Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
Page 341 of 500
CA
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on General Government (1-29-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and then add in all of our expenses. and then add in all of our expenses.
- in um back in off of the formula back in um back in 2000<00:05:14.960><c> when</c><00:05:15.280><c>
- So those first two things are already in House Bill 500. So they're in there.
- We just ask that you keep those items in there. They're already in there.
- </c> county fair grants that we give out. county fair grants that we give out.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20
Approval of Minutes 00:00:41
Department of Agriculture 00:01:06, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard a budget presentation from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Department representatives Brandon Reid, Lee Macintosh, and Mark Bolan outlined the agency’s funding mix and requested support for several priorities in House Bill 500, including continuation of existing items, county fair grants, and an additional $5 million for the new economic development fund. They also discussed a capital request to replace two aging scale trucks, noting the vehicles are from 2002 and 2006 and have become unreliable and expensive to repair.
The department emphasized several additional needs: funding to begin regulating and inspecting electric vehicle charging stations through the weights and measures division, retention and recruitment funding after losing 108 employees over three years, and a request to pay off tobacco-related debt service so more money can flow through the tobacco formula. They also cited House Bill 417, filed by Speaker Osborne, as supporting farmland preservation, saying the agency has a program ready but needs funding to implement it. Officials said the farm-to-food-banks and rural mental health items in the budget were acceptable as reduced by the tobacco formula.
Members asked questions about pump inspection fees and staffing losses. The department said the inspection fee is $100 per station, not per pump, and that the same fee applies even to larger stations. On retention and recruitment, officials said the cost of turnover is significant but they did not have a dollar estimate. No votes were taken beyond the motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/13/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> back in 2019 and then House Bill 315 in back in 2019 and then House Bill 315 in 2021<00:23:13.120
- </c> that time in 2021 there was a tariff in that time in 2021 there was a tariff in place<00:41:16.880
- Um, you know, there is a fair amount of difficulty there in administering it.
- Um, you know, there is a fair amount of difficulty there in administering it.
- A fair amount of difficulty there in administering it.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What I will absolutely tell you is that I would operate in a fair way despite what has been done in leadership
- What I will absolutely tell you is that I would operate in a fair way despite what has been done in leadership
- What I will absolutely tell you is that I would operate in a fair way despite what has been done in leadership
- in a Fair Way is that I would operate in a Fair Way despite<00:07:56.240><c> what</c><00:07:56.400><
- in a fair way Minnesota I would operate in a fair way that<00:08:15.919><c> respects</c><00:08:16.639
TX
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Insurance Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , the state puts in, the industry puts in—we all put in—so we have some money.
- I’m all in on 90% of what was said, but some of it just doesn’t even seem to be fair.
- in.
- value in lieu.
- in a given state.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1315, the “Drive My Car Act,” from Senator Cabaldon. The author explained that the bill was intended to address the overlap between autonomous features and human driving, with a focus on preventing software updates from disabling a purchaser’s ability to drive a vehicle they bought for that purpose. He said the bill would be redirected to the Transportation Committee and amended to remove insurance provisions. Members broadly supported the concept as a forward-looking issue, and the committee voted due pass to Transportation on a roll call vote, with the bill held on call until all members were recorded.
The committee then took up SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, presented by the Insurance Commissioner and the committee chair. The bill would make a broad set of changes to disaster claims handling and coverage after declared wildfires, including stronger replacement-cost and contents coverage, higher additional living expense limits, building code upgrade coverage, faster claim payment timelines, adjuster status updates, insurer emergency response plans, and stronger penalties and restitution for unfair claims practices. Supporters, including United Policyholders, California Environmental Voters, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, AARP California, and the Consumer Federation of California, said the measure would help wildfire survivors avoid underinsurance, delays, and repeated trauma in the claims process.
