Video & Transcript Research : 'advisory'
Page 31 of 213
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I do think that some of that is caused by the Secretary of State's advisories.
- Their advisories—we had issues in Tarrant County.
- But at the end of the day, based on this advisory, if the voter persisted to vote...
- When we do have provisional ballots in place, that should have been the correct advisory.
- I think that the Secretary of State needs to be more thorough with the advisories they do.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn.
House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 03/21/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- As requested advisory council or SEESAC.
- 00:35:25.680>
the <00:35:25.839>bill by the advisory council, the bill by the advisory - c> advisory committee doesn't really advisory committee doesn't really reflect<02:08:56.239>
the <02:09:13.679>committee force and the state advisory committee force and the state advisory - Back in 2012, the Legal Services Advisory Committee was created.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-AEN, WLA-AEN, AEN-HHS, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 04-17-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm moving on to HCR 179, urging the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to follow its adopted rules of practice
- urging the I'm moving on to HCR 179 uh, urging the Aha<00:13:37.760>
Moku <00:13:37.960>Advisory - <00:13:38.320>
Committee <00:13:38.640>to <00:13:38.760>follow Aha Moku Advisory - Committee to follow Aha Moku Advisory Committee to follow its<00:13:39.080>
adopted <00:13:39.440 - Advisory Committee, DLNR, and uh, Office Advisory Committee, DLNR, and uh, Office of<00:14:11.959>
Bills:
HCR206
Keywords:
data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees met on several concurrent resolutions focused on energy, agriculture, water, and food security. Testimony on HCR 206 HD1 concerned the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers, with comments submitted by the PUC, the Energy Office, and others; the measure was recommended for passage without amendment, though one committee deferred formal action until a later meeting because of quorum issues. HCR 31, recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, received strong support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, which emphasized managed grazing, groundwater infiltration, and food production; it was recommended and adopted as passed unamended. HCR 33, on the Pua Kōloa sewage project, was amended to add UH Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, monitoring, and technical assistance, then recommended for passage with amendments.
The committees also heard and advanced a series of resolutions on environmental and land-use issues. HCR 36 establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, HCR 19 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 162 creating an arts and data mapping task force, HCR 61 on reforestation investment, HCR 106 endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and HCR 178 urging a Maui water set-aside were all recommended for passage as is and adopted. HCR 14, authorizing a perpetual non-exclusive easement for drainage purposes, was recommended for passage with technical, non-substantive amendments. HCR 179, addressing the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, was amended to create a working group with legislative, Aha Moku, DLNR, and OHA representation to report back for the 2027 session, and was recommended for passage with amendments.
In the agriculture and environment hearing, HCR 117 on statewide food security drew testimony from a high school student and others stressing Hawaii’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and the need for local food resilience; it was passed as is. HCR 103, supporting expanded tree canopy and shade trees to reduce urban heat islands, also passed as is after a member noted storm damage concerns and suggested careful plant selection. HCR 180, urging the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore co-locating renewable energy projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure, received strong support from Molokai Clean Energy Hui and others describing the Kalaupapa Reservoir floating solar project and its community planning process; it was passed as is. HCR 144 HD2, calling for a comprehensive statewide food security strategy, was also recommended and adopted without amendment.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study May 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We heard yesterday about our advisory councils and the expertise that they contain and provide both to
- And Natasha's going to take a closer look at advisory councils so that you can at least get an update
- Uh, every year, these advisory councils issue advisories to the public education department.
- What are those advisories? How much of them are taken into some sort of account in terms of action?
- Uh, um, Again, that's sort of level setting around advisory councils because we think it's important
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:06:32.400>
local coordinator and some of the local coordinator and some of the local advisory - committees which advise us on advisory committees which advise us on wetlands<00:06:36.080>
permits - The local advisory committees are groups that ensure that their water bodies are not being impacted by
- We have been working on our advisory opinions, but more in terms of...
