Video & Transcript : 'ethical research' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine housing roadblocks, focusing on paving a new way to address affordability. Mar 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The National Low Income Housing Coalition's latest research, which will be published tomorrow, has found
- Have you done any research?
- Have you seen any research that talks about those sorts of problems and what we might be able to do to
- So we're talking about an 84% cut there and a 76% cut. cut to the program that does the research, so
- Could you talk to us a little bit about, in your research, you mentioned restrictive land use policies
Keywords:
affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- like I said, and had many conversations about how this can work and what the things are, dug into research
- There's been research done that said that when they take the cell phones out of the classroom, that the
- There's been research done that said... ...was a huge distraction.
- There's been research done that said that when they take the cell phones out of the classroom, that the
- We don't have any hardcore research yet, but some teachers are doing it. Some aren't.
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate.
Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules.
A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- children, research For surviving children, research demonstrates<00:16:08.120><c> that</c><00:16:08.280
- Finally, some argue that reporting prenatal substance exposure criminalizes women, but research shows
- ><c> witnessing</c> Despite research showing that witnessing Despite research showing that witnessing
- I've been a policy researcher and a D.C.
- I have participated in and published research on child physical... committee.
Keywords:
child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Interim Topics Meeting, March 4, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a third-party that has done all this research and work to put this report together.
- It's a third-party that has done all this research and work to put this report together.
- ,</c><00:03:41.720><c> evaluates,</c><00:03:42.880><c> and</c> that researches, evaluates, and that researches
- They've been researching different bills that are out there.
- They've been researching all different ideas and concepts.
Summary:
The committee opened by taking roll for the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee and noting that 20 topics had been submitted for discussion, including one late addition. Members were asked to number the topics for reference, and the chair explained that each presenter should give a brief overview before the committee returned to the dais for questions and possible ranking or action. No votes were taken during the portion provided.
The first topic was a request from the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming to have TRIP, a third-party transportation research organization, present a report on Wyoming’s highway system. The report is intended to identify transportation needs and 25 priority projects, and the committee generally supported hearing the report and methodology directly from TRIP. The next topic combined two similar railroad safety proposals. Representative Chestek described a bill addressing train length, wayside detectors, and track inspections, citing the East Palestine derailment and concerns about reduced inspection frequency. Committee members raised questions about federal preemption and enforcement authority; Chestek said states can be more protective of safety where federal rules leave gaps, and WYDOT said it would need additional expertise and staffing to administer such a program. No public testimony was offered on the railroad topic.
The committee then heard two proposals from the Wyoming Military Department. One would study Tricare subsidies for mental health providers by comparing Tricare reimbursement rates with other insurers, gathering de-identified data on eligible members and provider participation, and then returning to the committee with findings before any legislative recommendation. Members discussed whether the issue might fit better in Labor, Health, and Social Services, but the military department said it believed the committee had a strong connection to the topic. The second military topic would study Service Group Life Insurance for state active duty, comparing state and federal death benefits for Guard members to identify any shortfalls. The committee also briefly discussed a VSO program review raised by Representative Neff, focusing on the number of veterans service officers and retention, but no action was taken in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/27/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- And then finally, it also provides funding to the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
- Center at the invasive species Research Center at the University<00:18:43.159><c> of</c> University
- that tells us groundwater research that tells us groundwater resources<00:19:27.159><c> are</c><00:19
- It's for our work, and it would be for the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.
- It's for our work, and it would be for the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Ben Johnson, House research analyst. Mary McCera, committee legislative assistant.
- Chair, Jeff Witte with House research.
- </c> about five years and I'm a re research about five years and I'm a re research consultant<00:07:11.879
- </c> caucus Ben Johnson House re research caucus Ben Johnson House re research analyst<00:07:32.080><
- I'm the policy director of the Minnesota Justice Research Center.
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/14/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ; Ben Stanley, Senate Council; Cara Josephson, the committee administrator; Cassie Tomodov, DFL researcher
- ; Mike Calvu, committee legislative assistant; Victor Flower, GOP researcher; Jose Pacheco and Saro Soloff
- 00:23:06.400><c> the</c> ...and Cara Josephson, the committee administrator; Cassie Tomodov, DFL researcher
- ; Mike Calvu, committee legislative assistant; and Victor Flower, GOP researcher.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Dermatology Society are to promote the highest possible standards of clinical practice, education, and research
- practicing physicians dedicated to promoting the highest standards of clinical practice, education, and research
- dermatologic medicine and surgery through leadership in clinical care, medical education, and innovative research
- dermatologic medicine and surgery through leadership in clinical care, medical education, and innovative research
Summary:
The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent the meeting recognizing a series of resolutions honoring public health awareness, community service, and athletic and academic achievements. House Resolution 1021 designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is highly preventable, and benefits from early detection. House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton upon his retirement after 50 years of service to the City of Arkadelphia, and House Resolution 1022 congratulated the Rolling Razorbacks on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, with MVP Jeff Glassbrenner and Coach Jared Johnson recognized on the floor.