Opposition came from insurance industry and related groups, including APCIA, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies, the Civil Justice Association of California, and the California Building Industry Association. They argued the bill remained too broad even after amendments, would raise premiums, increase claim severity, reduce flexibility, and potentially worsen availability in an already fragile market. Committee members questioned several provisions, especially the cost and feasibility of mandatory coverage expansions and faster timelines. The commissioner and author said the bill was about disaster recovery rather than rates, that many provisions were optional or limited to declared disasters, and that any cost impacts could be reflected in future rate filings. The committee ultimately passed SB 876 as amended to Judiciary on a due pass vote, with one member absent and the bill held open briefly for additional votes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, not everyone believes in fair and honest elections.
- </c> Unfortunately, not everyone believes in Unfortunately, not everyone believes in fair<00:03:21.120
- So, thank you in in the next 25 years.
- in Frankfurt in my the best money that's in Frankfurt in my opinion.<00:35:49.760><c> It</c><00:35:50.000
- </c> fair and the most patriotic state fair. fair and the most patriotic state fair.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 18th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're here in support, please fill out a green card; in opposition, fill out a red card and hand
- You can read it in for us. Mr.
- So in listening to them in the House committee, I narrowly tailored this bill where they do not have
- For myself, I would be the one coming out in the middle of the night at three in the morning or four
- If we have to come out at three in the morning, I think everybody should have to come out at three in
Keywords:
roundabout, traffic safety, public education, driving rules, Louisiana Department of Transportation, SB 431, Act 768, towing, tow truck companies, storage fees, nonconsensual towing, private property towing, vehicle release, impound, vehicle storage, gate fees, consumer protection, Louisiana State Police, Public Service Commission, stored vehicles
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 431 by Senator Foil. The bill, as amended in the House, would apply only to non-consensual private-property tows and require towing companies to have someone available on weekends to release vehicles within 90 minutes of a call if they want to charge storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Senator Foil said the measure was intended to help vehicle owners retrieve cars and belongings sooner, while not forcing companies to stay open; Lieutenant John Nelson of Louisiana State Police explained that payment would still occur at the yard and that the bill did not change the fee structure. Amy Seals of Riverside Towing opposed the bill, citing safety concerns, burdens on office staff, and fairness issues because it would not cover police-initiated tows; she suggested limiting weekend release hours to daytime. Despite her concerns, the committee moved SB 431 favorably without objection.
The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 96 by Representative Adams, which urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, to provide educational materials on proper roundabout use. Adams said the resolution was meant to help drivers in smaller parishes and elsewhere who struggle with roundabouts. Several members supported the idea, noting confusion about roundabout navigation in their areas, and one member asked whether driver education already covers the topic. The resolution was moved favorably without objection.
Before adjourning, the chair recognized a new DOTD staff member and a visitor from the Florida Women’s Republican group. Representative Spells then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're here in support, please fill out a green card; in opposition, fill out a red card and hand
- You can read it in for us. Mr.
- So in listening to them in the House committee, I narrowly tailored this bill where they do not have
- For myself, I would be the one coming out in the middle of the night at three in the morning or four
- If we have to come out at three in the morning, I think everybody should have to come out at three in
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 431 by Senator Foil. As amended, the bill requires tow companies handling non-consensual private-property tows to have someone available to release vehicles within 90 minutes on weekends if they want to charge storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Senator Foil and Louisiana State Police explained the bill was narrowed to address weekend access to towed vehicles while not mandating businesses stay open; if a company does not provide weekend access, it cannot charge weekend storage fees. Committee members asked about how the process would work, and a representative from Riverside Towing opposed the bill, citing safety concerns, the burden on office staff, and the bill’s limited application to private-property tows rather than police-initiated tows. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted a motion to report SB 431 favorably without objection.
The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 96 by Representative Adams, which urges the Office of Motor Vehicles to provide educational materials on proper roundabout use. Representative Adams said the resolution was intended to help drivers in smaller parishes and growing areas where roundabouts are common but confusing to many motorists. Representative Spell supported the measure, noting similar issues in his district, and Representative Phelps asked whether roundabout instruction is included in driver education. The committee reported HCR 96 favorably without objection.
At the end of the meeting, members made brief personal remarks recognizing a new DOTD staff member and a visitor from the Florida Women’s Republican group. The committee then adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- in the future and in if the legislature in the future is<00:46:02.079><c> ever</c><00:46:02.480><c>
- </c><01:15:02.239><c> with</c> definition in in our old agreement with definition in in our old agreement
- </c> in put in that official request. in put in that official request.