- working on in terms of our advisory working on in terms of our advisory opinions<00:24:29.840>
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 12th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- recently completed a multi-year Public facing capital planning process that included a citizen-led bond advisory
- The bond advisory Committee recommended CEOs as part of a debt layering strategy that limits the impact
- It was a recommendation from our citizens advisory board, our bond advisory board.
- inflation costs, we ended up at about 1.5 billion, and the determination was made with the, with the advisory
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes the industrial hemp program advisory board to develop a strategic plan to establish and
- I think that the advisory board can look at how to best help our farmers, our industry.
- I think that the advisory board can look at how to best help our farmers, our industry.
- >> So, for education, advisory board, right?
- <00:10:54.640>
board <00:10:54.959>right >> advisory board right >> advisory
Bills:
SB2178
Keywords:
industrial hemp, Hawaii, agriculture, sustainability, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and field team, and I am a member of the Florida High School State Association's Student Athlete Advisory
- I also serve on the National Federation of State High School Association Student Athlete Advisory Council
- Mental health is a huge issue that we've heard from our student athlete advisory committee, and last
- thing, under the coaches are here too, but also to share comments from our student advisory committee
- Also, to share comments from our student athlete advisory committee on our coaches here in the state
Summary:
The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football.
The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources & Energy.(6-4-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- of seven parts per health advisory of seven parts per trillion<00:42:28.480>
for <00:42:28.800 - , and right now those align very much with the statewide mercury consumption advisory.
- follows along with our PAS advisory. sampling as well. uh and unfortunately sampling as well. uh and
- generally that mercury advisory generally that mercury advisory uh<00:52:30.800>
follows < - uh follows along with our PAS advisory uh follows along with our PAS advisory and<00:52:36.160><
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 16 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . - House Bill 2926, further defining a quorum of the Worcester Regional Retirement System Advisory Council
- The House Bill, further defining a quorum of the Worcester Regional Retirement System Advisory Council
- An act further defining a quorum of the Worcester Regional Retirement System Advisory Council, House
- An act further defining a quorum of the Worcester Regional Retirement System Advisory Council, House
Summary:
The House briefly recessed, then took up a message from the Governor recommending legislation to validate certain proceedings of the town of Stowe; the matter was referred to the Committee on Election Laws. The House also adopted a resolution recognizing the Asian American community’s Lunar New Year celebration on February 17, 2026, with remarks describing the cultural significance of the holiday and the Year of the Horse.
The chamber then approved a series of routine orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, Education, Housing, Labor and Workforce Development, Municipalities and Regional Government, and Revenue committees. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions, one concerning the sale of parrots and another concerning consumer protections for low-valued legal tender scarcity. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several bills for House consideration, including measures on veteran property tax workoff amounts, infectious disease-related health impairment, Worcester Regional Retirement System quorum rules, senior property tax exemptions and related local tax relief, a Leominster civil service exemption for certain police positions, a Chelmsford bridge naming, and a Groton charter amendment; the House suspended Rule 7A, read the bills for a second time, and ordered them to a third reading.
On final action, the House passed to be enacted a bill amending the Agawam charter and a bill authorizing Arlington to place a ballot question on increasing off-premises alcohol licenses. It also engrossed a bill directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Angel G. Rivera and a bill providing for a town administrator in Hopkinton. The House then adopted an order to meet the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The advisory working group may invite additional participants to serve in an advisory capacity, including
- Um, the advisory working group may invite additional participants to serve in an advisory capacity, including
- Um, the advisory working group may invite additional participants to serve in an advisory capacity, including
- The advisory working group may invite additional participants to serve in an advisory capacity, including
- Um, the advisory working group may invite additional participants to serve in an advisory capacity, including
Keywords:
conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach.
The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Sadly, in the last several years, these proxy advisory firms have increasingly injected politics.
- And so these proxy advisory firms—now Texas has led the country in shining a light on these firms and
- Now, if we believe the proxy advisory firms are supposed to be advising their clients based on their
- Are there situations where Texas has asked our proxy advisory firms to consider policy? Yes.
- Sadly, only two firms dominate 95% of the proxy advisory market.
Summary:
The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote.
Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs.
