Video & Transcript Research : 'ethics'

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • workers from retaliation when they act in good faith to advocate for their patients, to uphold medical ethics
  • It was a brave nurse, a nurse who understood that health care workers have ethical obligations that do
  • They must remain places of ethics, dignity, and healing.
  • Amendment 13 simply ensures that workers acting in good faith within the scope of their ethical and legal
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life. A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn. The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • findings of such inquiry and the evidence adduced at the public hearings, the Senate Committee on Ethics
  • The Senator of the First District, Senator Gates, chair of the Ethics and Elections Committee, you are
  • As required by Rule 12.7, the Committee on Ethics and Elections conducted an inquiry, at your direction
  • The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for your service and your leadership and your ethical values.
  • 34.400> your thank you for your leadership and your thank you for your leadership and your ethical
  • :36.560> it's<00:04:36.720> been<00:04:36.800> an<00:04:36.919> honor ethical
  • values and it's been an honor ethical values and it's been an honor and<00:04:37.360> privilege
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties. The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment. Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026

Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • It assumes that doctors are not professional, that they're not ethical, and that they are not giving
  • But as far as the doctors and the kind of professional and ethical concerns that they're carrying out
  • , professional, that they're not ethical, professional, that they're not ethical, and<01:08:07.680
  • and the kind of professional and ethical and the kind of professional and ethical uh<01:08:33.759
  • to its pro-life ethical standards. to its pro-life ethical standards.
Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (06/04/2026)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this bill, I think, also creates ethical dilemmas for physicians.
  • And this bill, I think, also creates ethical dilemmas for physicians.
  • <00:55:02.319> It ethical dilemmas for physicians. It ethical dilemmas for physicians.
  • And there's solid that ethical conflict.
  • anything ethical, been a question about anything ethical, he<04:45:29.680> is<04:45:29.920>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 56 (3-31-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, is the ethics commission.
  • When we look at the Metro Louisville ethics commission and what has happened historically, the ethics
  • But then in this bill we are going to make the ethics board a partisan board by allowing each caucus
  • President, is the the ethics me, Mr.
  • When we look at the Metro Louisville<04:31:18.560> um<04:31:18.880> ethics<04:31:19.680
Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So we'll specify reporting to another law enforcement agency or the city, state, or county state ethics
  • commission, or an authorized county ethics commission, I mean board.
  • commission satisfies the state ethics commission satisfies the duty.<00:58:38.960> Um duty.
  • commission or an authorized ethics commission or an authorized county<00:58:56.960> ethics<00
  • county ethics commission, I mean board. county ethics commission, I mean board.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Actually, in the ethics for the executive branch, ethics authority, there's section 10 in here, KRS 11A
  • :31:45.440> for ethics for ethics for the<00:31:46.600> executive<00:31:47.080> branch
  • <00:31:49.800> authority, ethics authority, ethics authority, there's<00:31:51.560> section
  • You are not, from my reading of the ethics, an employee of your appointing authority, which has been
  • You are not, from my reading of the ethics, an employee of your appointing authority, which has been
Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Rules and Administration - 04/30/25

Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, there is an ethics matter that, you know, requires attention and resolution, and I think it would
  • <00:48:06.640> Just uh during this ethics hearing. Just uh during this ethics hearing.
  • Um<00:48:26.319> there<00:48:26.559> is<00:48:26.720> an<00:48:26.880> ethics
  • Um there is an ethics bring it up.
  • Um there is an ethics matter<00:48:28.319> um<00:48:28.480> that<00:48:29.040> you
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House public safety panel hears HF435 - Pt. 1 2/25/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I come here as a pastor and a seminary professor in Christian ethics.
  • 54.520> Christian and a seminary professor in Christian and a seminary professor in Christian ethics
  • for many years I've studied ethics for many years I've studied violence<00:20:57.600> and<00:
  • It is an ethical violation that serves no purpose. I urge you to vote against this.
  • It is an ethical violation that serves no purpose. I urge you to vote against this.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 435 was taken up with an author's amendment that added a definition of “female,” “woman,” and “girl” based on biological sex. The committee debated the amendment at length, with supporters saying it was needed for clarity and opponents arguing it was unscientific, dehumanizing, and imported from outside model legislation. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over because no fiscal note had yet been received. As amended, HF 435 would require the commissioner of Corrections to house only biological females at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee and to transfer any nonbiological females out within seven days of enactment. Chair Franson described it as a common-sense women’s rights and human rights bill intended to protect incarcerated women. Alicia Beckman, a former Shakopee GED teacher, testified in support, saying the current policy had allowed biological males with violent histories into the facility and created fear, retraumatization, and safety concerns for staff and inmates. Several testifiers opposed the bill. Deva Guy, Lucy Ailia G., Reverend Dr. Justin Saia Tannis, and Jess Braverman argued that the bill would endanger transgender women, scapegoat a vulnerable minority, and conflict with research, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and constitutional protections. They urged the committee to focus instead on broader prison conditions and safety issues. Committee members also questioned Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about the placement process; he explained that transgender placements are reviewed through a multi-step process involving behavioral health and medical staff, a gender identity committee, and final review by the deputy commissioner and commissioner. He said 49 people systemwide have identified as transgender. The discussion ended with the bill laid over and the chair noting that a constitutional challenge would likely follow if the bill became law.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 2nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections. The committee will now come to order.
  • I've been on the Ethics Committee of hospitals. I've delivered babies for 25 years.
  • I've been on the Ethics Committee of hospitals.
  • I was able to convince the ethics committee that this child had a terminal condition, and I argued on
  • This will be the final meeting of the Committee on Ethics and Elections.
Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 2nd, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections. The committee will now come to order.
  • I've been on the Ethics Committee of hospitals. I've delivered babies for 25 years.
  • I've been on the Ethics Committee of hospitals.
  • I was able to convince the ethics committee that this child had a terminal condition, and I argued on
  • This will be the final meeting of the Committee on Ethics and Elections.
Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 2nd, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair: This is the Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections.
  • John Lapel: and was on the ethics committee of hospitals.
  • We only had Zoom meetings and I was able to convince the ethics committee Dr.
  • With respect to Item 4, I would suggest to the members on the Ethics Commission you're going to confirm
  • favorably and unless I miss Chair Gaetz: my guess this will be the final meeting of the Committee on Ethics
Keywords: 999, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Oct 1st, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He has vast experience and a lot of responsibility, and he's a man of ethics and integrity in the work
  • So we have a Senate Ethics Committee. It consists of four members.
  • In this particular case, we're going to go ahead and appoint that Senate Ethics Committee, and we're
  • Padilla, along with Senator Jaramillo and then Senator Duhigg, who will be appointed to the Senate Ethics
  • I would yield to Senator Scherer for the appointments regarding the Republican side of the Senate Ethics
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Council Jun 23rd, 2025

Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first is for the Interim Legislative Ethics Committee.
  • The Interim Legislative Ethics Committee and any subcommittee of the committee will meet only as necessary
  • As to requesting gifts from lobbyists, I think that raises a number of ethical issues that I would need
  • The proposal that was adopted erred on the side of no appearance of impropriety, eliminating this ethical
  • no real or perceived impropriety exists; others prefer a more relaxed approach, relying on other ethical
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/08/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Licensed mental health professionals are held to an ethical and professional standard.
  • Ethical therapy has always been client-directed.
  • <00:25:52.160> client-directed<00:25:53.040> therapy, protect ethical client-directed
  • Hunter Cantrell continued: I'm expected to practice ethical medicine.
  • I don't know what kind of therapist she is, but I like her ethic and I like her approach, and I like
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Jan 14th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • findings of such inquiry and the evidence adduced at the public hearings, the Senate Committee on Ethics
  • The Senator of the First District, Senator Gates, chair of the Ethics and Elections Committee, you are
  • regional, and local offices, boards, and commissions, and as required by Rule 12.7, the Committee on Ethics
  • The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0. Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Jan 14th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • findings of such inquiry and the evidence adduced at the public hearings, the Senate Committee on Ethics
  • The Senator of the First District, Senator Gates, chair of the Ethics and Elections Committee, you are
  • regional, and local offices, boards, and commissions, and as required by Rule 12.7, the Committee on Ethics
  • The Committee on Ethics and Elections submits its report with recommendations.
Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0. After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It is... used as a, really a kind of a sledgehammer, the way that the board ethics that seemed to be
  • I hope that their ethics... there's an ethics policy.
  • There is an ethics policy; I can't remember if it's EB or something like that, that would probably need
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/11/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • It talks about stem cells obtained through an ethical manner and the sanctity of life.
  • And so that statute being in here helps provide guardrails for ethical behavior.
  • <03:48:00.960> Um, ethical behavior. Um, ethical behavior.
  • Um, that it's using this law ethically.
  • lacking ethical considerations. lacking ethical considerations.
Keywords: 1189, house, all