Video & Transcript Research : 'recusal'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (10/28/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If he has a problem, he recuses himself. And you know what? I don't know.
- If he has a problem, he recuses himself. And you know what? I don't know.
- If he has a problem, he recuses himself. And you know what? I don't know.
- We, I guess, if we pass this bill, we don't have to have people recuse themselves.
- do not have to recuse themselves.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- One on which I'm recused understand it.
- If I didn't, I think I recuse myself.
- <02:17:30.800>
um there is not a requirement to recuse um there is not a requirement to recuse - Um there are there the world of recusal.
- are times when a legislator can recuse are times when a legislator can recuse even<02:17:39.280>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Straub, cause you to recuse yourself? Straub, cause you to recuse yourself?
- before you, yes or no, would you recuse before you, yes or no, would you recuse yourself?
- /c> recuse yourself from this recuse yourself from this uh<00:15:49.160>
connection? - If it's an actual conflict, I immediately recuse.
- And if you check my record, recuse.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes.
The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony.
Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/3/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If we do see a conflict, the recusal piece will definitely occur, and depending on the scenario, the
- <00:19:28.840>
would awareness disclosure and recusal would awareness disclosure and recusal - If we do see a conflict, the recusal piece will definitely occur, and depending on the scenario, the
- If we do see a conflict, the recusal piece will definitely occur, and depending on the scenario, the
- If we do see a conflict, the recusal piece will definitely occur, and depending on the scenario, the
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So you would recuse yourself?
- And the decision to recuse yourself again presents a challenge for me because... ...recuse yourself again
- Let me ask you this: Have you had any conversations with the ninth floor about your decision to recuse
- In fact, I sent them a letter that I was recusing myself pursuant to section 38-503 because I have to
- I have concerns related to the recusal.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any nays without recusal? The bill is passed and is reported to the Finance Committee.
- Any nays without recusal? The bill is passed and is reported to the Social Services Committee.
- Any nays without recusal? The bill passed and is reported to the Code Committee.
- Any nays without recusal? The bill has failed. Thank you.
- Any nays without recusal. The bill's passed and reported to the Finance Committee.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and Chair Erik Bottcher presiding. The committee considered a series of bills affecting New York City and related tax, housing, and municipal issues. Early measures included a neighborhood small business rent increase exemption (S.1451A), notice to community boards before locating transitional housing (S.3884), a solar and energy storage tax abatement credit (S.4272A), towing protection enforcement (S.4793), safety policies and training for correction and health workers (S.543?), and a proposal to create the city of Staten Island (S.8578). Most of these bills were advanced to other committees after brief discussion and voice votes.
The most extensive debate centered on S.8578, which would incorporate Staten Island as a separate city. Senator Lanza argued that Staten Island has long been neglected by New York City, cited past referendums and historical grievances, and urged the committee to let the bill continue through the process. Chair Bottcher and other members responded that Staten Island is an important part of New York City and discussed housing, transit, environmental preservation, and the City of Yes zoning changes; several members said they did not support secession but were open to continued conversation about Staten Island’s needs. After debate, the bill was defeated in committee.
The committee also considered an artist housing preferences bill (S.9652), a facade-work tax abatement bill (S.9559), a parkland discontinuance measure (S.9987), and a credit/debit card surcharge prohibition bill (S.1005). S.9652, S.9559, S.9987, and S.1005 were reported out after voice votes. One homeless shelter placement bill (S.5554) failed. The meeting concluded after the final votes and adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- So you would recuse yourself?
- Gaming served as the attorney for many of the tribes, and until pressed said she didn't need to recuse
- And the decision to recuse yourself again presents a challenge for me because... ...recuse yourself again
- In fact, I sent them a letter that I was recusing myself pursuant to Section 38-503 because I have to
- I have concerns related to the recusal.
Summary:
The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote.
Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations.
Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- President, has Senator Mitchell asked to be recused from this vote or any vote dealing with discipline
- President, has Senator Mitchell asked to be recused from this vote or any vote dealing with discipline
- Okay, Senator Westrom, just as the President of the Senate, you have not had the request for recusal.
- Okay, Senator Westrom, just as the President of the Senate, you have not had the request for recusal.