The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- trust fund community grants advisory trust fund community grants advisory council<00:19:45.440><
- little bit further but the advisory little bit further but the advisory council<00:19:52.000>
- <00:20:57.840>
council step is to start this advisory council step is to start this advisory - council as established have an advisory council as established in<00:24:04.000>
law. - c> the<00:24:22.880>
membership Um the advisory council the membership Um the advisory council
Summary:
The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on state grant-management requirements. Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Tyson outlined the main controls agencies must follow, including pre-award risk assessments for grants of $50,000 or more, reimbursement as the preferred payment method, limits and documentation requirements for advance payments, and monitoring obligations for active grants. She emphasized that these controls are intended to reduce improper payments and fraud, but also require staff time and strong internal systems. In response to questions, she said advance payments are used in some grants but reimbursement is more common, and noted that agencies can add controls such as retaining a portion of funds, surprise visits, or audits. She also said surety bonds are required in some state programs, but not generally for grants, and that this could be a policy discussion for the executive branch.
The committee then received a Department of Natural Resources presentation on the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund community grant program created in 2023 law. DNR officials said the program is intended to expand access to ENRTF funding, especially for communities affected by pollution and environmental degradation, and to support projects such as environmental education, resource restoration, trail work, and aquatic invasive species management. They said the department will use the same grants team that handles Outdoor Heritage Fund and LCCMR grants, which already manages a large volume of grants, and that the advisory council application is open through April 10.
DNR described its implementation plan as similar to the Conservation Partners Legacy program, with both standard and expedited grant rounds, technical assistance, and use of technical experts. Differences include no match requirement, allowance for fiscal agents to help smaller organizations, and more flexibility for administrative expenses to reduce barriers to participation. Officials said the program will follow state grant rules, including pre-award financial reviews and monitoring, and will use the 5 percent administrative allowance to support both oversight and grantee assistance. They also said the report’s suggestion of advance payments for grants under $50,000 was raised for discussion, but they did not dispute the auditor’s emphasis that reimbursement is the preferred approach.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/26/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- On October 16th of last year, we forwarded recommended legislation to the Advisory Committee on State
- Today, I am here representing the 20 members of the state veterans advisory committee.
- Again, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee.
- representing the state veterans advisory representing the state veterans advisory committee.<01:
- committee that these penalties advisory committee that these penalties at<01:16:08.080>
the <01
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Working Group on Omnibus Human Services Bill - 06/05/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a temporary advisory task force.
- long-term services and supports advisory long-term services and supports advisory task<00:16:15.199
- uh is uh the waiver reimagined advisory uh is uh the waiver reimagined advisory task<00:18:10.080
- Now it is just an advisory task it.
- waiver reimagine advisory committee. waiver reimagine advisory committee.
Summary:
Members met to review a budget bill agreement using a nonpartisan spreadsheet and summary materials. Chairs and members thanked fiscal, research, revisers, and agency staff for the collaborative process, noting the bill had been difficult and that the final product reflected compromise. The chair also said only minor technical changes were expected before final enactment, and the spreadsheet walkthrough was then turned over to fiscal staff.
Fiscal staff explained that the agreement met the overall budget target and walked through major human services provisions. Key items included nursing facility payment changes, including a phased PDPM change, APS inflation, modified single-bed incentives, and a CPI-U capped payment cap; a nursing facility surcharge; workforce standards board rule costs; continuation of certain nursing facility property tax rates; regulation of for-profit acquisitions of nursing homes and assisted living facilities; repurposing assisted living special project funds; funding the SEIU self-directed worker agreement; CFSS reimbursement in acute care hospital settings; and multiple disability waiver rate and authorization changes, including CPI-U inflation caps, waiver authorization reforms, and a waiver reimagined advisory task force.
