Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
Page 391 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- same built-in structure.
- I'm the superintendent in Mountain Home, and I'm speaking today in opposition.
- to get in line, not just in line, you actually will have three options of choosing.
- And is that fair to Idaho taxpayers in that school district and in the state?
- If you get your orders in a timely manner, like maybe in the fall, and that If you get your orders in
Committee:
House Education
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is currently not a practice in Washington State, and in Rep.
- or in response to a complaint.
- prior year in the system.
- Representative Barra, could you ask it in Spanish and translate in English for us?
- wage theft in this industry.
Summary:
The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees to receive subcutaneous microchip implants, with enforcement through L&I complaints, civil penalties, and private lawsuits; the sponsor said it was a preventive labor standard and noted there was no opposition. HB 2144 would require employers to give written notice before using electronic monitoring for employee performance evaluations, and testimony split between labor supporters, who said workers should know how they are monitored, and business, local government, trucking, retail, construction, and law enforcement representatives, who raised concerns about broad definitions, safety uses, and litigation exposure. HB 2190 would expand collective bargaining rights for language access providers so missed or canceled appointments could be bargained as compensation; interpreters and union representatives supported it, saying they lose income when clients no-show, while the sponsor said the bill would clarify bargaining rights without changing employment status.
The committee also heard HB 2345, a technical change to the state paid family and medical leave premium split in response to IRS guidance. Staff explained the proposed substitute would shift the employer contribution from the medical share to the family share so benefits would not be treated as taxable wages, while keeping the overall premium burden roughly the same; supporters called it a common-sense fix, and some business and school district witnesses said they wanted to avoid additional taxes and preserve program stability. The most extensive debate was over HB 2191, which would make property owners and direct contractors liable for unpaid wages and benefits in construction projects, with exceptions for government and small residential properties. Workers, unions, the Attorney General’s office, and some contractors supported the bill as a way to combat wage theft and level the playing field, while industry groups and subcontractors argued it would impose broad liability on responsible contractors, raise costs, hurt small businesses and minority-owned firms, and should be narrowed with safe harbors or right-to-cure provisions. No votes were taken; the committee held hearings on the bills and adjourned after testimony.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition to helping farmers and ranchers navigate short-term changes aimed at more fair trade deals
- my first term. in this role in the first term.
- in India.
- these markets, such as getting fair treatment for our pork in Vietnam, securing access for our biofuel
- . in India and Brazil, and our beef in the UK.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- PETE IN THE REGIONAL OFFICE IN TALLAHASSEE IN THE GREEN GREEN IS GOOD.
- THEY ARE THE ONES GETTING IN RENTALS, GETTING IN PLANES TO GO TO PAYCHEX FOR PATRIOTS, JOB FAIRS, OTHER
- WE EVEN GO TO OUT-OF-STATE JOB FAIRS TELLING PEOPLE IN NORFORK TEXAS, GEORGIA, GO DOWN TO FLORIDA WHEN
- WE ALSO USE VISIT FOR MAJOR JOB FAIRS, MAJOR EVENTS IN OUR ANNUAL EXPO.
- THESE EVENTS BRING TOGETHER VETERANS FOR A JOB FAIR IN HIRING THERE FOCUSED ON HIRING OUR NATIONS HEROES
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition we have have asked for a slight increase in funding because of the increase in complaints
- been in Texas.
- in M&O.
- It shows up in the TRS bill pattern, but it is in fact an annual And districts account for that in their
- And I was in a very small graduating class at Yates in 2006.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The meeting covered various topics, but specific discussions and bills were not detailed in the available transcript. Despite the lack of documented debates or acknowledgments, it was noted that committee members were present, and there may have been attempts to address crucial legislative matters. The dynamics of the meeting suggested a standard procedural gathering where routine insights were likely shared among the attendees.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Matthews was in the Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in African American Studies from Williams
- in 2015.
- his district and around the state who get up every day and go to work and deserve a fair deal in their
- I stand in support. I don't rise in sport.
- President, in a time in our world right now where words are used to hurt other people in our media, in
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused.
The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote.
The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 13th, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there anyone in the audience who is in favor of this amendment? Anyone in opposition? Okay.
- Is there anyone in the audience in support of this amendment? Anyone in opposition?
- somebody in New Mexico versus, say, somebody in Texas?
- Is that fair to say that those independents should... ...fully understand the risk or liabilities in
- Is there anyone in the audience who is here in support?
Committee:
Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs
Keywords:
physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate will be in a brief recess. The Senate will be in order.
- The Senate will be in free recess; that will be in order. That will be in order.
- The Senate will be in a brief recess. It will be in order.
- Need to do is say, we're in great shape for the shape we're in, right?
- And all of those things are things that we have done in part now, and in part we will do in the future
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on the FY27 state budget, with several distinguished introductions and a series of amendment actions. Early amendments from Senator Collins on restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay were withdrawn without objection. The Chair then sustained a point of order that a group of tax-related amendments, including proposals on teacher tax relief, tips, overtime, estate tax, and income tax rates, were out of order because they would create money bills that must originate in the House; the Senate voted 35-4 to uphold that ruling. Senator Tarr’s gas tax suspension amendment and several other amendments were defeated, while Senator Fattman’s amendment extending domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, 39-0. The Senate also adopted Senator Fernandes’ amendment creating a commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after debate focused on inequities in local aid distribution and the need for a modern formula.