- </c> a great work in that that doesn't in a great work in that that doesn't in partnership<01:29:16.719
- </c> our board members in a rapid way and in our board members in a rapid way and in a<01:31:51.440><
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Mar 18th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And we did meet with, spend a fair amount of time with HHS on this topic, and we do have agency buy-in
- We just kicked off our spring job fair season. Actually, we did this back in January.
- We invested in a platform called Easy Virtual Fair.
- Then we've kicked off our in-person job fair season here in Bismarck. We have...
- Then we've kicked off our in-person job fair season here in Bismarck.
Summary:
The Leadership Division of the Budget Section approved the prior meeting minutes and then received an update from Senator Jonathan Sickler on the Cash Management Board’s interim work under House Bill 1278. He said the board has reviewed state cash, investments, and liquidity across agencies and concluded the state’s overall mix of long-term and short-term assets is appropriate, with about $35 billion in total liquid assets and investments and roughly 89% in longer-term investments. He highlighted process improvements already underway, including replacing more than 500 six-month CDs with a special-rate savings account to reduce administrative work, and said the board sees opportunities to improve forecasting, automation, and statewide coordination. Members asked about whether the CD change would increase returns, how the Legacy Fund transfer for the homestead tax relief bill affected earnings, and whether more state cash could be consolidated or better managed through BND; Sickler and BND staff said those issues are being studied and may lead to legislation for the 2027 session.
Representative Nathan Toman then updated the committee on the Task Force on Government Efficiency. He said the group has focused less on cutting dollars and more on defining metrics and asking how the legislature knows whether programs are working. The task force is pushing a standard set of questions for new or expanding programs—who is affected, expected outcomes, alternatives, how success will be measured, and full funding—and OMB has agreed to require those answers in future budget requests. Members discussed possible use of dashboards, program evaluators, AI tools, and possible rule or statutory changes to require performance measurement. Toman said the task force will continue meeting with agencies such as the courts, university system, auditor, HHS, Commerce, and ITD to identify workflow bottlenecks and potential efficiencies.
Phil Davis of Job Service North Dakota gave a workforce update, reporting that North Dakota’s unemployment rate is 2.5% and labor force participation is about 68.7%, both well above national performance. He described Job Service’s 15 workforce programs, including H-2A housing inspections for foreign agricultural workers, the job placement partnership program with DOCR, WOTC, and other federal and state workforce efforts. Davis said the agency served more than 11,000 individuals in 2025, operates nine workforce centers, and tracks outcomes through quarterly and annual reporting. In response to questions, he said job openings data reflect only positions in the system and may understate actual hiring needs, that child care and other assistance programs could be better tied to employment outcomes, and that the DOCR partnership has shown strong results with lower recidivism and higher earnings. He also said the H-2A inspection workload is growing quickly and additional staffing or less frequent federal inspection requirements could help.
Allen Knutson then presented S&P Global’s updated revenue forecast. He said oil prices have risen sharply since the prior month’s outlook, improving the state’s near-term revenue picture, though the economy remains volatile and agriculture is facing weaker commodity prices. Based on the updated forecast, total major tax revenues for the current biennium are projected to be about $89 million above the legislative forecast, and the next biennium could be about $500 million higher, though that estimate is preliminary and may change. He also walked through an alternate oil-price scenario showing significantly higher oil and gas collections and a larger Strategic Investment Fund balance if prices remain elevated. Members asked whether another forecast should be requested once oil markets stabilize and about tribal allocation changes in the alternative scenario; Knutson said additional updates are possible through OMB and future forecast cycles.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, in the Four Corners region, in high-end homes in Durango and in Telluride, values are down 30
- State Fair, and with Secretary Silva, we asked in particular when they brought these requests.
- Fair?
- There are three options: either to keep the fair in its current location, to move the fair, or to have
- have a state fair in the future.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It's right there in 16-823.
- I know who just moved in.
- But, I mean, again, to be fair, in that scenario, you now have an association that's probably close to
- But, I mean, again, to be fair, in that scenario, you now have an association that's probably close to
- trouble and in danger... ...and help people who are in trouble and in danger.