The agreement also included family residential service rate increases, a temporary extension of customized living disproportionate share payments, tribal eligibility for targeted case management, positive supports training changes, out-of-home respite modifications, swimming lessons as an allowable service for certain children with disabilities, a provisional EID provider license, and program integrity services funded by licensing fee increases. Additional provisions covered MinnChoices studies and assumed savings, behavioral health fund changes, substance use disorder treatment billing and rate changes, supportive recovery housing, housing support supplemental rates for specific providers, disability determinations, enteral nutrition payment timing, temporary funding for Boundary Waters Care Center, several one-time human services grants, senior nutrition funding, and grant reductions and extensions. No formal vote was described in the transcript; the discussion focused on explaining the agreement and its fiscal effects.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we would take that back to our advisory boards and our associations to discuss if counties
- They were assisting the advisory committee that investigates complaints.
- So we're incredibly reliant on our advisory councils for them to provide a record for us in terms of
- So I would argue that our advisory councils make our job as the Environmental Quality Board possible.
- These advisory councils are critical to that because they provide for that understanding and dialogue
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 21, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 48
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , Senate Draft 1, requesting the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to establish an advisory
- System Oversight Commission to establish System Oversight Commission to establish an<00:16:32.320>
advisory - <00:16:32.959>
committee <00:16:33.800>to <00:16:33.920>develop an advisory - committee to develop an advisory committee to develop recommendations<00:16:35.280>
on <00:16:35.480
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, GM 688, Raelynn Tenno for Pa'ala Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.
- Tenno for Next up, GM 688, Raelynn Tenno for Pa'ala<00:02:53.160>
Policy <00:02:53.760>Advisory - <00:02:54.360>
Board <00:02:54.760>for <00:02:55.000>the Pa'ala Policy Advisory - Board for the Pa'ala Policy Advisory Board for the Elder<00:02:55.480>
Affairs. - For Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council.
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services held a hearing on several Governor’s Message nominations. The chair opened with instructions about live streaming, testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening if technical problems occurred. One nomination, GM 542 for Jamie Gagnon to the West O‘ahu subarea of the Hawaii Health Planning Council, was initially deferred because he was not present and there was concern he may not have received notice; when recalled later in the hearing, he testified that he wanted to help address limited provider resources and improve coordination of care. The committee also heard from Christine Cabingao Ting Kang for GM 541, but she was not present and her nomination was deferred to Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 225.
The committee then heard strong support testimony for GM 688, Raelynn Tenno for the Pa‘ala Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Tenno said she wanted another term because of her experience caring for elderly family members and her work on emergency preparedness for older adults and condominium/HOA communities. Supporters from the Office of Aging, the PABEA chair, the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and others praised her knowledge of housing, elder issues, and community service. GM 712, Kathleen Merriam for the State Council on Mental Health, also drew support; Merriam described over 40 years in mental health work, including managing a community mental health center in Kaneohe and supporting clubhouse programs.
The committee also considered GM 560, Jeffrey Hicks for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council. Hicks said his career in justice and juvenile work motivated him to continue contributing to rehabilitation efforts for youth. The chair and members discussed the importance of prevention and rehabilitation in juvenile justice. After testimony, the committee moved to decision-making and voted to advise and consent on GM 542, GM 688, GM 712, and GM 560, while GM 541 was deferred to a later date and time. The hearing then adjourned.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:09:26.800>
in <00:09:27.040>Annapolis <00:09:28.000>and <00:09:28.160>advisory - <00:09:28.880>
as education in Annapolis and advisory as education in Annapolis and advisory - as as<00:09:29.519>
advisory <00:09:30.080>councils <00:09:30.560>to <00:09:30.720 - >
the <00:09:30.800>board <00:09:30.959>of as advisory councils to the board of - as advisory councils to the board of regents<00:09:31.600>
and <00:09:31.839>the <00:09:
Summary:
The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day.
The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people.
The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Nov 4th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- For water quality standards, DOH determines non-enforceable drinking water health advisory levels for
- So in 2018, the department adopted a non-enforceable lifetime health advisory for the combined amount
- Additionally, DOH develops fish consumption advisories in specific water locations in Florida.
- legal action against manufacturers, establishing regulatory and enforceable standards or health advisory
- Now again, as DOH mentioned, the health advisory level is a non-enforceable standard.
Summary:
The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects.
The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline.
Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.