Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - AM

Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to make sure we had good citizens in our state in the United States.
  • </c> that is a key priority across the state. that is a key priority across the state.
  • state is like, "Oh, yeah."
  • </c><01:42:05.040><c> state</c> but a kid in Washington state but a kid in Washington state is<01:42:
  • I want us states in the nation.
Keywords: 916, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 5th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so in these states such as Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, the state allocates a dollar amount
  • The majority of the state funding, 91%, or $2.1 billion, came from the state foundation program.
  • Two is that similar-size districts receive the same state funding or similar state funding per student
  • In Oregon, Utah, and Washington, for example, all of these states include special education students
  • In Oregon, Utah, and Washington, for example, all of these states include special education students
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3. It then introduced RS 3-1308, sponsored by Representative Raymond, which would change public school digital content and curriculum funding from a first-come, first-served process to an as-needed, scored application process so districts with greater need would receive funds. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. The committee next heard a presentation from the Office of Performance Evaluations on its K-12 district characteristics and funding study. Casey Petty explained that Idaho’s support unit funding model tends to provide more state funding per student to smaller districts and less per student to larger districts, but that funding does not consistently rise with higher proportions of high-need students such as special education or English learner populations. He said Idaho’s special education formula assumes only about 5.8% of students are in special education, while actual enrollment was about 11.5% in 2023, contributing to an estimated $37.7 million gap in support-unit funding for special education. Members asked about the support unit model, district size effects, charter school data limitations, Medicaid, and whether the formula should be revised. The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act at the promised 40% level. Representative Furman and several educators and administrators testified in support, describing the strain on district budgets and citing large local shortfalls in Boise and Fruitland. Witnesses said districts are covering mandated special education services with local and state funds, and that increased identification, early intervention, and behavioral needs are driving costs. Some members raised questions about over-identification, eligibility criteria, and behavioral issues, but the memorial was ultimately sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 22nd, 2026

Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It touches all parts of the Gem State.
  • And I hear the hurdles that they have to jump through in their state, the hurdles that their state lawmakers
  • guys continuing to make this an ag-friendly state.
  • So as 9% of the United States... Global cane that makes its way into the United States.
  • The stated target for the federal sugar program is 13.5% to 15.5%.
Keywords: 989, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

March 11, 2026 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's a Florida State University graduate.
  • , cannot use their state university or state college-issued identification as the ID that... ...or state
  • university IDs and state college IDs, so be it.
  • university student ID or a state college ID.
  • State University.
Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections. The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4. The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/23/26

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> community, state, or national level. community, state, or national level.
  • . state. state.
  • </c> the United States Army. the United States Army.
  • </c><00:24:24.960><c> Um</c> no-till acres in the state. Um no-till acres in the state.
  • I am really proud that Minnesota was the first state to create this state program.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • "The Speaker's Rooms, Washington, D.C. January 27, 2026.
  • prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, Reverend John Kellogg, Christ Church, Capitol Hill, Washington
  • prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, Reverend John Kellogg, Christ Church, Capitol Hill, Washington
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , outlining concerns with state-by-state AI regulation.
  • talking about 10 states have instructed state agencies to inventory, ...talking about 10 states have
  • But I would say we get our information from our states, from universities, for example, from MIT, and
  • the state.
  • the state.
Keywords: 908, all
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • , outlining concerns with state-by-state AI regulation.
  • talking about 10 states have instructed state agencies to inventory... ...talking about 10 states have
  • But I would say we get our information from our states, from universities, for example, from MIT, and
  • You know, every state legislator that I've spoken to—Democrat, Republican, blue state, red state, purple
  • the state.
Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • State and bringing it back to the Legislature with a full report.
  • If it's on the Washington State to require these, then it's their requirement to pay for it as well.
  • several states on the West Coast.
  • It's on the Washington state to require these, then their requirement to pay for it as well.
  • across, actually, several states on the West Coast.
Bills: HB2464
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Program Jun 18th, 2025

Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Program

Transcript Highlights:
  • Joe Schmick, 9th District, which is kind of the southeast corner of the state of Washington.
  • I'm the director of the Washington State Department of Transportation's Budget and Financial Analysis
  • And we would like to change that to State Route 167 Express...
  • And we would like to change that to State Route 167 Express Tolling.
  • and the citizens of our state and, and, and, and, put in to help our state and the citizens of our state
Summary: The LEAP committee met on June 18, 2025, with introductions from members and staff, then received a clean audit report from the State Auditor covering 2020–2024. The audit reviewed accounts payable, general disbursements, theft-sensitive assets, and data backup/recovery, and found no findings. Staff also outlined the interim work plan, including a full rewrite of the capital budget application (Build Sum), updates to the transportation bond model and operating budget tools, website improvements, and continued research into secure, responsible AI use. Members asked about AI safeguards, keyword search improvements, and making the website more user-friendly, especially on mobile devices. The committee approved the July 8, 2024 minutes after a quorum was reached. It then considered and unanimously approved several budget format changes: the Department of Corrections moved chemical dependency and sex offender treatment into its health care program and renamed Program 700 from “Offender Change” to “Reentry Services”; the Department of Revenue moved the AMP program into its tax analysis and technology support program; and the Department of Transportation changed a toll program title and added new sub-programs for State Route 509 and State Route 167 toll operations to reflect new facilities and more accurate reporting. Kevin Feltis also provided staffing updates, noting the retirements of longtime LEAP staff, the hiring of three new associate consultants in October 2024, and an upcoming December 2025 retirement for Sherry Randage after decades of state service. The new staff members briefly introduced themselves and expressed enthusiasm for their work. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment after the committee completed its business.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Ethics Board Jun 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an administrative law judge here with the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings, convening
  • The issues are as follows, based on the Washington State Legislative Ethics Complaint 2025, Number 5,
  • And the issues are as follows, based on the Washington State Legislative Estaboard, The issues are as
  • follows, based on the Washington State Legislative Ethics Complaint 2025, Number 5, dated January 25
  • of Washington operate.
Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • For many young people, particularly in rural areas or some other unsupportive environments in our state
  • And I know that my takeaways are not universal.
  • Your technology policy rarely stays here; when California leads, other states watch.
  • But as I stated in the beginning, this is truly a double-edged sword.
  • Noting that the reality is the same, you know, in the states. But Australia is massive.
Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All members, guests, and staff will rise and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
  • Whereas, in March of 1776, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, fortified
  • Whereas this momentous occasion in the Revolutionary War marked the first victory for Washington and
  • The House bill relative to extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency,
  • in the nation, according to the United States Census, with nearly 20% of our residents claiming Irish
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health and its Massachusetts affiliates for LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Members also received and adopted a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Evacuation Day, with remarks noting its historical significance as the first victory of the American Revolution and its connection to St. Patrick’s Day observances in Massachusetts. The chamber then took up House No. 62, a bill extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. On a motion to suspend the rules and consider the bill forthwith, the Senate agreed, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. Later, Senator Kahn read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring March 2025 Irish American Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions of Irish Americans in Massachusetts and the state’s Irish heritage trails; the Senate ordered both the Evacuation Day and Irish American Heritage Month remarks entered into the Journal. The Senate also adopted a motion that it adjourn in memory of Mark T. Feeney of South Boston, with a brief tribute to his family, community ties, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Transcript Highlights:
  • the United States, Even terror attacks.
  • We need the state of Massachusetts to loudly and clearly state that anti-Semitism is wrong and will not
  • I'm at Boston University. I've worked at BU and lived in Arlington. Boston University.
  • My dad, though gifted at mathematics, almost didn't get into Moscow State University because Jews who
  • If this definition were to be adopted by the state of Massachusetts, it must be clearly stated in all
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, October 31, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • [Captioning made possible by TH, Inc., in cooperation with the United States House of Representatives
  • The Clerk: The Speaker's Rooms, Washington, D.C., October 31, 2025.
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
  • WASHINGTON, D.C. The Speaker pro tempore: The Chair lays before the House a communication.
  • The Clerk: The Speaker's Rooms, Washington, D.C., October 31, 2025.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Feb 24th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • First, it would allow senators and representatives to request the Secretary of State and the Chief Clerk
  • of the House, respectively, to contract with the Washington State Patrol to provide security to legislators
  • There is an amendment, Hotel, offered by Senator Dingra, which would exempt state-owned or state-operated
  • Under the law, we actually have limited authority Washington peace officers as well as our certified
  • State.
Keywords: 904, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:53:23.520><c> This</c> Perfectly stated. Perfectly stated. This Perfectly stated.
