Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 388 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native communities' priorities for the 119th Congress. Feb 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a number of reforms legislation considering the 119 Congress should be making the Indian Health
- Over the past several Congresses, NFOA has worked with both the Senate and the House on legislation to
- Another critical provision in our legislative recommendation is the creation of the annual $175 million
- , and there's bipartisan legislation.
- This is our responsibility here in the legislative branch to make sure that we are representing those
Committee:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Keywords:
tribal sovereignty, healthcare, education, public safety, Economic Development, Tax Parity Act, PROTECT Act, trust obligations, bipartisan support, Indian Health Services
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask that you guide our legislators' minds that they may clearly perceive solutions to sometimes difficult
- Speaker, and gentlemen, that this booklet is given to us legislators.
- Well, you know, I'm introducing legislation.
- Speaker, I move we go to the next order of business, introduction of legislation.
- Well, as presentations from the Legislative Finance Committee. Thank you very much.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that absent members be compelled to attend and that those who remained absent would forfeit their legislative
- Other states have done fines for members, for legislators who don't show up for work by withholding their
- to receive per diem for the 2025-26 legislative session.
- who uh don't members for for legislators who uh don't show<00:09:00.440><c> up</c><00:09:00.600><c>
- to receive per diem for the 2025-26 legislative session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There will be additional legislative council support staff on the floor to assist you today if you have
- You were sent the rules from the last legislative session with my request.
- You were sent the rules from the last legislative session with my update.
- And so, this bothers me because this represents a sea change from where this legislation has gone.
- Members, my final words today on the significance of our legislative mission. Mr.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/10/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:42:48.800><c> in</c> original RPS legislation in original RPS legislation in 2006<00:42:50.920
- That was 2024, so I'm hoping you'll find this bill inexpedient to legislate.
- Thank you, Representative McGee, for introducing this legislation.
- </c> best solution for this legislation best solution for this legislation future<04:04:15.800><c> com
- </c><05:07:31.000><c> in</c> efficiently without legislation in efficiently without legislation in conclusion
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- And in 1965, he founded the firm Michigan Legislative Consultants, MLC.
- Legislative Consultants, MLC.
- After graduating, she moved into being a legislative assistant with our office and has been a champion
- She moved into being a legislative assistant with our office and has been a champion at constituent
- correspondence with care, legislative research, and diving deeply into helping craft and hone our legislation
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading.
On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I request capital leaves for Senators Brooks, Coleman, and Yaw, and legislative leaves for
- Senator Pittman requests capital leave for Senators Coleman, Yaw, and Brooks, and legislative leave for
- I believe the bill's legislative history should vouch for its credibility.
- I believe the bill's legislative history should vouch for its credibility.
- Last year, the House of Representatives passed legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received communications recalling it for voting session and referring gubernatorial nominations and a series of Senate and House bills and resolutions to standing committees. Leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber recessed briefly for committee meetings and party caucuses before reconvening.
On the floor, the Senate unanimously agreed to House Bill 1102 and later passed Senate Bill 1133 and Senate Bill 1303 by 50-0 votes. Several measures were set aside to their proper place in the calendar or re-referred, including Senate Bill 1182 and House Bill 928 to Appropriations. The Senate also adopted multiple amendments to Senate Bill 1372, including a technical amendment from Senator Brooks, an amendment offered on behalf of Senator Loughlin, and Senator Fontana’s amendment requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care facilities; after amendment, Senate Bill 1372 was held over. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 326 urging a posthumous Medal of Honor for Major Richard Winters.
During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, noting it has been 20 years since the last increase. Senator Dush honored Colonel James C. Harding on his birthday, highlighting his military service and decorations. Senator Street introduced a discharge resolution to force consideration of adult-use cannabis legalization, arguing the issue has bipartisan support and should receive a vote. Senator Dush also delivered extended remarks on the Founders, John Adams, religion, and the Constitution.
Committee reports followed, including Appropriations reporting Senate Bills 1061, 1182, and 1303 as committed and House Bill 2400 as amended, and Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure reporting House Bill 2426 as committed. The Senate then considered supplemental calendars, adopting an amendment to Senate Bill 1182 and passing Senate Bill 1303 on final passage, both by 50-0 votes. The chamber was also notified of upcoming committee meetings, and it recessed until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to toughen penalties for impersonating police 4/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> This is really significant legislation This is really significant legislation that<00:15:05.240>
- .<00:15:43.160><c> And</c> legislation.
- And legislation.
- </c><00:16:12.120><c> So,</c> to get this legislation in order.
- So, to get this legislation in order.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Frances Lippett, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office. Yes. Noah Peterson.