- President: under Senate Rules 53 or 56.3, would a member need to recuse themselves from a vote that deals
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and adopted the committee reports. It then moved through second reading of Senate File 334 and first readings/referrals of Senate Files 645, 684, and 700, with SF 645 sent to State and Local Government and SFs 684 and 700 sent to Health and Human Services. The chamber also approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 567 from State and Local Government and re-refer it to Elections.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 5 and Senate Resolution 6, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service, including a specific recognition of David Jorgenson. The most significant floor action was a motion by Senator Rasmusson to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell and declare her seat vacant. Senator Rasmusson argued that Mitchell’s pending felony burglary case and delay of her trial justified expulsion; Senator Frentz opposed the motion, arguing the Senate should wait for the criminal process and that due process requirements had not been met. After a point of order and appeal, the President ruled the Frentz point of order well taken, and the Senate upheld that ruling by a 33-33 vote.
The meeting also included several recesses and procedural calls of the Senate while the expulsion issue was debated. During announcements, members noted committee schedule changes, including cancellations or postponements for Energy and Jobs, and meetings for Judiciary, Policy, and Human Services. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She announced she would recuse.
- recusing,<00:46:41.200>
she <00:46:41.440>said recuse. - But before recusing, she said recuse.
- Recusal motions, as I said, were filed.
- followed and she denied all the recusal followed and she denied all the recusal motives<00:58:28.160
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN Public Hearings 03-30-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If you could explain a little bit of the background on areas in which you intend to recuse yourself.
- and I always recused myself. and I always recused myself.
- Um, yeah, so this is a tough one because this is where I might have to recuse myself if it gets to the
- myself if um it gets have to uh recuse myself if um it gets to<00:10:49.680>
the <00:10:49.800 - And so, in that case, I think I would step back and recuse myself. Okay.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The chair explained the 90-minute agenda, the 2-minute testimony limit, and that written testimony had been reviewed in advance. Testimony was generally supportive for each nominee, with agency boards, professional associations, and individuals submitting written or oral support.
For the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Michael Basta Jr. described his 40 years in the industry, ownership of two salons, and experience training educators. For the Board of Dentistry, Christopher Woo said he had served as an interim board member since July 1 of the prior year, and Jerry Young said she was a retired pediatrician and former Hawaii Medical Board member; in response to questions, she identified a potential conflict through her role with Pu'ulu Lapa'au and said she would recuse herself when appropriate. For the Board of Psychology, Sean Scanlon and Sherry Takuishi Sara both emphasized long careers in the field and service to the community.
Several members questioned psychology and medical nominees about interstate licensing compacts and access to care. Scanlon said he supported expanding the profession but would need to recuse himself on compact issues because of his role at Chaminade University, and he noted growth in local training programs. Sara said her main concern with compacts was cultural sensitivity and Hawaii’s unique cultural milieu, though she acknowledged the need for more psychologists. Pediatrician Robert Watring, nominated to the Hawaii Medical Board, said he supported local providers and was cautious about compacts, emphasizing the need to ensure qualified care in Hawaii; he said he had not seen much change from temporary licensing measures on Kauai. For the Contractors License Board, Jerry Nishik said backlog problems were driven by staff shortages and board vacancies, noting the board lacked quorum for upcoming meetings and needed more members and staff.
Other nominees included Albert Dennis and Nolan Miyahara for the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, both of whom said they wanted to continue public service and help ensure legitimate, certified repair shops; Miyahara described his career path from apprentice to automotive technology professor. The committee also heard support for Robert Woltering’s nomination to the Hawaii Medical Board, with Woltering saying he wanted to help ensure quality health care providers, especially for children on Kauai. The transcript does not show any final votes or confirmations during the excerpt provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When the county or district attorney recuses themselves, and I I guess they could do that for various
- I would point out is it's my understanding of the case law is that the only person who can... can recuse
- There's not a... mechanism by which someone could come in and force them to recuse. Okay, got it.
- They no longer have the same. reason for recusal, presumably that District Attorney A did.
- It is my belief that once a district attorney has recused the power of that district attorney has been
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this bill does not change the criteria required for recusal. It doesn't change.
- So, any reason that you can ask now for recusal, you can ask after this bill.
- So, I don't that they need to recuse.
- judge to recuse. judge to recuse.