The chamber then took up House No. 5375, the Chapter 90 municipal roads and bridges bill, and passed it to be engrossed. Additional amendments were considered on the budget, including a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, both adopted, after which the Ways and Means amendment as amended was adopted and the underlying budget was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also handled several procedural matters, including concurrence in a House referral for a bill on poverty-related legislation and ordering a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson to a third reading.
After extensive closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and others praising the collaborative budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted on final passage of House No. 5501, the FY27 appropriations bill. The roll call showed 40-0 in favor, and the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In most cases, it's less than half of in and out of state tuition charges.
- of mission in terms of strategy in terms of location?
- funding, I say that it's we've gotten evolve in modeled here in that.
- terms of students, in terms of faculty, in terms of staff.
- in terms of the cost.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- In the middle of another, in the middle of a public hearing.
- I'm in favor of that language staying in the bill.
- Next in favor. Next in favor.
- If you're in a situation in an emergency room or in a... ...abilities to communicate.
- If you're in a situation in an emergency room or in a courtroom, and I've seen it time after time, we
Committee:
House General Laws
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- they can log in and access any kiddo who's in that county, anybody that we say lives in Lamar County
- I can just sum this bill up in just a couple of words. It simply boils down to fairness.
- I can just sum this bill up in just a couple of words. It simply boils down to fairness.
- Anyone here in support? Anyone in opposition?
- Anyone here in support? Anyone in opposition?
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hill in Santa Clara County, which was in my district.
- and in D.C.
- environment in Washington, D.C., And I can tell you, in that highly partisan, charged environment in
- In the media.
- He was always honest and fair in his coverage.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed guests from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, including President Jeffrey Armstrong, students, and staff. Senator Laird highlighted the university’s 125th anniversary and student achievements, including a Rose Parade Sweepstakes Trophy and a national design-build competition win. The chamber also recognized guests from Senator Cortese’s office later in the session.
On the floor, the Senate took up and adopted SCR 111 by Senator Niello, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the certified public accountant profession in California and recognizing the California Board of Accountancy and the California Society of CPAs. The resolution passed by unanimous vote after roll call. The Senate also adopted SCR 109 by Senator Grove, proclaiming January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and honoring Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central California for its long record of youth mentoring and community impact.
In unfinished business, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 25 by Senator Umberg, described as streamlining California’s merger process and aligning it with the federal process; the motion passed 33-0. The Senate then approved a motion from Senator Laird to give certain Budget and Fiscal Review Committee bills second reading upon report and third reading status, with the motion carrying 29-10. The chamber also approved several adjourn-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Congressman Doug LaMalfa, with multiple senators speaking to his rural advocacy, bipartisan relationships, and personal kindness, and for Barry Del Bono, Alan Stewart Hammond, and Jeb Bing. The session ended with the Senate in recess until the next scheduled floor meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jan 27th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Or are people coming in?
- , in Watertown Square, and in other areas in the community up on the south side.
- Having been in Watertown in the 2000s, and my husband also worked in the famous restaurant, I just wanted
- In fact, I don't know anyone in town who wouldn't be in favor of passing this recreational tax.
- And in many other states in the union, they tax what you buy, not where you go.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 miscellaneous and late-file bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and policy measures. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would make permanent a temporary tax classification adjustment allowing the city to maintain a 50% minimum residential factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and legislators said the change is needed because the city’s commercial growth has triggered an old statutory formula that would otherwise push a larger share of the tax burden onto homeowners, especially seniors and fixed-income residents. They said the current temporary relief expires in fiscal 2027 and warned that, without permanent action, residential tax bills could rise sharply; committee members asked about the regional business impact, commercial taxpayers such as Alexandria Real Estate, and Watertown’s stabilization and free cash balances.
The committee also heard H. 4435, a Charlemont bill authorizing a tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials said the measure would help a small rural town with a large tourism and recreation economy cover increased police, fire, and EMS costs caused by visitors, while reducing pressure on local property taxpayers. A committee member questioned whether the proposal fit within existing tax law and whether it was more like a tax on entry than on services; town witnesses responded that it would apply to recreation-related services such as guides and lifts and was modeled on the meals and rooms tax.
Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, which would promote fair tax treatment for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric school buses and trucks, by capping sales and excise taxes at the level of comparable diesel vehicles. Supporters said the bill would remove an unintended tax penalty, help school districts and transportation providers afford electrification, and remain revenue-neutral. Representative Gentile also testified in support of H. 4722 and H. 4755, a Sudbury bill to amend the town’s means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption so the local program can continue without requiring a new special act if it lapses. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I take great pride in that.
- the oldest county fair in Texas.
- In 2013 she was in Brussels, negotiating as part of the French delegation to NATO.
- Texas to raise a family and ranked number 4th overall in the nation in 2023.
- She was a beacon of light. flight in her hometown of Columbus and in Houston, where she moved later in
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- in the redistricting process.