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1825, which would shift the precinct committeeman vacancy application and nomination process from county party chairs to legislative district chairs where established, and require applicants to submit to the authorized chair within five days. Supporters said the change would streamline appointments, reduce bottlenecks in large counties, and strengthen grassroots, bottom-up party organization. County supervisors’ association staff said they had no objection to the district-chair process but raised concern that the five-day deadline for boards to act was too short. The committee adopted a do pass recommendation on SB 1825, with members noting the five-day issue should be worked out later.
The committee then heard SB 1566, as amended, which targets malicious delays by municipalities, counties, the state, or state agencies in licensing and permit decisions, with a civil penalty and Attorney General enforcement. The amendment narrowed the bill to statutory licensing timeframes for single-family residential construction and clarified definitions and certificate-of-occupancy authority. The sponsor and home builders argued the bill would deter intentional delays that add to housing costs, while questions focused on how malice would be proven and whether the language was too broad. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1566 a do pass as amended recommendation.
Next, SB 1571, as amended, would bar monopoly utilities from passing marketing, sponsorship, community relations, and similar costs through to ratepayers, require annual reporting and attestation, and define the covered utilities. Supporters said ratepayers should not fund utility advertising or sponsorships, especially amid rising rates, while opponents from municipal and public-power utilities warned the language could sweep too broadly and interfere with legitimate customer communications, especially for smaller not-for-profit systems. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a do pass as amended recommendation. The committee also advanced SB 1501, expanding Administrative Rules Oversight Committee review to include whether agency actions exceed statutory authority, and SB 1805, requiring county recorders to verify the notary status on quitclaim deeds before recording them; both received do pass recommendations despite some concerns about scope and administrative burden.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
2026 RS Senate Impeachment Committee (4-15-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- That this stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter but is done in fairness to the defendant
- That this stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter but is done in fairness to the defendant
- That this stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter but is done in fairness to the defendant
- That this stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter but is done in fairness to the defendant
- That this stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter but is done in fairness to the defendant
Summary:
The Senate committee met under Rule 39 to consider proceedings related to the impeachment of Judge Julie Muth Goodman of the Fayette Circuit Court. Chair Storm explained that the House had transmitted impeachment articles on March 24, 2026, and that the Kentucky Constitution requires the Senate to address them. He also noted a preliminary Kentucky Supreme Court order issued April 6, 2026, in Judge Goodman’s separate lawsuit against the House, and said the Court revealed she is also facing a parallel Judicial Conduct Commission proceeding on the same issues. The chair emphasized that the committee’s actions were guided by constitutional duties and fairness to the defendant.
Senator Howell moved that the committee recommend to the full Senate that impeachment proceedings be stayed indefinitely pending completion of the Judicial Conduct Commission investigation, with the understanding that the stay would not waive the Senate’s constitutional authority. Senator Carroll seconded the motion. Senator Chambers-Armstrong said she would vote yes on the stay but preferred the body explicitly dismiss the complaint or otherwise state it would take no further action, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling as unconstitutional for further action.
The committee voted 7-0 in favor of the motion, with all members present voting aye. Chair Storm then directed staff to prepare the motion as a committee report to the full Senate and stressed that the action should not be construed as an acquittal or as the Senate relinquishing any constitutional rights or duties.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- There can be reasonable rules to ensure fairness in school sports without banning every turn.
- Reasonable rules to ensure fairness in school sports without banning every transgender young person.
- Fairness in sports starts with clear, defined categories: male, female, and co-ed.
- Safety and fairness in sports ensures that there is room for everyone, and that my daughter and countless
- You heard it in the speakers: this is about transparency, safety, and fairness. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation.
The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (7-8-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- >> and in and evaluated in the score. >> and in and evaluated in the score.
- , fair play, and sharing and working with others and being kind, you know, in four-year-olds and three-year-olds
- in the state fair focus of our events in the state fair and<01:59:40.320><c> our</c><01:59:40.480><c
- And now we're in this situation where we're, yes, we're a month out from the state fair and have a lot
- So the fact that we've got not only the fair board and the Finance Cabinet refusing to come in front
Summary:
The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it.