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- I am Kellan McGurkin, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
- I am Kellan McGurkin, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
Summary:
The Joint Finance and Corporation Committee met with a quorum from both chambers and first approved a $6.5 million federal supplemental appropriation for the Military Division to replace failing climate control systems in Idaho Air National Guard buildings at Gowen Field. The committee then considered Idaho State Police funding tied to three revenue measures: a beer excise tax distribution change, a new specialty license plate, and a liquor account distribution change. Members discussed the impact on cities and counties, with several noting the shift away from local governments, but the motion to appropriate $6.695 million in dedicated and federal funds for ISP personnel costs passed and received a do-pass recommendation.
The committee next took up two pieces of language related to Idaho Digital Learning Academy. One trailer language item tied to House Bill 940, which would change course fee limits for non-graduation and graduation-required courses, was adopted by unanimous consent. A second proposal to restore IDLA’s access to PSIF after a large appropriation reduction failed after members raised concerns about allowing access before the academy spent down its cash balance and about weakening the budget cap.
Members then approved language redirecting about $12 million from the Strategic Initiatives Fund to the local highway distribution formula instead of LTAC grants, after debate over whether formula-based distribution or competitive grants better served local needs. Finally, the committee adopted language preventing an automatic transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund to the General Fund when the fund exceeds its 15% cap, preserving the fund balance unless the legislature acts otherwise. The meeting adjourned after the final do-pass recommendation was approved.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- At one point, this piece of legislation only encompassed charter schools.
- When we brought it to the legislators, they said, yes, we really like this idea.
- When we brought it to the legislators, they said, yes, we really like this idea.
- Senator, thank you for this legislation.
- I would just add that I really appreciate this legislation.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 883, which would give qualifying high-performing charter schools and traditional school districts more flexibility over spending and reduce certain state reporting requirements. The sponsor and Emily McClure of the Idaho Charter School Network said the bill is intended to reward strong academic, financial, and operational performance with greater local control, while preserving accountability and avoiding any threat to federal funding. Supporters from American Classical Schools of Idaho said the measure would help schools allocate funds more effectively and reduce redundant compliance work; a district witness opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment among public schools and conflicts with the idea of common schools. After questions about which reports would be waived and whether federal funds would be affected, the committee voted to send HB 883 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 19, which expresses support for a federal effort to disband the U.S. Department of Education. Senator Den Hartog argued that education is not an enumerated federal power and said dismantling the department could reduce federal overreach while preserving student protections and shifting administration of programs elsewhere in the federal government. Testimony in support came from Idaho Family Policy Center, which said the department violates federalism and parental authority. Opponents raised concerns about uncertainty over where programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, special education, and school nutrition would be housed, and one witness warned that eliminating the department could worsen inequities and undermine civil rights and research functions. The committee ultimately voted to send HJM 19 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Tonight, tomorrow is the Alcat Prayer Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at RSA, and the Legislative Prayer Caucus
- Day and finds the same to be Legislative Day and finds the same to be correct.<00:09:48.800><c> Signed
- </c><00:09:59.760><c> day</c><00:10:00.080><c> be</c> >> for the 20th legislative day be >>
- ; for the 20th legislative day be dispensed<00:10:00.720><c> with.
- </c> at 700 a.m. at RSA and the Legislative at 700 a.m. at RSA and the Legislative Prayer<00:10:30.240
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Government Organization Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:03 am
Government Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in nine other states.
- I just wanted to make sure folks understood that's why this legislation is needed.
- Counsel, I just want to make certain, because I supported the Second Chance legislation when we passed
- In that legislation, it made clear that certain sexual offenses and aggravated assault offenses were
- Council, so I just want to make certain, because, you know, I supported the Second Chance legislation
Committee:
Senate Government Organization
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And honestly, this is one reason why I wanted this presented as a legislative initiative.
- , which is why I thought it was important for the funding legislation to expressly note it as a pilot
- which is I thought was important for the funding legislation to expressly noted as a pilot so again
- But I would also say, again, if this program, which will be subject to legislative review on an ongoing
- Even if there's a sunset date in this legislation, this legislature can act at any time that it wants
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment.
The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach.
Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It was that tiered system that was my legislation.
- However, county judges were not included in that legislation.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, for filing this or carrying this legislation.
- We believe this legislation will...
- This legislation paves the way to preserve them. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
Bills:
HB104 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB2688 , HB3161 , HB3486 , HB3487 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB4226 , HB4945 , HB104
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of this legislation is pretty straightforward to provide municipalities participating in
- Importantly, this legislation aligns with the ERS's current procedures, is revenue neutral, and ensures
- That was my legislation back in '86. However, county judges were not included in that legislation.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, for filing this or carrying this legislation.