The chamber then adopted or considered multiple school-sports resolutions, including House Resolution 1033 honoring the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 5A state championship, and House Resolutions 1028 through 1032 recognizing Rogers High School teams for championships in girls cross-country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf. House Resolutions 1040 and 1041 honored Mountain Home High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for sweeping the 2025 Class 5A titles, and House Resolution 1044 recognized Mount St. Mary Academy’s Bell’s golf team for its third straight Class 6A championship.
Additional resolutions recognized the Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir for its first Best in Class showing at the state choir festival, Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University for his retirement after a highly successful women’s basketball career, Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and the North Little Rock Lady Charging Wildcats girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 6A state title. No substantive legislation was debated; the meeting consisted primarily of ceremonial presentations, brief remarks, and requests for favorable votes or title-only readings, and it ended with the House announcing it would reconvene at 1:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Liz Lee Press Conference 3/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Research shows that five of the largest tech firms—Meta, Alphabet or Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and TikTok—capture
- Research<00:04:51.360><c> shows</c><00:04:51.680><c> that</c><00:04:52.160><c> five</c><00:04:52.440>
- <c> of</c><00:04:52.520><c> the</c><00:04:52.600><c> largest</c> Research shows that five of the largest
- Research shows that five of the largest tech<00:04:53.160><c> firms,</c><00:04:53.760><c> Meta,</c>
Summary:
The meeting was a press-style discussion in support of House File 4343, which would end Minnesota’s sales tax exemption for digital advertising services and physical advertising space such as billboards. Supporters said the bill would raise more than $300 million in revenue and allow the state sales tax rate to be reduced, while also modernizing the tax code to reflect a digital, service-based economy. Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota argued the current sales tax base is outdated, too narrow, and unfairly shifts burden onto Minnesota businesses, workers, and property taxpayers.
Representative Lislegard said the bill would help fund schools, health care, infrastructure, child care, and local government, and framed it as a response to structural budget gaps and rising property taxes. She said large corporations are not paying their fair share and that the state should cut exemptions rather than reduce public services. Several speakers from labor, education, health care, and the arts backed the proposal, including a working parent who cited high child care costs, an AFSCME representative from Hennepin County Medical Center who said the revenue is needed to support the safety-net hospital, a musician who said streaming and ad-driven platforms profit from artists’ labor, and an educator who criticized social media companies’ impact on youth.
The speakers repeatedly argued that major tech and advertising companies such as Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, TikTok, and Spotify should contribute more to public services, while ordinary Minnesotans already pay too much. Representative White closed by acknowledging the bill faces a difficult path but said supporters would keep fighting for it. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the portion provided, and the event ended with one question from the audience.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Formed in response to rising burnout and workforce strain, the collaborative advances research, leadership
- Formed in response to rising burnout and workforce strain, the collaborative advances research, leadership
- development, and shared solutions, to rising burnout and workforce strain, the collaborative advances research
- National research shows us that demolition rates remain flat, and historic districts see the least change
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kai Sun. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Rhyme and congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his recent wedding. Several members introduced guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials and constituents from around the state.
The chamber then took up House Resolution 2001, which designated March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona. The resolution cited burnout and workforce shortages among physicians, nurses, medical students, residents, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and urged state officials and health organizations to prioritize workforce well-being. It was adopted without objection to waive first and second reading, and Representative Bliss introduced guests connected to the Well-Being Collaborative.
The House also considered several bills on third reading. House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, drew extensive debate over local control, historic preservation, housing shortages, and concerns about exclusion and segregation; it passed 31-24, but without the required two-thirds vote for its emergency clause. House Bill 2931, concerning the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, creating a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program, passed 35-20 after debate over whether funds should instead support broader sex education. Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027 and relating to historic names, passed 33-22. The House also handled committee assignments, referrals, and first readings of additional Senate bills before adjourning until the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Formed in response to rising burnout and workforce strain, the collaborative advances research, leadership
- development, and shared solutions. ...to rising burnout and workforce strain, the collaborative advances research
- National research shows us that demolition rates remain flat and historic districts see the least change
- historic neighborhoods without any widespread demolition or loss of character as we're hearing national research
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- No, but just having the drafters draft it in their research, there wasn't anything that said, oh, this
- So I think they would have caught that in their research. Okay.