The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items.
Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So in those particular pieces of legislation where you attempt to abolish offices, is it fair to say
- And I don't believe that that is right to him, and it's not fair to the voters in my parish.
- If you believe in free and fair elections, you know this bill is wrong.
- That authority is grounded in full and fair access to this democratic process.
- That authority is grounded in full and fair access to this democratic process, and it carries a responsibility
Bills:
SB256
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So in those particular pieces of legislation where you attempt to abolish offices, is it fair to say
- And I don't believe that that is right to him, and it's not fair to the voters in my parish.
- If you believe in free and fair elections, you know this bill is wrong.
- That authority is grounded in full and fair access to this democratic process.
- That authority is grounded in full and fair access to this democratic process, and it carries a responsibility
Bills:
SB256
Keywords:
court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 256, which would combine the Orleans Parish clerks of criminal district court and civil district court into one office, with the bill taking effect upon gubernatorial signature. Senator Jay Morris said the change would align Orleans with other parishes, improve efficiency, and eventually help consolidate funding and operations, noting that Orleans is the only parish with two clerks and that the criminal side lacks the civil-side revenue streams used elsewhere. Committee members questioned the timing because the election for the next term had already been held and certified, and repeatedly raised concerns that the bill would effectively eliminate an office after voters had already chosen Calvin Duncan as criminal clerk.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill would be constitutional or fair if enacted before the new term began. Opponents argued it would disenfranchise voters, target Duncan personally, and set a dangerous precedent by abolishing an office after an election. Supporters and witnesses for Duncan said the bill was rushed, lacked a fiscal note, and would create confusion about staffing, records, training, and the transition between the two court systems. Several witnesses also argued that the criminal clerk’s office is essential to access to justice and that the data and efficiency rationale did not justify the timing or effect of the bill.
Calvin Duncan testified that he ran to improve access to court records after his own wrongful conviction and incarceration, and said the bill sends the message that votes do not count. Other witnesses, including teachers, voters, attorneys, former officials, and advocacy representatives, echoed that the measure undermines democracy and appears aimed at preventing Duncan from taking office. Senator Morris denied personal targeting and said the bill was about abolishing an unnecessary office, but acknowledged litigation was likely. The committee also adopted a three-minute rule for testimony by a 10-3 vote, then began hearing public testimony, with the first witnesses overwhelmingly opposing the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we did put in an amendment for that in the fair share budget.
- So we did put in an amendment for that in the fair share budget.
- But we are actually doing our budget in May in the Senate, and we are currently doing the budget in the
- in Lisboa.
- things in our country, so we have to work in partnership.
Summary:
The commission met to approve prior minutes, hear updates on funding and deadline extensions, and continue planning for a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Boston. Members reviewed the commission’s charge, including developing an organizational structure, governance model, feasibility study, community engagement plan, and possible nonprofit structure. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were approved after a motion and second, with one noted correction about duplicate section numbering.
A major discussion focused on legislative and budget options to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 and to preserve or secure funding for a feasibility study and related work. Legislators said an amendment to the fair share budget was not accepted, but they would continue looking for a vehicle such as the regular budget, supplemental budget, or another bill. Members also discussed the possibility of future earmarks or bond funding, and the need to fill a current vacancy on the commission.
The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement. Commissioners supported a three-part approach involving site visits, listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with added emphasis on social media, a website, surveys, canvassing, and other tools to reach people across the diaspora. Members suggested prioritizing locations such as New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, and possibly Pawtucket, and discussed working with existing Cape Verdean organizations, museums, and historical groups. There was also discussion of best practices from other cultural institutions, the importance of historical accuracy and youth engagement, and whether to involve the Cape Verdean government after upcoming elections. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To issue bonds in scenarios where the fair plan faces financial strain due to catastrophic events.
- This came to a head in February when the Fair Plan requested financial assistance from its member company
- If you believe in transparency in our local governments it's important If you believe transparency in
- Today, I rise in adjournment in memory of David Myers.
- Born in 2002.