  • House amendment number 59, uh, state aid, University of Wyoming.
  • Uh state aid, University of Wyoming. 59. Uh state aid, University of Wyoming.
  • </c> is on the shape state is on the shape state Wyoming<02:32:45.600><c> state</c><02:32:46.080><c>
  • </c> through the state. through the state.
Keywords: 916, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know Washington County has done it.
  • For example, I can say point to the state of Arizona in their version of the state TOP program, which
  • Only less than 50 over the past three years have been treated by the state in the state treatment program
  • states to legalize sports betting in 2018.
  • Louis University.
Summary: The task force meeting opened with a brief organizational update, including new leadership, roll call, and an explanation of the task force’s statutory duties: to study current and future drug and substance use in Missouri, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and report recommendations on prevention and treatment. The chair outlined the summer hearing plan, which would feature field experts, with future sessions expected to cover alternative therapies such as psilocybin and ibogaine and testimony from the Department of Mental Health. Members were encouraged to think about legislative ideas and policy recommendations for the upcoming session. The first major testimony came from Dr. Rachel Winograd, who described Missouri’s overdose crisis as evolving into a “fourth wave” marked by fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizers such as xylazine and medetomidine, along with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, but emphasized that the crisis remains severe. Her main recommendations were to focus on demand reduction rather than repeated supply crackdowns, expand evidence-based treatment—especially methadone and buprenorphine—broaden naloxone access, and improve practical supports like housing, transportation, and case management. She also said peer services are valuable but should not be used as a substitute for clinical care, and noted that Missouri Medicaid generally covers evidence-based treatment but reimbursement for peer recovery services remains a gap. Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director at the Department of Health and Senior Services, reinforced the call for integrating substance use disorder care into whole-person health care. She highlighted the state naloxone standing order, which supports more than 11,000 Medicaid naloxone prescriptions annually, and urged five best practices: integrating SUD treatment into primary care, maternal health, general medical training, EMS initiation of buprenorphine after overdose, and expanded methadone access. She also argued for team-based reimbursement, stronger parity enforcement between behavioral health/SUD and physical health, and caution in regulating emerging substances so policy does not outrun the science. Dr. Doug Burgess of University Health in Kansas City echoed the integration theme, arguing that Missouri’s system is too fragmented and that patients are often stabilized and then left to coordinate their own next steps. He compared ideal SUD care to the coordinated response used for heart attacks, with seamless transitions from emergency care to inpatient treatment, rehab, and outpatient follow-up. He said treatment courts can be effective when they are well coordinated and informed by addiction science, and he stressed the importance of discharge planning, peer recovery coaches, information-sharing, and maintaining Medicaid coverage during justice involvement. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 3rd, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • But that's decided on a state-by-state basis.
  • So it's a brave new world right now, and I think states, possibly like Oregon and Washington, are looking
  • So it's a brave new world right now, and I think states, possibly like Oregon and Washington, are looking
  • law; that has to be recognized state to state.
  • He said that in the Northwest, especially Washington State, copper theft is a major problem, and perhaps
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 26 and 27 by voice vote. It then considered RS 33605, a replacement request from Rep. Jaron Crane correcting a word change from “or” to “and” in language dealing with material that is “sexually explicit” and “taken as a whole.” Members asked about how the phrase should be interpreted and who would determine whether material is sexually explicit, and the sponsor said those issues would be addressed more fully at a later hearing. The RS was introduced by motion and approved by voice vote. The committee next heard H.J.M. 17, a memorial from Rep. Tony Vichnavsky asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit *Obergefell v. Hodges* and return marriage policy to the states. The sponsor and supportive testimony from Idaho Family Policy Center argued that marriage should be defined by states, citing federalism, Idaho constitutional provisions, and religious liberty. Opponents and skeptical members raised concerns about the legal effects on existing marriages, interstate recognition, contractual rights, and whether the Supreme Court would even reopen a settled case. After debate, the committee sent H.J.M. 17 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by a 10-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 674, which would streamline discontinuance of telephone service by allowing FCC-approved discontinuances without additional PUC approval. The sponsor said the bill was a cleanup measure to reduce duplicative regulation, while the Idaho Public Utilities Commission testified that the bill could reduce Idaho’s independent review of service quality and customer impacts, especially in rural areas. Lumen Technologies supported the bill, saying it would improve regulatory certainty and encourage investment in fiber and other modern services. The committee then moved HB 674 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote before adjourning.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's called the state appropriations limit at the state level.
  • We were bumping up against the state appropriation limit, so the state really couldn't put additional
  • Of state spending.
  • And as a comparison, in Washington State, their taxable wage base...
  • And as a comparison, in Washington State, their taxable wage base is over $60,000.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years. The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains. Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.