- No, but just having the drafters drafted in their research, there wasn't anything that said, oh, this
- So I think they would have caught that in their research. Okay.
Committee:
House Legislative Review
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Mar 5th, 2026
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- And before that point, and I tried to do a little bit of research myself, was there any, like, ...qualification
- And before that point, and I tried to do a little bit of research myself, was there any, like, Before
- that point, and I tried to do a little bit of research myself, was there any, like, research that showed
Bills:
HB2650 , HB3277 , HB3386 , HB3419 , HB3430 , HB3742 , HB3791 , HB3835 , HB3905 , HB3968 , HB4119 , HB4153 , HB4408
Committee:
House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Keywords:
probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law
Summary:
The committee considered a series of House bills dealing with criminal justice, courts, public safety, housing, and related administrative issues. Early measures included HB 3419, which would extend penalties for sharing bid information before public release and bar violators from contracting with the state or its subdivisions, and HB 4153, which reinstates a repealed driver-qualification statute and updates it to include service in Oklahoma. Members also advanced HB 3430 on court costs, fines, and fee collection, though it drew concerns about terminology, collection practices, and whether it conflicted with earlier reform efforts; the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association testified that the bill would not authorize incarceration absent willful nonpayment and that collection fees have long been set at 20%.
The committee also approved HB 3791, a health-care-for-minors bill worked out with the DO and MD boards, and HB 4119, a cleanup measure on VIN inspections for salvage vehicles. HB 4408, a LOFT request bill tied to calculating savings from State Questions 780 and 781 and directing funds to the Community Safety Investment Fund, was presented as a zero-fiscal-impact technical fix after court and DOC data issues were resolved. HB 3905 would allow judges to order GPS monitoring for certain stalking and domestic-violence-related defendants, with the victim able to receive proximity alerts; members questioned the scope of victim notification and the fact that the bill applies in civil VPO proceedings as well as criminal cases, but it was advanced.
Later, HB 3968 was presented as codifying a Supreme Court decision, though members raised a late-added fiscal note and possible ODOT/OTA issues; the bill was still passed out of committee, with discussion of striking title on the floor if needed. HB 3835 would create a path for trafficking survivors to seek relief from convictions tied to their victimization, and HB 3386 would require mediation in eviction cases involving minor children; that bill prompted extensive debate over whether it created an affirmative defense, potential Fair Housing Act concerns, and whether it shifted costs to landlords, with the author agreeing to strike title and revise the language. The committee also advanced HB 2650 on summary administrations in probate and HB 3742, a negotiated criminal discovery bill, after adopting a small amendment limiting certain recordings to those directly related to the case and changing “approximate” to “appropriate.”
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- with the regional partners, including GO Virginia Region 3, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
- there would be a bell-to-bell ban on phone usage in our schools, in alignment with lots of mounting research
- there would be a bell-to-bell ban on phone usage in our schools in alignment with lots of mounting research
- We've heard consistently from students, families, staff, and researchers that this is what's best for
Committee:
House Education
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that would be a good subject for legal analysis by House Research, by Senate Research, to provide
- By House Research, by Senate Research, to provide you with some guidance on what's possible with that
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
Summary:
The Committee on Financial Institutions heard House Bill 2863, which would clarify Missouri’s trust “no contest” clause law under the Missouri Uniform Trust Code. Representative Cameron Parker said the bill was brought forward by the Missouri Bar to clean up and clarify existing law without changing its substance. Testimony from trust and estate attorney John Chalas and the Missouri Bar supported the measure, explaining that it would refine procedures for seeking court guidance, protect nominal defendants, preserve beneficiaries’ ability to challenge bad-faith trustee conduct, and clarify the effect of prior rulings. No opposition was offered, and the hearing on HB 2863 was closed.
The committee then heard House Bill 2967, which would create the Missouri expungement fund to support technology and system maintenance for expungement-related work, including the statewide court automation system and the Missouri criminal history records system. Representative Parker described the bill as a framework to help handle growing expungement demands, including marijuana-related and clean slate expungements. Committee members asked about funding sources, the one-third allocation among agencies, whether personnel costs could be covered, and whether the fund should include language on interest and biennial sweeps.