- So, that’s I think a good safeguard so that you don’t have people just filing for recusals everywhere
US
Transcript Highlights:
- Will you recuse yourself? from the working group's supervision of those investigations.
- Will you recuse yourself from from overseeing an investigation into matters where you were his lawyer
- The hypothetical you just described said that a career ethics attorney tells me I do not have to recuse
- You do not have to recuse yourself.
- It would be, it would, well, you're not willing to commit to recusal, so that means you're willing to
Keywords:
nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture - 03/10/2026
Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Any without recusal? That bill moves. That bill moves.
- Any without recusal? That bill also moves to the floor.
- Any without recusal? That bill moves.
- Any without recusal? That bill moves.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture first moved through a series of animal welfare bills, reporting all of them to the floor. The measures included bills on sentencing for aggravated cruelty to animals, additional aggravated cruelty provisions, penalties for animal abandonment, requiring owners or lessors of vacated properties to inspect for abandoned animals, and restricting surgical depopulation procedures on dogs and pets. Members generally expressed support, and each bill advanced by motion and voice vote with no noted opposition or recusals; one additional bill was held by the sponsor.
The committee then heard from Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, who gave an update on state and federal agriculture issues. He discussed the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, federal farm bill negotiations, specialty crops, labor and H-2A reform, dairy margin coverage concerns, possible cuts to EQIP, organic certification funding, trade and USMCA review, tariffs and input costs, and disaster concerns affecting Long Island seafood producers. He also highlighted state programs such as Nourish New York, Dairy Modernization, farm-to-school efforts, and workforce development initiatives.
Members asked questions about raw milk sales, H-2A labor, solar siting on farmland, farm-to-school expansion, tariff impacts, and support for farmers facing federal cuts and rising costs. Ball said raw milk sales remain limited to licensed on-farm sales with inspections and warnings, supported reform of H-2A and broader labor policy, urged protecting prime and actively farmed land from solar development, and emphasized the need to preserve food access programs like Nourish New York and farmers market nutrition benefits. The meeting ended after the commissioner’s testimony and member discussion, with no further formal action beyond the earlier bill reports.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Dean Sauer, of Missouri, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Harmeet Dhillon, of California, and Aaron Reitz, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, all of the Department of Justice. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Will you recuse yourself? Senator, thank you for the question.
- ethics officials and follow my recusal obligations.
- lawyers to find out if you should recuse yourself?
- The people who will make the recusal recommendations to you you, our political appointees, one was Mr
- If that's who you're going to for recusal advice, no one can have confidence. that that judgment will
Keywords:
Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion
Summary:
The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- “Yes, I just want to recuse myself. I am a member of this board.
- I said I want to recuse myself; I am a member of this board.” “You’re a member of the board?”
- “Recuse myself. I am a member of this board.”
- “Okay, note that Representative Murray is going to recuse himself from the vote.”
Summary:
The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee met and advanced a series of local bills, mostly by unanimous voice vote after brief questions. SB 430 by Sen. Jenkins renewed the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s 1.5% hotel occupancy tax for 12-year periods by voter approval, with discussion about continued planning and coordination among tourism entities. SB 286 by Sen. Duplessis updated the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond renewal voting boundaries.
The committee also favorably reported SB 198 by Sen. Mizell, requiring government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district rules for new construction; SB 172 by Sen. Luneau, expanding a planning-commission waiver process for certain property divisions to municipalities below 150,000 population; and SB 439 by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, adding pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s cancer for firefighters and fire service employees. Testimony on the firefighter bill emphasized the health risks from carcinogen exposure and the value of early detection, and members expressed strong support.
Additional bills advanced included SB 458 by Sen. McMath, creating a mechanism for local ethics-entity tax revenues in St. Tammany Parish to be transferred to the district attorney’s office if an inspector general office is created; SB 447 by Sen. Bass, changing Bossier City Police Department promotions from competitive to promotional seniority; SB 281 by Sen. Barrow, expanding the Baker Economic Development District boundaries to include additional commercial areas; SB 385 by Sen. Harris, changing appointments to the City Park Improvement Association board and allowing City Park to opt out of certain ORM insurance coverage; HR 84 by Rep. Walters, urging Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA workers during federal shutdowns; and SB 417 by Sen. Allain, adding two members to the St. Mary Parish drainage district board. All of these measures were reported favorably, with one member recusing himself from the City Park bill due to board membership. The committee then recessed briefly, noting several remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not arrive soon.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, I just want to recuse myself. I am a member of this board.
