a series of mostly technical and conforming amendments, including changes to definitions, agency references, reporting and placement language, HIPAA-related disclosure language, and terminology such as replacing treatment references with restoration services. After the amendments, one member raised concerns about stakeholder positions, noting many groups were listed as “amend” rather than “support,” and the sponsor replied that the bill had broad stakeholder involvement and that amend positions reflected the complexity of the measure rather than opposition.