Eric Cheneings of the Judicial Conference testified in favor, saying the bill is largely a housekeeping measure that recognizes the ongoing, coordinated nature of expungement work and the need for stable funding. He noted that the bill’s proposed dedicated fund would help avoid annual lapses and support continuing maintenance of sealed records, while leaving funding source decisions to the legislature. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing on HB 2967 was also closed.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then it includes community, research, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in education...
- And so I think we would look to all of you to really help us map out the appropriate research questions
- who've been involved with the LESC know that we come to you in April at our first meeting with our research
- We have those research questions.
Committee:
House House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to remove language requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. The sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office said the change would let school bond and mill levy questions appear on general election ballots, reduce the number of costly special elections, increase turnout, and address an outdated discriminatory provision dating to 1910. Testimony from the New Mexico School Board Association and school superintendents supported the resolution for its potential cost savings and faster access to local and state capital outlay funding. A committee member asked for clarification that school board member elections would remain on the regular local election cycle and nonpartisan. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the resolution on a due pass motion.
The committee then heard House Memorial 30, which asks the Legislative Education Study Committee to study public education governance and convene a broad working group to review roles, responsibilities, statutes, and long-term planning across the education system. The sponsor and LESC staff said the memorial is intended to improve coherence, support long-term goals, and consider governance structures that could better align education policy across administrations, including lessons from the Martinez-Yazzie response and models from other states. Supporters from charter schools, Kids Can, the school board association, superintendents, and Teach Plus backed the study as a way to improve coordination and student outcomes.
Several committee members raised concerns about who would be included in the process, emphasizing the need for meaningful participation by families, plaintiffs in the Martinez-Yazzie case, tribal leaders, and students with disabilities, as well as clear notice and access for working families. Members also asked about guardrails, accountability, and whether a future statewide education commission could dilute local or tribal voices. LESC staff said the memorial would allow the committee to define the study’s structure, composition, metrics, and potential recommendations, including whether any commission should be created by statute or another mechanism. There was no opposition, and the committee passed House Memorial 30 on a do pass motion.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Jan 7th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And fourth, research suggests various strategies for jurisdictions wishing to implement or expand pretrial
- So in our research, we identified a few categories of services that are shown to result in effective
- We did not include monitoring tools as a leading practice because research on their effectiveness we
- That's also one of the things that we learned through our literature research: effectively communicating
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a hearing on a State Auditor’s Office performance audit about expanding pretrial services in Washington. Audit staff said most of the 14 courts reviewed wanted to expand or implement pretrial services but faced barriers such as funding, limited community resources, and public safety concerns. They also reported that only three courts could provide usable data, that pretrial service use varied across courts, and that some demographic disparities appeared in the data, including lower rates of pretrial services for Hispanic defendants at two Spokane courts and for Black defendants at Spokane Superior Court. The audit also found that many courts do not collect pretrial data in an accessible format and recommended clearer guidance, better data systems, stakeholder outreach, and evaluation of program effectiveness. The State Auditor’s Office also noted that the Administrative Office of the Courts’ pretrial pilot program had received legislative funding and was being expanded.
Representatives from Spokane Municipal Court, Grays Harbor County District Court, and Yakima County discussed their local programs and data. Spokane officials described a robust integrated system and said their pretrial services unit, launched in 2021, had reduced bail use, jail time, failure-to-appear rates, and recidivism, while helping judges make quicker release decisions. Grays Harbor staff echoed the audit’s findings on cost savings and said data collection is labor-intensive for limited-jurisdiction courts, especially without dedicated staff. They also described using risk assessment tools and pilot funding to support alternatives to jail. Yakima and Spokane participants emphasized that stable funding and standalone pretrial services units would improve program consistency and outcomes.
Committee members asked about how pretrial services reduce detention time, how courts can better communicate cost savings and public safety benefits, and why statewide data collection is difficult. Audit staff and court representatives said early assessments, better information at first appearance, and integrated case-management systems help reduce jail stays and improve release decisions. The hearing ended without formal committee action, and the chair adjourned the meeting after inviting written public testimony on the audit topics.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And fourth, research suggests various strategies for jurisdictions wishing to implement or expand pretrial
- So in our research, we identified a few categories of services that are shown to result in effective
- We did not include monitoring tools as a leading practice because research on their effectiveness, we
- That's also one of the things that we learned through our literature research: effectively communicating
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on expanding the use of pretrial services in Washington. Auditors said most of the 14 local courts they reviewed wanted to expand or implement pretrial services but faced barriers such as funding, limited community resources, and public safety concerns. The audit found variation in how courts use pretrial services, potential disparities in who receives them, and major data limitations because most courts do not track pretrial outcomes in an accessible, standardized way. Auditors recommended that local courts engage stakeholders early, improve data collection and evaluation, and that the Administrative Office of the Courts provide more standardized guidance and support. They also noted the legislature had funded an AOC pilot program to help courts expand pretrial services.