- , and Riverside in 2030.
- in the past.
- fought in theaters as far-flung as Saipan, Guam in the Pacific, and in France and the rest of Western
- During the Gulf War in 1990.
Summary:
The committee met on June 17, 2026, beginning without a quorum and initially proceeding as a subcommittee. Members heard several Senate bills, with testimony focused mainly on redistricting, Bay Area transit funding, and military/overseas voting access. The chair also announced committee membership changes and that SB 1369 had been pulled by the author. Written testimony was accepted through the committee portal, and public testimony was limited by the chair’s rules.
SB 1414 by Senator Reyes would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County. Supporters, including Inland Empire United, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters, argued the bill would improve transparency and reduce political influence in map drawing. Opponents, including San Bernardino County and several local government/election groups, said the county’s existing advisory commission already provided substantial public input and raised concerns about cost. The bill was moved do pass as amended and re-referred to Local Government, with one no vote from Assembly Member Lackey; it was later taken off call and passed 6-1.
SB 830 by Senator Wiener made technical changes to the administration of the Bay Area regional transit sales tax measure authorized by SB 63, including uniform ballot naming and county-specific ballot arguments. Support came from labor, transit, business, and advocacy groups, who said the bill would help voters understand the measure and protect transit funding. Members emphasized the Bay Area’s transit funding crisis and the need for local action. The bill passed do pass as amended, 5-1, and was later recorded as out 6-0 on call. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing six bills.
SB 970 by Senator Cervantes addressed military and overseas voting after the federal discontinuation of the Department of Defense fax service used for ballot return. Supporters, including county election officials and local government organizations, said California needed a secure replacement to avoid disenfranchising service members and overseas voters. The Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised security concerns and suggested a task force or more detailed standards, but the author and supporters argued the bill was urgent and should direct the Secretary of State to develop secure regulations. The bill passed do pass and was re-referred to Military and Veteran Affairs, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- in which to operate.
- food access in our area.
- in Picaboo.
- You've already heard from a couple of our members today, but in speaking with Fair members across the
- Idaho is very unique in terms of our role in the beef industry.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, I've been in... ...to get in those spots. And again, I've been in those classrooms.
- So in 2355...
- probably one in never.
- But fairness in representation doesn't depend on consensus. You know, it depends on numbers.
- But fairness in representation doesn't depend on consensus. You know, it depends on numbers.
Committee:
House Retirement
Summary:
The Retirement Committee met on March 26, 2026, with a quorum present. House Bill 24 was voluntarily deferred at the start of the meeting. The committee then heard House Bill 20, which would have allowed retired teachers to return to work under superintendent discretion while drawing retirement benefits. Representative Bagley argued the bill would help address teacher shortages by letting districts hire experienced certified teachers, while Representative Taylor raised broader concerns about how returning retirees are treated. After discussion, HB 20 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee next considered House Bill 25, a technical update to the Teachers’ Retirement System to conform with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, including benefit commencement and surviving spouse election provisions. Catherine Whitney of TRSL said the bill is routine compliance legislation reviewed periodically by the system’s tax attorney. An amendment was adopted, and HB 25 was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 23, a cost-of-living adjustment bill for LASERS retirees, was also amended to raise the benefit cap from $80,000 to $81,201 and then reported favorably as amended.
House Bill 42 proposed a phased retirement program for higher education employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System, allowing partial retirement and part-time work with partial benefits. Bacala said it was intended to help retain talent at universities and was based on prior task force recommendations; an amendment was adopted to set the participation framework for universities, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 32, a LASERS cleanup bill addressing disability retiree restoration, administrative errors, and benefit calculations, was described by LASERS as technical in nature and was reported favorably. House Bill 13, a State Police Retirement System reamortization bill, was amended to adjust timing and technical provisions and then reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 41 on the Firefighters’ Retirement System board makeup. A new amendment package replaced earlier amendments and would eliminate term limits, expand elected active-member seats from two to five, remove chief association appointments, and require vacancies to be filled by election. Supporters described it as a compromise intended to better represent the system’s active members, while the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association objected that chiefs had been left out of the negotiations and said they provide important budget and governance expertise. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 41 favorably as amended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 2641 is about maintaining fairness in the tax system and protecting consumers.
- Any other folks in support? Any primary witnesses in opposition? Anyone else in opposition?
- Any additional folks in support? Any primary or other witnesses in opposition?
- strong support. ...in Los Angeles in strong support.
- That was back in 2015. Those people are still waiting for fair and just compensation.
Committee:
House Appropriations
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Taxation REVISED Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- to maybe have that protection in place in time for maybe a floor substitute?
- in.
- I did not set that in here.
- not remoting in.
- Oklahoma companies in Oklahoma with people that are working here in Oklahoma.
Bills:
SB1280 , SB1392 , SB1393 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1832 , SB1839 , SB1989 , SB2001 , SB2143
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Keywords:
excise tax, oil tax, natural gas tax, state revenue, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, income tax, tax credit, aerospace sector, employment, economic development, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, urban renewal, economic impact, program, housing, revitalization, urban development, income tax credit, manufacturing