- I said I want to recuse myself; I am a member of this board. You're a member of the board? Yes.
- Recuse myself. I am a member of this board. Yes.
- Okay, note that Representative Murray is going to recuse himself from the vote.
Summary:
The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee heard and advanced a series of local and statewide measures. SB 430 would renew, every 12 years by voter approval, the Shreveport-Bossier hotel occupancy tax that supports tourism and sports-related entities; SB 286 updates the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond-election boundaries; SB 198 requires government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district guidelines for new construction; and SB 172 expands a planning-commission provision so smaller municipalities can waive certain subdivision formalities and costly studies in limited family land-split situations. Each of these bills was described as largely technical or permissive, with supporters emphasizing efficiency, local control, or reduced costs.
The committee also advanced SB 439 to add pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s esophageal cancer for firefighters and fire service employees, with firefighters’ representatives explaining the test can detect pre-cancerous cells and prevent later, more serious cancer. SB 458 would allow a local tax for a proposed St. Tammany Parish Inspector General/ethics entity to be allocated and, if excess remains, transferred to the district attorney’s office; members discussed the parish-wide referendum process and the connection to state-required funding obligations. SB 447 changes Bossier City Police Department promotional seniority and civil service classification from competitive seniority to promotional seniority, and SB 281 expands the Baker Economic Development District boundary to include additional commercial areas near the airport and support blight removal and growth.
Additional measures moved favorably included SB 385, which changes appointments to the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association board and allows City Park to opt out of certain state insurance coverage because it carries private insurance; HR 84, which urges Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA agents at the regional airport during federal shutdowns; and SB 417, which adds two members to the St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A board. In each case, the committee heard brief testimony from sponsors and local officials or advocates, asked clarifying questions, and then approved the bills without objection. One member, Representative Murray, recused himself from the City Park bill because of his board membership. The committee then took a short recess, noting a few remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not appear.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-31-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I would imagine that for all judges recusals are an issue. Do you think, have they been an issue?
- Have you had to recuse yourself a lot? And how long have you been on the bench now?
- Do you think you've dealt with recusals? Have you had a lot of them, or is it a bar for the course?
- How I deal with recusals is I disclose. I leave it up to the parties.
- If they do have an objection to me sitting on that case, then I will just recuse myself. >> Okay.
Keywords:
drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures.
The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice.
Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences Sep 22nd, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- So I believe, Commissioner Forsyth, that you will recuse yourself for this? I will. Thank you.
- Because I do not believe he needs to recuse himself for the second testimony.
- whether to endorse or not endorse, as well as provide a comment or elect not to provide a comment or recuse
Summary:
The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on September 22, 2025, confirmed a quorum, and unanimously approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes. The main business of the meeting was public testimony on the 2025 tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself for the first witness, Joey Halverson of Tote Maritime Alaska, who testified in support of the tax preference for natural gas as a transportation fuel. He argued that LNG has enabled major emissions reductions, supported infrastructure at the Port of Tacoma, and should continue to receive tax preferences to encourage further clean maritime fuel adoption.
The second witness, Michelle Preston of Habitat for Humanity of Washington State, testified in support of the tax preference for low-income homeownership developers. She said the preference helps Habitat affiliates advance homeownership and sustain operations, but noted that reporting has been inconsistent across independent affiliates and that JLARC’s metrics may not fully capture the program’s benefits. Commissioners asked questions about affiliate accounting, the distinction between benefits to nonprofits versus homebuyers, and whether the reporting/renewal period should be shorter than the current seven years; Preston said the preference benefits the nonprofit developer, not the homebuyer, and suggested shorter renewal periods might improve compliance and awareness.
JLARC staff then outlined the process for the commission’s upcoming comments on the 2025 tax preference reviews. Commissioners will receive a web-based comment form, with responses due September 30, the chair will compile consolidated comments, and those materials will be distributed for the October 21, 2025 meeting. The chair noted that only voting members will complete the comment forms, though individual members may also submit minority reports. The meeting ended with a reminder that written testimony could still be submitted to JLARC and that the next commission meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025.