Court representatives from Spokane Municipal Court, Grays Harbor County District Court, and Yakima County described their own programs and supported the audit’s general conclusions. Spokane officials said their pretrial unit, funded locally and built around risk and needs assessments, had reduced bail use, detention time, failures to appear, and recidivism, but emphasized the need for stable funding and better public understanding of pretrial alternatives. Grays Harbor staff similarly said pretrial supervision and least-restrictive alternatives save jail costs and reduce reoffending, but that collecting data across all cases is labor-intensive and difficult without dedicated staff. Yakima and Spokane also highlighted the value of integrated case-management systems and centralized data tracking.
Committee members asked about how reduced detention time occurs, how courts can communicate cost savings and public safety outcomes, and why many courts struggle to track pretrial data. Auditors explained that early risk and financial screening helps judges make quicker release decisions and that better data and stakeholder communication are key to building support. No formal action or vote was taken; the committee held the required hearing and then adjourned after public testimony was invited and written testimony information was provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Previously, she worked as a legislative research assistant for the Office of Economic and Demographic
- Research.
- Previously, he worked as a research analyst for Hetzakom Associates in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- there's a Senate principal, a House principal, the coordinator for the Economic and Demographic Research
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax convened with a quorum present, heard an introductory presentation of committee staff, and then received a staff briefing from Azar Khan on Florida’s state tax structure and revenue outlook. The presentation covered fiscal year 2023-2024 revenues, noting more than $127 billion in total state revenue, with general revenue exceeding $48 billion and sales and use tax making up the largest share. It also compared Florida’s tax burden to other states, highlighted Florida’s low per-capita revenue ranking and strong business formation numbers, and reviewed major and minor revenue sources, tax rates, and the revenue estimating conference process.
Members asked about what drives revenue growth, including population, tourism, construction, and auto sales, and about Florida’s regressivity, corporate income tax participation, and investment earnings on state balances. Khan said the state’s revenue picture remains positive and stable, but that future growth is slower than during the COVID-era spike; he also explained that some negative forecast changes were tied to legislative actions such as the insurance premium tax credit, while others reflected lower tobacco consumption and severance activity. He noted that revenue and spending forecasts are separate and that budget-side growth is driving concerns raised in other state economic projections.
The committee also discussed possible tax package ideas for the upcoming session, including tax holidays and homeowner relief, but no specific proposals were acted on. The chair announced the committee would not meet the following week and that the next meeting would be in week three of February. The meeting concluded with no objections to a motion to adjourn.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research. Thank you all so much for being with us here today.
- Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research.
- Marty Garrity with the Bureau of Legislative Research. This is a request.
Committee:
All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Summary:
The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District to use the TIPS interlocal purchasing system for a turf replacement project instead of the traditional competitive bid process. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that three bids were received but none fully met the RFP specifications, including warranty and insurance requirements. He said the district, with its architect’s guidance, determined that United Turf and Track was the best option because it met the 10-year warranty requirement, had resolved the insurance issue, had prior experience with the district, and could complete the work in time for summer installation. The committee approved the waiver request.
Members then approved a consultant services agreement between the Bureau of Legislative Research and WorkEd Consulting for work related to the workforce system study and potential legislation for the 2027 session. Senator Jane English and Representative Mary Bentley said the consultant would help the legislature develop reforms after prior audit findings showed the current workforce system was inefficient and ineffective. They noted WorkEd’s experience in other states, including Louisiana, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Virginia, and explained that some subcontractors would include people who had worked on the earlier Georgia Center for Opportunity study. The contract was approved.
The committee also approved a renewed actuarial and consultant services agreement with Perrin Knight for services related to the state’s new property insurance captive. Jill Thayer said the contract would provide independent actuarial support to legislative subcommittees, especially the State Insurance Properties Oversight Subcommittee, with services billed only as used. Members asked about budgeting, frequency of work, and overlap with existing executive branch contractors; Thayer and Senator Goodmore said the service had been anticipated from the start and would be separate and independent. Finally, Marty Garrity requested use of committee room funds to renovate Committee Room C in the Big Mac Building because its audio-visual equipment is outdated. That request was approved, and the meeting adjourned.