- My name is Rick Thompson, legislative director for the County Judge and Commissioners Association of
Bills:
HB104
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Mar 18th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- So I urge legislators and all Floridians to stand with our veterans in support. ...veterans who defended
- So I urge legislators and all Floridians to stand with our veterans in support of this bill.
- Good afternoon, Chair Wright, Vice Chair Collins, and esteemed legislators.
- Good afternoon, Chair Wright, Vice Chair Collins, and esteemed legislators.
- You are phenomenal public speakers, and you are very courageous to come before this legislative body
Summary:
The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislation providing for a universal education savings account program.
- Legislation expanding career and technical education for Texas students.
- Legislation creating the Texas Cyber Command.
- Legislation providing for a universal education savings account program.
- Legislation creating the Texas Cyber Command.
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students.
Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- research division was reduced from 20... ...legislative research division was reduced from 20 to seven
- This legislation, as currently before us, would change that to at least twice a year.
- I am the Director of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research and the Reviser of Statutes.
- It's just been the nature of the legislative session.
- I do think it's time to—and I was almost thinking I might have had a piece of legislation.
Committee:
House Budget
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1470, presented by Representative Cupps on behalf of Senator Bernsketter. The bill would update statutes governing the Joint Committee on Legislative Research by allowing revised statutes to be provided free in web-based form rather than as free physical copies, directing sales revenue into a statutory revision fund, changing the committee’s required meeting frequency from at least once every three months to at least twice a year, and extending the time to appoint a chair after the General Assembly convenes from 10 to 30 days. Cupps said the changes were intended as cleanup and efficiency measures reflecting how the committee has operated since staffing reductions in 2015.
Members questioned whether the bill would reduce accountability by lowering the minimum meeting requirement, whether any other statutes would need cleanup if hard-copy publication changes, and whether virtual meetings should be considered. Cupps and later staff said the committee could still meet more often if needed and that the bill was meant to avoid unnecessary meetings when there is no business to conduct. Representative Steinhoff raised concerns about the statutory revision fund cap and whether the fiscal note matched the bill’s change from supplement costs to general republication costs. Director Matt Morris testified that the free-copy language is outdated, that the committee no longer has authority to give away revised statutes for free, and that the fund currently nets about $8,300 to $8,400 annually; he said a general republication could cost roughly $270,000 to $300,000 or more, with the bill intended to preserve enough reserve for that possibility and for server costs.
No witnesses testified in opposition. The hearing concluded with the chair indicating a House committee substitute would likely be prepared, and that another hearing may be held the following week. No vote was taken.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We went through the Department of Education and through Legislative Services to double-check.
- As Chairman Lent said, this is a piece of legislation that would help our career technical educators,
- And I've brought Jared Taitro with me from Legislative Services that helped with the infographics that
- Jared Taitro with Legislative Services Office, with the Impact Review Team. Thank you.
- So just so I understand, this piece of legislation is... Representative Galavis.
Committee:
Senate Education
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this is a great piece of legislation.
- But the question I'm trying to understand is whether this legislation is in response to one particular
- This legislation completely changes the role of the director.
- So I'd be in support of this piece of legislation.
- Committee, we will be meeting on Thursday, and we will have legislation to hear.
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 10, 12, and 16, 2026, and welcomed a new page, Allie Silvers, who introduced herself as a 17-year-old from Twin Falls. The committee then took up three bills. House Bill 661, a solid waste measure, would make a one-word change from “county” to “city” so a contractor working for a city could choose its temporary waste container service; it was moved and sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation without opposition.
House Bill 715 would change the process for hiring and firing directors of city-owned libraries by requiring city council approval in addition to the library board’s recommendation. Representative Cornilles said the bill was prompted by a problem in one city and would affect 55 cities. Testimony in opposition came from library supporters Heather Stout and Vicki Fadness, who argued the current system has worked for decades, that library boards have the expertise to manage directors, and that the bill would create two bosses and amount to government overreach. The bill’s supporters said elected officials should have oversight of city-paid employees, and the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
House Bill 658 addressed vacancies on cemetery maintenance district boards when a quorum is lost through resignation, death, or other causes. The bill would let county commissioners fill vacancies, require appointees to be qualified electors and property taxpayers in the district, and allow counties to temporarily handle essential district functions until a board is restored. Sponsors described it as a fix for a gap in current law after a cemetery district board became defunct, and said the measure had support from counties and cities. After brief discussion, the committee voted to send HB 658 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.